Machine-Gun Q&A #3

A while back, I tried a little experiment here on the blog, offering people the chance to ask me questions down in the comments. It’s sort of like a machine gun interview.

It turned out to be fun, and it’s been two months since I did my last one, so I thought today I’d try it again. This time I’m doing it little earlier in the day, so my non-night-owl readers can have a chance to play.

Here are the rules. Read them before you post:

1. You can ask any question.

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

2b. One question per comment. No multi-part questions.

2c. Don’t post 20 desperate, flailing questions hoping that I’ll answer one of them. Post one or two clever questions instead.

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 a lovely person wants to post up links to where those answers can be found, that would be very much appreciated.

7c. That said, please don’t answer questions on my behalf. Just links to my answers are best.

8. I 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.

10. I reserve the right to delete unanswered questions so people reading the blog later have an easier time navigating the comments.

Let me see here. It’s about 5:00 PM right now in Wisconsin. We’ll do an hour and a half window for questions today. That means if you post up your questions before 6:30 my time, I’ll take a look at them.

Questions posted after that will be ignored. Not because I don’t love you, but because I’ve got other things to do.

Ready…. Go!

pat

This entry was posted in Machine Gun Q&A. By Pat262 Responses

249 Comments

  1. James Walker
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:26 PM | Permalink

    Will you be doing another trip to the UK when The Wise Man’s Fear comes out?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:30 PM | Permalink

      I’ll be making another trip to the UK eventually. But I don’t know when it might be….

      • Mary-Jane
        Posted September 19, 2010 at 3:23 PM | Permalink

        It would be great if you would come to the UK (particularly if you came up to Scotland). When was the first trip? I’m fairly gutted that i missed it!

    • perojil
      Posted September 12, 2010 at 6:32 PM | Permalink

      dear Pat!,

      I am from Granada (Spain). I am so sorry (i know that i am writting two days later,ayss) but could i ask when will you go to my country to present the second book (in spanish El temor de un hombre sabio)?
      thank you very much

      Best regard

  2. James Walker
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:28 PM | Permalink

    Also do you plan to do any kind of commentary ala Brandon Sanderson on how your plotted and wrote the books?

  3. Crim
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:29 PM | Permalink

    If you could dye your beard any color in the colelctive universe and not get divorced by your lovely wife, what would it be?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:31 PM | Permalink

      I like the color of my beard. Most of it is actually a really deep red. I wish my regular hair were that color….

      • Crim
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:33 PM | Permalink

        ooo thats cool, I’m a ginger kid and quite like my hair color :D
        People always ask me ‘why’ when I color it crazy colors.

  4. Olorin3a
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:29 PM | Permalink

    Have you ever had a friend or acquaintance ask you if a character (or certain quality of a character) from the book was inspired by him/her?

  5. Michael
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:30 PM | Permalink

    Would you shave your beard off for a charity?

  6. Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:32 PM | Permalink

    Hmm…. We’re a little slow today. I wonder if everyone’s busy driving home from work or eating dinner right now…

    • danreyno
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:39 PM | Permalink

      I think most people anticipate these late at night.

      • blue_chan
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:42 PM | Permalink

        and, at least here in the west, it’s a three or four hour time difference, so most people are still at school or work

        • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:15 PM | Permalink

          I was thinking the people at work would actually be more active, not less….

          • blue_chan
            Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:34 PM | Permalink

            hmm, true, true

          • Pravda
            Posted September 10, 2010 at 10:08 PM | Permalink

            Sadly, I was at work and very busy :( I always miss these and have to catch up on the fun later!

            Ah, well! More reading material!

    • Little My
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:06 PM | Permalink

      Yes, eating dinner, putting kids to bed (East Coast time). Missed it entirely, even though I haunt this space regularly.

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:44 PM | Permalink

      I was at work, and I usually manage to make it to these. Mind you, I obviously would’ve missed it anyway, since I’m not checking the blog till quite some time later…

  7. The Little Lee
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:33 PM | Permalink

    Is there a character from another book or series that you read that made you stop and say hmmm… they would make a good addition to my own books?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:40 PM | Permalink

      Not really. If I like a character that doesn’t mean they’ll be good in my book. Only characters from my world fit into my story.

      For example, we all know batman is awesome. But I think we can all agree that he doesn’t belong in book three….

      • Antho
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:47 PM | Permalink

        Nonsense, Batman belongs in every story. Think how much better Little Women would have been with Batman in it.

        • Widow Of Sirius
          Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:46 PM | Permalink

          My vote goes to you for the splendid argument.

      • The Little Lee
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:54 PM | Permalink

        Point taken although I was always a Thor fan myself.

      • Tacroy
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 8:40 PM | Permalink

        If Batman belonged in this story, he belongs in all stories.

  8. danreyno
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:37 PM | Permalink

    If you were a superhero what would your alter ego be called?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:15 PM | Permalink

      This is my alter ego.

      • mselj854
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:09 PM | Permalink

        Now we know why the second book is taking too long. Best selling author by day, superhero by night.

