Floating on a Sea of Love.

Gech. After I wrote that title, I threw up a little bit in my own mouth.

But just because it’s nauseatingly sweet, doesn’t mean it’s not true. Since I posted the Longest Blog Ever about a week ago, I’ve received roughly one billion messages. There were e-mails, phone calls, facebook wall posts, strip-o-grams, and alien beams shot directly into my head from the icy depths of space.

Yeah. They read my blog in space, apparently. Who knew.

Seriously though, the vast majority of these messages have been displays of loving support and kindness. Many of them terribly sweet, funny, or touching in turn. Only a very few were snarky.

And yes, there was one turd. But it was a tiny thing among all the rest. A turdlet. And it didn’t spoil my day. Instead I laughed a great booming laugh at his ineffectual flailing rage.

On synchronicity:

Now, I should mention that I don’t actually read any blogs myself. There are a few I peek in on occasionally, but my addictive web-wanderings lean more toward comics.

So after I posted my blog, I was surprised to learn that George RR Martin wrote a blog on a similar subject about a week before I posted mine.

I saw Mr. Martin at Worldcon last year. And I almost went up to him and asked, “How have you gone this long without killing someone?” Because however much flak I happen to get from fans, he has to get a thousand times more.

In my opinion, he’s a saint. If I had to deal with that level of fan dickishness, I would have already lost my shit in some spectacular way. There would be a video of me on youtube, gone all berserk with nerd rage, holding someone up by the neck, shouting “I’ve got your sequel right here, bitch!”

I didn’t actually approach him and say that though. Because it seemed a weird way to introduce myself. Still, know that I’m on your side Mr. Martin. Slow writers represent. Um. Yo.

Several of you also brought Scalzi’s post to my attention as well. Apparently, just a couple hours before I posted up my blog, John Scalzi over at Whatever wrote a blog on the topic of authors. It’s a good read. Not only did we make a lot of the same points, we even made some of the same jokes. It was more than slightly eerie, to tell you the truth.

I just wish I’d skipped the last revision, and posted my blog a day earlier. That way it would have looked like he was ripping me off instead of the other way around.

Concerning the flood of love: (Ew)

I just wanted to mention that I did read all the messages. All of them. Though I only responded to a small fraction of what came in because there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

While I was reading through them, I snipped out some of the clever, bizarre, and funny things people wrote.

Then I cleverly lost the file I saved those quotes into. And I just don’t have time to winnow through several hundred messages again to dig them out. Rest assured that I enjoyed them all. Even the turd.

There is one message that I got after I made the post that just about knocked me over though.

My husband reads fantasy and I, the English teacher, prefer “real literature.” The Name of the Wind is what I get for being so smug. It is an incredible novel! Our first baby is due this April and I’m not sure what the two of us anticipate more: our new daughter or the Wise Man’s Fear!

Well done, Mr. Rothfuss, well done!

If that isn’t intimidating, I don’t know what is. I have a terrible mental image of a woman going into labor in the fantasy isle of Borders.

Oh, and here’s something else I thought y’all might get a kick out of:

You might have to click on it to see the joke.

It’s here…

I’m guessing that someone at B&N has a sense of humor, or there’s a profoundly weird glitch in their system.

(Edit: B&N insiders reveal the truth about this in the comments below. Thanks for the clue-in folks.)

Either way, I would just like to say I’m confident of my ability to get book two out before this deadline. Rest assured.

That’s all for now. I just wanted to thank everyone for their support. I’ll be posting up a few other blogs this week, so stay tuned.

Fondly,

pat

This entry was posted in book two, fan coolness, loveBy Pat103 Responses

100 Comments

  1. Steven Weyerts
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 5:35 AM | Permalink

    I so want to see that Youtube vid. It would make waiting oh-so-much easier.Still, I’m in agreement with the general consensus. Give us the book when it’s ready. As fast as you can. ;)

  2. mkrivera
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 6:16 AM | Permalink

    I hope you’re using little arm floaties in your Sea of Love. =)I read the other two blogs you linked and yours is still my favorite. (Probably because of the illustrations. Sword stabbing and delicious tears. Also the Cookie Crisp turd. Best. Analogy. Ever.)And look! “Wise Man’s Fear” already has 4.5 stars! Yea B&N!

  3. Nick
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 6:39 AM | Permalink

    Oddly enough, as of just a few weeks ago, B&N had the April due date out as well, and they even allowed people to pre-order the book.Fortunately, I managed to re-direct my gift card funds into something more immediately readable, so no harm was done.

  4. tanabrus
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 7:02 AM | Permalink

    Well, it’s only 16 years for the second book!And 4.5 stars.. it seems it will be a great book! :Dp.s. I wanna see that video!!!

  5. noirrosaleen
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 9:05 AM | Permalink

    Love the other posts. Love the comics (do YOU draw those?). Seriously considering, if you ever make it out to San Francisco, going to wherever you’re signing purely to scream “IT’S A BEAR!!!” and leap across the table to hug you (yeaaaaa…I’m not a rabid fan or anything…and totally haven’t been reading previous posts…). Thought you should know! ^_^(I have the Joss Whedon shirt you’re wearing in your bio. I’m not sure you can get much cooler without Aura Of Epic surrounding you.)

  6. sherryl
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 9:39 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat! It’s great that you’re feeling a lot better. I loved Name of the Wind and I also loved your blog. So just keep on blogging. :)

  7. Casseopia
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 10:49 AM | Permalink

    I guess reading your post at effectively 5:45 am (still not adjusted to the whole spring forward thing) made me miss the joke on the B&N page. I thought it was that there was 4.5 stars already. :-) Thanks for pointing it out. Good luck, Pat!ps–I worked at a local independent bookstore for a while and we always referred to B&N as the great satan pps–my word verification is “peworp” it sounds like a corporation out of a video game…need coffee

  8. hugh57
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 10:56 AM | Permalink

    I’m curious as to who the 4 people are who gave ratings to a book you haven’t even finished writing yet. Time travelers from the year 2025, perhaps?

  9. Anonymous
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 12:36 PM | Permalink

    It was probably The Doctor.

  10. Chris
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 12:44 PM | Permalink

    We got your back, Pat. Always.

