Upcoming Appearances

For those of that might be interested, I have a couple appearances coming up in the next couple of months. You can see details on the tour page.

I’ll be adding more dates to the tour page as new things get scheduled. I’m cutting down on my conventions a little this year because of Oot. But I will be attending PenguiCon this year. (And San Diego Comic Con, if I can somehow get hold of a badge.)

Plus, I’m thinking of taking a little road trip.

You see, Sarah has a family wedding that she really wants to go to down in Virginia Beach. Since I’m not thrilled with the thought of taking Oot on a plane, we’re going to be driving down.

This means I’m going to be traveling through a big piece of the US I’ve never visited before. And whenever that happens, I wonder if there might be a bookstore or a library in the area that would be interested in hosting a reading/signing….

The wedding is on the 21st of March. That doesn’t leave us a lot of time….

So here’s the deal.

Here are the two potential routes I can take down to Virginia beach:

(Click to Embiggen)

You can also go look at the google map directly if you follow THIS LINK.

If you live in this part of the country and want to help set up a reading/signing there are two options.

Option One:

If you happen to own, manage, or work in a bookstore or library somewhere on this blue line, and you’d like to set up a reading/signing, you should drop me a via the contact form on the webpage.

Option Two:

If you don’t manage a bookstore or a library, but you still want to help lure me into your neck of the woods, you could go ask your local bookstore/library to see if they’d like to host an event. Then, if they’re interested, you can have them drop me a line. Again, using the contact form.

I know this is a relatively tight timetable, but I think we can make it work.

As an added incentive, if we do set up a reading or two, you can be relatively sure that you’ll get to hear a bit of The Wise Man’s Fear, as well as get a sneak peek at The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle.

(I’m so friggin excited about this book.)

A few helpful tips:

1. If you post a comment below that says, “Come to Cleveland!1!!!” it will not in any way facilitate my coming to Cleveland.

Like I said above, I need to get in contact with someone who has the authority to set up an event.

1b. Ditto about sending me the phone number of a local bookstore. I just don’t have the time to call 100 places and track down the two or three that might be interested. It’s way better if YOU call them and ask them. Then, if they’re interested, you can send me a message with their contact information.

2. Please take note of the blue line in the map above. If your hometown/bookstore isn’t on that blue line, it’s going to be a lot harder for me to make the trip. I’m spending 40 hours driving down and back to Virginia. Since I have my baby with me, I’m not eager to add a long side trip.

2b. New York and Boston are not close to the blue line, just in case you were wondering.

2c. If you want to lure me off the blue line, it will probably require some manner of lavish bribe or exceptionally exciting venue.

2d. I will make one exception to 2c. If there’s a willing bookstore in Canton, OH, I’ll make the trip. Because it will give me an excuse to wear my Jayne hat, and sing “The Hero of Canton” at the reading.

3. Your house is not a viable venue for a reading. A good venue should have seating for at least 40 people and hopefully some way of selling books. A nearby coffeeshop is also a plus.

I honestly have no idea if this will work. But I’m guessing out of the thousands of people who read the blog, at least a few of them have to work in bookstores and libraries. I love doing readings and signings, so I’m hoping we can set up at least a couple appearances so I can meet some of y’all down there in the southeast.

Rest assured I’ll post up a blog as soon as we manage to set anything up.

Thanks for your help,

pat

This entry was posted in appearances, calling on the legions, The Adventures of The Princess and Mr. WhiffleBy Pat151 Responses

100 Comments

  1. bananajoos
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:27 AM | Permalink

    I like this idea. Hopefully Oot's first road trip is a memorable one.

  2. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:27 AM | Permalink

    Hopefully I'll be able to make it to one of them!

  3. Jana
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:27 AM | Permalink

    Oh my goodness, Patrick Rothfuss!
    I will love you forever if you take the southern route. I live in Texas, but I go to school in Tennessee, and it's way more accessible to drive to Kentucky than it is to drive to Wisconsin. (Plus it's cold up there. I'm a 90 degree weather kind of girl.)
    Incidentally, I don't have a bookstore suggestion, I just thought I would share my enthusiasm about a chance to see you down here where the Barbeque is actually decent. And if you're in Ohio or somewhere, I'll probably just turn it into a roadtrip anyways. I can't wait to hear more about it!

    P.S. I've loaned my copy (reluctantly) to a few friends and they all love it. Even the ones who don't read "fantasy" type novels. Take your time on book 2! I'm excited that it's going to be longer-more to read! :)

  4. Ashley
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:37 AM | Permalink

    Why does nobody ever travel near Tucson? Nobody cool ever comes here. Whine whine whine.

    If you sing the "Hero of Canton" wearing the Jayne hat, there better be video.

  5. Duff
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:46 AM | Permalink

    Damn the luck of living in Texas…. I smell a road trip of my own coming up. As for the baby-in-the-car-road-trip, it will be a blast! Just take lots of snacks, fun distracting things to do (for all the passengers) and expect to make LOTS of stops. Take a bunch of pictures and enjoy the time on the road. It is a great way to see the country and I expect that you will get a large number of invites to come do readings.

    However, you want to come down south and visit Texas, I will be happy to set up a HUGE signing/reading/worship service in Austin where I think they are preparing to make you a minor deity (some discussion of major, but only after seeing book #2), raise your wife up as a demi-god (she married you and bore your child), and bless your child as the 2nd or 3rd coming (still in debate).