  9. Daniel
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:37 PM | Permalink

    In your opinion what is the best way to increase your vocabulary quickly without trying to just memorize words out of a dictionary?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:15 PM | Permalink

      Read good books.

    • Moose
      Posted September 14, 2010 at 6:03 AM | Permalink

      It’s best not to try to consciously expand your vocabulary. You’ll likely come off sounding “inorganic” if that makes sense. *shrug, Stephen King and a few other writers have my back on this one if it matters to you at all :). Not personally of course o.O

  10. elmobob14
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:37 PM | Permalink

    What was the special favor that someone cashed in for the charity fundraiser you did?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:16 PM | Permalink

      Gech. I really have to finish that blog. I’ve got about 12 blogs half written right now…

  11. GravyTrain
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:39 PM | Permalink

    Have you found it difficult to avoid silliness in your writing to the point you write it yet revise it out over and over? For example having a notion that Denna should really have a pair of Nunchucks.

    Yes, Denna should have Nunchucks. Nunchucks are awesome.

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:44 PM | Permalink

      No. I have a strong love of the ridiculous, but I know enough to keep that stuff out of my novel.

      Internal consistency is one of the most important elements of telling a story. It bugs the shit out of me when authors put stupid bullshit into an otherwise good story.

      • ebetzhold
        Posted September 12, 2010 at 3:53 PM | Permalink

        This is exactly why I could not finish GRRM’s second book. Too ridiculous.

  12. Daniel
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:40 PM | Permalink

    If you had a dragon what would you call it?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:44 PM | Permalink

      What sort of dragon? How big is it?

      • Daniel
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:45 PM | Permalink

        hmm… about 4x a horse… kinda like Eragon style dragon

        • Daniel
          Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:05 PM | Permalink

          Actually how about a flamboyant, pink, dragon with wings, that can breath perfume. And a little larger than a human( just enough so it can carry a person).

          • Posted September 11, 2010 at 3:17 PM | Permalink

            Clarence.

      • borvise
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:32 PM | Permalink

        I’m hijacking this question to suggest a t-rex shaped dragon with rocket wings and gatling guns for arms, a la Axe Cop: http://axecop.com/index.php/acepisodes/read/episode_52/

  13. Switzil
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:41 PM | Permalink

    Who is your favorite villain from any genre?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:45 PM | Permalink

      Dr. Horrible.

      • blue_chan
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:49 PM | Permalink

        I knew there was a reason I loved you.
        Dr. Horrible is the best.

  14. Requiem
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:41 PM | Permalink

    Are you an outliner? or do you just write and see what happens? Perhaps some other method?

    Also, you need to go on Writing Excuses again :P

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:54 PM | Permalink

      I am really *profoundly* not an outliner.

    • brysonic
      Posted September 13, 2010 at 2:55 PM | Permalink

      Are you an outlier? or do you just fall within two standard deviations of the mean? Perhaps some other statistical model?

      I read outliner as outlier in the original question and it seemed funny to me, hence my followup question.

  15. Seiqe
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:43 PM | Permalink

    Are you writing any other side projects? (e.g Princess and Mr. Wiffle 2 or anything other than WMF)

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:45 PM | Permalink

      I started writing Princess and Mr. Whiffle 2 just yesterday.

  16. Eurystomus
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:43 PM | Permalink

    How do you prewrite, if you do? (For example, do you make outlines? What is the process? I know this totals more than one question, but I see them as clarification rather than further questions!)

  17. elmobob14
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:43 PM | Permalink

    Why Wisconsin, still? (Not that there’s anything wrong with Wisconsin.)

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:55 PM | Permalink

      Is there somewhere else authors are supposed to live? Did I miss a memo?

      • elmobob14
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:02 PM | Permalink

        Many people say they would move someplace warmer if they weren’t tied to their job in [insert cold place]. It seems like you have the option, but something keeps you Wisconsin. Just curious. I’m in TX for all the obvious reasons. :)

        • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:17 PM | Permalink

          I like the cold. It’s the heat that bugs me…..

          • FollowYourMuse
            Posted September 13, 2010 at 6:53 AM | Permalink

            I have always felt the same, currently on the Il /Wi border and any move plans would be to head further North, the summers are getting a little too warm here.

          • Sark_Amen
            Posted September 13, 2010 at 7:41 AM | Permalink

            A man after my own heart!

        • Grover Cleveland
          Posted September 11, 2010 at 5:03 AM | Permalink

          I didn’t even know there were reasons to live in texas, let alone obvious ones. I guess you learn something new every day.

          • hakger
            Posted September 15, 2010 at 9:46 PM | Permalink

            Texas- where men are men, and sheep are nervous!

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:49 PM | Permalink

      Uh, Neil Gaiman lives in Wisconin. Just saying.

  18. D-Chan
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:44 PM | Permalink

    Would you consider coming to Mexico to do readings, signings, etc. at some point? (As a spacial gust at a convention maybe). Think on how bedazzling the food is down here!

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:49 PM | Permalink

      I’d be most likely to come down if I was invited by a convention.

      It’s really an issue of expense. It would cost me several thousand dollars to make a trip to Mexico. Plane ticket, hotel room, food, car rental, etc.

