Powells

For those of you who have never been there, Powell’s Books is like no other bookstore I’ve ever seen.

It takes up a whole city block. As I mentioned before on the blog, I’ve only been there once, and that was only for a bare 45 minutes or so. Even so, that was enough time for me to get lost.

And I’m not speaking metaphorically here. I was actually physically lost. Lost as in, “I don’t know where I came in or how I can get out.”

Simply said, if heaven turns out to be something like Powell’s, I wouldn’t complain too much.

As if that weren’t enough coolness all by itself, a friend recently stopped there and snapped a few pictures of what he found.

(Click to Embiggen)

Awww…. Thank you Powell’s.

(Click to Embiggen)

Wow. That’s unprecedentedly forthright. Thanks again, Powell’s.

And just a couple days ago, someone sent me a link to Powell’s “Puddly Awards” where customers and staff pick their favorite books. Even better, Powell’s then sells those books at a discount until the end of February. So you’ve still got a week or so to take advantage of it.

That’s the hat trick. Thanks a third time, Powell’s.

More soon,

pat

This entry was posted in accolades, book two, cool thingsBy Pat92 Responses

92 Comments

  1. ChristinaRae
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 1:14 PM | Permalink

    Argh, I love Powells, although I've never been there in person.

    I think I've spent enough with them online to become a stockholder.

  2. james
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 1:34 PM | Permalink

    Apparently, Powells is the most amazing bookstore on gods great green earth.

  3. Vulpes Fulva
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 1:46 PM | Permalink

    "any ware else"

    whoops!

    That's pretty awesome though. Too bad Portland is like 20,000 miles away from Georgia.

  4. Michel
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 1:53 PM | Permalink

    Al those people nagging about book two remind me of the time when I was finishing my graduation paper. My teachers wouldnt stop complaining about the length of time i needed for writing about 50 pages of bullshit.

    It took me 8 years ;-) I dont envy you patrick…

  5. Lot9h
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 2:06 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat, when is blog about when book 2 is coming out coming out?
    God I feel like an ass for that but I just couldn't resist.

  6. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 2:08 PM | Permalink

    Is Oscar Rossiter a good neighbor to have on the bookshelves? Or does He keep the stereo turned up all night once the bookstore staff turn out the lights and lock up for the night?

  7. Katera
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 2:23 PM | Permalink

    I love getting lost in Powell's! It might be my favorite place in Oregon. It's well worth 4 hours drive time to hang out there. I'm glad they are showing you the love. They have great taste in authors.

  8. Emily
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 2:42 PM | Permalink

    During my first trip to Portland last September, the friends I was visiting took me to Powell's. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, so I just wandered the shelves stopping at authors I recognized. There was a little sign (just like the signs you posted today) underneath the G.R.R.M. books that said something along the lines of "Waiting for the next big G.R.R.M. release? Why not head over to row XXX shelve XXX and check out Pat Rothfuss." I eventually found my way there, picked up a used paperback of your book and devoured it immediately. As soon as I got home, I began searching the internets for where I could purchase the next book in the series, and that led me to your blog. I've been lurking here ever since, reading through many of your book suggestions on what to do while waiting for Pat's new book. So yay for Powell's, and thanks for keeping us all entertained while we anxiously await book 2!

  9. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 2:52 PM | Permalink

    This makes me feel extra awesome as I first read your book in a bookstore the day that it arrived in….Feb. '08? I think. And I have a first edition hardcover!! And I got the one that doesn't look like a romance novel!!!! Hooray for me!!! Oh and thanks for the book. I suppose it's pretty good.;)

  10. Garrett
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 3:01 PM | Permalink

    Lot9h….really? Look I understand, but you couldn't stop your fingers from hitting the keys created that post. Just a question, has pestering Pat in the past helped get answers, or did it just create stress? I'm making a new rule, anytime someone ask an impatient question about book two, I'm going to kill a baby duck. **loads pee shooter** It's your choice people, your choice…

  11. Lot9h
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 3:17 PM | Permalink

    Garrett- I will shoot two and maim one baby duck for every day that passes without news. Build a bit of flexibility into the pestering-of-pat technique.
    In the meantime, just to demonstrate that not all of us who prefer pestering to patience are evil, I should point out that I only asked about the blog that will mention the news about book 2.
    I hope this technicality is enough to save your ducklings life… I'm afraid only Mr Rothfuss can save mine.