    By the way, will you be performing at this upcoming nuptial? You might have a chance to slip in the “by the power of Greyskull” bit!

    Good luck.

  6. Althalus
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:47 AM | Permalink

    Blast, I suppose Atlanta is not near the blue line either…

  7. Tae
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:53 AM | Permalink

    I am ensaddened. I'm along the southern route, but all of my favorite bookstores are tiny hole-in-the-wall places.

  8. Amanda
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 6:10 AM | Permalink

    Good luck with your family road trip :) Have fun, and I hope you get to do a few awesome signings.

  9. dani
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 6:21 AM | Permalink

    Some day when you want an excuse to go to Maui, Hawaii (in Kihei/Wailea) let me know and I will contact my old manager of the bookstore there (yes, there is only one bookstore on the south side of the island) and have her contact you :) Then, of course, I would have a valid excuse to go visit home… :D

  10. Rachel
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 6:27 AM | Permalink

    I know it isn't going to help (cuz I read what you said, but I'm doing it anyway) But you NEED NEED NEED to come to Pittsburgh!! I'm going to go tomorrow and ask the Carnegie Library/Museum if they could do it! Also, Oakland (of Pittsburgh) is smack dab in the middle of PITT and CMU and Chatham and Carlow Universities, so you bet your money there's a crap ton of coffee shops! EEEK I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!! :-D

  11. Stephen
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 6:35 AM | Permalink

    Well Pat, I'm in the Cincinnati area and the prospect of you coming remotely close enough for me to come see you is keeping me up way past my bedtime trying to look for appropriate places along that southern route you've indicated. I would suspect that the best cities for me to come see you in would be Lexington or Louisville but I don't know much of anything about either city and that includes appropriate bookstores.

    I will continue to do some research, but I would also like to make a plea to any of the other wonderful folks who read this blog and who do live in the general area of either of those two cities to use your knowledge of them to get us a reading nearby!

    Also since I'd be making a 2 hour drive or so it would be wonderful if the reading was sometime later in the evening or on a weekend. Boy I'm beginning to sound kinda picky. Well beggars can't be choosers, so wherever you do end up stopping, I'll be doing my best to make it there.

    Keep up the wonderful work with the book and with your blog Pat. You're the best!

    Stephen

  12. Christopher
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 7:25 AM | Permalink

    Enjoy the drive. There will no doubt be adventures of diaper changing at various rest stops and convenient store lots along the route. Why not take one route on your approach and the other on your return? Lousville offers the slugger museum which could provide little Oot with his very first miniature louisville slugger.(very cool). Then of course, there is always Canton(which happens to be off of your northern route a bit) but it offers the pro Football hall of fame. Regardless of your decisions, It will be a memorable event for sure.Travel always produces fond memories.

    I can offer some diaper advice for daddy…The diaper is always the best first wipe.(Especially on the road)
    Be safe guys.

  13. Ashley C.
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 7:25 AM | Permalink

    Quick! Someone from Toledo, start calling book stores!! I live in Michigan, which is probably too far off of the blue line for ya, but if something along the northern line comes up, I could probably make it! :-D

  14. Pat
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 7:37 AM | Permalink

    I've got no problem with tiny, hole-in-the wall bookstores…..

  15. Matthew
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 7:39 AM | Permalink

    Ah the tragedy of living in Hawaii. First a Tsunami now this…..

  16. Asiah Chantelle Hatcher
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:17 AM | Permalink

    Pat I think it's great your doin that and I think road trips are the coolest, i hope some day I could do a road trip.

    And maybe some day you could come to Brisbane or Gold Coast in QLD, Australia???

    Hope the book is a lot longer than the last for it seems like i am god and I am watching over a life that has made me intrested and it takes my away to a place where all my problems disappear and I can enjoy the thrill, sorrow and anger that one (Kvothe) feels in this book.

  17. Martin Seeger
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:01 AM | Permalink

    Being about 4.000 miles away from the nearest point of the blue line. I think i cannot afford a sufficent bribe for such a detour :-).

    CU, Martin

  18. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:22 AM | Permalink

    Dear mister Rothfuss(Pffff) I am reading "The Name of the Wind" for the third time (great book by the way) and I was wondering if Auri and Tabetha(the young girl who said tha Ambrose would marry her) are the same person, I know that has nothing to do with the post but the question was burning my mind. You have a great beard by the way (that has nothing to do with the post neither but you know…). Rodney "not King" Onanga

  19. lucidlunacy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:27 AM | Permalink

    Is anyone else on here in the D.C. area? I plan on looking into this, but would rather not set up a reading on the outskirts (Bethesda) if others would prefer a more central location.

    Actually, to be fair, I would rather not do the work of getting my local bookstore on board and would love to have someone else do it instead. Two valid points.

  20. UK Chris
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:44 AM | Permalink

    Perhaps I and some other Londoners can figure out a sufficient bribe to bring you over here? Say weekly supplies of Stilton cheese (you must like cheese, the more obscure the better?). As well as some tea? And we're not talking about your grandma's tea, we're talking new and different teas, like Lady Grey or Rooibos!
    I mean now that you're dealing with translators, surely you can take a longer EU trip. And you can fill Oot's passport up with cool places!
    Hope at some point you can make it over here again!

  21. webmonkey
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:57 AM | Permalink

    If you go to Canton Ohio, please get someone to record your rendition of "The Hero of Canton" and post it on YouTube! So awsome!