  11. JLC
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 12:52 PM | Permalink

    Hey! Have you ever thought of having a “spot the snarky!” contest? I don’t mean the real turd ones, they are easy. But those of us who look forward to your blog posts with eager anticipation might enjoy seeing who thought who was full of snarkiness, and who was just kinda clueless. I know in person I can sometimes say something that is taken as snark and I didn’t really mean it that way. In general, I catch it when I spell check, but maybe not. J

  12. ripshin
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 1:23 PM | Permalink

    I’m not sure how I represent a little pouty face with emoticons, but if I did I would certainly be using one now. What? Oh, no, not b/c of any due-date extension (shoot, I live off those at work), but rather b/c I tried to follow the spirit of the blog and not send any sea-o-love type comment to our beloved author. I mean, he DID say that posts were turned off. Apparently my petit brain didn’t consider email…I feel like Seinfeld, “Forgot about the skin cancer,” or rather, in my case, “Forgot about the email.”Well, since I missed the boat, I’m not going to waste time saying stuff like, “Good things are worth waiting for,” or, “If I can wait 4+ years between U2 albums, I can certainly wait an extra _ months for Wise Man’s Fear.” You know what I mean, supportive comments indicating understanding and encouragement…yeah, too bad. I guess I missed my chance…ripWV: balmarbo – The cigarette brand favored most amongst dyslexic cowboys.

  13. Jennifer
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 2:04 PM | Permalink

    I work for Barnes and Noble. The 2025 date is the highest date that the computer system can be set to. It’s the default, “The book is comming, but no one knows for sure yet,” date. Dance With Dragons is also holding with a 2025 date, as well as the next Stephanie Meyers and JK Rowling. Not all of them are on the website, but they are listed that way in our intranet system. Speaking of the company intranet system, someone wrote a fantastic review for you on there, Pat. There’s a weekly article in our little internal online newsletter where employees can write reviews of books that they enjoy and have success selling. I’m a little bitter about that because I submitted one over a year ago and it was never posted and this other dude got his up. Oh well. As long as the love is spreading to my fellow booksellers and we can sell a few more for you, it’s all good, right?

  14. Christine
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 2:36 PM | Permalink

    I’d wait until 2025 for your book because I know it will be awesome with all the work you’re putting into it. You are worth the wait. :)

  15. Valentina
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 4:06 PM | Permalink

    Wonderful! Speaking of sci-fi and fantasy author humor, be sure to check out http://ronaldchevalier.com/I think you’d appreciate it.

  16. greg
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 4:07 PM | Permalink

    Honestly, I just find the delayed/nebulous release date for book 2 to be a reason to read the book over and over again. Just because I don’t know when the next one is coming out doesn’t mean I shouldn’t routinely savor the awesomeness that is NotW

  17. Aries327
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 4:26 PM | Permalink

    I stopped reading “fantasy” after I finished my BS in English lit and my MA in folklore (got too snooty? maybe…). Name of the Wind brought me back. I couldn’t NOT love it. I had counted on amazon.com’s publication date, just because Name of the Wind was an addiction and I needed to know when I could get my next fix. But it’s no big deal. I work in publishing now and know how long it takes to get a book ready for print. A long time.60,000 words in two months is very impressive. I like the advice of your father, to do it right the first time. Nice work. Take your time. Most fans are willing to wait and have a good story rather than a hurried piece of tripe. I don’t like reading tripe. :)

  18. Anonymous
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 4:38 PM | Permalink

    Patrick-I just finished Book 1. Nicely done. I refuse to read book 2 until you finish it. (I’m just funny that way). However, while we wait, I would like to do a little musky fishing, and our friend Chris Randazzo suggested you might have some helpful advice. Suggestions?

  19. evandy
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 5:16 PM | Permalink

    Having just finished re-reading Name of the Wind, I am sad to see that Wise Man’s Fear will be taking a little longer to come out. That said, I would /much/ rather wait for one that you’re happy with, than one that’s just a churned-out-mega-sequel. Have you ever thought of putting up some sort of a fan-based guess/rumor/faq site? Even before I got to the vase, I started thinking that Denna might be a Chandrian herself. Interesting to see what happens if so! Also interesting if not.Write well. And always remember: When you get to the end, stop.

  20. C. Patterson
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 5:27 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,While its always dissapointing to here that something you anticipate so much is going to be on hold, I am sure that Wise Man’s Fear is going to be well worth the wait. Regarding your conversation with GRRM, I’d like to offer the thought that perhaps he gets so much flak from his readership about his delays because he posts about them in his “Not A Blog” in such a condescending, self-centered and arrogant manner. At the same time, Martin constantly barrages readers of his blog with inane political drivel and constant advertisements for his other work and for ASOIAF erchandising tie-ins. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first four books of ASOIAF, I will not be picking up book 5. An author who treats his readership with nothing but scorn, derision and condescension, doesn’t deserve any of my money in royalty fees. Thankfully, you haven’t chosen that route. As a reader, I really appreciate the hnesty and respect that you treat your fans with in your blog, and I will continue to enjoy rereading The Name of The Wind while you finish Wise Man’s Fear.

  21. Joseph
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 6:23 PM | Permalink

    I was actually looking up the release date earlier today at a Barnes and Noble, and it also states that it is for the trade <>cloth<>.

  22. mr.Herman
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 6:24 PM | Permalink

    I must say that you are the best fantasy author since Tolkien.And I mean it. I could easily wait another 16 years for the next book!Your (at least trying to be) coolest, swedish fan.Take your time writing.God bless.

  23. Kenyon
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 6:32 PM | Permalink

    I love ya, Pat, but if you don’t meet B&N’s deadline, it may very well be me that you’re choking out in that Youtube video.

  24. kat-nic
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 7:01 PM | Permalink

    Knowing people who are fans of genre fiction, it’s not as if we don’t have a ginormous TBR pile we could be working on while we wait for <>Wise Man’s Fear<>. Which you, in your sympathy and kindness, keep contributing to. Thank you ever so much. It’s like some kind of mental illness. Compulsive book buying. Jesus, I buy books faster than I can read them. It was shear luck and happenstance that <>The Name of the Wind<> (I have the naked man chest cover) was the book I plucked off my shelf to read next–and god only knows how long I actually had it before I read it.

  25. Dulcy
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 7:02 PM | Permalink

    Now I must say I’m a little disappointed. No, not in the pushing back of your release date, but in the fact that I didn’t get to contribute to your pile of one billion messages of love! Mind you, I did attempt to..and failed miserably. But as I am new to this whole stalking brilliant authors in the depths of the interwebs, you’ll have to forgive me. Don’t worry though. I’m slowly getting a hang of everything. Soon enough I’ll be able to move onto the next stage: E-mail.Until then, I guess you will have to be the one who waits patiently as I peruse through the amazing contents of your blog. ;)P.S. I can’t wait for the name contest!

  26. Chad
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 7:21 PM | Permalink

    I think you treat your fans with a little more respect than Martin does.

