And Now for Something Completely Different….

Here’s the deal. I’ve got a hellacious pain in my neck, so I’m in no mood to hunch over my manuscript right now.

I’m caffeinated, and I’m bored.

So while I’m waiting for the drugs to kick in, I’ll answer questions here on the blog. You post them in a comment, and I’ll post a reply.

The rules:

1. Bite sized questions are best. I’m not looking to write essays here. Think popcorn, not steak.

2. You can ask any question.

2b. Don’t post 20 desperate, flailing questions hoping that I’ll answer one of them. Post one or two clever questions instead. We’re looking for quality here, not quantity.

3. I reserve the right to ignore your question.

3b If I ignore your question, it’s not because I hate you. It’s probably just because I don’t have anything witty to say on the subject.

4. I reserve the right to lie, or at least be wildly inaccurate.

5. Complete sentences, punctuation, and spelling words out in their entirety is encouraged. I’m more likely to pass over your question if it contains abhorrences like “ur.”

6. Nobody can make fun of your question.

6b. Except for me.

7. If I’ve already answered the question in a blog or one of my innumerable interviews, I’m going to pass over it.

7b. If someone wants to reply to those questions with a link to the appropriate blog or interview, that would be nice.

8. I obviously won’t answer spoiler-ish questions about the book.

9. I’ll probably trim unanswered questions out of the comments just to streamline things for future readers.

(Edit: I started to do this, but after trimming away 50 questions I realized it was too much work. So I’m leaving the unanswered questions where they are. Some of them are pretty funny anyway, but I just couldn’t think of good answers, or they showed up too late.)

10. One question per comment. No multi-part questions.

I’m probably only going to do this for a couple hours while I’m catching up on my e-mail. If it’s fun, maybe I’ll do it again in the future…

Let’s see how this goes….

pat

Edit: It’s been a fun couple hours. But I think I’m pretty much done for the evening. I might come back and do some cleanup, or answer a few of the remaining questions. But I won’t answer any that are made after this point. (1:00 AM) So don’t bother trying to slide one in. Just save it for next time.

Thanks for playing, everybody.

This entry was posted in Fanmail Q + A, Machine Gun Q&A. By Pat418 Responses

245 Comments

  1. ecirpnaes
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:41 PM | Permalink

    You appear to have an admirable beard. Have you ever been in, or planning to be in…a ZZ Top tribute band?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:49 PM | Permalink

      I would prefer to be in a ZZ top tribute video. I could either play air guitar or lip synch. Also, I would like to have hot groupies fawn on me.

    • BeaverTroll
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:24 PM | Permalink

      As a fellow epic beard wearer, I hate that stereotype.

  2. sking923
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:41 PM | Permalink

    Headed up June 19. Going to hit the Comet Cafe in Milwaukee for lunch. Any recommendations?

  3. dankinney
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:42 PM | Permalink

    I’ve always wondered about how you’ve adopted your look. What made you want to grow such a wonderful beard and such fuzzy hair? Was there a specific person, character, reason that inspired you?

  4. jermwar
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:42 PM | Permalink

    What is your favorite word? What is your favorite curse word?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

      Motherfuck. Not only is it a more pleasant-sounding cuss without the “er” but it’s more ambiguous, which gives you the freedom to use it more situations.

  5. eclab
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:42 PM | Permalink

    In what way does “Kvothe” sound different from “Quothe”? Why the “kv”?

  6. Pete
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:43 PM | Permalink

    Woodchuck chucking wood… For or Against?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM | Permalink

      I’m pro-wood.

      Preferably wood for sheep.

      • borvise
        Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:12 PM | Permalink

        Ah ha! A Catan Player. Then again, that shouldn’t surprise me.
        It always amused me to build a boat out of just sheeps or to develop stone-age style.

        Therefore question: What is your favorite game?

        • sackmana
          Posted June 5, 2010 at 12:55 AM | Permalink

          The road of pure sheep is the softest and cushiest road of them all

  7. jen
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:43 PM | Permalink

    What’s your favorite thing about Sarah?

  8. cmorgan
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:44 PM | Permalink

    What is last, best album you have listened to?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM | Permalink

      It’s not my usual thing, but I’ve really been enjoying a Jack Johnson album that Sarah has in the car. I’m pretty sure that’s the guy’s name…

  9. artsycella
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:44 PM | Permalink

    What’s your favorite kind of robot, either fictional or real or even hypothetical?

  10. Luxo
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:44 PM | Permalink

    Be honest… When you see your story playing out. Do you in some small part in the back of your mind, wonder what the movie would look like ?

  11. Liam
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:44 PM | Permalink

    When you started your book, how much wordbuilding did you do before/after you started writing?

    (optional follow-up question: How did you organize said worldbuilding?)

