Minor Technical Difficulties

Last week I took a bit of a vacation to spend time with my family and attend a few events in Madison. This means that I also took a bit of a vacation from both my e-mail and my blog.

So, of course, during that time my blog goes wonky and the contact form on my website breaks. And I didn’t even know until I got home.

Hopefully we’ve got those issues resolved. But if you want specifics:

1. If you experienced something weird on the blog, I’ve been told that it’s because you’re using an old rss feed. So, if you’re doing that, do something else, and things will stop sucking. (I hope that wasn’t too technical for any of you.)

2. The contact form should be fixed. But if you sent me a message between the 24th of September and the 1st of Oct, I didn’t get it.

In other blog-related news, I’ve decided to spend the next couple weeks catching up on some blogs I’ve been meaning to write. Book recommendations. Fanmail questions. Funny stories about Oot. The kissing-booth story from Convergence….

At this point it’s safe to say I probably have more than 100 blogs I’ve been meaning to write, but that I just haven’t had time for. Many of them have been sitting around half-written for months, others have been left hanging for more than a year.

So, if there’s a particular blog that you’ve been waiting for, you can jog my failing memory by making a suggestion in the comments below.

Politely, of course.

pat

This entry was posted in bloggingBy Pat79 Responses

79 Comments

  1. Taedirk
    Posted October 3, 2010 at 10:43 PM | Permalink

    How about nachos? Those are always worth writing about.

    • Posted October 3, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

      You’re not following me here. I’m not looking for blog suggestions. I’m wondering out of all the blogs/topics/subjects I’ve alluded to in the past (but never got around to posting) which ones people are most curious to see completed/posted.

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

        I know. I was just thinking about nachos at the time and there was a gloriously empty comment section for me to deface.

        • Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:02 PM | Permalink

          That’s a short step away from a, “first” post. Be warned, we don’t go for that sort of thing around here….

  2. Skrotex
    Posted October 3, 2010 at 10:47 PM | Permalink

    Beard Maintenance.

  3. Posted October 3, 2010 at 10:50 PM | Permalink

    Hey, we’re fans… we’ll take what we can get!

    • Posted October 3, 2010 at 10:55 PM | Permalink

      That’s nice to hear…

    • iburnbrass
      Posted October 3, 2010 at 11:22 PM | Permalink

      Word. I’ll take whatever, but maybe you can talk about some good fantasy as I’m between books right now. The Way of Kings is done, Towers of Midnight is next month, and then a big gap until March 1. Got some filler?

  4. Posted October 3, 2010 at 11:00 PM | Permalink

    P.S. Glad you took a vacation and got some down-time with your family!

  5. griffitz
    Posted October 3, 2010 at 11:03 PM | Permalink

    Fanfic part 2?

  6. Max
    Posted October 3, 2010 at 11:08 PM | Permalink

    I think some people were curious about what happened with the Golden Ticket winner… I think you might have mentioned something about that.

  7. Eldy
    Posted October 3, 2010 at 11:18 PM | Permalink

    whatever is next on the list for the ask the author series! Maybe some tips on query letters to agents?

  8. Brad
    Posted October 3, 2010 at 11:46 PM | Permalink

    How about the story of the hamsters or guinea pigs from college you told during your visit to Legacy Village in Ohio.

  9. Geyter
    Posted October 3, 2010 at 11:48 PM | Permalink

    There was the big tease about the fanfic writing…

    Alternatively I’d also be quiet chuffed with any story involving your ‘writing shed’, it’s usefulness, interior décor, smell or vibe, animal inhabitants, stored snacks… and how you came about to owning one.

    Plus if you’ve ever met Stephen Fry or Neil Gaiman, you are legally bound to tell us. (It’s the Universal Geek Law. Penalties for not complying may include being banned from uttering the word ‘spacecowboys’ or a complete ban from forging badass swords out of meteorites. Harsh but fair.)

  10. SavagePotato
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:18 AM | Permalink

    You said during the last Machine Gun Q&A that you had been planning to do a blog post on webcomics recommendations :)

    • kamama
      Posted October 4, 2010 at 7:10 PM | Permalink

      Second’d

  11. theotherjason
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:19 AM | Permalink

    Tell us about the Fanfic you wrote those many moons ago.Pretty please with a Kaylee strawberry on top?