  27. Philip
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 7:23 PM | Permalink

    you might want to read this – an article by Guy Gavriel Kay on blogging, readers’ expectations, hate mail and the like –http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090306.wbkread07/BNStory/cheers

  28. Kelsey
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 7:34 PM | Permalink

    Haha well I work at the “great satan” otherwise known as Barnes & Noble, so when a release date changes, it automatically goes to 2025 in the system until further notice. I always tell people not to panic! Anyway, I will gladly wait for as long as it takes you to write. The Name of the Wind is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read in my life. I recently started re-reading it and realized “Holy crap, this is even better than I remember!” I’ve gone off on a tangent, but my point is that I’ve made a whole lot of people buy your book, and I’m pretty sure you owe me at least a million dollars. And thanks for your blogs. They never fail to make my day. =)

  29. Anonymous
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 7:48 PM | Permalink
  30. SonomaLass
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 9:40 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for sharing your response to all that love, Pat! Yours was an excellent post, and I’m glad Scalzi and GRRM both linked to it.Thanks for understanding the spot GRRM is in as well. The man can’t win with some fans — mad if he doesn’t predict when he’ll finish, mad if he does and gets it wrong (wow, he’s human). Mad because he has other projects in the works, or because he talks about them on his blog (hmm, called “GRRM’s blog” last time I checked).I can only imagine what the late Robert Jordan went through, or what Brandon Sanderson is or soon will be hearing. And I know Melanie Rawn has gotten a whole lot of crap for her as-yet unfinished series. All from people who couldn’t write a brilliant fantasy epic themselves, but they sure do know how to diss the ones who can. No wonder Tolkien waited until the whole trilogy was done….

  31. lizzylightsafire
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 9:58 PM | Permalink

    You rock. and I’d rather know that the book is going to be great and wait a little longer than be horribly disappointed. the first one’s totally cool and understandable, and happens. the second one would generate the crazy angry fans.So, thanks. and rock and write on.

  32. Jennifer
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 12:19 AM | Permalink

    FYI, trade cloth means hardback.

  33. Danielle
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 4:12 AM | Permalink

    Pat, pat, pat. Upon reading ‘the longest blog ever’ I felt an urge to jump into my Tony Jaa ninja clothes and jump over SUVs in single leaps to get to you. My amazingly intelligent master plan was to use ninja mind power (not unlike Jedi mind powers) to make Sarah vicioucly pluck out two, yes two, leg hairs for everyday you made your adoring fans wait for the sequel. When you ran out of leg hair I would be forced to move to eyebrow hair. But then I remembered your lovable face, all beardy and sweet. And I just couldn’t go through with it, no matter how badass the SUV leaps would be. So take as long as you need, Pat. Besides, who has the time to read 300,000 words right now, Scrubs is coming on.

  34. Rilieanne
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 4:38 AM | Permalink

    to the man who calls Whedon his master, I also love all things Whedon with the sing-along-blog being my favorite. I am ok with waiting for book 2 but while we are patiently waiting is there a chance you could update the website with an excerpt and the book cover. That would take some of the salt out of my wounds. Just Kidding, on second thought I think Rothfuss is my master.

  35. Joe
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 6:07 AM | Permalink

    The Blog makes the waiting easier. Knowing something is happening is so much more satisfying than the WTF scenario i have experienced with other authors like Kristin Britain and her “Green Rider Series” where there is like 4 years between books and never a word on her site about status, just seasonal well wishing crap. For a book the depth and scope of what you are trying to create, coupled with the fact you have to keep it relevant to the prior text without conflicts, I don’t think 2 years is bad. Hell if i could write a book I wouldn’t have to rely so much on the visionaries to do it for me while reading the fluff stuff as filler in the in between time. Keep In mind you only have a month or so of crap Wisconsin weather left though before the work becomes really hard. Thanks for the work so far… Joe in Milwaukee

  36. pdxtrent
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 7:16 AM | Permalink

    Pat,You know I have nothing but love for you, The Name of the Wind, and Doctor Who. I am still patiently waiting for Melanie Rawn to write The Captal’s Tower (last book in 1997) and Daniel Keys Moran to write AI War (last book in 1989), so clearly I am good at waiting. Take your time, do the story justice, and we will still be waiting here, cause let’s face it, what else can we do about it?(But if we do have to wait til 2025, expect me to start writing fanfiction. Really, Really bad fanfiction.Kvothe becomes a vampire slayer in Stephanie Meyers books?WV- TritoThe moment you realize the book you are reading is the literary equivalent of one ply toilet paper.

  37. Brian
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 11:38 AM | Permalink

    I have really enjoyed Name of the Wind, and I am thrilled that it has come out on the Kindle!I am looking forward to Wise Man’s Fear, when it comes out I hope that it is released on the Kindle at the same time as hardcover. On a personal note… I will never look at Cookie Crisp the same way again.

  38. James Webb
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 11:49 AM | Permalink

    Waterstones now has one of their little tags saying ‘I like this because’ here in the UK.I only noticed it yesterday and the last sentence is “and now we just have to wait for book 2…”It is a little like the entire literary world is sighing a collective sigh. You should feel proud to have had such an effect.(Some might also say you should feel motivated… Not I, you understand, as I wouldn’t want to be labelled snarky)

  39. Kevin_M
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 12:31 PM | Permalink

    I think it might be a nice surprise in 16 years if I were to go ahead and preorder Wise Man’s Fear now and then forget about it, you and Kvothe until then. One day the book will just show up on my doorstep and I’ll be like, “What the..?? Oh yeah, that guy! He finally did it. Awesome!” And then I would simply go back inside, shut the door and not come back out again until I was done reading. Yes, that would be a good day. Seriously though, I think we’d all rather wait for a book as amazing as your first than settle or a book that was rushed.

  40. marky
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 1:31 PM | Permalink

    It’s a totally bizarre world. I guarantee that all the people who sniped at you for not releasing the book, will be the people who will give it the best reviews. You should take it as a massive compliment that people want to read the book so bad that they are willing to incur your wrath. That’s not to say that it acceptable to act like a complete tit. But, I can understand their frustration.Personally, I don’t give a monkeys left bullock if the book is out later. That just means I get time to squeeze in more quality literature, safe in the knowledge that TWMF will be in my grubby little paws at some point.Actually, to the people that are frustrated at not having the book sooner, I give you a scene from the movie Colours. There’s two bulls standing on top of a mountain. The younger one says to the older one: “Hey pop, let’s say we run down there and fuck one of them cows”. The older one says: “No son. Let’s walk down and fuck ’em all”.