  22. Derek
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:31 AM | Permalink

    I know you don't live anywhere close – but please – come to the land of Powells when you can. And for fucksake, spend some time with the fam!!! Thank you for the updates and don't forget that God of War 3 is coming out in a couple weeks, also.

  23. D
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:51 AM | Permalink

    Well…if you guys ever make it down to Orlando, I'll bribe you with hand worked glass goodies :)

    And cake. I make good cake.

    And I make decent Italian food, not like most Southerners, lol.

    Oot wants to see Disney!!!

  24. Beleynn
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 12:09 PM | Permalink

    What about Philly? If you stay on 76 until you hit Philly, you can then take 95 south.

  25. Jacob
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 12:39 PM | Permalink

    I second the wish for Austin, but if you are going to be reading from WMF I will have to make the trip up north.

  26. Kay
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 12:47 PM | Permalink

    Shoot, I had my hopes up for an appearance at DragonCon. Alas!

    It looks like you're not coming anywhere close enough to the South for me to even entertain the thought of you swinging by my home town (FACT: People in the South are, in fact, literate!).

    Back to living vicariously through your blog, I guess. Have fun on your road trip!

  27. Ben
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 12:54 PM | Permalink

    Oh Mr. Rothfuss how you mock me. One of the biggest thoughts I had when coming to the US for higher ed was "Man I'll be able to go see Pat do a reading or something, and isn't his home state like right next to Michigan." but alas, once more I am hundreds of miles from anywhere you will be going *sigh*

  28. CmdrChristof
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 12:54 PM | Permalink

    Oh Mr. Rothfuss how you mock me. One of the biggest thoughts I had when coming to the US for higher ed was “Man I’ll be able to go see Pat do a reading or something, and isn’t his home state like right next to Michigan.” but alas, once more I am hundreds of miles from anywhere you will be going *sigh*

  29. Wendy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:06 PM | Permalink

    I won't ask you to detour to NC, because you're already a braver man than I, taking a baby on a trip like that, but if you take the Southern route, someone stop that man in Richmond, VA and I'll make the drive up to meet you!

  30. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:11 PM | Permalink

    For those looking for a spot in Kentucky, I plan on contacting a beautiful bookstore here in Richmond, KY. It's a new facility, just a minute off of the interstate, and only about 15-20 minutes south of Lexington. I'm contacting the store later today, so hopefully you'll see it on an updated map in the future.

  31. gwenlle
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:29 PM | Permalink

    I'm totally looking forward to The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle, too. I pre-ordered a copy for myself months ago :o).
    About cons/appearances, I'm kind of disappointed that WisCon (http://www.wiscon.info/ I'm an overly-complete person, so I'm linking you to it, even though I swear I remember that when I read the journal archive last year, you'd mentioned it, and even if I'm wrong, I'd be more or less flabbergasted if you'd not heard of it. But, seriously, I'm the sort of person who recently responded to a chain-email from my own grandmother with a 350+ word response, including 5 links to Snopes, a study from the NEJoM, various FDA announcements and part of the Patriot Act) doesn't seem to be on the list, since it's in Madison, and since I'm currently living near Los Angeles, I figured that was pretty much the best chance I had to see you read/sign/wear your Jayne hat. :o) (an aside: you should *totally* come to WisCon. I will personally treat you to anything you, or anyone in your family could desire from the ConSuite (; )
    And also: I loved Name of the Wind, and have told everyone I know (and some strangers) about it. ( But I promise, I told my mom to stop spamming you with requests for Wise Man's Fear. She's very sorry about that.)
    Seriously, have a fun, safe roadtrip. I wish your family all the best :o)

  32. Jay
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:38 PM | Permalink

    As long as you don't have any antipathy towards Barnes and Nobles there's two options if you do the Northern route. There's a Barnes and Nobles in Frederick, which if you spend the night there leaves you with a 4.5 hour drive down to Virginia Beach (assuming you don't hit traffic on 270, which can be absolutely horrid). Or there's one in Baltimore, right next to the Baltimore Aquarium in the Inner Harbour. That also leaves you with a less than 5 hour drive the rest of the way to Virginia Beach. I'll be contacting both Barnes and Nobles to see if they have the appropriate space and then see about getting the ball rolling.

    BTW, there's a community in Baltimore near the Inner Harbour referred to as Canton….close enough?

    Jay

  33. Casseopia
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:41 PM | Permalink

    FYI, the northern route SUCKS! I had to drive from NJ to my brother's school in Michigan several times and there was always construction on that route. I-64 = SO MUCH BETTER!

    As I cannot make it to Dragon*Con this year due to my own little Nugget on the way, I do hope you go back there in the next couple years. I forgot my book last time and would love to be at another reading.

    Happy travels! Be safe!

  34. Jessica
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:43 PM | Permalink

    I'm so going to joesph-beth this week and talking to the sci-fi guy. He's the coolest person in that bookstore and he loves your books. Hopefully he can convince them to bring you to Lexy!!!

  35. Darb07
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:53 PM | Permalink

    Pat, as much as I'd love for you to make it to PA (even if it's western instead of east) I feel the need to let you know that the further you stay away from PA the nicer the roads will be. Honestly, I travel out to tennasee every year for banaroo and it's smoooth sailing all the way home until I read the "Welcome to PA" sign, that's when you hit the pot hole.