    • theotherjason
      Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:33 AM | Permalink

      Strawberries…I’ll be in my bunk.

  12. Matt
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:45 AM | Permalink

    I hope it was a good vacation!

    Convention stories are always good readin’. I know you’ve done a few, but I’m certain more than a few have been alluded to.

  13. Danm0207
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:48 AM | Permalink

    A while back you mentioned you were going to give your opinion of Chris Paolini, but I haven’t seen that come up.

    I’d like to hear about it, especially because the person who brought the question up raised some doubts about his talent.

    • daiceman
      Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:09 PM | Permalink

      I would like to second this one. A lot of people have given him flack about “copying” other works. I would like to hear your opinion about him, and his writing style, and alleged “copying”.

      • CannibleCantelope
        Posted October 4, 2010 at 8:27 PM | Permalink

        I am very interested in this as well. You looked very surprised at his ideas on magic – systematic or not – in your interview with him.

        Also: Looved your book! Very well done!

      • Atropos
        Posted October 5, 2010 at 9:06 AM | Permalink

        Yes, absolutely Paolini.

      • Brianna
        Posted October 5, 2010 at 10:52 PM | Permalink

        I was kinda waiting for this one too. :)

  14. thechessqueen
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:05 AM | Permalink

    If you want to just post a few more excerpts from your college survival guide I would be most happy. Perhaps, if you are able and so inclined, you might re-publish your guide? I have been looking for over a year for a copy and have yet to find one available. Your fans are hoarding them!

    Also, posts recommending books are always much appreciated. I need something to wrap my mind around while waiting for some of my favorite authors to publish their next book (In case you didn’t realize, you are definitely one of them). In general, your thoughts on the writing styles and attitudes of other authors are always entertaining and enlightening. I would love to hear your thoughts on Susan Collins, R Scott Bakker, GRRM, Naomi Novik, J Carey, and Piers Anthony, among others.

    And while I am at it, let me cast my vote for the blog discussing the golden ticket winner’s prize.

    I hope you enjoyed your vacation. :)

  15. katelyn
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:13 AM | Permalink

    Hi, glad you got a vacation! I don’t remember ever hearing what happened to the T-shirt designing contest? Was it decided to put it off or shelve it for awhile and I missed the announcement? Obviously getting book 2 done, the various cons, and other life things like spending time with the fam are way more important – but I’d love to know if it’s still in the works! Thanks!

  16. MouetteSheridan
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:18 AM | Permalink

    There was mention of a post on Christopher Paolini, I believe, after you had dinner with him and… Brandon Sanderson, I think?

  17. Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:24 AM | Permalink

    Book recommendations would be nice. I think it’s especially hard to find new fantasy books because the covers tend to be ugly (I judge) and the teaser text like one of those quick poems you can find on the internet where you fill in a few words and it automatically turns it into a personalized poem. The dark forces of_____ has invaded the realm of______ . As the people of_____ live in terror, an unlikely hero/heroine is found in ______ who had absolutely no idea he/she was the son/daughter of _______ and thus heir to the magic sword______ and the equally magical pet dragon______. Anyway, this is a shame because when I actually read them I tend to like stories about magic swords and evil forces….

    Oh, and fan fiction part II.

  18. Erzberger
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:49 AM | Permalink

    The blog about Paolini would interest me

  19. Ditte
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 2:46 AM | Permalink

    please update us on the t-shirt contest.
    I live in Denmark so I can’t really buy things from the US except when someone I know go there and bring them home for me. (otherwise, shipping will be more expensive than the t-shirt itself)
    The sooner they get on sale, the sooner I can pester someone to buy one for me ;)

    • tunashi
      Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:01 PM | Permalink

      If you send me your address, my mom is Danish and frequently sends stuff to my Morfar in Odense. If that is close-ish to you, I could send the t-shirt as part of one of the packages. My e-mail is [email protected]. Of course, this is dependent on when we in America can get it too!