  41. Chad
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 2:01 PM | Permalink

    Your comment in the longest blog post reminded me of the scene in “Throw momma from the train” where the writer was searching for the perfect word only to have the hag say it… “The night was sultry”

  42. Jennifer
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 4:14 PM | Permalink

    Wow, Pat,I don’t know why I’m so interested in your life, but I sure enjoy your blog. It’s probably because I really enjoy good writing. It’s nice to have something fun to read in the middle of the day, sitting at my desk, when I could get in trouble if I was caught with a book (sigh). Thanks for taking the time to make us smile every week. It does make the waiting for “AWMF” a lot easier.

  43. Anonymous
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 4:47 PM | Permalink

    If everyone would get off Pat’s dick for a minute, I would like to say something. The only reason people are so annoyed with you right now is because the hype for NoTW said books 2 and 3 had been completed and would be coming out in two year intervals. But that wasn’t true. The books were WRITTEN, but not edited, revised, and so on. The two years since NoTW came out has been spent doing promotion, book tours, conventions, that sort of thing. Much like Martin, it seems Pat has gotten caught up more in his fandom than what made him popular in the first place. You can really only push back release dates so long before a certain line is crossed…let’s call it “The Daikatana Line.” For those of you who need this lesson, go to Wikipedia and look up “Daikatana” and “John Romero” Adam

  44. Steven Weyerts
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 4:48 PM | Permalink

    I don’t know about you, Joe, but I always find it more enjoyable to work in the summer. It’s the same for my writing. I’ve been so depressed by the cold gloom this winter–coupled with the stress of work–that I’ve completely lost my creative center.I know what Pat was talking about when he cited “change” as a deficit to progress on book two. My life has changed tremendously this past year, and writing hasn’t been the same since.It used to come easily, naturally. Now, it feels forced and contrived. And unless I can find some form of peace, it may never be the same again.Kudos to you, Pat, for pushing on. You may be a slow writer–slower than some, anyway–but I admire (perhaps envy) your ability to stay focused on your work, no matter how many changes life throws your way.

  45. Anonymous
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 5:26 PM | Permalink

    Well, since we’re all just commenting on the last blog in this one, I’ll go ahead and say: I could have gone my ENTIRE life without anyone bringing up the idea of masturbating with a cheese grater! But alas, no more.

  46. logankstewart
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 5:53 PM | Permalink

    Pat, such a great post, and some great links to other posts, too, fellow commenters. How can fans treat the authors so horribly? Are people really that insensitive and selfish? Thankfully, the authors (like you, Pat, and GRRM) have not given into their likely cockiness and said “Fine. I quit. I’ll write only for myself.” Because if that happened, I’d cry and cry and cry.Thank you, Pat. Your fans will stick with you and bear with you as long as it takes.

  47. Brett Hiorns
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 6:43 PM | Permalink

    Adam, I don’t think you realize that novel writing is a business like any other. Pat had to go through almost two years of revisions on the first book before it came out, effectively undoing much of the continuity for the rest of the series (the draccus segment wasn’t even in the trilogy Daw bought originally).Sure, the other two books were written, but he’s had to do promotions, readings, signings, interviews, translations, contracts, you name it…all while trying to get the second book rewritten to match the continuity established by the first.This all takes lots of time, and Pat’s in it largely by himself. I’m sure you wouldn’t show up to a reading if only his agent showed up. He hasn’t been “caught up in the fandom”, he’s been doing a time consuming part of his job. Maybe the publishers were a little premature with their announcement, but rest assured, the next book is getting closer every day.And to answer one other question, I’m the one who does Pat’s illustrations for the blog. I’m glad you guys like ’em!

  48. black Sunshine
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 7:35 PM | Permalink

    i would just like to mention that i am NOT the anonymous “Adam” in the above comments. and to anyone who is feeling the pain of waiting, i HIGHLY recommend Joe Abercrombie’s “The Blade Itself (The First Law: Book One)” – just finished it the other day and it’s amazing! and i’m off to the bookstore to get the next volume!

  49. mopsie2002
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 8:48 PM | Permalink

    So I’ll be honest here–I haven’t actually read your first book yet. Never even heard of you until your post last week, to which I followed a link from George RR Martin’s blog (he enjoyed it). However, having read the praise and loving your personality thus far, it’s definitely on the top of my “To Buy With Next Borders Coupon” list. :) Currently re-reading all of Sword of Truth–whew! Good luck with the writing, and I look forward to reading your works! :)

  50. vanessa
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 9:29 PM | Permalink

    Tonight I needed a break from work and I spent it rereading your book. And I once more marveled on how beautiful and perfect it is. It is such a joy to read. I wish you all the best for volume two – you should simply ignore all that burning curiosity in our hearts and e-mails, please give your story all the time it needs to grow and elaborate. I’m sure it is worth waiting for. Actually- “although I’m normally a rather matter-of-fact kind of person, and I also read quite a lot of books”- waiting for book two gives me a tingle not unlike waiting for the christkind when I was a small child. no shit. you are doing something really great. Thank you, Patrick.

  51. Netbook
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 9:58 PM | Permalink

    You should put out a book of Rothfussisms; translations of boring old sayings into your personal style. For example:Boring: A bad apple spoils the whole bunchRothfusstastic: Turds in your Cookie Crisp makes a good day bad.

  52. Mark S.
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 11:04 PM | Permalink

    At the risk of getting banned:Adam’s a jackass.That is all.

  53. Diana
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 11:22 PM | Permalink

    Yay! I’m glad people have come to their senses and been polite! As for the one turd, just track him down and hide that Annoy-a-tron I sent you somewhere in his house. Guaranteed he’ll snap before you do. :D ~Diana

  54. Mark S.
    Posted March 10, 2009 at 11:29 PM | Permalink

    Actually, that’s not all, Adam and all those who think like you. I’m old enough to remember waiting years for the sequels to fantasy novels to come out. Some were great. Some sucked. I waited for both sorts. This was the era before the internet; hell it was before the era of personal computers. Sometimes I wished I didn’t have to wait so long. I still could have tracked down the addresses of these authors if I wanted to. I could have heckled them by mail demanding to know why it was they were, you know, trying to be happy and enjoy life and stuff, instead of tying themselves to their desk churning out book after book to please me. Even if I ever got to the point where I so enraged by the wait between books that I sat down and put pen to paper, creating a potentially permanent record of my rudeness and immaturity, I probably would have come to my senses before I mailed it. I suspect many others felt the same way. I don’t doubt that Tad Williams got the “when’s the next book coming out” letters during the years he was writing the brilliant Memory Sorrow and Thorn, but I bet there were a lot less of those letters than there are the bile-ridden emails and internet posts authors get now.Here’s a news flash: just because you can do a thing, doesn’t mean you should. It’s easy to fire off an email or post a snide, judgmental and insulting comment on a blog. It’s easy to spew vitriol at a disembodied internet site. And it’s easy to pretend that it doesn’t really count because a few days or weeks or months from now it’ll be gone off the web or at least so buried in other material that no one will ever read it again. The disposable nature of communication nowadays, by Myspace, or Facebook, or Twitter or blog comments doesn’t mean that every damn thought you have is important enough to share with others, and it doesn’t mean you aren’t a rude jackass just because it’s easier to do now than it was 20 years ago. Writing is art, people. It’s art. You think anyone stood behind Jackson Pollock or Picasso yelling “hurry up asshole” as they painted. You think the pope said to Michelangelo “What’s taking so long douche bag” when he painted the Sistine Chapel? Fantasy writers may not be functioning at that level of artistic creation, but they aren’t making paper-clips either. So shut the hell up and let the man work.