      Even if I met a couple hundred mexican fans at bookstores, it’s hard for me to justify that expense. I’ve got a baby now, so I have to be a little more responsible with my money.

      But if a convention invited me down and offered to pay my way, I’d come.

      • D-Chan
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:52 PM | Permalink

        It’s great to hear that, I’ll try to talk a few people into it!

    • D-Chan
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:50 PM | Permalink

      Special guest*… Sincere apologies, my keyboard is misbehaving again.

      • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:56 PM | Permalink

        Heh. I think I’d prefer to be a spacial guest.

        • D-Chan
          Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:59 PM | Permalink

          The space ship might be trickier, but we’ll try our best. :)

  19. ferbonho
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:44 PM | Permalink

    Any chance you come to see us poor and buggery third world kids down here in south america someday?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:51 PM | Permalink

      See above comment.

      It’s not that I don’t want to travel around and see my readers. It’s just that there are so many people all over the world. I could spend the next four months traveling and still not get to every country where my book is published.

      That’s part of the reason I write this blog. So I can stay in touch with all of you no matter where you live. (provided you have access to a computer….)

  20. The Little Lee
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:44 PM | Permalink

    Given the choice would you rather meet a unicorn or leprachaun?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:57 PM | Permalink

      Unicorn. Preferably lesbian.

      • The Little Lee
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:02 PM | Permalink

        Hahahahahaha!!! Yes most certainly lesbian.

      • Aminar
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 12:09 PM | Permalink

        Damn, We have a Leprechaun in charge of Daisho security that loves your books.

      • Saladin
        Posted September 12, 2010 at 9:00 AM | Permalink

        Ahahaha Yes! I hope you like Kvothe! =D

  21. Antho
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:44 PM | Permalink

    Tuna salad, chicken salad, or ham salad sandwiches?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:53 PM | Permalink

      I’m not really a [something] salad kinda guy. They kinda squik me out. I would prefer to have tuna *and* a salad.

      One exception? Octopus salad.

  22. Baldsilver
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:45 PM | Permalink

    Um can you give me a receipt for the amount of time spent on the computer since you linked me to TVtropes.org? its a seriously ridiculous amount.

  23. elmobob14
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:45 PM | Permalink

    Dexter, Mad Men or Breaking Bad?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:54 PM | Permalink

      None of the above. I used to watch Dexter, and I enjoyed it. But I don’t have much time for TV these days.

      • leitmotiv
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:55 PM | Permalink

        Breaking Bad’s first two seasons are faboo!

  24. Eurystomus
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:45 PM | Permalink

    To what extent have other authors’ works (both authors dead and alive) influenced your writing style and process, and what are those influences?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:57 PM | Permalink

      *Bzzz* You broke two of the rules here. Can you spot which ones?

      • Eurystomus
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:37 PM | Permalink

        I’m guessing 2 and 2b, and perhaps 7, though I did search and couldn’t find anything. My apologies, and thanks for kindly wielding the Mallet of Loving Correction, in John Scalzi’s words!

        I just got carried away with my enthusiasm in my first posts here, I think. That, and I display a lamentable proclivity towards verbosity. (Case in point. Though it does have a lovely ring.)

        • Eurystomus
          Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:44 PM | Permalink

          And, erm…is it bad form to mention another author’s blog on your blog? Sorry, if so!

          • Posted September 11, 2010 at 3:19 PM | Permalink

            Not at all. Scalzi’s blog is cool.

  25. blue_chan
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:46 PM | Permalink

    Regarding the zombie apocalypse post, if i showed up at your house after the apocalypse had hit, begging to let me read your book, would you let me?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:58 PM | Permalink

      What would you bring in trade?

      • blue_chan
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:01 PM | Permalink

        Anything. Everything. Zombies ate everybody. I think your book would be the only thing worth living for.
        What would you want in exchange?

        • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:03 PM | Permalink

          Jam. I would like some jam and some books that you scavanged from libraries on the way to find me. And bullets. And some Q-tips.

          • blue_chan
            Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:10 PM | Permalink

            That’s good to know. I’ll add those to my Zombie Apocalypse Survial Supplies, as they are essentail.

          • Thrice seven once eleven
            Posted September 11, 2010 at 12:09 PM | Permalink

            I am actually writing a story similar to this (the ‘scavenging books’ was what caught my eye, not so much the zombies, but still). Permission to use idea? It could be extremely useful, and it could be nothing…

          • InteriorAlligator
            Posted September 12, 2010 at 3:55 AM | Permalink

            Does this jam have anything to do with way of kings? Or am I reading too much into this because I just read the book? And does this count as two(now three) questions, even though the first two were mostly the same one?

          • kungfusinger
            Posted September 12, 2010 at 6:57 PM | Permalink

            Loganberry? I can try to reconstitute some…

  26. Eurystomus
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:47 PM | Permalink

    What is guaranteed to cajole you from a bad mood, or make you laugh?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:03 PM | Permalink

      These days Oot is the big winner in that sport. He’s really cute.