  12. James W
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 3:56 PM | Permalink

    I hope I am successfully detecting from both pro and anti bothering factions a like-minded wish to not ACTUALLY hurt any baby ducks.
    May I propose instead a third way; one of gentle (mostly) non verbal support. Support in the way of a tutor waiting for a paper from an excellent student.
    For are we not all tutors in life together? Sharing our lessons and yet equally waiting for them to bear fruit.

  13. Jason
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 4:22 PM | Permalink

    @Vulpes Fulva

    I'm so glad that I wasn't the only one to get hung up on the "any ware else" part! I'm horrible about that sort of thing.

  14. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 4:31 PM | Permalink

    You signed the wall, right? cause i think i found it when i was there and i was really excited. BTW, there is another pretty cool bookstore near Seattle Washington called Third Place Books. You should go there so you can sign my book!

  15. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 4:32 PM | Permalink

    Powells truly is the best bookstore in the US. As a long time afficionado of the Strand in NYC, I was dumbsruck the first time I made into Powells. It is clean, well organized and extremely complete in its inventory. It makes my local Borders (where I shop regularly to make sure they don't go under and leave us with NO bookstores in North Carolina) look like a 7/11 compared to SuperTarget.

    JimW

  16. Colan
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 4:33 PM | Permalink

    I live less than 2 hours from Portland, and I use Portland Airport when I fly anywhere (has a Powells in it). I don't think I've ever spent less than an hour at Powells, and I really have no idea how you managed to find your way out that quickly, they kept changing the entrances on me.

  17. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 4:33 PM | Permalink

    "The trilogy is already written all the way through to the end, but there is still some editorial work to be done." -Patrick Rothfuss, April 18, 2007

    Does it really take 3 years to edit one book? I don`t think so.

    I don`t mind if the second book comes out in 2015, but I want to hear the truth, not some shity excuses. I believe that the fans of the first book deserve at least that.

  18. Sabrina
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 5:38 PM | Permalink

    Powell's is by far the best bookstore on the west coast. I have family in the area, and when we go to visit, I have to allot a few hours to browse their shelves. :)

    Did you get to sign the pillar in the gold room?

  19. Sabrina
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 5:40 PM | Permalink

    Note to self… click ALL the links in the post. ::headdesk:: sorry.

  20. Laini Taylor
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 6:01 PM | Permalink

    Aw yeah, love my hometown bookstore!

  21. Vulpes Fulva
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 6:25 PM | Permalink

    @ Jason.
    Haha. I was wondering if anyone else would catch on. Either someone at Powell's was very distracted while they were typing that up, or spelling isn't a requirement for employment there. Seeing as how this bookstore seems pretty awesome, I'll take the former answer.

  22. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 6:34 PM | Permalink

    Powells is the reason I read "The Name of the Wind". I was looking for a book to read and the tag below the Song of Ice and Fire series suggested it. Lucky me.

  23. Greg
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 6:41 PM | Permalink

    You should come to Powell's yourself! You could have a book signing or something…

  24. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:06 PM | Permalink

    Anonymous: Eat a dick, you overly entitled fuckwit.

    If you don't care when the book comes out, then wait patiently and quietly. Pat has posted several blogs about why it's taking longer than he'd originally planned.

    Yes, I know this is a rude response. But his was intentionally rude and he knows it. If you come in here and post up rude shit, you shouldn't expect to be treated well.

  25. Will
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:13 PM | Permalink

    It was those lovely little Powell's tip cards that turned me onto your book!

