Is it drafty in here?

So today I was going to pass along some news about the book in a blog titled, “Why I don’t talk about Book Two.”

The blog was proving rather difficult to write until I realized it was really two blogs. So today we’re just going to get the news, and I’ll talk about the other stuff later.

Here’s the news: I’ve finally finished my latest draft of The Wise Man’s Fear.

Oot is shown in order to give a sense of scale. And because my baby is frikkin adorable.

This manuscript is about 200 pages longer, and about 500 pages different than the last one I took a picture of. I’ve fixed plotting, tweaked characters, cut scenes, added scenes, re-written, re-organized, re-read, and re-re-organized sections of it so many times that I couldn’t even begin to give you a number of versions it’s been through.

Now last time I posted up a picture of a manuscript on the blog, people got all twitterpated. They saw that big stack of papers and said things like, “Yay! That means the book will be out next month!!1!” and “Wow! How are they going to bind something that big?!?”

So before we all go leaping to a bunch of unfounded and erroneous conclusions, let’s talk about a few things.

First, this manuscript is printed in….(wait for it) manuscript format. That means it’s one-sided, double spaced, and printed in courier new font. That’s what makes it look so big. Typesetting the book comes later in the process. That’s one of the many, many steps that comes later.

That said, The Wise Man’s Fear is going to be bigger than The Name of the Wind by at least 100,000 words or so.

Second, let’s discuss what a draft is. A draft is a version of a piece of writing. Almost always it is an early or preliminary version. You can have things like a rough draft, which is… well… rough. A second draft, which comes after the first draft. Or you can have things like a final draft, which is… well… final.

Is this going too fast for anyone?

This is not the final draft of book two. If it were, I would have said something like, “This is the final draft of book two.” But I didn’t. So it’s not.

But it isn’t a rough draft either. The one I turned in several months ago was rough. There were some bad plot holes, some logical inconsistencies, pacing problems, and not nearly enough lesbian unicorns.

This draft is tighter, cleaner, and all around better. I’m really pleased with it, but it’s not quite perfect. Not yet.

What this *doesn’t* mean.

The book will not be out next week. The book will not be out next month. Right now there’s no publication date. Remember when I said there wasn’t a publications date? There’s no publication date.

What this *does* mean.

The book is a big step closer to being done.

The book is way better than it was before. That last draft of the book was okay. It had some great parts, some parts that were “meh” and some that were “huh?” Overall, it averaged out to about 70 percent awesome.

Which isn’t bad, but I’m not content with a C-minus book. This draft is way better. I’m guessing about 90-92 percent awesome. Way better. But still not perfect.

I’m working on the book, even if I don’t constantly talk about it here on the blog. More about this in the upcoming blog: Why I don’t talk about Book Two.

What happens now?

This manuscript goes to my editor, Betsy. She reads it carefully, maybe twice. She makes notes, then we talk about what she thinks might need to be changed/tweaked/fixed.

Then, depending on how much work we think it needs. We put it into the production schedule. That means we’ll have a publication date. Which I will tell you. On the blog. With words.

Then I do another set of revisions. Or more likely, several smaller sets of revisions, as I’m a freak like that. Luckily, these next sets won’t be nearly so extensive as my last round.

In metaphorical terms, the last round of revisions was like an organ transplant. Invasive, complex, labor intensive, and with a long recovery time. The revisions I do after this will probably be more like cosmetic surgery. Or an appendectomy at worst.

But first, I get to relax. I’ve been working on this fucker nonstop for months. And now, finally, I get to take a break while I wait for Betsy’s feedback.

I’m pretty excited to be seeing more of you too, Oot.

You see folks, Oot is one happy baby, all laughs and smiles. But in order to get this revision finished, there have been times over the last several months when I’ve spent weeks at a stretch working 10-14 hours a day. That’s not counting e-mail, dealing with translators, and writing the occasional blog.

That means on some busy days, I only get to play with him for half an hour or so. If our sleep schedules don’t match up, some days I don’t get to see him at all while he’s awake.

I’m not mentioning this to get sympathy. I’m mentioning it so you can better understand my life. I’m mentioning this so you know what exactly goes through my head when someone sends me an e-mail or posts on my blog, saying, “Just finish the book for fucksake!”