  27. wolfey177
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:50 PM | Permalink

    Honestly, I am very curious about this and have been meaning to ask my favorite authors this question if I ever had a chance. Do you believe in God?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:01 PM | Permalink

      Which god?

      • Rob47
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:07 PM | Permalink

        The only god that matters. His highest holiness The Flying Spaghetti Monster.

        • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:17 PM | Permalink

          I have been touched by his noodly appendage.

          • Joshua_Guess
            Posted September 11, 2010 at 8:18 AM | Permalink

            That’s hot.

          • Rob47
            Posted September 11, 2010 at 6:06 PM | Permalink

            Ahh so you’ve seen the FSM anime.

      • Lomky
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:34 PM | Permalink

        Or Their Majesty the Invisible Pink Unicorn?

  28. Constance
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:51 PM | Permalink

    What kind of LARP character have you played before?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:00 PM | Permalink

      Oooh…. Good question. I played several different types of vampire.

      (Yes, I vampire larped. Get over it.)

      My favorite one was named Jolly Jack. He was a fixer. I wore a tuxedo and tophat and viciously traded favors. It was a ton of fun.

      • Skye
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 12:41 PM | Permalink

        I didn’t think I could like you more.

      • Constance
        Posted September 13, 2010 at 12:32 PM | Permalink

        I told my husband this reply and he asked, “Where does Patrick live?” He frowned when he was told. He wanted to invite you to our next LARP game (Fantasy combat) but we’re in CA.

        But let me guess… Malky? (I doubt you’ll read this followup but I am amused!)

  29. leitmotiv
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:51 PM | Permalink

    Where is Newarre located in the Four Corners of Civilization? By the way I liked your pun “In the middle of Newarre.”

  30. otineb
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:52 PM | Permalink

    What was your favorite college course?

  31. Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:54 PM | Permalink

    Oooooo! I always wanted to get in on these!

    How is Oot? We haven’t heard anything on him in a while :)

  32. Mossy Toes
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:54 PM | Permalink

    Is Denna one of the Edema Ruh, too? Many things seem to point to it–I mean, a perfect ear for songs, an excellent education in plays, and a strong sense of wanderlust…

    (perfectly understood if you reserve an answer based on not wanting to hand out spoilers, but any reply at all would be appreciated!)

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 5:56 PM | Permalink

      He won’t answer anything spoilerish.

    • Tager
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:57 AM | Permalink

      You bastard! I didn’t think of that and you ruined it!

      • Mickey
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 2:33 PM | Permalink

        Seconded !

  33. ferbonho
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:01 PM | Permalink

    What was the biggest time travel impasse you’ve once reached?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:06 PM | Permalink

      I once went back in time and was really torn about whether or not to have sex with my friend’s hot mom. It was tricky, because I had a crush on my friend back in my own timeline, and I knew if I slept with her mom, there was a distinct chance that I could end up being her dad.

      Tricky stuff, time travel. They don’t cover problems like that in the brochure….

      • leitmotiv
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:07 PM | Permalink

        So you had a crush on your daughter?!?

        • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:09 PM | Permalink

          No. If I slept with her mom then there was a chance I’d eventually have a crush on my daughter.

          • leitmotiv
            Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:10 PM | Permalink

            :) )

  34. MacDuff
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:03 PM | Permalink

    Have you ever participated in an SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) get together and would it interest you to understand how hard it is to actually swing a sword for more than 30 seconds?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:08 PM | Permalink

      Oh yeah. I know a bunch of SCA folks. You guys have good parties. I taught some of them how to fence…

  35. Faldwin
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:08 PM | Permalink

    Ninjas or Pirates?

  36. Fattimus
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:08 PM | Permalink

    Have you ever noticed that, while TV Tropes has a rather lengthy page on Name of the Wind, there is still no entry for Just Bugs Me?

  37. elmobob14
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:09 PM | Permalink

    Ideal vacation: (i) lazy (e.g., beach); (ii) active (e.g., sightseeing)?

  38. The Little Lee
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:09 PM | Permalink

    If you could go back in time and have a conversation with any dead author who would it be and why?

    • The Little Lee
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:14 PM | Permalink

      Sorry I know that’s two questions, but I just couldn’t stop my fingers in time. Please forgive me Master Rothfuss it won’t happen again.

      • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:19 PM | Permalink

        I’ll just do the who then: Heinlein.

        • dani
          Posted September 10, 2010 at 8:58 PM | Permalink

          <3

        • Joshua_Guess
          Posted September 11, 2010 at 8:19 AM | Permalink

          /agreed

  39. Meeeeech
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:12 PM | Permalink

    Do you have plans for any other books after Kvothe’s books are done?

  40. Ozymandias
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:14 PM | Permalink

    What is it that amazes you the most about human existence?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:20 PM | Permalink

      Pie.

      • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:21 PM | Permalink

        No. Wait. I meant “Phi.”

        • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:21 PM | Permalink

          No. Hold on. I got it right the first time: Pie.

          • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:21 PM | Permalink

            Maybe Phi Pie?

          • Mossy Toes
            Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:30 PM | Permalink

            Or Pi Phi Pie?

  41. Meeeeech
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:18 PM | Permalink

    What does it take to be an agent for an author? Law degree, any editing skill, magic powers?