    When you were there, did Gaiman have his doodle and signature up on the post? Because it's freaking sweet.

    Come back to Portland soon!

  26. KBTX
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:23 PM | Permalink

    Speaking of GRRM… for all of you who are impatiently waiting for Pat's book, try being a Martin fanatic. At least you didn't get "Oh, I need to rearrange some things to put out the last half of this already written book. You're going to have to wait 5 years to find out that I'm still not done doing that."

    Better yet, try Melanie Rawn. She wrote 2 excellent series, then topped them with an even better series, but hasn't finished it 12 years from the release of the 2nd book.

    Patience is a virtue =)

  27. Anonymous
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:24 PM | Permalink

    Pat, I hope you come to Powell's for a book event sometime when Wise Man's Fear comes out. We Portlanders LOVE you and we LOVE Powell's.

    It's my favorite indoor hangout in Portland. Powell's on Hawthorne is also nice (though not nearly as big), it's definitely got that small town book store feel.

  28. April (BooksandWine)
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:27 PM | Permalink

    Ahhh, I totally want to go to Powell's and I definitely NEED to get a hard cover of NoTW. I loaned someone my beautiful trade paperback in September, and still haven't gotten it back :-( Time to bust some kneecaps.

    Also, will you be one of the authors signing at BEA (Book Expo America) in May in NYC? I know that's such a dumb question, but there's supposed to be like 500 authors and OMG if you are there I will totally make a shirt which says "The Wise Man Fears Kvothe AND Patrick Rothfuss!"

    /end-fan-girlish gush

  29. Robert
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:32 PM | Permalink

    Hooray Powells! I'm a recent Portland transplant, so it was really exciting to see my new favorite bookstore on your blog.

    And those hint cards are both extremely useful and dangerous…I can't even step foot into Powells without buying a book. I have to ration my visits.

  30. franti
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:36 PM | Permalink

    This is the first time I've seen honest-to-god vitriol on pat's blog. It's the reason I avoid commenting on GRRM's blog, don't make me avoid this place too.

  31. James
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 7:53 PM | Permalink

    Powells is the reason that I first found the Name of the Wind. It is an amazing store and if you ever have a chance you should go.

  32. Big Papa Geek
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 8:12 PM | Permalink

    Just like many others, I picked up Name of the Wind on the recommendation of the fine folks at Powells. I used to spend every lunch hour there when I worked downtown. What a fantastic place.

  33. Toby
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 8:19 PM | Permalink

    The awesomist (is that a word? Sod it, it is now!) bookshop in the UK is Leakey's the 2nd hand bookshop in Inverness. You could easily spend a whole day in that place. If anyone's ever in Inverness you MUST visit it.

  34. Tori
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 8:50 PM | Permalink

    I love Powell's. Wish I lived nearby. Or even in the same state :-)

  35. Steven
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 8:58 PM | Permalink

    Thats where I bought my copy of your book! I agree, it is amazing.

  36. DVE
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 9:05 PM | Permalink

    I bought Name of the Wind from Powell's because of that little notice in the first picture. And here I am. :)

  37. Roger Bixby
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 9:42 PM | Permalink

    Yes, I too discovered Mr. Rothfuss because of that sign under Mr. Martin's books. Powell's is one of the reasons I live in Portland.

  38. Stiefmo
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 10:29 PM | Permalink

    Who's the evil twin, you or Andy Hull from the Manchester Orchestra? Secondly, I will give 20 sawbucks to either you or GRRM whoever has the book in stores first. Not for extra motivation, but just as a sign of love and thanks.

  39. Garrett
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 11:02 PM | Permalink

    After holding a pistol to the head of a duckling I realized I am weak and cannot go through with my plan. I can however insist that, while your pestering may not be evil it is annoying and a useless waste of time and energy on your part. Read another book while waiting, time will pass by much faster.