    • Annkelia
      Posted October 5, 2010 at 4:13 PM | Permalink

      Yes, I’m eagerly awaiting the update on the t-shirt contest too.
      Although I do understand why that may have gotten postponed – apart from all other reasons, it’s wise to conclude the contest series announcing winners, showing final prints and providing options to but the product. The last part can be tricky and needs some serious organizing…

  20. desert rat
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 4:29 AM | Permalink

    Last time I was in Madison it was for roller derby. Ever heard of that? I know a bunch of roller queens who love your book and would skip practice to read another one like it.

  21. Oatmeal
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 4:55 AM | Permalink

    Having just read the entire archives, I know there were many things that were mentioned that I wanted to hear more about. And now I can’t remember any of them, with the exceptions of the afforementioned Fanfic, and the T-Shirt contest. Dammit. I knew I should have written them down. You should have warned me there was going to be a quiz…

    Since it is October, however, I was wondering when the Wordbuilders event is going to start again (if indeed it is) because I’m looking forward to helping this year. Incidentally, I still like “Geeks for Goats” …

    Thanks for keeping us updated on everything.

  22. otineb
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 5:42 AM | Permalink

    I was interested to hear your take on Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle.

  23. Mickey
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 5:52 AM | Permalink

    Dear Pat,

    Thanks for signing my book, just got it back last week. Looking forward to collaborating on the screenplay for the porno manga re-write of NOTW !

    Not sure if it is a topic you’ve raised before but I would really like to hear your thoughts on how a movie version of the King Killer Chronicles would look. Who would be in your dream casting line up etc….

    Thanks again for taking time out to do those little things that ensure the eternal loyalty of your minions.

  24. sicsempersteve
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 6:04 AM | Permalink

    Still waiting for your blog on Christopher Paolini. Seriously, no more survival guide stuff. I don’t make you struggle through the stuff I wrote in college, extend the same courtesy please :-).

  25. The Little Lee
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 6:52 AM | Permalink

    I would be interested in reading the blog about Christopher Paolini. During one of your machine gun Q+A sessions someone asked you of your opinion of him and his work. You responded that it was the topic of an upcoming blog.

    I also saw the video interview you did with him at a recent con and enjoyed it very much. You both seemed to have a lot of fun with it. I was wondering if perhaps that was something you reference in your blog? Have a great day Pat :)

  26. Posted October 4, 2010 at 7:38 AM | Permalink

    I really like the “Fanmail Q&A” posts.

  27. Jedisolo
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 8:06 AM | Permalink

    How about the Web Comics post you said you were meaning to write?

  28. dancer7887
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 9:03 AM | Permalink

    the t-shirt contest that happened awhile back in june. are we gonna hear what’s happening with that?

  29. Anna
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 9:18 AM | Permalink

    I would love to read book recommendations from you.

  30. heroofanandi
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 9:21 AM | Permalink

    You once said you were going to explain your take on Paolini and whether you something I was interested in hearing.

    I found the old post:
    Marcus Cox: “Out of curiosity what is your opinion of Mr. Paolini’s work? Not to be a colossal ass here I find the awesome level of that dinner table went down a bit with his presence. I mean, I’m sure he’s a nice guy and probably a good person to discuss fantasy with, but in my opinion his books are just bad (this is the nicest way I could put it).”

    Pat: “I’m going to talk about that in my next blog.”

    Sorry, but I do not know how to use HTML tags, so I will not try to properly quote this for fear my post will be incomprehensible.

    • heroofanandi
      Posted October 6, 2010 at 3:13 PM | Permalink

      “You once said you were going to explain your take on Paolini and whether you something I was interested in hearing.”

      I apologize for not proof-reading my post. I pasted bits of it in from different windows and changed my mind on how to phrase the sentence midway through. The results of this are atrocious and a humbly beg forgiveness.

  31. Adaephon
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 9:32 AM | Permalink

    Book recommendations would be most welcome. I need something to read after Towers of Midnight. Do your ever read any Science Fiction? Not sure if you’ve ever talked about Sci Fi but I like to mix up my reading schedule with some faster than light travel and monster space aliens with tentacles for a face. Maybe even some non-Fantasy/Sci Fi books? I know Fantasy is the bread and butter around here but I think most people read other genres occasionally.