  42. Lomky
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:18 PM | Permalink

    When’s Book 3 coming out? What’s taking so long?

    • leitmotiv
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:23 PM | Permalink

      hahaha…. uh yah

    • MishiChai
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:10 PM | Permalink

      How to figure out this answer for yourself:
      1) Read previous posts.
      2) Write a several hundred page novel yourself and edit it to the point of making it marketable, enjoyable and coherent.

      • Themistocles
        Posted September 12, 2010 at 11:45 AM | Permalink

        I think he was pulling a funny ;)

      • Posted September 17, 2010 at 9:20 PM | Permalink

        How can I piss off my favorite author?

        How to figure the answer out yourself:

        1) By failing to created a magic, yet scientifically sound, time machine. A time machine with which you would have warped to the future. A future where you can have the instant gratification you so crave, reading every book Pat published in his 672 years of life (someone in the not to distant future cures old age). Instead you ask silly questions on an otherwise enjoyable blog.

        B) By trying to humorously answer a silly question on the blog, and doing so in an curt manner. Still no time machine…

        iii) Going back in time to dis-invent pie.

        I am pretty sure I broke rules 5, kinda sorta 6, and most a little bit of 7c. Well it was my own question so I’m hoping that the 7c gets thrown out on a technicality.

  43. Kitty
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:20 PM | Permalink

    Favorite season? I’m your neighbor over in Minnesota so I *get* wanting to stay in the upper midwest. Love the seasons.

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:22 PM | Permalink

      Fall.

      • Kitty
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:23 PM | Permalink

        Good answer. Though there’s alot to be said for spring. Thanks for letting me play!

        • Tobias
          Posted September 11, 2010 at 10:13 AM | Permalink

          Totally, love the seaons all around!

          • kungfusinger
            Posted September 12, 2010 at 7:01 PM | Permalink

            Seconded!

      • polonaise in A-flat
        Posted September 12, 2010 at 5:16 PM | Permalink

        *swooning*
        Fall is my favorite too. Mostly because of Thanksgiving…

  44. djoepo
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:21 PM | Permalink

    What’s something you’ve thought of on your own, thought was clever, and then found out someone had already invented/thought of/written it?

  45. silverwolf
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:22 PM | Permalink

    Pat, when I was at UWSP the College Survival Guide was the first thing I always read in the Pointer. What was the weirdest question ever submitted to you when you were writing it?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:34 PM | Permalink

      “How do I get myself a sugar daddy?”

      • Widow Of Sirius
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM | Permalink

        I just read this one in my copy last week, no joke. It made my life.

  46. Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:23 PM | Permalink

    If Rhona Mitra were to play the part of Denna, would you be ok with it?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:37 PM | Permalink

      [Googles]

      She’s pretty. Can she act?

      • Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:52 PM | Permalink

        I don’t know, actually. .-) I’ve only seen her in The Life of David Gale. Your description in the book was like seeing someone you used to know. I was finally able to place where I had seen her.

      • alafel
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 11:32 PM | Permalink

        She was pretty good in Underworld 3, but underworld is stupid, and thus a terrible way of judging whether an actress would be good in a Name of the Wind movie. However, I believe she might make a good Denna, if the script and the director were good enough. Just looking at her face I would say she doesn’t seem quite vulnerable enough. I always pictured Denna as strong, yet having this appealing sense of fragility. Rhona Mitra seems to always have this sarcastic, goofy, overly-serious look on her face.
        But she’s hot. Very hot.

      • Mickey
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 2:37 PM | Permalink

        Watch Boston Legal

    • Shnargen
      Posted September 12, 2010 at 4:49 PM | Permalink

      too old. and besides, NO MOVIE PLEASE!!

  47. sicsempersteve
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:25 PM | Permalink

    A few blog entries back you said you’d comment on the work of one Christopher Peleoni of Aragorn fame. What happened to that?

    • sicsempersteve
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:25 PM | Permalink

      er Eragon…funny how that happens.

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:37 PM | Permalink

      That’s one of my many half-finished blogs. It got longer than I wanted, so I had to break it up into two parts. I’ll post it up soon.

      • Marcus Cox
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 8:10 PM | Permalink

        I was the initial one to ask that question. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait. And a two parter! Awesome.

    • Barentanz
      Posted September 13, 2010 at 8:22 PM | Permalink

      Just please don’t totally destroy Paolini’s work. While I have major issues with his story (too cliche, too much like LOTR/ Dragonriders of Pern, too predictable) you must understand he was very young when he wrote Eragon (15) and he has gotten better over the last two books.

      Also, he is a homeschooler from Montana, Livingston to be exact. And I’m a homeschooler from Montana. So that automatically makes us a part of the same community. And he’s something like a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend. So a friend thrice removed.

  48. theresa hannah
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:27 PM | Permalink

    If you could collaborate on a project with Joss Whedon, what would it be (keeping in mind that Fox has already pre-cancelled his lesbian unicorn series)?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:38 PM | Permalink

      The HBO series based on my books, of course.

      • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:40 PM | Permalink

        ::drools::

        • Darb07
          Posted September 14, 2010 at 11:40 AM | Permalink

          how the hell as fans can we make this happen! :D This NEEDS to happen! . . . .

      • Mary-Jane
        Posted September 19, 2010 at 3:22 PM | Permalink

        That’s not fair. You can’t make it an HBO series because I don’t get that in Scotland. It’s hard enough having to track down True Blood as it comes out!

      • Frupert
        Posted September 21, 2010 at 10:19 PM | Permalink

        I love your book, but HBO won’t pick up your series until you add the magic ingredient: tits. That and criminally insane amounts of carnage. I think you know this, however, and have therefore packed book 2 with copious amounts of both. I wait with anticipation.

  49. SavagePotato
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:28 PM | Permalink

    Any webcomics you would recommend?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:38 PM | Permalink

      Note to self: Future blog

      • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:39 PM | Permalink

        I’m assuming, of course, that you’ve already checked out the handful that I’ve already recommended here on the blog?

        • Meeeeech
          Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:42 PM | Permalink

          Are you the person that recommended The Dresden Codak??? If so, good job.

  50. Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:29 PM | Permalink

    In some awful alternate universe where you hadn’t written or even thought about Kvothe and his world and you had free time and energy for a new story idea, how long, roughly, would you spend just mulling over the idea or researching for the sake of worldbuilding before starting the rough draft? I mean, assuming your alternate self is as similar to you as possible while maintaining those rather significant aforementioned differences.

    Uh… feel free to give a very undetailed answer. Even if it makes your answer inaccurate. So I don’t break the popcorn versus steak rule.

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:37 PM | Permalink

      Oops, saying “Even if it makes your answer inaccurate” was unnecessary, per rule #4. Sorry.

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:43 PM | Permalink

      Eight days.

  51. Ozymandias
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:31 PM | Permalink

    What will your epitaph say?

    • MishiChai
      Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:12 PM | Permalink

      I came. I wrote. I was loved by people on several continents.

  52. mpatterson724
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:42 PM | Permalink

    Any chance you will visit Texas anytime soon, particularly the Dallas area?

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:43 PM | Permalink

      Yes.

      • mpatterson724
        Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:51 PM | Permalink

        Yea! Any idea when that might be?

      • Molly
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 11:01 AM | Permalink

        Hooray! Since you said that you don’t like the heat, I’d avoid Texas from March to November.

        I believe in the separation of artist and art- knowing too much about a couple of my favorite authors/musicians etc. has ruined their work for me. So, I’ve never gone to a con or an author book signing. But I wouldn’t miss this!

        Thanks for considering us!

      • metalhobbit
        Posted September 11, 2010 at 3:55 PM | Permalink

        Yay :) Any chance of making it to Austin on the Texas trip? We have bookstores aplenty here. And Book People.

  53. Sagerious
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:46 PM | Permalink

    If you had the ability to traverse the dimensions… would you rather live in the realm of the Flintstones, Jetsons, or Spaceghost (The original cartoon)?

  54. Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:47 PM | Permalink

    What other things are you going to do in your future life? (ie – world leader, swordsman, artist)

  55. Merri
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:50 PM | Permalink

    Have you read the Silmarillion?

  56. Kyribald
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:53 PM | Permalink

    What is the Higher and More Noble Art: absurdity or insanity?

  57. lyraadriana
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:05 PM | Permalink

    Will we see you in the bay area (California) anytime soon?

  58. jdcb
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:07 PM | Permalink

    Now that you’re nearly done book two, was there anything you wish you added into book one, or even better, wish you didn’t add?

  59. Lastasis
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:11 PM | Permalink

    Hello, I’ve been wanting to make a fan-art of your characters for a while, but I was never clear on something: What is Bast’s skin color? The book’s description said that he’s dark, but I just want to make sure, heheh. I just want to be as accurate, as much as possible.

  60. Chocolate Sushi
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:11 PM | Permalink

    Do you play any online games like League of Legends?

  61. Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:12 PM | Permalink

    What are you reading now?

    *Basically trying to see what else I can read until WMF comes out. God, is book 3 done yet. :D

    **I know that is going to old soon**

    • Warhound Ulrik Ezickial
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 3:18 AM | Permalink

      I dont know what its like in the old US of A but I reckon you would have one or two second hand bookstores, now I love the library preety flat out…but there are alot of books in this genre that arnt in print and try as i might are impossable to find short of international library loans (if that works)…Any way I do this thing on a sunday morning after a good night down the boozer with the boys I make my way (feeling average and anti-social) to the second hand bookstore buy a new book or two with the small notes and shrapnel (if there is some) I have left and if the book is lousey I take it back and get half off upon return next sunday, I have come across so many good authors despite my librarys refusal to admit they exsist and now the guy who owns the shop holds new arivals to the store till monday because he knows for a few minuites on a sunday some half cut man in need of food will give him money if he can provide somthing interesting.