  36. Jennifer G.
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:54 PM | Permalink

    So close and yet so far… Would it help if I told you we have a Canton in the mountains of North Carolina and a very cool independent bookstore (not in Canton but close) that loves to host authors? Yes, it's wishful thinking. No, I don't really expect you to drive that much further with a baby in the car. Good luck with that.

  37. Jen G.
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:54 PM | Permalink

    So close and yet so far… Would it help if I told you we have a Canton in the mountains of North Carolina and a very cool independent bookstore (not in Canton but close) that loves to host authors? Yes, it’s wishful thinking. No, I don’t really expect you to drive that much further with a baby in the car. Good luck with that.

  38. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 1:56 PM | Permalink

    You'd rather take your baby on a 40 hour car trip (much more risk) than on a plane for 6 hours (much safer)? Seems like insanity to me! We have always found flying with small children, especially non-walkers, to be much more pleasant than trying to drive anywhere. I can't even imagine the trauma of spending 40 hours in the car with my kids back when they were Oot's age—we had trouble with one hour car trips. Good luck….

  39. Nick
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 2:25 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat, I sent a message to my local bookstore, Andersons, in Naperville IL. (they just had Neil Gaiman in last week, you were right, he's very cool.) We shall see what they say! (I'm in a suburb of Chicago, right on the way!).

  40. RB
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 2:25 PM | Permalink

    Lucidlunacy, I work at the B&N in Frederick, MD, which I believe "Jay" mentioned in a post after yours. I've already submitted the store info to Pat's contact form so perhaps he'll be able to make his way in that direction at least.

    I saw a suggestion for Baltimore and while there are numerous bookstores in that area, B'more can be quite a diversion based on the route he's going.

  41. James
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 2:26 PM | Permalink

    The problem with living in the most isolated city of the most isolated country in the world (That would be Perth, Western Australia) is that failing some sort of tectonic plate movement equating to a biblical rapture causing a mutated Gondwanaland-like land mass resulting in Australia becoming connected to North America, killing millions of people in the process, the probability of you being able to road trip through my part of the world is so small that if you were to attempt to divide by this probability you would create a singularity that would consume all life around it and as the world began to collapse into itself in a biblical-proportion-end-of-the-world-extravaganza, killing millions more people, we would realise that perhaps a better option would be to fly to Perth during one of your international tours (they have to happen at some point right, you’re a successful famous author…remember that flattery when the opportunity comes around to visit us). In closing, come to Perth or the rest of the world gets it.

  42. pws
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 2:32 PM | Permalink

    If you drag that route down to take i-39 to Bloomington, then 74-west, you'll save time and tolls by not driving through Chicago. Unless you want to drive through Chicago. Also, it'll put you on a very nice route through Kentucky, etc.
    And hey! It would bring right through scenic Danville, IL, where I could set up an event! What a coincidence.

  43. Rob Wilson
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 2:36 PM | Permalink

    Having driven many trips from central Indiana to central Wisconsin I highly recommend avoiding Chicago. The non-traffic routing suggests the trip down I-39 to I-74 adds 30 minutes over going through the city but it has been my experience that the estimated time for driving through Chicago is completely wrong.

    This would add a few other cities to your route but would subtract many Chicagoland destinations as well. If you don't get a lot of Chicagoland bookstores responding to you then I highly suggest the peace of mind that is gained by avoiding Chicago.

    PS: if you do go through Chicago Fair Oaks Farms is a good place to stop for a meal as long as you like dairy.

  44. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 2:41 PM | Permalink

    I second the comment by Chris from the UK! =]

  45. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 2:52 PM | Permalink

    Damn, why do authors never come to Boston, is it to cold? Well just have to be satisfied that PAX east will be coming in three weeks.

  46. Wysen
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 3:01 PM | Permalink

    Lookie lookie! That line travels through Lexington, KY. I already know several in Lexington that are trying to get ahold of the Sci-fi guy at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

    I can promise you will have a crowd and we will shower you with Ale-8-one.

  47. Jay Belt
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 3:01 PM | Permalink

    Lookie lookie! That line travels through Lexington, KY. I already know several in Lexington that are trying to get ahold of the Sci-fi guy at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

    I can promise you will have a crowd and we will shower you with Ale-8-one.

  48. Judy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 3:29 PM | Permalink

    Pat –

    My parents live outside Philly, and I have spent hundreds of weekends commuting from VA and DC to NY, PA, and NJ. DO NOT TAKE 95!!!!!!! Sorry to the Philly person, but as much as I would LOVE to finally meet Pat and Sarah and Oot, I would NEVER subject them to the $$ and traffic suckhole that is 95. Or do you not know that they are known as the robber toll barrens??? Since moving out to Winchester and being able to take 81 to the PA tpk, I have loved life…..

    Unfortunately, Winchester is too far off the the Northern blue line route – But I am calling Reston bookstores NOW to try and get you there!!!! THANK YOU PAT!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

  49. Judy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 3:31 PM | Permalink

    heh – that should be "barron", not "barren". Sorry. I only WISH 95 was empty of tolls and traffic…… instead, it is the complete antithesis!!!!

  50. Feichan
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 3:33 PM | Permalink

    Some one mentioned it before me, but unless you plan on doing some tourist stuff in DC, I would avoid the northern route at all costs. The traffic is extremely frustrating, from north of DC all the way through Fredricksburg. I live basically off both routes though (I am off I-81, may parents house is in Nova off 95) so If you stop pretty much anywhere in Virginia I will probably get to go, which would be awesome.