  32. Posted October 4, 2010 at 11:28 AM | Permalink

    Your lack of addressing one particular thing of interest is pulling at my attention somewhat…I wonder if something even WORSE than hell or high water (maybe low water…? Meaning no drinking water, meaning you are dying of dehydration!?!?!? EGADS! I must ship you some Rehydrate to help amend this horrid catastrophe!!)

    Also, i know it’s been said mutliple times, but I too am very curious as to the t-shirt contest. I recently re-viewed many of your posts, and lol’d at many a picture regarding them. What doth happenith to such great suggestions?

  33. LaMattie
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 11:41 AM | Permalink

    I would also like to hear your opinion of Paolini.

  34. amara64
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:01 PM | Permalink

    I would like what happened with the Golden Ticket idea from your fundraiser.

  35. Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:22 PM | Permalink

    Heh, so I’m not the only one who has a list with 100+ possible blog posts. I can be glad if I get one post per week up. *sigh*

    Anything writing related would be interesting.

  36. Daniel
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 12:47 PM | Permalink

    “Why I Don’t Talk About Book Two.”

  37. babblefish
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:05 PM | Permalink

    How about updates on the fundraiser. Also, I’m trying to go bearded the end of this year, any tips. For good beard related humor, check out “The Beard” skit by Kids in the Hall.

  38. MLBurt
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:38 PM | Permalink

    “Why I Don’t Talk About Book Two.”

    I’d forgotten about that until I saw it in the comments. I was reading through the old posts a few days ago and discovered to much sadness that we don’t know why you don’t talk about book two.

    And yeah. Hearing your opinion on Paolini would be neat. Since the internet tends to polarize anything to do with Eragon, it’d at least make the comments section worthwhile.

    • nr
      Posted October 4, 2010 at 9:38 PM | Permalink

      yea the why I don’t talk about book two is what I was thinking of…

  39. Tager
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 1:55 PM | Permalink

    “Why I Don’t Talk About Book Two.”

  40. alafel
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 2:30 PM | Permalink

    I’d love to hear some analytical, professional thoughts on Tolkien from someone like you. What are the merits and/or shortcomings of his verbose, archaic writing style, and what value do you see in his seemingly endless mythology?
    Also, have you read much C.S. Lewis outside of Narnia?

  41. Posted October 4, 2010 at 2:46 PM | Permalink

    I just barely got World of Warcraft and I’m very into it. Dangerously into it. I notice you love Felicia Day and the Guild and when you did that interview with her, you were shocked she quit playing WoW. So I can’t seem to find anything on your blog about YOU playing it. Do you play it? Did you play it and you’ve stopped now? What are your thoughts about it at this point? And what realm are you on if you play? Just kidding. You don’t have to share that information :).

    That’s a blog post I’d like to see: one about WoW. Because I’m obsessed. Wait a second, I need to go check my auctions on the WoW armory. ;) Let me ask forgiveness in advance if you HAVE posted about it. I couldn’t find it with your blog search.

  42. LaisLindsay
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 3:49 PM | Permalink

    After seeing the question “What do I read next??” posted so frequently (think I even asked it once m’self) I wonder if it would be appropriate to have a dedicated FAQ to which your blogonauts could routinely reply with their own suggestions to help ease the burden of this hefty question. We *obviously* have good taste in reading material, and word of mouth is crucial to thresh the chaff from the wheat when it comes to book selection. What do you think?

  43. Posted October 4, 2010 at 4:23 PM | Permalink

    I vote for book recommendations. I’m stuck without anything to read at the moment.

  44. Kyle F.
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 4:35 PM | Permalink

    I’d forgotten about the Golden Ticket until now. It’s like a great big wild card of a story lurking beneath the waves.

    Expose it for us!

    Also, news on those T-shirts?

  45. Posted October 4, 2010 at 5:18 PM | Permalink

    I need another college survival guide excerpt! Please!

    • kamama
      Posted October 4, 2010 at 7:08 PM | Permalink

      Here here!

  46. kamama
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 7:08 PM | Permalink

    I’m just happy you’re blogging! I love reading your blog, and anything you post (or half-post), I will gobble up in ecstasy, even if your posts are made of feces. Which they aren’t.

  47. AO_22
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 7:54 PM | Permalink

    I’m still very much hoping for the remaining Worldbuilders 2009-10 Blog Posts that I thought were coming. Pictures of people with their prizes, things of that nature.