  12. xaandria
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:44 PM | Permalink

    Is there any one item upon your Writer’s Altar of Literary Creation* without which you would not be able to Create Majestic Literary Treasures?

    * Desk, TV tray, kitchen table, ottoman-shaped pets

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

      I have a tiny stone Buddha. I occasionally feed him cookies or chips.

  13. dmwebber
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:45 PM | Permalink

    You say you need a haircut. What’s the wildest haircut you’ve ever wished you could pull off?

  14. 6694deb
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:45 PM | Permalink

    Do you think you’re going to offer signed copies of the next book online as soon as it releases????

  15. ironskintribe
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:46 PM | Permalink

    If, when you speak, you could only use twenty different words for the rest of your life, what would those twenty words be?

  16. absurdmike
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:46 PM | Permalink

    There are only two kinds of people. Folders and waders. Do you fold or wad?
    (I am a folder myself)

    I’m listening to the audio book right now. Are there any words or names in there that are pronounced differently than you intended? How involved were you with the audio book?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:08 PM | Permalink

      Wadder.

      New rule: No multi-part questions.

  17. bjezerey
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:46 PM | Permalink

    You know those silly shoulder angel/demon sets that try to tell you what to do? Which characters (from anything) would yours take the form of?

  18. ineedtorelax
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:47 PM | Permalink

    I’ve seen pics of you in Obama gear. Do you really still support him, or was it just a trendy thing to do at the time?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:39 PM | Permalink

      Yeah. Because I’m obviously all about being trendy…

  19. Drowsydoc
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:47 PM | Permalink

    To pudding or not to pudding?

  20. RandomChill
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:47 PM | Permalink

    Any plans on visiting southern states?

  21. Rhgr
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:47 PM | Permalink

    How tall are you?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:10 PM | Permalink

      One thousand feet tall.

      • danreyno
        Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:43 PM | Permalink

        I have it on good authority that a large blue ox follows him around.

  22. SwiftWarrior
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:48 PM | Permalink

    What is your favorite non-fantasy/sci-fi related novel?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:39 PM | Permalink

      Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud.

  23. Wayfarer
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:48 PM | Permalink

    So I am considering a trip to Wisconsin because it is one of the states that I have never been to. I am a big fan of micro breweries. I see there is a Stevens Point Brewery, good or bad? Additionally, any other have to try breweries in the Madison – Milwaukee area?

    • Synergy012
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:02 PM | Permalink

      sking923
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

      @Wayfarer, not sure what Pat will say, but I’ll go on recored and say that Sprecher is definitely a brewery worth stopping by in the northern Milwaukee area.

      • mselj854
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 11:16 PM | Permalink

        If you go to the New Glarus brewery (they do have very good beer), you really should take the time to go to the Minhas brewery. They are in Monroe (the next town over) and give a good tour with lots of free beer and bloomers soda, including bloomer’s rootbeer on tap.

    • sking923
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

      @Wayfarer, not sure what Pat will say, but I’ll go on recored and say that Sprecher is definitely a brewery worth stopping by in the northern Milwaukee area.

      (Didn’t reply in the right spot, sorry for double post).

    • alierakieron
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:09 PM | Permalink

      New Glarus, definitely. MMmmm… Yokel.

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:12 PM | Permalink

      I don’t drink beer.

      • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:18 PM | Permalink

        Though Sprecher does do an awesome root beer I’m fond of…

        • idejs
          Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:01 AM | Permalink

          Hell’z yea they do! and if you take the tour you get unlimited root beer at the end until you leave!!!

    • emilystrelitzer
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:51 PM | Permalink

      The Point brewery is good. Also, if you’re going to be in the Stevens Point area, I highly recommend Central Waters http://centralwaters.com/

      They do a tour, or they’ve got a bar attached with all of their available/seasonal beers.

    • vintner_jasun
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 7:41 AM | Permalink

      Ale Asylum in Madison is worth it as well.

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 9:11 AM | Permalink

      Point Brewery is a fun tour to take. I’d hit both if you could – I grew up a few blocks away from Sprecher, and now live just as far from Point Brewery, and they’re both near and dear to my heart :)

    • TheWedge
      Posted July 6, 2010 at 12:44 AM | Permalink

      Capital Brewery in Middleton (west side of Madison) is a great place to go.
      http://www.capital-brewery.com/

      Great Dane Brew Pub in Madison is another good place.
      http://www.greatdanepub.com/

  24. vagorath
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:48 PM | Permalink

    What is your ultimate sandwich?
    I work in a deli. Your dream is my reality.

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:17 PM | Permalink

      Fresh wheat bread. Lean turkey. Tomato. Lettuce. A little horseradish. Good thick Bacon.

      Goddamn I want a sandwich right now. Will someone bring me a sandwich?

