Nathan Lowell Returns to Epic Realms and Announces His New Novel The Wizard’s Cat

Nick Sampson | December 9th 2025

The Wizards Cat

Nathan Lowell, acclaimed author of The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Shaman’s Tales, and The Wizard’s Butler, returned to the Epic Realms Podcast for another wide ranging conversation about writing, storytelling, cozy fantasy, and the craft that has shaped his career. During the interview, he also made a surprise announcement. His newest novel, The Wizard’s Cat, is now officially available on Amazon in Digital form and physical and Audiobook formats are soon to follow. The announcement was made live on Epic Realms before appearing anywhere else. Link: https://amzn.to/3XFlKVh

A Career Built on Storytelling, Consistency, and Connection

Nathan Lowell has long been recognized for his warm, character driven fiction and his focus on stories about everyday people navigating extraordinary circumstances. He began his career in podcast fiction, building a devoted following before moving his work into print. Today he has published more than two dozen novels across multiple interconnected universes, with millions of downloads and a readership that crosses science fiction, fantasy, and slice of life storytelling.

On Epic Realms, Lowell reflected on how much has changed in his career and how much has stayed the same. He emphasized that he writes because he enjoys the act of storytelling. Productivity, audience expectations, and trends are secondary to the joy of crafting a narrative that feels honest.

Food, Sensory Detail, and Why Meals Matter in His Stories

One of the richest parts of the conversation was Lowell's explanation of how food continually finds its way into his fiction. He talked about how food is part of character, atmosphere, and culture. In The Wizard’s Butler, meals were a quiet but consistent thread that revealed relationships, routines, and the comfort of home. In the interview he shared that this philosophy naturally carries forward into The Wizard’s Cat. Food reflects how people live, what they value, and how they find grounding when the world becomes unpredictable.

Lowell explained that writing about food is not a gimmick. It is a form of worldbuilding. Characters feel more real when they eat, cook, celebrate, or share a table. Even in a magical setting, the grounding effect of food adds warmth and depth.

Cozy Fantasy and the Importance of Emotional Tone

Lowell described his work as naturally leaning into cozy storytelling, not because it lacks conflict or stakes, but because he approaches narratives through the lens of character care, community, and emotional resonance. Readers often tell him that his stories feel safe and human in ways that stand out from more action heavy fantasy or science fiction.

He shared that this was not a marketing angle. It is simply what he likes to write. He writes stories that center empathy and curiosity over spectacle. The result is fiction that invites the reader to sit down, breathe, and live with the characters.

Pantsing, Outlines, and How Writers Find Their Way

Another major topic in the interview was writing technique. Lowell is well known as a pantser, meaning that he writes without rigid outlines. He talked openly about how this process works for him and why it can be freeing. Instead of planning every chapter in advance, he allows the story to unfold through character action.

That said, he also explained that pantsing is not the same as improvising blindly. Over years of writing, he has built an internal sense of structure, pacing, and character logic that guides his drafts. He encouraged writers who struggle with outlining not to assume they are broken. Some creative minds simply work better when the discovery happens on the page.

Still, he noted that he keeps track of details, continuity, and world rules by building simple systems as needed. The transcript highlighted his practical balance between spontaneity and organization. The method is flexible, not chaotic.

Nathan Lowell's The Wizard’s Cat: A New Magical Adventure

Nathan Lowell’s newest release, The Wizard’s Cat, expands the world first introduced in The Wizard’s Butler. While he did not provide a detailed synopsis in the interview, he confirmed that the story continues the narrative threads and atmosphere that fans loved in the first book. It maintains the cozy, magical, character focused tone that defines the Shackleford House setting.

To give readers a clear idea of what the novel is about, here is the official description from

Amazon: "It started with a dandelion. Innocuous. Ubiquitous. Who knew it was a warning?

After claiming his big bonus, things are coming up roses for Roger Mulligan. A job he loves. A house that feels like home. Money in the bank. A solid roof over his head and job security.

But when he finds a dandelion on the pristine grounds of Shackleford House, he starts down a twisted, garden path. Old man Shackleford says the fairies have a problem, the pixies keep falling down on the job, and the house seems to grow weaker by the day.

He is soon tossed into a confusing mixture of fact and fantasy, accompanied by Shackleford’s cousin and, of all things, a stray cat. Surrounded by the fantastical, it is hard to tell magic from mundane."

Lowell confirmed that the cat is central to the new book and that fans of The Wizard’s Butler will recognize and appreciate the interconnected magical elements.

A Thoughtful Approach to Storytelling

Throughout the conversation, Lowell returned to the theme of writing with intention. Whether discussing character arcs, meals, magical systems, or writing habits, he emphasized clarity, emotional grounding, and reader trust.

He avoids overcomplicating plots for the sake of cleverness. He writes stories readers can invest in. He believes fiction should leave readers feeling connected, not confused. The podcast episode highlighted how much of his work thrives on simplicity done well rather than complexity done loudly.

Continuing to Build Worlds and Communities

Lowell’s presence in both independent publishing and online communities remains strong. His Discord channels, writing streams, and ongoing reader engagement have cultivated a loyal following who appreciate not only his stories, but his thoughtful, down to earth personality.

He also shared updates on current writing projects, workflow adjustments, and future plans, offering valuable insight into how he continues to grow creatively after many years in the field.

A Celebration for Epic Realms Listeners

Announcing The Wizard’s Cat live on Epic Realms was a highlight of the episode. Longtime listeners know that Nathan Lowell is one of the most listened to and most requested guests in the history of the show. His return, combined with the exclusive reveal of his new release, made this a special moment for both the audience and the Epic Realms team.

Fans of cozy fantasy, character driven storytelling, and magical realism will want to pick up the The Wizard’s Cat, The physical book and Audiobook are in the works and will come out soon as well! The digital version is now available at: https://amzn.to/3XFlKVh You can listen to the full interview on our website here - EpicRealmsMedia.com