  51. Josh
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 3:53 PM | Permalink

    Spoke with Joseph Beth here in Lexington and they said they had already sent a message like 10 minutes before I sent them an email. They are great and really on top of things there. I would love to see you come to Lexington, KY.

  52. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:10 PM | Permalink

    As a regular traveler from Chicago Illinois to Virginia Beach, the Northern google maps is extremely toll heavy but mostly highway related. The Southern route is a little more scenic.

  53. pws
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:26 PM | Permalink

    See! Southern Route! I-39 to 74! C'mon, ignore not the wisdom of the masses!

  54. Diana
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:37 PM | Permalink

    Well, I live in Arid-zona, so I doubt you'll be coming my way anytime soon.

    On the other hand, perhaps you could go down to Virginia Beach on one blue line and take the other blue line back home, thus covering twice the potential appearance territory.

    ^_^

  55. Jason
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:42 PM | Permalink

    I highly recommend the route along I64. That is a very scenic drive and much better than driving on the toll heavy roads on the northern route.

  56. fergusons blog
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:43 PM | Permalink

    I am with Anonymous on the fear of flying. Flying vs long car ride.
    Flying wins HANDS DOWN with little babies.

    1) Babies < 2 fly free (Yay!!!)
    2) You get to annoy uptight parentless flyers (double win)
    3) You get to carry around way to much baggage :(

    Seriously though gate check your stroller, and if Sarah is breastfeeding you don't even need to worry about the security nazi's
    Direct flights rock, but one connection is totally do able we went to Florida with my first around 1 year old and it was not bad at all, EVEN THOUGH WE HAD TO WAIT 4+ hrs for a plane (FUME) Ethan (My son) was happy as a clam playing in the airport, it was the parents melting down :)

    Conversely, getting stuck in traffic with crying baby that you do not want to let out because they WILL NOT GO GENTLY BACK INTO that car seat (Believe me) is times to try mens (and womens mothers in particular) souls.

    So, true that it would be nice to press the flesh with your fans, I would do a little more thinking on this.

    Of course, your not coming near me so I have no incentive for you to drive :)

  57. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:50 PM | Permalink

    Pat, have you considered taking one route to Viriginia and the other route back? That gives you access to more signings.

  58. Hilary Rose
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:53 PM | Permalink

    May I third the come to London notion? I don't live there, but hey, it's the UK.
    Not sure what to shower you with – cake maybe?
    WV = press. Press on to UK?

  59. Madeleine Conway
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 4:56 PM | Permalink

    I don't mean to pour cold water on things, but can I just say, having had experience of driving infants and flying with infants, if you can do a journey in one hit, you would be better off flying. If you have significant drives to and from airports (by which I mean 3hrs or more) you might be better off driving.

    Flying with infants under 9 months is generally straightforward because you get first dibs on the bassinet seats on the plane; if you are lucky and your baby is cute, nice people come and offer to hold him for you while you get your stuff under control (and of course you will have lots of stuff now you are travelling with a baby); and you will be in a location where the baby can settle for a while. There are also facilities on planes for heating baby foods and what not and you can pretty much get up and down and change the baby when he needs it. If he is still breastfeeding, he will likely be calm and happy through the flight. I have done several intercontinental flights with a baby under 2 years and everything went smoothly.

    But if you are intent on driving, here are some tips:
    Make sure there are good facilities for changing your baby – and don't do it in the car.

    Be prepared to stop frequently – feeding babies in cars is not such a good idea.

    Be prepared for intensive puking and the sour milk smell that will permeate your upholstery as a result. Whatever upholstery you have, the chances are the baby will puke just when there are no laybys for 50 miles, giving plenty of time for the chemical conditions to arise which will ensure that your car will forever be tinged with that delicious odour, especially in hot weather.

    Be prepared for your baby (when it is not puking or reeking because it needs a nappy change) to sleep. This means s/he will sleep less during the night when you parents are trying to get some rest for the next day of driving. So make sure you have some way of entertaining the baby.

    Good luck.

  60. -M
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:24 PM | Permalink

    I know that Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY is interested. Now they just have to work out the details.

  61. Baldsilver
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 5:25 PM | Permalink

    Seriously, what's the baby's name. James? Oliver? Michael? Or perhaps you went archaic and fancy. Achilles? Agamemnon? Leonidas? Anyways, I was also wondering what you do exactly at book gatherings. I gathered that you answer questions and whatnot but do you prepare something yourself? Read a chapter out of your favorite book? Talk about writing, its joys and its sorrows? Anyway, I didn't feel like reading the other comments today so I have no comment on them. Later

  62. Jason
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 6:08 PM | Permalink

    @ "-M": Get the details worked out in Lexington! I would definitely make the drive up from Nashville.

  63. J
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 6:36 PM | Permalink

    Since I live in the DC area, I hate to give this advice, but I would suggest taking the southern route if you're worried about traffic.

    If you go through the DC area on 95 and 495 MAKE SURE you don't hit it anywhre around rush hour. Avoid it from roughly 6:00 to 10:00 in the morning, and then avoid it again from 3:30 through 7:30 in the afternoon.

    The area to avoid is from the Hagerstown MD area down through Dumfries VA – about 100 miles.

    If you were at a motel in Hagerstown, I wouldn't take off until 9:30 AM to go down through. Ditto for a hotel in Dumfries if you are heading up through the area.