  25. Charis
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:48 PM | Permalink

    I’ve recently been inspired to start writing the novel that’s always been in my head. However, sometimes I feel like my characters don’t want to clue me in on what’s going on. Does this ever happen to you? And if so, how do you get them to open up?

  26. Rupoe
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:48 PM | Permalink

    PAT!!!

    What exactly is Bast? I don’t completely understand what a faerie/faery is and why they’re affected by iron…

    • Rupoe
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM | Permalink

      P.S. In reference to a post further down, If you’re on xbox live, could i PLEASE have your gamertag? Mine’s Rupoe…

      • Synergy012
        Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM | Permalink

        Probably should have replied to the post further down then. And no that does not count as mocking the question just the placement of the question.

      • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:13 PM | Permalink

        Rupoe: You are on probation for abusing threaded comments.

        • Rupoe
          Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:25 PM | Permalink

          Yeah… I’m truly sorry. New to the whole post, reply, sub-post… Just thought it was a great question… Please forgive me. I am shamed and will now fall on my sword.

          • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:38 PM | Permalink

            Apology accepted. Probation rescinded.

  27. Sianika
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:49 PM | Permalink

    What was the inspiration for the giant lizard thing?

    • Shnargen
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 10:47 AM | Permalink

      …Dragon?

      • Sianika
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 5:10 PM | Permalink

        Yeah, but wasn’t it high? It takes a certain kind of mind to come up with a high giant lizard.

        • whatshisface1892
          Posted May 28, 2010 at 12:17 AM | Permalink

          I had the theme song of Puff the Magic Dragon niggling around in my head for days after I read that chapter.

          • ninjasardines
            Posted September 13, 2010 at 11:02 PM | Permalink

            hate you =)) just popped into my head when i read that

  28. Feasoron
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:49 PM | Permalink

    Everyone asks about the movie, but what about song? If your work was going to be set to music, who would write and/or perform it?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:15 PM | Permalink

      Ooohh… Good question. It’s actually too good for this particular blog. I’d need to think that over for a long while….

      But off the Cuff… I love BNL, and they’re varied enough to do something fun.

      But if I had to pick my dream musician, it would have to be Paul Simon. He’s such a brilliant musician and lyricist.

      • Posted May 26, 2010 at 9:00 AM | Permalink

        Paul Simon is phenomenal. I went to a Simon & Garfunkel show my senior year in high school and it was wonderful. Paul did some of his solo stuff there, which was pretty cool.

  29. snowblind
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:50 PM | Permalink

    As a highly caffeinated person myself, i’d like to know – what’s your high caffeine beverage of choice?

    Bonus round: what was your most fond childhood memory?

  30. Coyle
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:50 PM | Permalink

    What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen? (In ten words or less.)

  31. Awen
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    Without spoiling anything (unless you want to), how did you come about writing/imagination-wise to the answer to the big mystery of the Chandrian’s purpose?

  32. Marcus Cox
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    What kind of music do you like / bands do you listen to?

  33. justajenjen
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    Does Oot like his Serenity burb cloth I knitted for him and presented as tribute along with the produce bag at the Barnes and Noble in Lafayette, IN, and do you think he’d recommend it to all his other geek baby friends?

    Ok, I really couldn’t think of anything else. I have to admit I really had only popped onto Facebook to see if my sister was online and I saw this on the feed, so I thought I’d play along. Hope your neck feels better soon.

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:20 PM | Permalink

      He loves it…

      • justajenjen
        Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:35 PM | Permalink

        I’m glad he likes it. Also, sorry I couldn’t think of a better question. :)

  34. sking923
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    @Wayfarer, not sure what Pat will say, but I’ll go on recored and say that Sprecher is definitely a brewery worth stopping by in the northern Milwaukee area.

    • Synergy012
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

      really???

      • sking923
        Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:08 PM | Permalink

        Not a fan? At this point I’m really only a fan of the Special Amber, but the others aren’t bad and the tour’s good :)

  35. Yossarian
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    James Brown or B.B. King? Cat Stevens or James Taylor?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:21 PM | Permalink

      James Brown. Absolutely James Brown.

  36. mike
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    You are given one wish, what do you wish for?

    • scabies
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:21 PM | Permalink

      I’m guessing no more book 2 questions ;)

      • Rob
        Posted May 27, 2010 at 10:05 AM | Permalink

        Is “scabies” the answer to the previous post? . . . not sure that’s at the top of my wish list . . . .

  37. SavvyP
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    In honor of the day, do you know where your towel is?

    • emilystrelitzer
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:56 PM | Permalink

      Don’t Panic.

      • crowgirl
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:01 AM | Permalink

        Sorry for the inconvenience.