So…. that’s the news. The book is going well. There are parts of it that I’m so proud of that I almost can’t help but talk about them here. It’s coming. Be patient. And rest assured that I’m not just lounging around, doing whippets and eating the cotton-candy underthings off nubile young catgirls.

As for myself, now that the book is out of my hands for a couple weeks, I’m planning on catching up on some family stuff and playing Bioshock 2 until I puke.

Oh, and I’ll be catching up on a few blogs I’ve been meaning to post, too. Tune in on Monday and I’ll be announcing some of my upcoming appearances for convention season.

There will also be a chance for you to get me to come do a reading/signing at your local bookstore if you live in the right part of the country. Specifically in between Chicago and West Virginia…

So stay tuned….

pat

This entry was posted in book two, lesbian unicorns, OotBy Pat263 Responses

100 Comments

  1. Huckleberry
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:06 PM | Permalink

    I love Oot's smile!
    (Plus: I'm smiling, too — these are really good news!)

    Enjoy your break!

  2. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:11 PM | Permalink

    Oot is ALMOST as cute as our 7 month old (let's call him Ootz)! I see you must have paid extra for the cuteness upgrade as well. I'd suggest a play date but the commute would be Hell. Congrats on the book!

  3. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:18 PM | Permalink

    Well done Pat, I hope you get to spend time with Oot during your reprieve from work. Thank you and keep up the good work.

  4. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:20 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat!
    Do you know if the book going is to be translated to Greek?? I really want to read your book because i have a feeling it's going to be awesome!!I got this feeling from your blog! =)

  5. Roeland
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:21 PM | Permalink

    Good way to get me excited about the book again :D
    I recently compared your blog with George R.R. Martin's blog and that you gave us so much more information and this post confirms it! (I know GRRM is in a different situation, but I still prefer your blog :p)

    Anyway, have fun relaxing and then get back to work! ;)

  6. Marjorie
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:25 PM | Permalink

    Oot is gorgeous! In fact, evey time you get ratty e-mails r comments wongeing about book two, you chould just post another cute pic of oot and everyone will go "Awww" and stop bitching.

    Also, good to know book 2 is moving along. I'd better get on with reading some of the 50+ books in my 'to be read' heap so I'm ready for it when it comes.
    (PS is it just me, or does one's 'to be read' heap NEVER get any smaller, no matter how many books one reads?)

  7. Daniel
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:28 PM | Permalink

    Congrats on finishing the revision! If I read that correctly, that means there will be lesbian unicorns in this version? YES!!!

    This reminds me of a quote to paraphrase: An author is someone who puts years and their heart and soul into something that someone else might read if they get around to it.

    Something like that….

  8. Wonderwailer
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:28 PM | Permalink

    I will admit to heresy and confess that sometimes I too have secretly willed you to move faster-forgetting of course that it is always easier to wait than to work like a performing monkey. However, thank you for this post as I know understand a little better your passion and commitment. You want the book to be perfect because this is your future career (and this is not a subversive attempt to pressure you!), your second effort will be highly important in establishing your career. I wish you the best of luck, but I know you don't need it-you are one of the fortunate few who have the drive and talent to follow your dreams.

    END OF RANT

  9. DD
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 12:44 PM | Permalink

    Lesbian unicorns?! *swoon*

  10. Tangster
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:02 PM | Permalink

    Awefreakingsome!!!!! I've been waiting for your post about "why you're not talking about book two" like a crack head.

    Why Why Why won't you come to NYC for a book signing or comicon?!??! Come!!! You can stay with me if you want. That's assuming you don't have a problem with super cute overly attached english bulldog.

  11. brian
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:14 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for the update.
    Looking forward to Book 2.

  12. Frank
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:22 PM | Permalink

    Go spend time with your baby Pat! And I don't mean your book !

  13. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:22 PM | Permalink

    That's why Oot is smiling…
    He just spotted the lesbian unicorns!

  14. Jason
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:33 PM | Permalink

    Great photos of your two youngest babies!

    More seriously, while the rational part of my brain goes "surely now people can shut up about book 2", the part of my brain accustomed to dealing with customers says "Well, this is going to mean months of "I thought the book was all typed up and junk, what's taking so long?"