  55. Aauron Draegis
    Posted March 11, 2009 at 12:07 AM | Permalink

    I don’t do blogs much so this is a special event… for me at least. Anyway Take as long as you need to make Wise Man’s Fear as good as you can, I’m behind you 100% even if it does take you till 2025. No I’m Not fawning- maybe a little- but I would rather have a good book 16 years from now than some piece of rushed crap tomorrow. Anyone who tries to hurry you can bite my ass! So there.ps. Working on a beard, wish me luck!

  56. Anonymous
    Posted March 11, 2009 at 3:34 AM | Permalink

    Pat,Little did you know, but moving back the publishing date of WMF actually saved the world. According to Amazon WMF and Turn Coat would have come out on the same day, causing an international crisis that would have resulted in the explosion of planet Earth.

  57. Anonymous
    Posted March 11, 2009 at 6:41 AM | Permalink

    I spend most of my life in the bookshop. There have been much stranger things than a woman in labor. hehe, and dont stress too much bout the book. We don’t want it to be forced. Just show us when you can. :)

  58. Ron
    Posted March 11, 2009 at 7:14 AM | Permalink

    Pat, All You need is Love ;). For those who want to read something during the wait http://www.petervbrett.com/peephole/He mentions Pat’s Post. Referred by the guys at Mysterious Galaxy who compare his first book to Pat’s.

  59. Anonymous
    Posted March 11, 2009 at 2:42 PM | Permalink

    Well, at least no one threatened to kill me. So, I’ll take that as a plus. I don’t apologize for what I said, because it’s my right to express my opinion freely, just as it is yours to tell me what you all think of mine. All I meant by my post was that if Pat’s publishers had kept their mouths shut about books 2 and 3, we wouldn’t have this problem. Yes, I was aware that NoTW originally had no draccus and no Devi or Auri. Frankly, the draccus scene felt tacked on last minute to give the book some sort of ending and I smiled smugly to myself when I read Pat’s blog stating it was a last minute addition. As for Devi and Auri, I really couldn’t see the book without them, they were great characters. I’m also aware that Pat has suffered major personal problems in the last few years and I understand that. But it’s been 2 years this month since NOTW came out and we’re still waiting on WMF. Pat is slowly approaching GRRM’s record (41 months since AFFC came out) and it makes you wonder why the hell publishers even deal with fantasy writers who can’t complete a book on time.Unlike GRRM, Pat isn’t going overseas, teaching workshops, and working on about 25 diffeent projects at the same time so I at least know the book will be out sometime soon, possibly before I’m an octogenarian. Adam

  60. Zornorph
    Posted March 11, 2009 at 3:30 PM | Permalink

    I’ve only just picked up TNOTW – I wanted something new to read and using Amazon’s features saw that it was popular with people who read the other stuff I did. Great book, but I’m glad that I only just read it so for me the wait won’t be as long as those who read it years ago. I’m sure it will be worth it – and Jean Auel makes us wait much longer between her ‘sex-among-the-cavepeople’ epics.

  61. Magister
    Posted March 11, 2009 at 9:02 PM | Permalink

    As I told you by e-mail, I waited 14 years for Tierney’s <>The Drums of Chaos<>. Worth every second of it. At the very least, it taught me patience.Yes, release dates slip. Sometimes they slip for years. So?I loved TNotW. I can wait for the sequel. You rock, Pat! :-)YrsMartin, Sweden

  62. Allison
    Posted March 12, 2009 at 2:55 AM | Permalink

    I am looking forward to reading The Wise Man’s Fear, but I would much rather wait and get a better book. Although, is there any chance of getting an excerpt as a consolation gift? :)Loved the Youtube video joke. I would probably watch that over and over again.

  63. Kimmi
    Posted March 12, 2009 at 4:16 AM | Permalink

    Hallo,This story is eating my brain. I will patiently wiggle in my boots in for the next part. Thank you for writing such a wonderfully captivating story.Amateur Devotee, Kimmi

  64. LoL
    Posted March 12, 2009 at 6:29 AM | Permalink

    Anon Adam,I guess alot of us here were trying to follow Pat’s suggestion that if we need to vent about the book, do it elsewhere.This isn’t the place. really.Pat, like I said to you, you’re awesome. You give so much of yourself as a writer and a person, even though many of us don’t deserve it. I appreciate the writing you choose to share with us, when you choose to share it. Diamonds would not be as precious if they were as common as dirt. Keep being you. That’s why we’re here.

  65. Bekkie
    Posted March 12, 2009 at 11:23 AM | Permalink

    On the plus side, if that lady decided to go into labour she might name her daughter ‘Patrick’ despite gender. That would be weirdly gratifying.Also, I’m willing to wait the sixteen years for your book, I’m sure it’ll be matured nicely like extremely satisfying cheese…

  66. Ran
    Posted March 12, 2009 at 3:50 PM | Permalink

    Keep up doing whatever you need to do to be happy, Pat. That’s the most important thing. Posterity doesn’t very much care about how long it took a work to be produced, but only whether the work itself merits attention.Like GRRM, I can tell you’re as much of a fan of literature and genre as any of your readers are, and I appreciate the opportunity to share a few words whenever the mood takes authors who find some time free from their labors and their regular lives.I’ll echo noirrosaleen’s question, too: did you draw those comics yourself?

  67. Laini Taylor
    Posted March 12, 2009 at 5:18 PM | Permalink

    Just read those Martin and Scalzi posts. Yeesh, fans can be MEAN. It’s something I’ve seen on comic book message boards — that sense of fan “ownership” that leads to snark and meanness. I wonder if any other genres have that kind of fan, or just comic books and fantasy.