    • saintburns
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:15 AM | Permalink

      Savvy, is it sad that I recognize you from real life? I would text you about this if my phone hadn’t died…

      • SavvyP
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:39 AM | Permalink

        No, it isn’t sad because I recognized you asking about Nebraskon. And my phone is about to die, so Facebook is good for talking. :)

  38. johnfredmay
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

    What are the chances of you visiting the west coast when promoting book 2?

    Specifically Portland.

    Extra specifically Powell’s, which is right up the street.

    Also, how do magnets work?

  39. suttonduch
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:52 PM | Permalink

    I was curious as to what you’re reading right now. I’ve taken your advice for books and had a great time reading them. So while enjoying this week between school and internship I was hoping to pick up something that is some parts interesting, fun, and awesome.

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:22 PM | Permalink

      Sorry. I’m just reading my own book these days. Over and Over. And over.

    • Charis
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:30 PM | Permalink

      Amazon’s page for TNotW has a “Patrick Rothfuss’s Books You Should Read”. It includes titles that Pat has endorsed, such as The Last Unicorn, so it does appear somewhat credible.

  40. burdkilla
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:52 PM | Permalink

    With Alien Vs. Predator and it’s sequel being absolutely atrocious movies, why would they make another Predator movie. and what’s more, how did Adrien Brody get cast as one of Earth’s most elite hunter/killers?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:25 PM | Permalink

      They make those moves because witless fucking sheep go to them.
      Since people go to them, they make money. Since the movies make money, they keep making them despite the fact that it takes a huge shit in the the collective consciousness of all humankind.

      • coojofresh
        Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:27 PM | Permalink

        I agree. Same thing with the iPhone.

        • scabies
          Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:29 PM | Permalink

          I actually think Predators has a chance because of Robert Rodriguez. I think the movie studio knows people are getting tired of the Predator license, and gave him complete creative control. It could suck, but I have hope.

        • Lymond
          Posted May 27, 2010 at 10:37 AM | Permalink

          I disagree about the iPhone. Sitting in front of a lame movie is wasted time. The iPhone, at least, is varied in its content and can take input as well as give output. Bad Predator movies simply tarnish the reputation of the original. Unlike Aliens 2, which lifted the franchise to new heights…right before Aliens 3 flushed it down the toilet.

          This is known.

      • AndyB
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 1:10 AM | Permalink

        Speaking of atrocious, the real question here should be, “Pat, what are your top 10 favorite movies?”

        • Darb07
          Posted May 26, 2010 at 8:48 AM | Permalink

          The real atrocity is they’ll make sequel after sequel of that crap . . . yet we may never have a Serenity 2 :(

          • Lymond
            Posted May 27, 2010 at 10:38 AM | Permalink

            Serenity 2. One of the top 10 reasons to create a parallel universe.

  41. paradigmgeek
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:52 PM | Permalink

    I know you’ve had several movie posters of your book, but if you were actually approached with a movie deal, what do you think you’d do? How would you deal with condensing something which took you so long to write into a few 2-3 hour movies?

  42. crowgirl
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:52 PM | Permalink

    Why do YOU think a raven is like a writing desk?

  43. Lucas2544
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:52 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,
    As a history major I do a lot of writing. Can you recommend any books, techniques, etc. that will help me with expand my vocabulary as well as improve my sentence structure etc. For example, I just bought the book, “The Elements of Style” and its been really helpful. Also, I do a lot of reading in my spare time. However I’m afraid I never payed much attention to grammar etc. in school so I feel a bit behind. While I am not terrible at writing papers I could definitely use some improvement. Thanks, love you! No homo.

  44. ksenour
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:53 PM | Permalink

    When you open yourself up to questions like this, is there ever one that you are secretly hoping you’re asked? Something that in the back of your mind you’ve prepared an epic response to, complete with wild gestures and acting… and you’re just waiting for the right person to read your mind and ask it? The not asking of said question would inevitably lead to disappointment, because the mental time and effort preparing the answer would have gone to waste. So.

    If this does happen, what is that question this time?

  45. scabies
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:53 PM | Permalink

    At what point do you know a section of your book is perfect? I’m trying to write a book and I’m never satisfied with the first page.

    • NaiGnome
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 3:26 AM | Permalink

      sorry Pat,

      Okay yea currently I’m an unpublished writer too, but I’ve found that it’s never perfect, you only can do so much.

      Personally, I can’t write the first chapter, it’s too difficult, until I know the rest of the book. But I know exactly what the last chapter is so I write that first, then start at the beginning. Bizarre, I know but it works. Plus I find that the first attempt is usually the best attempt.

      Just because the book starts at the beginning, doesn’t mean that’s where the writer starts too…

  46. bekka
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:53 PM | Permalink

    G’day Pat,
    have you worked out how foreign readers can send you their books yet?
    I am itching to send you something Aussie

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 1:14 AM | Permalink

      *Future Blog Post*

      (Thanks for the reminder.)