  64. Pat
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 7:00 PM | Permalink

    I hit Wiscon for a couple of years, but the last time I went they only put me on one panel. I really can't take the time to go to a convention (even one in my own backyard) if they only put me on one panel.

  65. Nanoboy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 7:48 PM | Permalink

    HAHAHA Come to MEXICO!!!!
    Yeah, i know you wont, but i had to give it a try XP

  66. gwenlle
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:06 PM | Permalink

    Awww, sorry Pat. (re: WisCon). I hadn't really thought about what makes conferences worth it to you, as an author.
    And if you have a desire to stop by Glendale on your way to/from San Diego Comic-Con (it's only, what? 120 miles away? To us Californians, that's nothing. I'm like *400* miles from my boyfriend. No, really. And that actually… kind of sucks), there's a really great nearby bookstore that I [am 97% sure] would host you (because every time I go in there, the proprietor asks me if I've come up with something really good to recommend people read while they wait for Wise Man's Fear. Let me tell you, we haven't come up with much – it's not that there's nothing else awesome out there, because there is, but Name of the Wind had such a distinct personality that it's hard to come up with a good rec that would be really satisfying. …Maybe it's the void left by your decision to leave lesbian unicorns out of the first book?). If you want, I will ask as soon as I possibly can.

    Okay, so actually, you're welcome in Glendale, CA. But, if you make it to Comic-con, let us know? I'll try to come to you. Thanks for all the updates, and I hope you, Sarah and Oot have a fun & safe roadtrip.

  67. Anonymous
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:12 PM | Permalink

    Dude, do you really have to go through Gary!! I would avoid it, if at all possible, especially with a baby.

  68. tagstrategy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:15 PM | Permalink

    Pat, this rocks. I live in Cincinnati, so if you take the infinitely cooler southern route (don't forget how horrible the weather is along the upper route this time of year), then you'll be well within range for a visit. I'd like to make a slight course correction recommendation for you – instead of going south from Indianapolis, travel slightly South East on 74, into Cincinnati – then drop down 65 to resume your Eastern trek from Lexington. It'll save you on traffic – and you'll be able to visit Cinci. This is the better choice because the Borders bookstore in Hyde Park is where I first saw your book – on the 'Employee Recommendations' shelf no less. If you'd even remotely consider driving through Cinci I'll have Borders request a reading for sure. Whattya say?

  69. Zack
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:19 PM | Permalink

    It is unfortunate that you can't make it to Boston or New York. I, unfortunately, do not have a car or money or any other means of transportation down south or towards Wisconsin. Alas! I shall simply wait until you see the awesomeness of Massachusetts and decide to visit it.

    Zack
    PS I hope to move to Canton now that I know it exists.

  70. Ogre_rage
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:22 PM | Permalink

    to bad your not coming to washington state, I have mentioned this before, but its ok I really do understand all we have here is hippies and rednecks (bad combo btw.) If you do ever come up here I have a venue or two that I could setup. The only thing is I'm almost positive that I would be the only one there.

  71. tagstrategy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:23 PM | Permalink

    In my excitement I totally messed up that last comment – intending to say "drop down I-75 (not 65) to resume your trek East from Lexington"…and more importantly, the bookstore where you came so highly recommended is Joseph Beth of Rookwood / Hyde Park, not Borders.

  72. D
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:29 PM | Permalink

    Two things:

    Robin Hobb. She's written 10 books that have that in depth feel that some fantasy authors achieve. Name of the Wind has it, Everything Robin Hobb puts out has it, Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince series has it, as does her two book set that I can't recall the name of and the collaboration The Golden Key has it, too.

    and WA-in Western WA, there are some folks who would have attended a Rothfuss sighting. I know I'm not the only one who ever lived there, lol, since I got my Robin Hobb books signed at a local bookstore event way a few years back, when we lived there.

    (hate to be a "me too" on the traveling with a baby advice, but if you can fly, it's simpler. either that or you pretty much need to limit driving to 4-6 hours per day or the baby's not going to let you sleep.)

  73. Caroline
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:51 PM | Permalink

    Soo…. I'm assuming this road trip is going to take like 3 weeks, right???? Because, trust me, my little one and Oot were born around the same time, and the four-hour trip to my in-laws is torture! I cannot imagine what a 40 hour trip would be like.

    Here are some road-trip pieces of advice:
    1. Take the main road – the one that goes through actual cities. As soon as you don't, Oot will have a blow-out or massive spit-up. Those are NOT fun on the side of the road.
    2. When you stop to breastfeed (preferably at a rest stop or "travel" gas station), you canNOT get him out of the car seat, plop him on mom's boob, then put him right back in the car seat. Maybe at one month old, but not at this age. If you do, prepare for incessant crying for an hour or more.
    3. BumGenius (Flip) and gdiaper make disposable inserts for your cloth diapers. Sooooo worth the investment. You can go back to the cloth inserts while you're there (or stick with the disposable), but for the road, you do NOT want wet or poopy cloth diapers.
    4. Take lots of toys and prepare for the non-driving parent to sit in the back seat with Oot. No adult conversation for you!
    5. Stop, get out, and walk around every chance you get. Seriously. For your sanity.
    6. Start Oot sleeping in the pack-in-play in your bedroom before you go(if he's not already), so that the sights and sounds of mama and daddy don't wake/keep him up.
    7. Pack tons and tons of bibs… they are much easier to change and take up less space than changing the whole outfit.
    8. Good luck! It will likely be traumatic (it always is for us) but we all make it through – you will too!