    I'm starting to think the wise man's fear is, in fact, being a dedicated writer in the age of blogs, public scrutiny, and instant gratification.

    You're a braver man than I am, Gunga Rothfuss.

  15. franti
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:40 PM | Permalink

    The big overhaul-revisions are always a pain in the ass. Glad you got through it.

  16. Chad
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:44 PM | Permalink

    Thanks Pat!

    Also, Bioshock 2 is awesome!

  17. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:49 PM | Permalink

    Good news on the book Pat, I await the second installment with bated breath & stiff upper lip.

    When you mention doing whippets….
    Where I come from a Whippet is a type of small Greyhound dog, so i'm slightly confused? :)

    Dave

  18. dp
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:50 PM | Permalink

    Bioshock 2?! You needs to get on Mass Effect 2. Nothing wrong with Bioshock, but Mass Effect 2 is incredible. And if you play on PS3, I'd recommend Demon's Souls, but I'd be afraid you'd get lost in it and take even longer for the the next draft :)

    But seriously, I wish I could write that many pages of non-crap. Congrats!

  19. griz
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:55 PM | Permalink

    Yay!!!
    Take as much time as you need, btw, after the first one nothing but 100% will suffice. Seriously, this is the result of setting the bar so high.
    BTW, does this mean you haven't gotten around to Mass Effect 2 yet? If not, duuuude… NOT awesome missing the best game ever, and as a writer we want to be also personally proud of – fix it :)
    So anyway, enjoy the vacation and a big thank you for the update!

  20. griz
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 1:57 PM | Permalink

    @dp – ha ha ha.
    Seriously, 2 people writing the same comment at the same time, both avid readers?
    PLAY IT (not the violin, Johnny :))

  21. karena
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:03 PM | Permalink

    Thank you for the update! I shall inform my customers that you are not eating cotton candy.

  22. Aaron Newton
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:14 PM | Permalink

    Pat,

    I can honestly say that if you were in fact eating cotton candy underthings off of nubile young cat girls I certainly would not hold it against you for diverting efforts from FEAR.

    Regards,
    Aaron Newton

  23. Katie
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:15 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for the update. I feel completely selfish in saying this, but take your time and do it the way you want to do it, do it right. The world does not need another potentially awesome, but actually terrible sequel that was rushed through to capitalize on the popularity of the first book. We will all still be here when you are done! Enjoy your break with Oot!

  24. Yoni
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:15 PM | Permalink

    If NOTW was over 250,000 words (Pat's calculation in "Concerning the Release of Book Two") and the new book is roughly 100,000 words longer, then that is an 140 increase in size.

    In terms of pages, Wise Man's Fear should be just over 1000 pages.

    The reason it's taken so long is because Pat has written the equivalent of 3 books. Viewed this way, he's actually making great time.

  25. Vulpes Fulva
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:15 PM | Permalink

    Pat, you should come to Dragon*Con this year! I feel like that's the only hope I can have of you coming down south. Mayhaps my wish will come true and you'll post that on Monday as one of your stops.
    Oot looks hilarious by the way. Have fun playing with the little guy (and changing his diaper).

  26. jrive
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:22 PM | Permalink

    Great news Pat, I'm really excited for book two. But enjoy your rest and family time, I definitely appreciate your work!

  27. Wysen
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:29 PM | Permalink

    Congrats on finishing the round of revision. That's no easy task.

  28. Jay Belt
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:29 PM | Permalink

    Congrats on finishing the round of revision. That’s no easy task.

  29. Chris
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:30 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for the hard work Pat. I suggest doing some of the whippets while playing bio shock.

  30. Erzberger
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:32 PM | Permalink

    Cool news, thanks for the heads up. Take your time and enjoy life. (there are too many half-assed sequels to great debuts…)

  31. bryan.bischof
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:41 PM | Permalink

    In your post at some point you say: "This is the final draft of book two."

    Is this true???!?!?!!111oneandalotofexclamationpoints!!!

    I jest, I jest. BTW, your baby is painfully cute. Not painful to him, in fact it seems like he is doing well and fine being that cute. I mean metaphorically painful. Well never mind the painful, lets just go with very cute…

  32. pws
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:48 PM | Permalink

    Dude, you're like, a published author now. Go get some real bookshelves. Concrete Block Chic is totally out.