      • bekka
        Posted May 27, 2010 at 3:09 AM | Permalink

        no worries.
        i will be looking out for that blog post
        and i’ll remind you again. and again. and again if need be. :)

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 6:10 PM | Permalink

      thankies for reminding him!!!!
      I’m itching to to send him something from Spain!

  47. Brandon33
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:54 PM | Permalink

    Mr. Rothfuss: What’s a nubian?

  48. bigmike84
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:54 PM | Permalink

    Late night/Early morning trips to 24 hour restraunts?

  49. Corey
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:54 PM | Permalink

    I saw a while back that you said you wanted to find time to finish Bioshock 2. Ever get around to it? Also what games do you get to play with your limited free time, or perhaps interested in sending me your gamer tag?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:49 PM | Permalink

      I did. It wasn’t as good as the original, but it was pretty good.

      I don’t have a gamer tag…

  50. Adrianm
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:54 PM | Permalink

    This is really, really cool…

    Which scene/chapter in The Name of the Wind was the most fun for you to write and why?

  51. paradigmgeek
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

    You think Oot will follow in your footsteps? Or you think he’ll get stubborn and go the opposite of author, just to spite you and your fabulous, critical acclaim. Like…become a bank clerk or something?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:30 PM | Permalink

      So long as he does something that brings him joy, I’m happy.

      (But I will be sad if he doesn’t like to read….)

      • kt
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 11:11 PM | Permalink

        Let’s hope the general rule works. Normally, children of parents who love to read stick to that habit.

  52. BookBImbo
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

    I work in a bookstore and enjoy suggesting your book to people who haven’t read it yet. How would you describe the book to a customer who is lurking in the fantasy section?

    • emilystrelitzer
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:00 AM | Permalink

      There are people who haven’t read it? WTF?

  53. wazlib
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

    I have trouble with the pronunciation of names in books I read, when I did the Harry Potter thing I thought Hermoine was Her-Me-Own so I was wondering, how do you pronounce Kvothe’s name? Is the K silent or how does the name work?

  54. tangster
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

    If you find food in your beard, will you eat it?

  55. Sifeus
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

    In this Penny Arcade post:
    http://www.penny-arcade.com/2010/3/3/name-wind/
    You’re mentioned. I squealed at the worlds colliding.

    He mentions a short chapter at the beginning of the book that really caught his attention. Problem is, there are several chapters toward the beginning that are three pages.
    Do you know, by chance, what chapter he read?

    • dcsobral
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:12 PM | Permalink

      On twitter, it was revealed it was chapter 2, the one about the fine day to be robbed.

      • Sifeus
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:31 AM | Permalink

        Oh, thanks. I don’t use twitter. :-/

      • Posted May 26, 2010 at 1:16 AM | Permalink

        Yeah. I’ve been meaning to blog about that, too. There was a later post when he talked about how he stole the idea for his D&D game…

  56. coojofresh
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:56 PM | Permalink

    Do you grasp the level of brilliance in your writing? Like do you feel like LeBron James does knowing there are Kobe’s out there, but you are the new business on the block?
    Have you ever watched the show Prison Break? If so what was an aversion you had with the show?

    Thanks.

  57. Brightbane
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:56 PM | Permalink

    What are your thoughts on the Amazon/Penguin ebook pricewar debauchery?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:50 PM | Permalink

      Too big.

      • Brightbane
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 10:58 AM | Permalink

        Whoops, I would have restrained myself if I’d known how many other questions there were to answer. Maybe a short blog topic? Although it seems like you already have them planned out. Whatever works for you! Which includes, of course, nothing.

  58. saintburns
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:56 PM | Permalink

    Have you ever heard of/done something like NaNoWriMo? National Novel Writing Month, where you write the first draft of a novel in one month ( it has to be 50,000 words).

    http://www.nanowrimo.org/

  59. Synergy012
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:56 PM | Permalink

    I read this post twice to make sure I read it correctly. Then I read most of the questions and that confirmed my suspicions. This is, I’d guess the third post this month that left me scratching my head.

    So for my question.

    Did you really think that this would be a good idea?

    • Synergy012
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:24 PM | Permalink

      I take it back (actually would if I could) this is so fun.

  60. suttonduch
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:56 PM | Permalink

    One more question. I’m about to go on a trip with some friends, friends who in the past I’ve dominated in Settlers of Catan. I remember seeing somewhere that you are an unstoppable Catan force. How do you deal with causing friends and loved ones pain and do you have any strategies to keep the game interesting (I’ve burnt out a little bit).

    • Sianika
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

      Have you ever tried Seafarers of Catan?

      • suttonduch
        Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:06 PM | Permalink

        Nope. Cities and Knights but never seafarers. Does it spice up the game?