  68. Anonymous
    Posted March 12, 2009 at 5:48 PM | Permalink

    People get passionate about book series. They get emotionally attached to characters and want to see what they’re up to next. In a sense, they become friends and we miss them. I think it’s understandable when fans get antsy.I agree that it’s still a business, and if so, the consumers have a right to express displeasure. They don’t need to be dicks about it, but they definitely don’t have to just say “oh well, I’m not a writer so I can’t understand how long it takes.”I love Pat’s book (and Martin’s, for that matter). But I think that Pat has handled the situation a lot better than GRR Martin has. Maybe it’s because Martin has been dealing with it for so much longer.

  69. unique_stephen
    Posted March 13, 2009 at 12:35 AM | Permalink

    I work in a uni in Sydney, Australia. When I look out my dungeon window from deep in the bowels of the library, across the courtyard with the keen students walking past…. mmmmm nice looking student in a see thr……. sorry where was I oh, yes, there in the window of the co-op book shop is TNOTW. Front and center. I see it every day. Every day I think of you. Sitting there in the cold writing us the best book in the world.There is no point to this comment really. I’m standing here looking at my watch like my date is late. But she’s a lovely girl and I could never be mad at her for being late, and I know it’s going to be a nice date and she’s just rung again to say she’s on the train and is coming, and I’m waiting, and I’m not cross, but I’m waiting… it’s like that. It takes as long as it takes.mmm – another nice student – does her mother know she dresses like that?

  70. Anonymous
    Posted March 13, 2009 at 3:06 AM | Permalink

    I’ll kill someone for you if that makes it come out a bit sooner…

  71. ecruz3
    Posted March 13, 2009 at 3:36 PM | Permalink

    I’m tremendously grateful to GRRM for linking to your blog because that’s how I discovered your work. I wish I would have seen his link about a week earlier; I missed you at your Borders appearance in Pasadena, CA. Sorry I’m late to the game, but I’m happy to be here now. The Name of the Wind is an amazing novel.

  72. Billy from Alaska
    Posted March 13, 2009 at 4:42 PM | Permalink

    Pat,Seriously watch out for the person who posted as “noirrosaleen”! Super creepy stalker aura vibing from them. Whether is a guy or girl, I have no doubt in my mind that when they fall asleep at night, they dream of wearing your skin as a costume and parading around pretending to be a bear. Just a warning… some food for thought…

  73. Anonymous
    Posted March 13, 2009 at 8:59 PM | Permalink

    Hooray! You’re back!!!! (That’s all I have to say.)

  74. Anonymous
    Posted March 13, 2009 at 9:02 PM | Permalink

    Okay, just be SERIOUS about 2025 being the release date, and then when you come out with it sooner, you can say you were EARLY!

  75. Anonymous
    Posted March 14, 2009 at 5:03 AM | Permalink

    Not sure what to write as this is my first time posting on any blog, let alone an author whom I have read. Going to keep it short and simple great great book, loved it and keep it going. On a side note wanted to let you know that I read your book the first time while I was deployed over in Iraq. Needless to say I got to read it several times while I was over there.Keep it up and keep moving forward.Integrity, Service, Excellence. :)

  76. wibiti
    Posted March 14, 2009 at 5:53 AM | Permalink

    Floating on a Sea of Love? Really? That’s not what I want to hear. I want to hear desperation. I want gnashing of teeth, lamentations of women, death of salesmen, sclerosing of livers, …Were that I had not partaken of your fruit.Do I wait for Godot?

  77. greengables15
    Posted March 14, 2009 at 10:31 PM | Permalink

    Pat,No turds here, or turdlets, even…I just wanted to let you know that my 63 year old lesbian mother who only reads the most high brow new age bullshit and “crime” novels (huh?)and who has refused to read any fantasty that I have suggested actually relented to my pestering and read Day One (months of it). She is now recomemnding it to all her queer (and not so queer) new age hippie friends who are then passing it around…who would have thunk it? You the man…my mom and I can finally talk “books.” Thanks. ;) greengables15

  78. Kelza
    Posted March 15, 2009 at 2:20 PM | Permalink

    2025!? No! I thought the eleven-month wait after finishing ‘The Name of the Wind’ was agonizing enough but sixteen years? The impatience/suspense would kill me and probably all of those I come into contact with.Ah well; I can be thankful that this is just a little lie spun by the internet fairies. April 2009 has been much anticipated and I’m so sodding glad that it’s just around the corner!Book now plz? :)

  79. Anonymous
    Posted March 15, 2009 at 2:38 PM | Permalink

    I’m gladly willing to wait some more time… especially since the more I wait, the more pages I’ll be able to read, yay! :DAnd Pat… don’t let the whole thing freak you out. On one hand, you could just take the money from book one, buy some small peaceful island and never come back for the rest of your life… but that you’re still here, trying, writing, fighting – that is a superb thing and don’t let anyone take the joy and the passion of writing away from you! So, just … take your time! :)Mirjam

  80. Anonymous
    Posted March 15, 2009 at 4:54 PM | Permalink

    if it does take until 2005 for the book to come out, I can live with that – not happily, but i could.Just please don;t make use wait a couple more years for the Kindle format. I need the hardback for my bookself and the kindle for easy eading

  81. Nola Nurse
    Posted March 15, 2009 at 7:36 PM | Permalink

    As an ICU nurse, i have yet to see a frothing dickhole”. But i suppose this adam is a reasonable facsimile.

  82. Mac
    Posted March 16, 2009 at 7:09 AM | Permalink

    Ye gods, he be mortal!I’ve followed your blog for some time, never commented, but I have to say that you’ve not only earned this excellent fanbase, its very gratifying to hear an author being so forthright about his story. It is, after all, your story. Not ours, though we may treasure it. And if it isn’t done, it isn’t. Rather than say something encouraging about the book, I’ll leave this little nugget. Spring is creeping up on us; be sure you get the chance to enjoy its fleeting presence.

  83. Martin Seeger
    Posted March 16, 2009 at 3:59 PM | Permalink

    Hi,i can’t say that B&N announcement of a 2025 release date really shocks me :-). My hopes are for a sooner release, but i’m willing to wait as long as it takes.Remember, J.R.R. Tolkien was “ready” with his LotR in 1949 but the readers still had to wait till 1954. The work was worth all waiting.Usually we poor germans have to wait even longer as the translation takes up time as well. Luckily Tolkien already inspired me to read the english original. Even though the german translation of “Name of the wind” is very well done (for a german translation of a fantasy book), the english version lets me feel a lot more “melody and rythm” of the story.Furthermore you foolishly raised the bar of reader expectations so high. Instead of a slow start, you dared to publish the best fantasy novel i’ve read in over a decade. So i have to allow some “inrun” for the next try :-) to meet my (now much higher) expectations.And at last i would never try to hurry a writer. Having published once a book myself (and missed enough deadlines to kill a cat), i know too well what it is like. The book was published five times and even in the last version we still found errors going back to the first edition (which deeply embarassed me).Sincerely yours, MartinP.S. Thank you!!!