  33. bananajoos
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:50 PM | Permalink

    Oot would look good with a beard.

  34. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:54 PM | Permalink

    Just finish the book for fucksake!

    (And yes, any editor worth their salt will read it twice, if not three times.)

  35. regina
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:57 PM | Permalink

    Lesbian unicorns and a happy baby. Thanks for making my Friday :)

  36. Nic
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:57 PM | Permalink

    'Lounging around, doing whippets and eating the cotton-candy underthings off nubile young catgirls' is -amongst other things- what life is made of Pat! Seriously though always know the vast majority of your fan-base wants you to be able to enjoy your life and do things other than just write which are important to you, and indeed take enough time with the writing itself that you're satisfied… We didn't buy your soul with the 20 bucks for the hardover of your first book after all.

  37. Walnutbutter
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:59 PM | Permalink

    omg, I live in between West Virginia and Chicago! Yay! *does a little happy dance*

  38. Nic
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 2:59 PM | Permalink

    P.s I presume when you say 'the country' you mean the USA… there are… others around… countries I mean…

  39. Michel
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:00 PM | Permalink

    Wow, Oot is REALLY growing fast…

  40. draphsor
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:01 PM | Permalink

    Glad to hear it, and glad you get to spend some time with Oot. And thanks for continuing to share these glimpses of your life with good humor and patience. Looking forward to more.

  41. DK
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:03 PM | Permalink

    That boy is cute as a button.

    And hey, I live in between Chicago and West Virginia! But, I'm up in Michigan, and I doubt you'll be making a out of the way trip like that. Oh well.

    But let me know if you are planning on coming to the Great Mitten.

  42. Megan
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:07 PM | Permalink

    Thank you for the book you have already given us, which has become an important member of the small, cherished library to which I turn over and over for comfort, companionship, escape, and solace.

    And also, thank you for this blog, which makes me laugh and which provides insight into the ridiculously huge amount of work you put forth in bringing us such an amazing story.

    Your baby is also ridiculously adorable!

  43. Joe M.
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:12 PM | Permalink

    Enjoy your break!

    We'll muster up our patience … somehow. :-)

    And yes, that is one cute baby.

  44. teri
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:12 PM | Permalink

    I know the world we live in, but I still bothers me to the nth degree that people write you saying "just finish the book for fucksake." What's WRONG with people? Sigh. I suppose they've never written anything longer than a 140 character twitter.

    Otherwise, your blog is all goodness, as is your Oot, as is your consideration of us, your readers.

  45. Amanda
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:14 PM | Permalink

    Bioshock 2 sounds just about perfect for you right now.

    Oot is, as everyone is saying, FREAKING ADORABLE when he smiles. I'm a fan. I can understand wanting to spend some time with the guy, since I'm a little jealous that you get to and I don't ;)

    Hope your break is double-plus good.

    (Word Verification: hydra, which automatically makes me nerdy >.<)

  46. AJ
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:22 PM | Permalink

    Lesbian Unicorns sound like one of grrm's uncomfortable sexual fantasies. I'm worried.

  47. Patrick
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:25 PM | Permalink

    Haha, Oot is wonderful! I just started reading Name of the Wind for the third time and I still get excited whenever Denna comes on the page. It really takes an incredible author to make someone fall in love with a character the way you do. Keep up the great work!

    PS-Give Oot a high five for me, that baby gets +10 awesome points for being so close to your manuscript.

  48. happlestix
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:28 PM | Permalink

    What a wonderful, witty, and informative update (with swell pics). Thank you!

  49. Llyralei
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:28 PM | Permalink

    So much to say…

    Such as, lesbian unicorns! Oh, lord, I am quivering in excitement.

    And, d'aaaawwww little Oot.

    Also, more quivering in excitement for just how awesome book two will be. It's great that you put so much effort into making the book the best it can be. I'll wait patiently til the end of the world if I have to. :D

  50. Insa Miller
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:37 PM | Permalink

    Oh my god, cuteness overload <3

    Also yay for finishing the draft. I don't even dare starting the 2nd draft on my story (not that I had time for it atm).