        • Sianika
          Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:09 PM | Permalink

          I personally like it. Its not as one sided as Cities and Knights can be. You get islands and victory points if you get to a new island, and there is the baron and a pirate (which is a boat).

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:33 PM | Permalink

      If they want a chance at winning, we just play a different game…

      • AndyB
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 1:14 AM | Permalink

        To beat Pat, just make the “Wood for sheep” joke. Make it over and over and over. And then make it some more. It’s like the Chinese water torture to him. And even if he does end up technically winning the game, you’ve still won a moral victory. Or something akin to one anyway…

  61. FairSkies
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:57 PM | Permalink

    I know you don’t like to travel too far from home, for various reasons (many of which you have posted in past blogs).

    HOWEVER, I know many of us down south would love a chance to meet you. I happen to live in the same state the Heifer International’s HQ is located (Arkansas). If I could talk them into doing some sort of event/fundraiser down here, would you be willing to come down, possibly after the release of book 2 (when you might have less on your plate)?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:52 PM | Permalink

      I’ll probably end up down there eventually. Maybe even when book two is released…

  62. kittyross
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM | Permalink

    Under the proviso that you have played with Lego, what is your favourite lego kit? If not, why haven’t you?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:34 PM | Permalink

      I had a spaceship when I was a kid. I don’t know what kit it was, but it was pretty cool…

  63. saintburns
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM | Permalink

    Also, would you be interesting in going to Nebraskon? An anime convention in Omaha, Nebraska? I don’t know how many fans you would have there….but it would be awesome! (I would be there, so at least one fan!)

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:53 PM | Permalink

      I only tend to go where I’m invited these days. If they invited me or asked me to be GOH, I might go.

      • saintburns
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:09 AM | Permalink

        I will start yelling at them to do that immediately…

        • SavvyP
          Posted May 26, 2010 at 3:01 AM | Permalink

          I will help you yell at them to invite him.

  64. Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM | Permalink

    As I have thoroughly enjoyed your talent, I would love to share mine with you. Do you have a dog in need of training? I am your neighbor just south of the border and would love to train your dog for you at no charge.

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:35 PM | Permalink

      I don’t have a dog, but we’ll probably have to start pottytraining Oot pretty soon…

  65. Seraphita
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM | Permalink

    What came first Kvothe as a character or the school and the concept of a tragic magic student?

  66. Whitecloak
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:59 PM | Permalink

    When confronted with immediate unemployment due to the immediate ending of a current remunerative enterprise does one skulk off to the nearest cafe to blow his last coin on coffee and sandwiches or does a man attempt to live again?

  67. Brandon33
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:59 PM | Permalink

    Mr. Rothfuss: If a tree falls in the woods, and there is no one around to hear it fall, does anyone really give a shit if it made a sound?

  68. Taedirk
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:59 PM | Permalink

    I remember the post a while back asking for audio book suggestions for the road trip and Decoder Ring Theatre popped up a couple of times. Did you ever pick any of that up?

  69. voenix
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:59 PM | Permalink

    When you decided to actually do this Q&A blog, did it ever occur to you how absolutely out of control it might become?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:57 PM | Permalink

      Most things occur to me.

      • voenix
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:02 AM | Permalink

        You are either a very brave man, or a very disturbed one. Either way; keep it up, it makes for an entertaining read.

  70. jermwar
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 10:59 PM | Permalink

    And if I may interject and throw out an answer to marypoppinlockin, not a superhero analogy, but China is like the exasperated parents of a no-account adult child named North Korea. North Korea doesn’t have a job, and occasionally makes the news in the police blotter under drunk & disorderly and petty larceny/armed robbery. China may be tired of North Korea’s crap, but is still willing to help out with the rent if the alternative is North Korea moving into China’s basement. ‘Cause North Korea would not even offer to help out with the chores or bills or groceries — and instead would just play on the x-box 24/7 and expect to be fed and have its laundry folded neatly.

    The problem tho is that there are 24 million North Koreans. And they have the bomb. As far as China is concerned, easier to chip in some rent money and look the other way than it is to renovate the basement for 24 million North Koreans. Considering the cheetos and mountain dew bill they would run up, probably cheaper too.

    Hope that helps.

  71. Seraphita
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM | Permalink

    Was there every a point in your writings where you thought you went too far with your character and needed to hold back?

  72. Jansp
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM | Permalink

    Can I borrow your lawnmower?

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:59 PM | Permalink

      You still have my chainsaw….

  73. edmond87
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    Do you see the story fully expressed in your mind before you begin writing, or does it unfold as you write? Are you ever surprised by a turn of events in your writing? And I agree with FairSkies, I would like to see you in the South….but in Florida, not Arkansas. Or both.