  40. Vae
    Posted February 22, 2010 at 11:08 PM | Permalink

    wow that's really cool! I wish there were a powells near me when I lived in the states. I think id spend all my time there. As it were, I spent all my time in bars and the occasional Barnes and Noble. Not quite the same. Although I did thoroughly enjoy the bars…

  41. best
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 1:44 AM | Permalink

    During high school, I'd skip school for the day (who didn't) and hang out in Powell's for the day reading. That was several decades ago and I remember those days nearly as fondly as my first girlfriend.

    And I still skip work from time to time and hang out there. It is, by far the best bookstore on the planet, in a city that's known for being bookish.

    Come back to Portland sometime Pat, I'm sure you'll feel right at home.

  42. unique_stephen
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 2:52 AM | Permalink

    I like there sinage….
    no pressure

  43. Purrrfect
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 3:20 AM | Permalink

    WOW, i sure am glad i didn't read any books by GRR Martin or whatever his name is. sounds like the guy is waayyyyyy overdue! would you recommend i read his stuff tho? does it remotely meet the sheer awesomeness of NOTW?

    also, wheres the blog on book 2? i wanna see what pat has to say about snarky comments and publications dates and what not :) should be a hoot

  44. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 3:23 AM | Permalink

    I cannot wait for the blog on book two. Mainly so I can shoot down each and every line with perfectly structured responses about human psychology.

  45. Gwyn
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 3:26 AM | Permalink

    @Vulpes Fulva and Jason —

    Yeah, the "ware" thing bugged me too, not to mention they spelled Pat's name as "Rothuss" twice.

    I'm the kind of person that gets twitchy about stuff like that. Still, the signage is nice. Pity Powell's is too far away for a visit.

  46. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 3:28 AM | Permalink

    I was just there about 8 hours ago, and I saw your spot on the shelf. They have a WHOLE CITY BLOCK bookstore!

  47. Josh-from-Oregon
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 3:47 AM | Permalink

    The card underneath the Martin section is how I learned of your existence. It was during a time when I was a bit sore that "A Dance with Dragons" wasn't going to be released that month as promised, and I needed some kind of succor/suggestion to bide my time. Unfortunately, the magnificent bastards sent me to your book to get immersed, enraptured and dazzled by its contents, only to be hurt again by its absent sequel. Fuck you Powell's and your well-meaning efforts to stave my hunger for more good fantasy: all you've done is give me one more hole to fill while I wait for another in a series of books I love.

  48. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 5:02 AM | Permalink

    That card right there at Powells is what got me to pick your book up in the first place a year ago and turned me into a reader, not only of your book but of this wonderful collection of thoughts and absurdity you call a blog. I'm looking forward to the second book, but as long as you keep blogging like you have I'll keep reading what you write!

  49. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 5:10 AM | Permalink

    Steve Erikson writes a good series. Dark. But excellent. And he's up to book 9 or something. something to filling time between now and What Wise Men fear… what do Wise Men fear? wisdom itself?

  50. Leitmotiv
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 5:59 AM | Permalink

    I live two and a half hours from Powell's. In my search for new books, I went into Powell's. I wanted a new fantasy book to read. The clerk asked me what I liked. I told him Herbert, Salvatore, and others. He directed me to a Mr. Rothfuss and told me the book was "steak." Oh hell yeah! Thank you Powell's!! And yes, best book store EVAH!

  51. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 8:16 AM | Permalink

    I have to confess to first becoming intereted in GRR Martin because of my, at the time favorite series "Beauty and the Beast" (Not the cartoon).
    A few years (ahem)later a good friend gave me the first two books and I was hooked. Where is Powel's? I live in one of those notorius tri-state areas in the panhandle of WV. Nice books stores ,Otocon, and interesting museums, but no book store like that I don't think.
    Joyce

  52. UK Chris
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 12:38 PM | Permalink

    Dear Pat,

    Speaking of books and bookstores, do you have more recommendations? I'm through book 5 of Erikson's stuff and my slow-poke partner is in the middle of book 6. In the mean time I've read all of Abercrombie as well as Canavan. Any more recommendations for us?