    Count me to the ones understanding. I'm desperately waiting for the 2nd book, but am willing to wait for it. Take your time, enjoy your family happiness and make sure to visit Germany one day XD

  51. Agent Scully
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:41 PM | Permalink

    Yay I'm in Chicago! OK, technically I'm in Wheaton (aka "Where Jesus Left His Sandals") but Chicago is only 20 minutes away.

    Also? Oot is unfreakingbelievable cute. And he always looks so happy! You're so lucky.

  52. Fearless
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:54 PM | Permalink

    Bioshock 2 is ok i guess…but you must learn the wisdom of Mass Effect 2, unless you've got a PS3, in which case….i feel only pity for you.

  53. Kathy Kreeger
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:55 PM | Permalink

    This makes me happy, and will make my 11 year old son happy when I tell him (he asks about it from time to time). It would probably also make my whippet puppy happy, as chewing up books is one of his favorite things, although we discourage him as much as we can.

  54. Laura, Netherlands
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:56 PM | Permalink

    Good news. Tnx for updating. Oot is one happy camper!
    On a side note. You do know perfect is the unreachable end of a scale? Aiming for a perfect book means going for the impossible, and thus stealing to much time away from Oot?

  55. WillFromWarshington
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:56 PM | Permalink

    Between CHICAGO and WEST VIRGINIA?!(fake rage) NO! You have to come to seattle!!(please please please Have i not been nagging you about this for ever? now i'm going to post every day about it until i gat bored,(which will probably be only once) :) ;) :P (youv'e just been triple-emoticoned.)

  56. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:58 PM | Permalink

    Enjoy your break and baby Oot! You deserve it

  57. Amelia Stone
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:58 PM | Permalink

    Go play with Oot, the handsome little scamp. ;)

  58. stacyn
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:59 PM | Permalink

    I am glad to see things are coming together, I am so eager for the next book! Oot is really adorable, and looks like one happy kid! Thanks for the insight on how things work with getting the book out!

  59. Fiona Mackintosh
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:03 PM | Permalink

    I love that Oot has a proprietary hand on the manuscript pile as if to say … ha ha sucker, he's all mine now :)

    Have fun playing with Oot and I look foward with great glee to the appearance of WMF whenever that should happen …

    In the meantime, as others have said, there are a pile of other good books out there to fill in the time between the manuscript pile and the awesome greatness of the bound edition :D

  60. Draymorren
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:07 PM | Permalink

    WOW now that is a stack of paper! my mind is salivating at the thought of getting to read that some day.

    I have a question for you though, well more than one but its all the same area:
    1)how long did it take to print that?
    2)did you print it at home?
    3)how many ink cartrages did you go through? island inkjet must love you! (i assume you have ink cartrage refillers. not sure if they are strictly canadian or not…)

  61. n
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:08 PM | Permalink

    I sure hope NYC is on your list. Please visit us. Skip Manhattan and come to Brooklyn, we read more fantasy here. They're all jaded and don't understand lesbian unicorns.

  62. mathias
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:10 PM | Permalink

    Ha ha ha… Lesbian unicorns.. Classic, that is. Glad to hear things are going well with book two and that you'll get some well needed family time.

    Always love reading your blogs. Keep it real, homey.

  63. VSchmitt
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:13 PM | Permalink

    Um, "doing whippets"?? Isn't that against the law?

  64. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:17 PM | Permalink

    I just want to say that Oot looks like he would be fun to hang out with. So, I am glad that you will be getting to spend more time with him (bioshock 2 too but mostly Oot). Also keep up the good work and I know the book with be great when it comes out am I am wiling to wait no matter how long it takes.

  65. kate
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:18 PM | Permalink

    Love the photos! I'd like to share with you my cranky-old-lady blog post from last year, about the people who run around demanding that writers hurry up and finish the job. It's called An Open Letter to Fandom: Shut It.

    I think if some people could, they'd track down Betsy and demand she read faster.

    Enjoy your break!

  66. Sarah
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:23 PM | Permalink

    Yay! Thank you so much for posting info on the book, and for posting more cute pics of Oot. He is adorable! You and Sarah should be really proud. You've succeeded at the evolutionary game.