  74. Max
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM | Permalink

    For some reason the time that Kvothe spent as a street urchin stand out to me. Especially the winter where there is the festival, of sorts, where the towns people put on demon masks and are then able to cause all kinds of mischief in the town. I was wondering if you thought of that little festival/event yourself or if you drew on some culture that had something similar?

    A second question, that I don’t expect answered, isif the man that plays Encanis, Gerrek, significant or not.

    • Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:59 PM | Permalink

      Made it up myself. Out of my very own head….

  75. irkedone
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM | Permalink

    There are only two ways to hurt your neck. Were you in a car accident?

    • beauflame
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 5:55 AM | Permalink

      There are a lot more ways to hurt your back – maybe from working in front of a computer screen too long?

      • beauflame
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 5:57 AM | Permalink

        Sorry meant neck

        • irkedone
          Posted May 26, 2010 at 2:12 PM | Permalink

          It’s a reference to Curb Your Enthusiasm. You can google it to get the joke.

  76. Ali
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM | Permalink

    I wasn’t sure about posting this initially because it’s a rather tough question, but I’ll do it anyways. It’s a question I ask every serious book reader/writer that I know.

    What are three books that you believe influenced your life the most? Note that I don’t say three of the best books you’ve ever read, but three books that changed who you are significantly.

  77. The_Eleventh_Evien
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM | Permalink

    Pat, when you caused the apocalypse that ended the dinosaurs, did it strike you that it might come back and bite you in the ass in the form of neck pains?

  78. Seraphita
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:01 PM | Permalink

    Did you ever want your characters to hold a staff up in the air and fire while saying Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh?

  79. GrimesSeason
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:02 PM | Permalink

    <—Mad late. Hopefully you get to mine. Favorite fantasy book and 1 sentence sum up of why?

    AND/OR

    LOTR or ASOIAF? and 1 sentence sum up of why?

  80. Bobson
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:02 PM | Permalink

    Where did “Kvothe” the name come from?

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:01 AM | Permalink

      It was my first girlfriend’s name.

      • Shnargen
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM | Permalink

        i deny that. you were probably trying to think of a good name and just went ” Ugh! I give up!” and drew letters out of a hat. unless it was her last name…

  81. Barbarossa
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

    Any chance on coming to Texas?

  82. kt
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

    Hi, it’s my first time posting on this blog. I’m really enjoying your book, by the way. I think one of the best points is Dena’s and Kvothe’s relationship, it looks more realistic to me than many others depicted in books.

    Now here’s the question: is this relationship totally invented by you? Or you got inspiration somewhere?

  83. danreyno
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

    Have you ever checked out your own book from a public library and signed it?

    When they make a movie out of Name of the Wind (and they will) would you want to play one of the characters in it, if so whom?

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:02 AM | Permalink

      I could probably play Stancheon….

      • Widow Of Sirius
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 9:43 AM | Permalink

        THAT WOULD BE SO AWESOME. I can totally see it, too…
        That’s it, you’re Stancheon in my head when I read from now on.

  84. J. Leyh
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

    If you were approached by a large brown bear in the forest, and he towered over you on his hind legs…would sweeping the leg be an option?

  85. LucidLunatic
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:04 PM | Permalink

    Well this has grown rapidly.

    As a great fan of fantasy who just drafted an entire novel for the first time only to find out that it would probably be classified as realistic fiction, I’m curious as to what drew you to write a fantasy trilogy rather than something outside the SF/F/H ‘speculative fiction’ umbrella. You clearly have a gift for both genres, given your newspaper column.

  86. Samm9109
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:04 PM | Permalink

    Will you be attending the 2011 San Diego Comic Con?

  87. evilsynx
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

    how do you feel about the comparisons between you and grrm?

  88. GrimesSeason
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

    Oh and favorite fantasy world/setting? (All of these questions are of course barring your own work)

  89. mikeybe206
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

    1) Let’s be friends <– (not a question, but still counts I feel…)

    2a) I'm on a re-read of Stephen King's Dark Tower series. King has always said Roland (the main character) came to him and was based on the title character from Browning's narrative "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came". It got me thinking –and I deeply apologize if I have missed this during an interview– did Kvothe come to you, and not the other way around?
    2b) Was there some work that acted as a catalyst for Kvothe's emergence in your mind?

    3) Imagine for a moment that there are an unlimited number of universes. One of said universes is exactly the world you shaped with your hands, your mind, and your mind's eye. Would you walk through the door to that world and live in there for a time? Would you listen to Skarpi's stories? Sit and lodge at Kvothe's inn? This is all assuming, of course, that you would want to travel there. Any places you would definitely want to visit or, conversely, stay the hell away from. Wow…that was a long question. My apologies, master wordsmith.

    ~ Mike Morrison

  90. Requiem
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

    What’s your favorite MS Paint Adventure comic or animation? Favorite MSPA Song?