  74. Aaron Newton
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 8:55 PM | Permalink

    I agree with Jessica on Joseph Beth, I'd be surprised if they didn't bite. When I saw Sanderson there for the WOT tour their scifi fantasy guy was talking up the Name of the Wind to people in line a LOT. He's a fan for sure.

  75. Donovan
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 9:27 PM | Permalink

    Hello Pat!
    First, I'm Big fan of the first book. Second I work at a Barnes and Noble in Louisville Ky which looks like a stop in your route. I know several people in this area that are big big fans of your book so the turn out will be rather good if you were to decide to make a visit. I also make it a point to recommend your first book to anyone who asks for an immersive read. I plan on mentioning your possible visit to our CRM in the next few days There should not be a problem in adding you to our book signing events. Thank you and I can not wait for Book 2.
    -Darik

  76. Zack Truel
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 9:32 PM | Permalink

    Why not go one way on your way there and the other way on your way home so you cover twice as much of the country and can set up readings/signings on both blue lines?

  77. Matt
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 9:37 PM | Permalink

    If only you lived in Canada.

  78. Michael Cummings
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 9:54 PM | Permalink

    I am so going to burn in the many tethered hells for this, especially since the "shorter" route takes you not only through northern Virginia/Md/DC, but within two miles of my house as you speed down I-95 past Fredericksburg, BUT…

    ~sigh~

    Northern Virginia traffic is not well captured by this map. Namely, the morass that is the mol-ass-es of dealing with our special spin on gridlock. Even going against the flow of rush hour will guarantee you little, and you will find yourself cursing me and my ilk for setting up obligations that have you present in area bookstores. Trust me, I commute from Fredericksburg (about an hour north of Richmond) into Northern Virginia every day, and it is only my love of my job and our own ootlets that lets me survive it. While the alternative routes add time, the drives are pretty straightforward, especially if you're going around Richmond and heading east on 64 (my in laws are in the same neck of the woods, or at least were till they moved to Williamsburg).

    All right, time to fortify my encampment as the hate mail and ice picks start getting tossed at me for giving you fair warning.

  79. LiquidWeird
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:04 PM | Permalink

    If you take one blue line down, would you take the other blue line back?

    I'll see what I can do talking to our local stores in/around Washington DC, which you travel directly through on your way back according to one of those lines.

    Good luck on the DC beltway, by the way, if you go that route. It's a nightmare during the day. Oddly enough.

    WV: prompall – An early victorian lady's dressing accoutrement involving nine whale baleen, eighteen yards of sheer fabric, a birdcage (with bird) four rabbit hides, and an entire bottle of mineral oil.

  80. LiquidWeird
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:04 PM | Permalink

    If you take one blue line down, would you take the other blue line back?

    I'll see what I can do talking to our local stores in/around Washington DC, which you travel directly through on your way back according to one of those lines.

    Good luck on the DC beltway, by the way, if you go that route. It's a nightmare during the day. Oddly enough.

    WV: prompall – An early victorian lady's dressing accoutrement involving nine whale baleen, eighteen yards of sheer fabric, a birdcage (with bird) four rabbit hides, and an entire bottle of mineral oil.

  81. Silaqui
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:30 PM | Permalink

    Take the southern route and go to Joseph-Beth in Lexington. I don't live close enough to help set it up, but my parents live close and I might have to suck it up and go visit them just to see Pat.

    So if someone lives near there or works at Joseph-Beth (I find that highly likely since I the staff there both are knowledgeable and relatively awesome.)

    S0 someone take a hint and make my mother happy :D

    Also, no one wants to go to Toledo, seriously.

  82. Marcy
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:39 PM | Permalink

    Dang it, I work in a bookstore, but being in California, it could only be considered near your blue line if… um, maybe if Serenity were your mode of transportation? Can't think of a bribe that would entice you to make *that* side-trip-equalling-another-trip, especially since the bookstore is in danger of going out of business and thus we are Not Rich. I'm pretty sure cookies aren't good enough in this case.

  83. Tach
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 10:46 PM | Permalink

    Seriously, seriously rethink flying. The others who are offering the advice about the 'fun' of driving with an infant are correct. For your own sanity and that of your wife, fly.

    The thought of a 40 hour drive with a nine-month old makes we want to curl into the fetal position. An ostensibly four drive with a (very easygoing) child of the same age was a marathon nightmare of pooping, puking, crying, screaming, fighting and arguing. Some of that was even the child!

  84. Priya
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:06 PM | Permalink

    Hi, Mr. Rothfuss! I was just wondering about which dates would be best for you. I live very close to many libraries and, more importantly, the Reston Barnes and Noble, which is actually along the northern travel route, but am leaving the country on March 12th. So, basically, I don't want to inconvenience everyone by making a request if you need a later travel date. I really hope I get to come to one of your readings before I leave; but, if not, maybe an even better event when I come back next year! Thanks again.

  85. Erin
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:30 PM | Permalink

    I can safely say that if you ever make it to Western Washington, my bookstore would poo its pants in GLEEEEEE to have you there, and given enough notice, my staff/coworkers/upper management/me would pitch together enough money to get you a really swanky hotel room. And squeal with more glee.