    Take some much needed time to relax with your family and enjoy life. 10-14 hour days of revision do not sound good. While I appreciate that the book will be out that much faster, I'd much rather have you a happy camper spending time with that cutie pie kid of yours.

    Thanks again.
    ~Sarah
    PS. Kids in overalls rule!

  67. L.
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:32 PM | Permalink

    I'm cool with this only if you are eating cotton candy underthings off of nubile virgin lesbian unicorns.

    Rereading Name of the Wind. Swooning again. Kudos and hvala lijepa.

  68. Steve
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:34 PM | Permalink

    Congrats, Pat. You're doing a great job, and we're willing to wait. Play with your kid. :)

  69. persononbike
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:38 PM | Permalink

    Damn. I live… slightly northwest of Chicago, and nowhere near Virgina. But, I'm excited for your book, and about the baby. I hope all is going well!

  70. Azalea
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:39 PM | Permalink

    Awwwww Oot is so cuuute >.<.
    Hope you enjoy your break with your "little Daddy" & Bioshock 2.

    Thank you so much for the update! We appreciate your hard work!

  71. SunTzu
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:48 PM | Permalink

    At first i was very anxious to get my hands on WMF, but after realizing how long you worked on NOTW, i decided id much rather you took a year longer, and made it NOTW quality, then get it realized hurridly and make a much worse book.

    I also think it bodes well for your career that they're letting you take this long to get the sequel released.

    Good luck with the next round of revisions, and the kid, and i hope you get to Stockholm, Sweden, to do a signing soon :D

  72. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:56 PM | Permalink

    This is great news, thanks! And thanks for taking your book(s) this seriously. Wouldn't mind waiting three years more if that's what it would take. Would be frustrated of course, but not with you ^^

    2nd, enjoy your family time and Oot!

    3rd..Bioshock 2 is great. Enjoy it too (perhaps not as much as Oot) !!

  73. Tennille
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:02 PM | Permalink

    I agree with the rest, your little one is very cute (but I also agree with the one saying "ALMOST as cute as" – mine's eight years and a girl and waaaaaaaaaaayy more awesome than anyone else's). Self-serving now done, I think this is exciting news! Enjoy your break!

  74. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:06 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for the hard work, Pat! I hope you have a smooth time getting to 100%.

  75. Chris Dressner
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:09 PM | Permalink

    *holds up his beer* Cheers Pat! (The beer is metaphorical, it is only 11:10 am)

  76. Mister Dressner
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:09 PM | Permalink

    *holds up his beer* Cheers Pat! (The beer is metaphorical, it is only 11:10 am)

  77. Rave
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:19 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat, That's one cute baby (or possibly 2 small dogs in a cute baby costume).

    How about a sample chapter of the unfinished drafty book 2?

    Thanks

  78. Eric
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:23 PM | Permalink

    I still think the book needs sparkly vampires. And robot owls.

    ;)

  79. MAS
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:25 PM | Permalink

    Sounds to me like you've earned this break. Play with the little 'un (who's adorable), spend some time with his mom, too, and get rested up for the next round of revisions. Most of us readers want more than 92% awesome, too.

    Oh, and I can't wait for the lesbian unicorns. So glad you added more.

  80. Don
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:34 PM | Permalink

    Great first book. Imho take all the time you need to make the second book as good as the first.
    As a side note something my grandfather said to me "You will never regret the time you spent with your children, they are only that age for a moment."

  81. shotgun3030
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:34 PM | Permalink

    Great first book. Imho take all the time you need to make the second book as good as the first.
    As a side note something my grandfather said to me “You will never regret the time you spent with your children, they are only that age for a moment.”

  82. Charles
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:34 PM | Permalink

    GREATEST PAPERWEIGHT EVER!

  83. dp
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:46 PM | Permalink

    @ Chris Dressner

    It's never too early to celebrate something like this with a beer. That beverage needs to become unmetaphorical stat!

  84. James W
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:50 PM | Permalink

    Okay, now those opposing pressure groups advocating pestering and not from last blog? Yeah, well I personally advocate not pestering til Pat finishes Bioshock 2.
    After that a moment of calm or two closely followed by more nervous waiting.

  85. AndyB
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:04 PM | Permalink

    You haven't finished Bioshock 2? I thought you already had all three done! Just fucking finish the game already!