  53. Chris
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 2:46 PM | Permalink

    George RR Martin's A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire)is well worth the read. I hate people that complain about waiting for sequels. It's like there aren't any other books available to be read until the newest installment comes out.

    Keep on keepin' on, Pat. Part of me wants to you stall on editing the book just to piss the wankers off. A very small part mind you, but a part none the less. Actually, I take back everything I just wrote, get the damn thing done. I'm sorry baby, I didn't mean that, your finger paintings are real nice.

  54. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 4:31 PM | Permalink

    TO EVERYONE WONDERING IF THEY SHOULD READ GEORGE R.R. MARTIN'S BOOKS: YOU MUST READ THEM!!!! THEY ARE WAY AWESOME AND EVERY BIT AS ENTHRALLING AS NOTW!

  55. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 4:54 PM | Permalink

    Hey Patrick,

    Kudos on your writing… I especially love your character development and quirks you work in, 'Hush hush What What' If the time and care results the same in book 2, then by all means enjoy life and write when the emotion strikes. Thanks!

  56. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 5:12 PM | Permalink

    Come on Pat, drop this news about Wise Man's Fear already!!!

  57. Conner
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 7:36 PM | Permalink

    That little recommendation card in Powells is how I first heard about "Name of the Wind." Thanks Powells and Pat.

  58. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 8:27 PM | Permalink

    I, too, saw these signs at Powells and promptly bought the book. It seems that Pat owes approximately 200% of his popularity to a single bookstore (the other 400% being due to his coolness).

  59. eliklaus
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 8:48 PM | Permalink

    Like others, this exact sign led me to pick up the book in Portland, bring it back to Milwaukee, and get gloriously obsessed with it. Finding out you're Wisconsin-based weirded me out wonderfully for some reason. Now, seeing this sign on your blog makes me want to eat my own tail or something.

    In other words, I love your book. And point of purchase marketing, apparently.

  60. Rob C.
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 9:22 PM | Permalink

    Man Pat, did you just freak me out. I thought at first glance that you had been at Powell's yesterday and I was about to become very saddenraged (to coin a portmanteau) at having missed you. Upon reading further, I saw that you weren't here last night but that you had indeed been here back in 2008. On my birthday.

    Which, I have to admit, elicited a bit of a frisson.

    I've been a fan ever since I picked up an author's proof of TNotW at a bookseller's convention sometime shortly before it (the book) hit the shelves. Since then, I've bought three of the hardcovers–one for myself as soon as it came out and the others as gifts. And recommended it all over the place. It's a wonderful world you're making and, yeah, I desire more of it. But more importantly, I think you should take whatever time you need to be sure it's something you can love for the rest of your life. Whatever else it becomes, it has to be that.

    And if you ever do come to Powell's, I will most assuredly be there.

    Thanks for the world, Pat.

    –Rob C.

  61. Mike
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 9:45 PM | Permalink

    Two notes:
    1) Having lived in Portland all my life, I recognize the value of Powell's, but have never been able to spend the day in there. It's honestly too overwhelming for me. Great place to go when you know what you want, of course–they have it, whatever it is.
    2) A bit of advice to fantasy readers: read lots of authors. Lots of them. That way, there's always a book coming out that you'll be happy to see. Tad Williams is releasing in less than a month, and what appears to be a pretty good short story collection called Warriors has about the same schedule. If you spread yourself out, there's always something to read! If all you've ever read are Jordan, Martin, and the Good Man Rothfuss, you're missing out on some amazing stuff.
    3) (I lied about the 2 point thing) Until you've had to spend 25 years waiting for Dark Tower books to come out, you ain't waited for shit.

  62. Anonymous
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 10:26 PM | Permalink

    I actually got my copy of the Name of the Wind in Powells!!! I was so in love with that place I probably would have moved in if I could have. Anyway, it's a great place and your's is a good book so it's only natural that they go together!