  84. Erin
    Posted March 16, 2009 at 10:43 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat! This is the first time I’ve decided to comment, but I doubt it will be the last. Your blog is one of the most interesting things that I’ve found on the ‘net in a long time! That said, I wanted to convey the following:Some people suck. They are selfish, self-absorbed and mean-spirited. But there are those of us that understand and generally try to be supportive because they’re sick of seeing others shit upon by the assholes of the world. Personally, I tend to stick to the second group. I’m actually sort of glad that you’re taking the time to make the second book as good as you can for yourself and your readers. It says a lot about you and your dedication. And honestly, the wait will almost certainly make the final product all the sweeter when it finally arrives. Ok enough about that! There are other things I want to say. This includes the following:1. I found your blog from a link in someone else’s journal, which directs the reader to the post you did last year concerning your first sighting of slash (yaoi) fanfiction. Because of your reaction, I have officially declared you my Favorite. Author. Ever. 2. Your bio made me giggle and your Joss Whedon shirt rocks on so many levels. I think the only way you would be cooler would be if you confessed that you enjoyed watching my favorite T.V. show as well, but I won’t get my hopes up that much, lol. Not a whole lot of people watch my beloved Numb3rs, after all. :)And finally,3. I’m yet again re-reading The Name of the Wind, and even after the fourth read, I’m discovering things that I missed the first, second, third time around. Did I mention that I think it’s simply amazing?! ‘Cause it really, really is. Um. That is all. :PYour devoted fan for life, lol-Erin R. Lawrence, KS Heh. I will leave you be now! I too have driveways to shovel and dishes to do. Have fun with yours!

  85. Ken
    Posted March 17, 2009 at 2:58 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat!Piss on all fanmail…hate and love alike. More on the hate though. You just do what you do. We’ll all be here when you get done, even the turds.Word verification: cluggen – verb, slang for clugging: to clug. Ancient nordic dance performed in wooden shoes to celebrate authors who release books about the phobias of sage males.

  86. Jeff
    Posted March 17, 2009 at 3:16 AM | Permalink

    I am eagerly awaiting “Wise Man’s Fear” and hope it lives up to the expectations created by the wonderful “Name of the Wind”. Whenever it comes out. All I can say about NotW is that it is one of only 10 books I can think of which I have read through in their entirity more than once (and 5 of those were written by some Tolkien person).That being said I would llike to comment on your references to George R R Martin. I have never before blogged or e-mailed any author, Mr. Martin included, but you have missed the point entirely. In my mind Mr. Martin has joined the ranks of those athletes and celebrities whose sense of entitlement and self-importance overshadow their talent and appeal. His ‘Fire and Ice” series is excellent, his attitude is not. Yes, he takes a lot of criticism and abuse, much of it inappropriate, over the lack of a release date. Publish it whenever you finish it, sure – involve yourself in other projects, great – live a life, have friends, etc – all well and good. Insult and belittle the people who’s patronage has helped get you where you are and I have no use for you – Mr Martin would do himself a huge favor by giving his fan base something more than a memo dated January 1, 2008 saying, essentially, the book will be done when I finish it instead of putting so much effort into telling those same fans he has no use for them. He can keep his YouTube “Garden Party” videos to himself too, we all got the point. I will probably read “a Dance with Dragons”, but it will be a borrowed version, I won’t be spending any of my money on it.Enough on the ‘sainted’ GRRM :pAs for “Wise Man’s Fear” … I will be first in line to buy it when it comes out. That’s what I say in March of 2009. In June of 2012 if the Patrick Rothfuss site has info on where to buy a number of NotW toys, numerous edited anthologies, how to buy Russian, Polish and Greek language editions of NotW, ads for graphic novels featuring Skarpi, Bast, Denna etc, a Rothfus tour schedule, a blog about sports, politics and what miserable people we fans are, and a 15 month old note saying “Wise Man’s Fear” isn’t done yet, my eager anticipation will probably have faded.

  87. Stevie
    Posted March 17, 2009 at 7:59 PM | Permalink

    I came across ‘The Name of the Wind’ while doing a random search of bn.com. I ended up with 4 very different books, and by the simple lottery of which book I picked up first I was cast into Kvothes world. I was flabbergasted by the beauty of your writing. It was imaginative and inspiring. Knowing you are working on the second book and giving it the same attention to detail and obsessive perfection you freely admit too gives me hope for the world of Sci-Fi/Fantasy books. I was lost in a stagnant pool of the same landscapes/plots different names I was losing my absolute passion for reading.Thank you, thank you, thank you…I could never thank you enough for picking up your pen and beginning one of the best stories I have read in a very long time!

  88. Anonymous
    Posted March 18, 2009 at 10:33 AM | Permalink

    Just want to say thank you for an amazing experience! Name of the wind stands out as a truly great read!Im 42 years old and have been reading fantasy since i was 12 (and discovered the “Hobbit” in the public library). You as an author and your first book is way upp in my fantasy pantheon. The second day of the story is well worth waiting for and i wish you the best of luck!SincerelyArve Kvaloy

  89. Jordan G
    Posted March 19, 2009 at 5:09 PM | Permalink

    Mr. Rothfuss… I would like to tell you a quick story of events :).Two months ago a friend recommended this book as a brand new type of fantasy. Unique and stunning in every way. He told me he couldn’t put it down. Now Bruce (my friend) never recommends a book unless it is exceptional (neither do I for that matter), so I read it.Holy freaking bagizzizes! I finished it in one sitting! Since then I have recommended it to…-My Boss. He read it in one night.-My Brother. Went on a cruise (which he had been planning for months) And holed himself in his cabin because he had to finish.-Two of my neighbors (One is a red head, and is thrilled there is finally a red-headed hero lol)-A co-worker who told me he had never read anything like it, and was SO glad that it was recommended a month before the second book came out (even that is to long for him to wait).Now my father, mother, and girlfriend are reading it. I purchased three copies to give to other friends, and a fourth because my first copy is falling apart. You sir have captured my imagination. Taking me to a place I don’t want to leave and craving more when I have to. Thank you, thank you. From all of my friends to you. Two thumbs way way up.-Jordan G, a fan spreading the word.P.S. Please come to Utah :)

  90. Krista
    Posted March 19, 2009 at 11:40 PM | Permalink

    am i the only one in the whole of the interweb that doesn’t know wtf “snarky” means? verification: Geeple.you should totally name a mob in your book Geeple.