  86. peggy38
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:12 PM | Permalink

    Oot is really starting to remind me of you, Pat especially the smile.

    Oot is Way Too Cute!

    Now what were you saying? Something about a book?

    :-)

  87. MK
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:13 PM | Permalink

    Congratulations on getting to the "next draft" stage! (I think you should add Anne Lamott's "shitty first draft" to your list of possible non-final drafts, btw. So awesome.)

  88. Jimmy
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:16 PM | Permalink

    Awsome dude^^

    Want me to smack the tards that whine on you? I got a pretty long stik I think will work^^

  89. kateness
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:18 PM | Permalink

    Great!

    I do have one niggling problem:

    "That means we'll have a publication date. Which I will tell you. On the blog. With words."

    Words? WORDS, man? I don't need no more stinkin' words! I want pictures! Charts! Diagrams!

    Words, my ass.

  90. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:24 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for the update!!! Enjoy the time with your family. I am not off to take a shower with thoughts of lesbian unicorns dancing through my head…. um… wait

  91. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:27 PM | Permalink

    "What this *doesn't* mean.
    The book will not be out next week."

    Clear as mud… thanks. ;)

  92. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:31 PM | Permalink

    I'm glad you're working so hard to make it perfect. Enjoy your much deserved break. You know what happens when you rush an artist, you get the last three volumes of Stephen King's Dark Tower series.

  93. David Wagner
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:35 PM | Permalink

    Take allll the time you need. Whatever day the book comes out will be a happy day for me. No sense in my being greedy about it! Loved book one, I'm sure I'll love book two as well…

    You = The Man.

    (by the way, my verification word is "shmical", lol… too close to "schmekel" for comfort, I'd say…)

  94. Chris
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:41 PM | Permalink

    Bioshock 2 is great.

    When you're done, and if you have a ps3, come play Fat Princess with me.

  95. reverendash
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:45 PM | Permalink

    Pat, I say take your time like you've been doing. I have patience and I know you're making the book awesome. I appreciate that you keep us (the fans) updated. :) We know you are working hard and you have a life other than the book. Enjoy your break!

    Btw I'm not exactly sure what Bioshock is… 1st person shooter or something? I recommend Fallout 3 … sweet game

  96. Jeff
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:52 PM | Permalink

    WTF!!!! What about book 3!?!?
    Just kidding

  97. Steve
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 7:05 PM | Permalink

    Wow! That looks like a ton of work, Pat! I've been reading Christopher Tolkein's History of The Lord of the Rings, and it's given me a new appreciation for all the hard work that goes into the creative process of writing a great book, especially if the writer is a perfectionist, like Tolkein was and you obviously are. I can't say I haven't had moments when I've felt impatient with waiting for the 2nd book come out, but it's only because I loved the first one so much, and can't wait to see how the story develops. Thanks for all your hard work, and enjoy your family (and Bioshock!) time!

    PS. Oot is cute as the dickens. Kids are so much fun, I was missing a major part of my life I didn't know existed until my daughter was born (if you follow me)

    PPS. I live between Chicago and West Virginia! In Cleveland, to be exact…any chance you can swing by our area?

  98. Anonymous
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 7:32 PM | Permalink

    How much does it cost to print a manuscript that size?

  99. Diana
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 7:34 PM | Permalink

    I would totally buy "I <3 Oot" t-shirts.

    ^_^

  100. Jon
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 7:36 PM | Permalink

    I'm one of those jackasses who finished reading the first book, discovered this blog at some point, found out that the fictional publication date for Book Two was WILDLY fictional, and immediately had to respond with an, essentially, nasty comment. Having been around the block, living for a quarter century and all, I generously bestowed some of my wisdom upon you. That being: that if your book was too long in getting here then folks would lose interest and drift away.

    This was over a year ago.

    Today, I find myself still reading your blog reguarly and hoping every week that I'll read the entry that says "Yes, I think my book is ready now".

    I've discovered many thing in this time. I don't particularly like the things that you like. I don't share your opinions. I'm pretty sure we'd never make it as friends. But you have an infectious enthusiasm and a magnetism that keeps me coming back, quietly rooting for you and your struggle against perfection.

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