  63. Ashlee
    Posted February 23, 2010 at 11:19 PM | Permalink

    Hello Pat!

    Just thought I would let you know that today in my English class, my teacher called on us and asked us who our heroes were.

    I proudly raised my hand and said, "Patrick Rothfuss!"

    My teacher looked at my questioningly. "And who is that?"

    "Best author ever." I so smittenly replied. My friend, another hardcore TNotW fan, was also called, and she agreed.

    Good day!

  64. Derek
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 1:04 AM | Permalink

    My wife and I go to Powells often. We're Washingtonians – and only just across the river, so I take supreme advantage and peruse as often as I can. When family members fly in, Powells is #1 on their list. I love Powells – I love Powells. I've been to Foyles and Powells is better – the best. Okay – I'll stop now. Go Powells!!!

  65. BaldSilver
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 1:40 AM | Permalink

    Hello again, I was looking at the comments, wondering how I could comment, and realized I couldn't, even though there was talk of shooting infant ducks. I just, had nothing to say. I don't know anything about this Powells so I had nothing to say about that either. Then I wondered, I can I distinguish this comment from the 64 comments that came before me…and I realized I couldn't. So I suppose I'll congratulate you on your fancy plaque and be on my way.

  66. Anonymous
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 3:14 PM | Permalink

    Just looked at the list from Powells and Kudos to you. Anyone looking for another quality read should avoid "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" at all cost. That book wastes more paper than the U.S. congress.

  67. Spain
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 5:48 PM | Permalink

    I have been lost in Powell's as well! I finally gave up trying to find my way out and sat down where I was and started reading a book about some weird fetishes. Luckily my friend found me before I found any of the fetishes too enticing.

  68. pdxtrent
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 6:50 PM | Permalink

    Sadly, I no longer can get lost in Powells. As my official second home, I have the layout of the store tattooed to my retinas.

    As well as being my second home, it is also my semi-official religious affiliation:
    The First Int'l Church of Powells. Truly a religion I can get behind.

    And I add my two cents in you coming to PDX to sign. Or hang out. Or live. It's popular with the fantasy writers.

    And like so many here, Powells is where I found your book as well, though in that long ago era before the little signs.

  69. Anonymous
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 7:57 PM | Permalink

    At the end of February the Wise Man's Fear, along with the discount, go away and they'll replace it with a big WHEN? sign now that they know you're looking.

    Impatience is my best friend, he'll never leave me alone.

  70. cdieter
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 8:45 PM | Permalink

    Speaking as someone who lives in the portland area, you are correct sir. the powells downtown is truly something that every lover of books must experience. i used to tell my family that lived out of state about it and they never believed me until they actually came and saw it. its quite easy to lose a day in there, and you always leaving wanting to go back because you just dont have the money to buy all the books you really think you need

  71. Chad
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 9:35 PM | Permalink

    Anonymous said: "Anyone looking for another quality read should avoid "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" at all cost."

    WRONG!

    Also, snark, snark, snark.

  72. prelapsaria
    Posted February 24, 2010 at 11:06 PM | Permalink

    I just wanted to say that that sign at Powells is in fact how I found -and immediately decided to buy- your book, Pat!!!! Just in case you wondered whether the marketing was effective. :D

  73. unique_stephen
    Posted February 25, 2010 at 5:45 AM | Permalink
  74. Anonymous
    Posted February 25, 2010 at 4:45 PM | Permalink

    For those of you looking to while away the time until TWMF comes out, I would suggest Scott Lynch's Gentlemean Bastards series. True, its not finished, and the 3rd installment has been delayed, but since when has that stopped us?

  75. Anonymous
    Posted February 25, 2010 at 4:45 PM | Permalink

    also, put the pea shooters down and step away from the ducky.