      Thats how I found Mr Rothfuss in the first place, and an awsom bakery two shops down, and because I was returning an not so good book at the time I only paied $3 AUD for TNOTW and still had two bucks for a pie. it was a good day.

      hunt around there are many small worlds out there waiting to be found

    • Posted September 11, 2010 at 6:01 AM | Permalink

      Try reading Haruki Murakami’s novels. I love all of them. My favourite genre is the “modern fairytale”, in other words stories that start out in a realistic setting, escalating into the bizarre and improbable such as Neil Gaiman (if you have read him). Some favourite titles from this genre are: The end of Mr.Y, The Book of Lost Things, Anansi Boys and Hard-boiled wonderland and the end of the world.

  62. lou-ren01
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:17 PM | Permalink

    Do you do any of your writing in longhand?

  63. deltaflip
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:25 PM | Permalink

    What is your favorite musical artist?

  64. tristram22
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:32 PM | Permalink

    Favourite beer? (or other beverage)

  65. hygemaii
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:35 PM | Permalink

    I’ve thought quite a bit about whether or not I would actually like to live in a fantasy novel type reality versus the real world. I think the good would outweigh the bad and make up for little conveniences missed. What about you?

  66. deltaflip
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:43 PM | Permalink

    Yes, I am now aware that I am past the time you said you would stop answering questions. I have this thing called school that goes on for 8 hours, plus I live in pacific time. I still hope (sadly, it is a small hope that I don’t think will amount to anything) that you will find kindness in that large heart of yours to answer my question. How do you feel about having been slightly slandered on another authors blog? http://www.brentweeks.com/2010/08/this-looks-perilously-close-to-hawking-my-wares/

    • Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:52 PM | Permalink

      The comment about the beard or the comment about sending your book and the crazy author will sign it. Because If Pat will sign book that are sent to him I my Air Force buddies and I will be hitting him up big time. There is a whole squadron of us that love Name of the Wind.

      Also, I have to say, “The Black Prism” was a great book. Just finished it a couple of days ago. It will help pass the time while we are waiting for book 2. :D

    • Mickey
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 2:45 PM | Permalink

      Not slander I think, just a little inter – author banter perhaps…

  67. Robo
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:50 PM | Permalink

    Movie business money rocks! But writers get treated like shit, their work deaded and their soul corrupted. How do novels pay?

  68. Peregrin
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 7:55 PM | Permalink

    Not sure if this post will be within the time limit.

    Will you be coming to Australia any time in the near future, specifically Melbourne, Victoria?

  69. Kai
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 8:03 PM | Permalink

    Don’t have hurry to write your next book Patrick, we can wait!
    Will you come Spain some day?

  70. Naznarreb
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 8:15 PM | Permalink

    I have the flu. What do you recommend to alleviate my symptoms?

    • Darmys
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 5:17 AM | Permalink

      Get some Vicks Vapour Rub or equivalent. Before going to bed at night smear a thick layer of it over the soles of your feet. Put on socks, sleep. Works a treat. Is better when you can get someone else to smear your feet so you don’t have to walk to wash your hands. Shishy between the toes feels odd.

      This is my Step-Mums cure, and it’s worked for everyone I know of who has tried it.

  71. bremon
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 8:46 PM | Permalink

    Am definitely over the time limit.
    On the off chance that you are still answering…
    If I paid your train ticket, would you come up to Grand Forks, North Dakota to astound my friends & amaze my enemies?
    Please?

  72. evil
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 9:31 PM | Permalink

    Where is the three forks located?

    • Barentanz
      Posted September 13, 2010 at 8:28 PM | Permalink

      I assume this is the Three Forks of the Missouri (a.k.a. the Jefferson, Madison, and Galatin Rivers). These rivers form into the Mighty Missouri in Three Forks Montana.
      If you are refering to some other Three Forks, I know not the answer.

  73. evil
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 9:33 PM | Permalink

    Where is the “Three Crossing” located?

    I suspect Vintas but I am not sure.

  74. stevenhester
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 9:53 PM | Permalink

    Do you prefer raspberries or blueberries? Raspberries keep for shorter time, but they can be put on your finger like a little hat…

  75. picklefish
    Posted September 10, 2010 at 11:54 PM | Permalink

    Have you heard of the Author Michael J. Sullivan. He is(was?) an indie author with books set in a fantasy genre.

    The point:
    He just wrote a blog post on “crunch month” as his 5th (of 6) books comes out next month. http://riyria.blogspot.com/2010/09/crunch-month.html He talks about beta readers and editing and various other tidbits with which I’m sure you can relate. (Books are good too.)
    -Cheers
    picklefish

  76. Walnutbutter
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 12:13 AM | Permalink

    What do you want to be when you grow up?

  77. GoodGrief
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 12:32 AM | Permalink

    You have a lot of unusual names in your setting (not that that’s unusual in itself); what method do you most often use to name characters?

  78. Grover Cleveland
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 5:26 AM | Permalink

    In NOTW, the seven words that Kvothe says to Denna when they meet are slightly different from the seven words that Denna and Kvothe remember later in the book when she reveals that she remembers him. Is that intentional to show that their memories are imperfect (which would cast some large amount of doubt on Kvothe’s retelling of events) or is it just a mistake in editing? Also, don’t worry about it being obvious, as I only noticed it on my seventh or eighth reading of the book, though it has bothered me since.