    For Serious. We Love You. Our collective love for you sometimes sustains us all by itself during busy holiday seasons. That and coffee.

  86. Pat
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:37 PM | Permalink

    Yeah. It's a shame about Wiscon. It's a fun convention, and full of people I enjoy talking to, but a convention where I'm not on any panels is really frustrating to me.

    Last time I went, they used 8 of my panels in the program, but didn't put me on any of them. *Sigh*

  87. Jonathan
    Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:43 PM | Permalink

    I would like to introduce a motion to move Atlanta, GA (and it's surrounding suburbs) to somewhere on that aforementioned blue line. All in favor?

    In open defiance to rule 1, i'd also like to add: OMG COME TO ATLANTA!!1!1!!

  88. Anonymous
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 12:13 AM | Permalink

    Alas, no authors ever come close to my location. It's well south of either of those routes, so it seems that you won't be doing so either. Which is a shame. Truly.

    Despite the fact that few of our residents speak English, we are quite well educated and have loooong been fans and patrons of the arts. We have beautiful oceanfront scenery, unique architecture and truly delicious seafood that you would find nowhere else in the world. Ah well, perhaps another time.

    A fan.

    Atlantis (location undisclosed)

  89. Tyler W
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 12:16 AM | Permalink

    The quickest way to two points is a straight line, but you go in a circular fashion around central and southern Ohio. It’s as if your avoiding my hometown to taunt me! I'm seething with not only anger, but hatred and contempt. I would gladly heart the spleens of ten tigers so that I would receive their awesome might and extract vengeance against this misbegotten endeavor!

  90. Angela
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 1:11 AM | Permalink

    Georgia has a town called Canton :D AND I work in a bookstore AND a library… Still working on the bribe bit.

    A girl can dream.

  91. Paul
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 1:31 AM | Permalink

    Well, either way you pass through Williamsburg, VA. Which means William & Mary, which means College Town, which means Your Kind of Town. I will see if the bookstore would be interested in doing a thing. And there are coffeeshops like whoa.

    One more thing. Since you'll be on I-64 either way I don't really have a dog in this race, but… you are a bold and crazy man if you even attempt to get through the I-270 spur to the Capital Beltway. Allow me to emphasize CRAZY if you try to do it any time before 10am or after 2pm.

  92. Anonymous
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 2:01 AM | Permalink

    Oh, Pat. I live 1 mile off of 80 90 (the Ohio Turnpike, close to Toledo, OH) One exit off, 5 miles to my library, 5 miles to the next entrance. There is a coffee shop in the next town, and a nice bar/diner right down the street from the library. I could make you some nice coffee. Oh, I'm so excited that you are willing to make a side trip to spend time with your fans! What a great guy!

  93. Matt
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 2:04 AM | Permalink

    Finally! Someone that is awesome is coming near/to my state! Boy, i wonder which bookstore in Louisville deserves the honor… I suppose I will have to make a few calls…

  94. Judy
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 2:05 AM | Permalink

    oooooooooh – here's another thought if you decide to brave the Northern Blue Route…… Instead of heading to DC, once you reach I-81 in the MD – PA aread, go straight South on 81 to 64. Beautiful scenic Shenandoah Country, James Madison University, massive caverns to explore….. And DC gridlock and congestion to avoid. yes yes yes!!! Say the word, and I can start soliciting bookstores now…….

  95. Anonymous
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 2:19 AM | Permalink

    I was going to try to create a crafty little way to convince you to come to Boston… But then laziness took over. Best I could come up with prior to that was the Clam Chowdah we got… If you come to Boston, I will let you pay for your own bowl of Boston clam chowdah… you can also introduce OOT to the wonderful atmosphere of mass-holes! (Honestly, I don't know why I live here either…)

    ~OOT for future Dictator of America!

  96. Matt F.
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 2:27 AM | Permalink

    My Jayne hat would kick your Jayne hat's ass.

  97. Pirate
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 3:10 AM | Permalink

    there is an insane amount of comments here, but I must request, if you do give a sneak peek reading, is it possible for someone to record it??? I mean, it's fantastic that there is one, but for all of your fans to share that… it'd be special <3

    go to canton anyway ahahaha (:

  98. Madeline
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 3:10 AM | Permalink

    there is an insane amount of comments here, but I must request, if you do give a sneak peek reading, is it possible for someone to record it??? I mean, it’s fantastic that there is one, but for all of your fans to share that… it’d be special <3

    go to canton anyway ahahaha (:

  99. Shane
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 3:17 AM | Permalink

    Yeah, I am so going to my Barnes & Noble in Indianapolis and demanding that they plead with you to take that route.

  100. Charlie
    Posted March 2, 2010 at 3:23 AM | Permalink

    First of all – You're AWESOME!!
    That being said – a couple questions:
    1. Since both of the blue lines come close to Chicago, does that mean a reading/signing in the Chi-Town area is likely? When will we know for sure when to mark our calendars?
    2. I know better than to ask about Wise Man's Fear, so I won't. I'm really excited about The Princess and Mr. Whiffle!! Has there been an announcement of a release date for it that I didn't see? If so, would you mind reiterating for those of us who may have missed it?
    Thanks so much for everything, Pat!
    Keep up the good work!
    Try to keep in mind that we want the book to be awesome just as much as you do, so take your time. Maybe thats's just my opinion, but the way I see it, everyone who dosn't see it that way can go fuck themselves.
    Happy Day! Love to Sarah and Oot!

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