  76. Anonymous
    Posted February 25, 2010 at 6:18 PM | Permalink

    Dear Patrick Rothfuss,

    Because I don't know your email address or anything, I can't really send you an email. So, I decided to come to your blog and ask you this.
    I love your book The Name of the Wind (or what I've read of it so far) and I think that you're an amazing author. For my literature class, we have to do a speech about someone that we respect/admire, and I chose to do you (because you're just a great author!) But, your website doesn't really have that much information about you. Since I don't live in Wisconsin, or anywhere near Wisconsin, I can't try to set up an interview with you, so could you please email me at [email protected] , so I can ask you some questions? I'd greatly appreciate it.

    Thanks, Katie.

  77. Chad
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:13 AM | Permalink

    "For those of you looking to while away the time until TWMF comes out, I would suggest Scott Lynch's Gentlemean Bastards series. True, its not finished, and the 3rd installment has been delayed, but since when has that stopped us?"

    The second in the series was horrible. Also, snark, snark, snark.

  78. bremon
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 3:51 AM | Permalink

    baby ducks scare me…so… sup with the blog?

    Ashlee – your teacher should be shot. or eaten by a draccus.

    one of the anonymouses (or is that anonymousi?) – i happen to like jonathan strange & Mr Norrell. i've read it twice.

    I really wanna go to powells now…with about a thousand dollars – oh well, there goes colleg fund. heck with that. i wanna WORK at powells.

    another good author who's a pretty fast writer, actually – Diana Gabaldon. i think she has two series now, and they're both fun

    and terry goodkind! his books take forever to read!

    and…hmmm…
    *wanders off to her bookshelves*
    Steven Brust, etcetera

    now go read them.

    do it.

    also, my word verification is cryingu. is this site trying to tell me something?

  79. Mark
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:11 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,

    I was just wondering if you were ever desperate enough to do something like this when you were just starting out – http://cgi.ebay.com/Pre-publication-signed-copy-Chains-of-Loss-gamble_W0QQitemZ280467212721QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAntiquarian_Collectible?hash=item414d2609b1

    this guy from Oshkosh is selling his pre-publication novel on Ebay, and it's up to $76. and No, I am not him.

    btw, can't wait to read Wise Man's Fear. and it blows my mind that someone with your talent attended Point…I may have even seen you around.

  80. Zach
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:34 AM | Permalink

    Yes, Powell's is indeed the best. Went there last October and got a parking ticket cause I lost track of time. You should spend more time out in the PNW, or just Seattle. Or my house, I've got a hammock (not of the banana variety)… who doesn't love a hammock?

  81. Ian McCullough
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 4:19 PM | Permalink

    I used to work in the SF section of Powell's. I got requests for the "real" version of the Princess Bride (the whole thing by Morgenstern, not the good parts version), the (in 1994) 4th Dark Tower book by Stephen King, "real" schematics to the Starship Enterprise, etc… Any book ever mentioned once as a fancy in an interview somewhere would be requested.
    If you visit the store, give yourself 4 hours, make sure people have watches/chronometers and agree to meet at an entrance at a specific time.

  82. Sandra
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 5:20 PM | Permalink

    You gave me a laugh when I saw this post! Powell's is absolutely amazing. It is a bookstore disguised as a funky, interesting library. I actually bought your book on that same very shelf because of the recommendation! And what a great recommendation it was… thanks for the great read btw. I can't wait for the next in series!

  83. Bill
    Posted February 26, 2010 at 8:29 PM | Permalink

    I saw Powells for the first time last month on a business trip. If I hadn't been headed to Deschutes with some friends I would have stayed in there until they closed. Absolutely amazing.