  91. Anonymous
    Posted March 20, 2009 at 1:22 PM | Permalink

    ” Chad said… I think you treat your fans with a little more respect than Martin does.”Martins fans dont exactly treat him with any respect.

  92. Reggie
    Posted March 23, 2009 at 5:38 PM | Permalink

    I’d like to start off by saying that this is the second time in a week that I have heard the term “masterbated with a cheezegrater”. I am fairly apprehensive of the fact that this might be a new craze that is developing? =S Apart from that sightly disturbing aside, the only reason that I’m commenting on this blog (something I’ve never done before) is to tell you that I’ve finished reading your first book for the third time. Most people don’t understand that but then again a lot of people haven’t read your book. I can wait for the next book. I have to. But as the waiting time grows longer I expect the epicness of your book to grow exponetially as well. Actually, if that was the case I would be delighted to wait until 2025, or is there an asymptote to how awesome a book can be? Anyway sorry for taking up your time with my chatter, have fun with your writing, gaming and general nerdyness,Big fan! =DReginaps: I know most of that was completely pointless I just felt like saying something to you. Extremely sad am I not? :D

  93. steve
    Posted March 24, 2009 at 5:51 AM | Permalink

    There’s a saying in science: “There’s two ways of doing an experiment: 1) the right way, and 2) again. I guess writers don’t have option 2. Take your time.

  94. Bystander
    Posted March 24, 2009 at 12:21 PM | Permalink

    Came the other way (ended up here via GRRMs site) and picked up your first book as a consequence.Very enjoyable indeed, thanks for writing such a good story. I’ll certainly look forward to picking up the next one when you complete it.

  95. callon
    Posted March 30, 2009 at 4:02 AM | Permalink

    oh my god! i’ve spent the last hour reading a few of these posts and have been giggling and chuckling to myself. i don’t usually read blogs and i’m too shy a person to really post comments but i think these deserve a few. i read The Name of the Wind and it was absolutely incredible. i can’t wait for the second to come out but it would be torture anyway since i won’t buy it in hardback and would be forced to wait for paperback.anyway, i read the longest blog ever and the contest you mentioned caught my interest, especially since my name is awsomely origional… on second thought, that sounded very conceited… but i was wondering, you were complaining about the hardships of writing as a profession but you mentioned nothing of the benefits. i’m in highschool and working on a book of my own so i have to ask, is it really worth it? i admit to fantasies about being a bestselling author and having people sending fanmail about my book(s) and i now wonder if it’s really all it’s cracked up to be.but, i’m rambling, so i’ll allow you to get back to writing and all the other fun stuff you post on here

  96. Anonymous
    Posted March 31, 2009 at 3:40 AM | Permalink

    Pat-For what it is worth, i loved your first book. The lengthy wait for the second does not bother me in the least, nor should it for any fan. But i do feel compelled to share a quote with you. I read once that “the difference between the perfect word and the almost perfect word is like the difference between seeing lightning and being struck by lightning.” Your first book was like being struck by lightning. I am sure the second will be just the same, and i wanted to leave this the day you wrote about the word “girlish,” but since you had turned off comments, i had to look for another day. Good luck, and i look forward to being struck again.

  97. Andrew
    Posted April 4, 2009 at 12:44 AM | Permalink

    Patrick – I saw your book in a used bookstore, walking past the last row of fantasy and catching a glimpse of the spine. I don’t normally buy new books and just reread the ones I have until I’m forced to find something new. Once I read “Name of the Wind” I was hooked and salivating for more. I had purchased the paperback right when it was released and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Next spring when your next book would come out.So, I went to Amazon and checked to see if your second book was coming out when I found suspicions it was being further delayed. I came right to your site for the horse’s mouth, and found this post. Gosh. If I have to read one more thing of fans/critics giving you a hard time for delaying the release of your second book, I think I’ll shun society even more! <>I<> don’t care if your book comes out in 1 month or 10 years. I’ll still read it, and rejoice at the awe-some literature in my hands, seeping into my mind. I would rather you take the time to complete the book instead of wating 25 years for the ‘special revised edition’ to come out and catch the 15,000 words that were cut from the original because of this cursed electronic age. Only because of that, are you forced to maintain a pubilic image where fans will hound you for blurbs, hints and pressure you about ‘the next book’ whatever it is. I’m sure the criticism has always been around authors to push out more novels, but it’s much more apparent now. If you skipped to the end, then the long short of this is: Take the time you need & deserve. Afterall, this is your story. Tell it how it’s supposed to be. Those of us who really want to hear it will be around no matter when you’re ready to tell it.

  98. K. L. Parish
    Posted April 8, 2009 at 1:39 PM | Permalink

    From one writer to another, I got your back dude. Take your time. It’s hard to go from obscurity to super-stardom in two years. I mean, not that I know from personal experience, but I can imagine. Because I stress out when I can’t find my car keys. Also, I am still working on my first novel and I know exactly how long it takes to not only run YOUR life, but the lives of your imaginary friends. That being said, I’m also an editor, and every time an author misses a deadline, an editor stomps a fluffy kitten to death out of frustration. Yeah. I don’t make the rules, I just stomp the kittens.The Name Of The Wind is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Structurally, aesthetically, the whole nine yards. So speed is not my concern for you at this point.*kicks back with the latest Stephen King and waves pom-poms*

  99. divalcious
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 10:21 PM | Permalink

    so i just found your blog again after probably about a year and 1/2. i’d forgotten how amusing/well written it is. i love, love, LOVED “The Name of the Wind” and i think i vaguely remember emailing you about this when i read it. i hadn’t read such a well written fantasy novel in forever and haven’t since. needless to say, when i just now read this blog post and then clicked on the other blog post and realized that the book wasn’t coming out in april, my reaction was to look like a more contemporary version of edvard munch’s painting “the scream”. sigh… but i totally get it. like probably 9573405348590348 people have already said, i’d rather wait and be able to read more awesomeness like “the name of the wind” than have a turd in book form come out in april. so yeah… keep on keeping on! i’ll be over here reading some of the kinda-good-mostly-just-entertaining fantasy novels that come out periodically as i wait to buy the excellent-ness that will be “wise man’s fear”. I’ll also be re-reading “the name of the wind” coz i don’t remember what happened yesterday much less 2 yrs ago. siggghhh… :)

  100. divalcious
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 10:28 PM | Permalink

    oh wait… i just realized i was ultra specific in complimenting u. let me rephrase by saying “the name of the wind” is one of the best books i’ve ever read, regardless of genre.that will be all.

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