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:07 AM | Permalink

      Boy… Way too hard to pick. They really need to be in context to appreciate them.

      The recent animations are pretty epic though. I’d love it if I could do something like that for the book….

      • Requiem
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:20 AM | Permalink

        Hire Andrew Hussie to do a promo? I could see one of his flash animations literally summing up all of book one in a way anyone that has read it would understand.

        Actually, your combined awesome would probably be too much for reality to withstand, so that may not be a good idea be the best idea ever.

  91. Mr. Boone
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

    Any one thing that you would advise for an aspiring writer? I realize that you have said dermination, but besides determination what do you suggest. Please don’t just pull one over on me and say “talent” either.

  92. alierakieron
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

    Has fatherhood changed your story telling? I have a baby about Oot’s age and I have an impossible time reading or watching some storylines. I have a story I want to write but I have a hard time imagining telling it, at least right now – too hard to torture the characters.

  93. drew
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:06 PM | Permalink

    I, like you, enjoy kissing, what is your favorite place to take your woman to make out with here?

    • drew
      Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:02 AM | Permalink

      *her?*

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:09 AM | Permalink

      It’s not about the where. With me, it’s all about the how.

  94. The Skald
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:06 PM | Permalink

    In your novel Pat you integrate several advance and networked cultures that below the surface seem to influence many of the characters in the novel, for example the guiding principles of the Edema Ruh for Kvothe and the University teachings for Abenthy. My questions is: Was this shared mythology of your world beneath each character intentional or was it just a part of the story that developed as each identity was crafted and expanded upon?

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:09 AM | Permalink

      Some of both, but more the former than the latter…

  95. Rowan
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:07 PM | Permalink

    If you ever manage to get this far down the list, I have two questions.

    1. Any chance of you making it up to Canada? (you can’t just restrict yourself to the US…)

    2. Ever get the feeling of Deja-vu?

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:10 AM | Permalink

      1. I’ve been there twice.

      2. Quite often.

      • Rowan
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 11:21 AM | Permalink

        Any chance of making it up to the Vancouver area during book 2 promotion?

  96. DecreasingWave
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:07 PM | Permalink

    What’s the most amusing scene you had to cut out of The Name of the Wind?

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:10 AM | Permalink

      Chapter 6: Kvothe and Bast’s ticklefight.

      • senkura
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 9:10 AM | Permalink

        You do realise that someone is now going to go and write this up as a slashfic? The punctuation will be as erratic as a metaphorical headless chicken, and the text will be full of heinous spelling. There will be “ur” and “loose” instead of “lose”. The thought of it is making my left upper-eyelid twitch.

        • Posted May 26, 2010 at 3:47 PM | Permalink

          YES! But that person should get a BETA READER! just check the beta reader blogpost on this blog, there are a lot of volunteers…

          • senkura
            Posted May 26, 2010 at 5:13 PM | Permalink

            Either that, or they shouldn’t write it at all…If there must be slash, at least let it be well-written and inventive and funny. You just know this will be some over-sentimental, slapdash thing they wrote between surfing for Hentai on Google and creating an “original” Mary-Sue character that is based entirely upon themselves…(Sorry…I am a fanfiction critic these days. Over-exposure, you know.)

  97. Brandon33
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:07 PM | Permalink

    Mr. Rothfuss: Why is it that the only time I want Chick-fil-A is on Sunday when they are closed?

  98. evilsynx
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:08 PM | Permalink

    i hope i don’t have my original question tossed because i’m asking a second, but, if you have watched LOST, what did you think of the series finale?

    • crs717
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:24 PM | Permalink

      Oh yeah! I would love to know this! And who was your favorite Lostie?

  99. timothy-e
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:08 PM | Permalink

    I am a playwright, I teach at a local college, and I’m having a baby. Any ideas on how to manage my writing time (other than becoming famous and quitting my teaching job)?

    • Mariana
      Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:36 PM | Permalink

      I´ll answer that one for you. If your baby is at the stage when he/she sleeps through the night, the best time is around 10/11 pm, cos baby is asleep, and you probably don´t feel like correcting papers or organizing your next class and outside is quiet enough for you to write, I can tell cos I am a recent mum and english teacher and that´s the time that works for me to do some writing, though I write short stories and it´s easier than a long book.

    • Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:14 AM | Permalink

      Find out where you’re wasting your time. Then trim that part of your life back so you can put that time to use somewhere else.

      Note: Having fun is not a waste of time.

      • timothy-e
        Posted May 26, 2010 at 12:22 AM | Permalink

        Thanks Pat, I have no intention of cutting out D&D.

  100. wordaholic
    Posted May 25, 2010 at 11:09 PM | Permalink

    What do you want to be when you grow up?

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