  84. Anonymous
    Posted February 27, 2010 at 2:33 AM | Permalink

    I used to live in PDX…Powell's IS most definitely the coolest bookstore in the world. I used to spend hours upon hours there. Whole days, even. (I read the first three HP books there, in just 3 days, sitting on a windowsill on the third floor…only budging to go downstairs to the coffee shop for sustenance every couple of hours!!)Powell's is what I imagine heaven to be like, except there will be better coffee, all-you-can-eat pizza and lots of cute naked men (lying around reading, waiting to do my bidding, of course!!)!(oh and no girls allowed in heaven, except my pal D, and Tori Amos, and Florence Welch…)(and straight boys can't come in unless they can cook. or write fantastic novels. or I say they can come in. cause it's my heaven.)(and Ewan Mcgregor doesn't have to do anything, but he cannot wear trousers at all.)
    Well, P-man, you take that ole break. You most definitely deserve it. While I am incredibly anxious to be getting on with the reading of young Kvothe's further zany adventures, I realize that writing is like making a fine cheese. You can't just slap some milk in a bucket for a day or two until it goes funny and expect it to taste like a 2 year old cave aged Gruyere, so why do folks think you can just whip up a novel the same way you whip up a grocery list??
    Especially when you have an adorable little tootie-ootie-bug to play with??
    I know it's diffy, P, but try to ignore the pooheads who annoy the bejeezuz outta ya about B2. They are impatient and smelly.

  85. eric
    Posted February 27, 2010 at 11:38 PM | Permalink

    Just wanted to throw in that I too, found your book at Powells, I love it, and it inspires me to write better.

  86. Scott
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 7:57 PM | Permalink

    Powells is definitely the best book store on the planet. And as a Portland resident I frequent them often. Also, it was thanks to those little tags that they posted by your wonderful book, that I purchased it!

  87. Ken
    Posted March 10, 2010 at 7:20 AM | Permalink

    I live in Oregon and would have NEVER found "Name of the Wind" without a very helpful clerk recommending it to me after I requested books by Heinlein, George R.R. Martin, and Asimov.

    That being said, I have shared "NotW" with all of my Sci-Fi friends, and even my father. They all love it.

  88. CSPeacock
    Posted March 14, 2010 at 10:50 PM | Permalink

    The only reason I ended up reading Pat's book in the first place is because of that note they put under george rr martins ones. So glad they did.

  89. Will
    Posted March 19, 2010 at 4:21 PM | Permalink

    So, after reading that you had turned in your draft, I felt I needed to re-read The Name of the Wind.

    I bought it at Powells, per my earlier note.

    Turns out I have one of your autographed copies.

    HUZZAH.

    Of course now I have to go buy another copy, so this one can remain undisturbed next to my autographed Wil Wheaton and Chuck Palahniuk books.

  90. Anonymous
    Posted March 22, 2010 at 4:40 AM | Permalink

    It was a visit to Powells where if found both of the notes shown in the pictures. Based on these I picked up the book and loved it as much as I do Martin's books.

    While many fans can't wait tell the next book is out, I have found that I like it when authors take their time in properly writing books.

    Thank you Patrick for a great book and for spending the time on the second book to make it meet your liking.

  91. Diremirth
    Posted March 23, 2010 at 7:34 PM | Permalink

    I have Powell's to thank for pointing me in the direction of your book. I was wandering around the sci fi/fantasy section looking for the next book in the Sword of Truth series when I saw a sign that read: If you like Terry Goodkind you will certainly love Patrick Rothfuss. So I moseyed from the "G"s to the "R"s and picked up The Name of the Wind. Powell's was right – I absolutely loved the book. As someone who is not particularly up on new, or even established, fantasy authors I appreciate recommendations that point me, sometimes literally, in the right direction.

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. I'm looking forward to the journeys ahead.

  92. J-Fo
    Posted April 22, 2010 at 12:58 PM | Permalink

    Pat,
    I too, was introduced to your book at Powell’s while visiting family in Portland. It ‘s a really great bookstore, and I’m grateful to them for writing their little recommendation card that led me to you!

    With regards to your book tour locations…
    You mentioned that you will be travelling from Chicago to W. Virginia. It would be absolutely fantastic if you could stop in Dayton OH on your way through. Specifically, I would recommend Books & Co. at the Greene Shopping Center (really nice outdoor mall) in Beavercreek OH.

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