  79. Posted September 11, 2010 at 5:51 AM | Permalink

    I am reading some of Neil Gaiman’s short stories at the moment and I seem to be reminded of NOTW all the time. Your storytelling (when a story within the story is told, like Scarpi) is much similar to his. How much does he influence your writing?

  80. jumpinjessflash
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 7:11 AM | Permalink

    If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    • Posted September 15, 2010 at 9:35 AM | Permalink

      That’s easy- Pez. Cherry Flavor Pez.

      Sorry, couldn’t resist.

  81. Leo Cristea
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 7:12 AM | Permalink

    Do you listen to music whilst you a) write, b) revise c) re-read your work? If so, what tickles your fancy.

  82. Drumsfellow
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 7:44 AM | Permalink

    Should everyone have a beard?

    • Barentanz
      Posted September 13, 2010 at 8:39 PM | Permalink

      Including ladies? I believe most of us ladies are quite content without.

  83. Sister_Spider
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 7:48 AM | Permalink

    Do you get the chance to listen to much music with your busy schedule? If so, what’s got your ear at the moment?

    • Sister_Spider
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 7:54 AM | Permalink

      Dangit. Late and a dup question. Fail.

  84. onlyash
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 7:52 AM | Permalink

    I’m most definitely over the limit, but I’m unrealistically optimistic so I’ll write a question anyway!

    Favorite popcorn topping? (I’m partial to parmesan cheese, myself.)

  85. JBurris
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 7:57 AM | Permalink

    Favorite Literary Character (not of your own creation)?

  86. Platypusking
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 8:24 AM | Permalink

    How do you picture Kvothe? I picture him of a younger (or at least less hairy and without the full grown beard) version of you with red hair.

    • Barentanz
      Posted September 13, 2010 at 8:40 PM | Permalink

      Funny! That’s exactly how I imagine Kvothe!

  87. Glownight
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:15 AM | Permalink

    Do you consider Kvothe a hero or a victim of his circumstances?

    • Barentanz
      Posted September 13, 2010 at 8:41 PM | Permalink

      Yes.

  88. Oneiric D
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:39 AM | Permalink

    What is your opinion on book series being ended posthumously by another writer? Is there anyone you’d trust to finish The King-killer Chronicles?

  89. Tager
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM | Permalink

    What is your favourite film of all time?

  90. Patriarch33
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 11:18 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat, I currently writing a story for a graphic novel and since I’am more of the art side of things I’am having a rather hard time structuring my little tale, I have lots of scenes and bits of plot but it currently resembles a jigsaw with half its pieces missing……and some mild fire damage, I was wondering if you had any recommendations that would help me in this predicament.
    Thank you!

  91. CoryOutlaw
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 11:59 AM | Permalink

    Was naming the the town of Imre a reference to Imre Stand from The Wheel of Time, or was it just a coincidence?

  92. Anna
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 12:55 PM | Permalink

    Are you in contact with any of your translators worldwide?

  93. James Cunningham
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 1:42 PM | Permalink

    What was your favorite cover art done for your book?

    • James Cunningham
      Posted September 11, 2010 at 1:43 PM | Permalink

      Ah, I feel like an ass, the window was yesterday, I don’t know how I missed that.

  94. bishieaya
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 3:41 PM | Permalink

    Would you ever consider writing an independant novel about Elodin? I love Elodin and would find it very interesting to learn more about his backstory and how he came to be as he is now.
    x

    • Posted September 16, 2010 at 4:07 PM | Permalink

      I love Elodin.

      I’m confindent we’ll learn more about his past and see more of him in the future. Unless of course the Chandrian get to him in the first pages of book two. Or he fall in a well or something.

      Sigh… Elodin.

  95. josephwalters
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 6:02 PM | Permalink

    Did you get a sense from your editor and agent that your book was going to be wildly successful, or was it something of a gamble to them at the time?

  96. josephwalters
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 6:04 PM | Permalink

    Ugh. I just realized this was from yesterday! I check your blog 3-4 times a day and for some reason it didn’t show me this post yesterday evening.

    I don’t suppose you would consider joining twitter just to post when you have announcements, that way nobody had to miss out? I don’t mean you need to tweet what you’re having for dinner. Just the announcements would be nice! :D

  97. Rob47
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 6:07 PM | Permalink

    Do you watch anime?

  98. Russ Roach
    Posted September 11, 2010 at 11:21 PM | Permalink

    I used to have a beard as awesome as yours, but I shaved it to avoid discrimination getting into University. How do you deal with negative (and positive) comments and assumptions about your manly beard?

  99. Vae
    Posted September 12, 2010 at 2:02 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat! I think I asked you this before way back , and at the time you said you would think about it. Now I am curious – are you going to write The Lay of Sir Savien Traliard in its entirety? Or…. perhaps, is it already completed?

  100. BaronBrandon
    Posted September 12, 2010 at 2:50 AM | Permalink

    Pat, Let’s say your books get adapted for the cinema– which they will ;-) — and if you were to chose a cameo, who would you be (or what)?

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