  48. AutumnRLS
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 7:59 PM | Permalink

    I want to know about how you accidently wrote fanfic. (was that the Scalzi thing? or something else?)

    Also, Teeshirts! I submitted two ideas and I thought they were good ones. I’ve been worrying that you weren’t able to open my emails, or that you hated them, or worse – you were indifferent. The sooner I know one way or the other I’ll be able to exhale this breath I’ve been holding since June.

    Fanatical Minion #3

  49. BKLounge22
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 9:22 PM | Permalink

    An oldie but hopefully a goodie — can you regale us with tales of your European adventures from awhile back?

  50. hockeygrrl
    Posted October 4, 2010 at 11:38 PM | Permalink

    I’ve been waiting for Fan Fiction, Part II when you have time, please :)

    Thanks!
    Nora

  51. Bug_1.0_
    Posted October 5, 2010 at 12:01 AM | Permalink

    I’d also like to hear more about how the t-shirt contest is going! :)

  52. Sporkie
    Posted October 5, 2010 at 10:36 AM | Permalink

    When I came across the word “flash” in NOTW, I was floored. At first I thought it was a fluke; you screwed up and the editors missed it. After reading about your N revisions, and assuming N is a large number, I realized that it was clearly intentional. I reread the phrase with context, and I found that it works damn well. 10 years ago and I think it would not work. Did that phrase get any special attention in the writing process?

    Thanks.

  53. fb
    Posted October 5, 2010 at 11:12 AM | Permalink

    It would be great if you could do a post for your foreign readers (not even especially, excitingly foreign, I for example, am in England) with reference to release dates over here etc. Cheers.

  54. Kiana
    Posted October 5, 2010 at 4:02 PM | Permalink

    I was wondering why my link to your blog was suddenly going back to April when you talked about circumcision. I kept thinking, but he talked about other things since then! I’m not crazy, I can’t be.

    Then I clicked on the blog link to your blog and noticed the URL was different from my link. That fixed it. Weird how things like that work out, no?

  55. filcher19
    Posted October 5, 2010 at 5:43 PM | Permalink

    A while ago I wrote you a question concerning commuter school versus dorming in college… I believe I can sum up the email I wrote to you with the following line: “Mr. Rothfuss, what is your opinion on commuter schools versus dorming at college?”. Tah-dah! Instant blog topic!

  56. Vorbis
    Posted October 9, 2010 at 6:22 AM | Permalink

    No-one else has mentioned this so I wonder if you did a post and I missed it –

    I really want to know who won the contest to get their names put into book 2, presupposing they agreed to let you tell us all =)

    • Jacob Noun
      Posted October 9, 2010 at 8:36 PM | Permalink

      Wow, completely forgot about the name contest. I’d like to know about that as well.

      …and the t-shirt contest…

      …I think that’s it…

      …yup. Thanks Pat! Your book is great! ^-^

  57. JoeLlama
    Posted October 13, 2010 at 10:39 AM | Permalink

    I’m excited for the Convergence story! And the Golden Ticket winners and a lot of what other people have said.

  58. JamesMcP
    Posted October 14, 2010 at 2:30 AM | Permalink

    I’d be interested to hear about the rest of your trip to Europe.

    Appreciate that it was a long time ago now, but blog-wise I think that you got to Rome airport?

    Where did you go next?

  59. Zachary Obert
    Posted October 19, 2010 at 12:43 PM | Permalink

    Ok Pat, i know you have been busy and i can understand that. I can also understand how peaple can be a Di** about this, but there just jelous of your amazing skill and they are being impatient, i can understand if you dont get a chance to read this. But anyways back to the main subject….well multiple subjects..One i would like to hear more about your travels and how being a auther with a varity of fanmail that you read..not out of forcefullness but out of you respect for our opinions and your kindness. I am sorry to hear that you get awfull fan mail. I thank you deeply, for putting up with us pests and trying your best to keep us in the loop.
    Sincerly-Zachary Obert
    P.S Pat im prud to say even though i dont know you at all….
    Keep on doing a Fu**ing dam good job at all of this, proud of you i am(sorry if i sound like your mother, if thats what your mothers not like sorry! zac!)

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