An open letter to Nathan Fillion

Mr. Fillion,

First, I have to say that I admire your work. I’ve read many of your interviews and have come to respect you not only as a truly fine actor, but as an uncommonly intelligent human being.

But let’s get straight to the heart of the matter. It has come to my attention that in a recent interview, you said the following:

“If I got $300 million from the California Lottery, the first thing I would do is buy the rights to Firefly, make it on my own, and distribute it on the Internet.”

This struck a particular chord with me. As only a few months ago, I said very nearly the same thing. “If I ever get Stephen King famous,” I said, “I’ll buy the rights to Firefly and give it to Joss Whedon as a birthday present.”

Here’s the deal. My second book is about to come out. My publisher tells me there’s a decent chance of us selling a truly ridiculous number of copies. If this happens, I will have more money than I’ll know what to do with.

Except that’s not exactly true. I know exactly what I’d like to do with that money. I’d like to help you buy the rights to Firefly back from Fox.

I’m only a fledgling author. But by a strange twist of fate, I happen to be a fledgling author who is also an international bestseller.

Left to my own devices, I will probably spend my royalty money on useless bullshit. I will buy rare books and narwhal horns. If the book sells extremely well, I expect I’ll probably do something like buy an abandoned missile silo and convert it into my secret underground lair.

Clearly, this way lies madness.

Here is my thought. Alone, all we can do is dream wistful dreams of Firefly’s return. Together, we are a team. We can gather others to our cause. With 20 or 30 of the right people, we could pool our resources and make this shit happen.

You know where to find me.

Sincerely,

Patrick Rothfuss

*     *     *

Those of you who don’t happen to be Nathan Fillion, there’s a new interview over here. Rest assured, it’s spoiler-free.

On the same page, Paul Goat Allen gives The Wise Man’s Fear the best review I expect I will ever receive in my whole life. I’m serious. You’d think he wrote it after I pulled his children out of a burning building or something.

Or, if you’re in a listening mood, I’m on the Sword and Laser podcast with Veronica Belmont and Tom Merritt. We talk about Jim Butcher and Cylons, among other things.

Tour FAQ will be up soon. I’m working out the last few details.

pat

This entry was posted in Firefly, I am completely fucking serious, Joss WhedonBy Pat231 Responses

157 Comments

  1. maine character
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:31 AM | Permalink

    Just a quick note to do a spell-check on a name.

    • Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:02 AM | Permalink

      Could you vague that up a bit for me?

      • Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:05 AM | Permalink

        Ah. I found it. Stephen King.

        • Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:23 AM | Permalink

          Ha. ‘maine character.’ get it?

      • Late Bird
        Posted February 23, 2011 at 3:18 PM | Permalink

        haha “can you vague that up a bit for me” dude, total Buffy quote. You are my hero Patty

      • Tigger306
        Posted February 26, 2011 at 8:55 AM | Permalink

        Patrick, now that the Facebook site “Help Nathan Buy Firefly” is over 91,000 strong would you please blog again to keep the momentum going and maybe more of your fans and followers will join our effort. Thank you very much!

    • Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:13 AM | Permalink

      Another typo I think?

      “Left to my own devices, I will probably spend my royalty money useless …”

      • rudejude00
        Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:28 PM | Permalink

        I think it’d be great if everyone laid off the typo comments. I mean for christ’s sake, you’re not going to get a cookie for pointing it out. If there’s a typo in the new book, then you can complain. A blog? Please.

        • MaggiesPort
          Posted February 23, 2011 at 2:16 PM | Permalink

          i have to agree, rudejude. and i’m an editor.

        • Little My
          Posted February 23, 2011 at 3:38 PM | Permalink

          I don’t know. . .I think it would be helpful for Pat to post guidelines about what’s OK for corrections in the blog commentary.

          Are typo comments unwelcome? Maybe if he didn’t notice he might like the chance to correct it? What about things that are generally unclear? Or mistaken? I suppose you could draw the line after misspellings, typos, or grammatical errors (I do), but still, some of those things can be genuinely confusing to ESL people. . .not to mention that after everyone on the planet has a fancy edition of the revered complete Kingkiller set in her living room, it is not unlikely that these blogs may be collected and published also. . .

          IMO if a typo is noticed by a blog-reader and commented on, and the typo is then fixed, the helpful comment could then be removed by the administrator, since it would no longer be relevant.

          • Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:00 PM | Permalink

            That’s a good idea. I should probably establish some ground rules so the people that want to help know the best way to do that….

  2. Lachned
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:36 AM | Permalink

    Please make it happen…:)

  3. Sulwen
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:37 AM | Permalink

    I JUST GASPED OUT LOUD.

    And now I think I might cry.

    How is it that you continue to get more and more awesome?

    • He without a clever name
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:07 PM | Permalink

      Sigh. Apparently my wife was up at 4: 37 A.M. Silly Sulwen. :)

  4. Mr. Browncoat
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:37 AM | Permalink

    I have just placed yet another order in for WMF strictly because I know that part of that will go towards (hopefully) this most brilliant of causes. Plus, it gives me more copies to throw at my friends in an effort to have them understand just how wonderful reading can be.

  5. Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:40 AM | Permalink

    I’m gonna have to watch that show one of these days. Got the Blurays sitting on my coffee table, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

    • JoeLlama
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:58 PM | Permalink

      It looks amazing on blu-ray with a nice big-screen tv…crap, now I have to put an episode on.

  6. Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:41 AM | Permalink

    Ey, I’m not a best-selling author but if it comes to giving Firefly back to Wheddon (or to the fans), I’m in.

  7. cathy_j
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:45 AM | Permalink

    OMG!! You rule!! This is amazing :-)

    Check out the following facebook page, 30,000 likes and climbing ..

    http://www.facebook.com/#!/HelpNathanBuyFF

  8. jasonw31
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:48 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat. Are you talking about Firefly by Piers Anthony? Or is it a different book? Way to go on the best fantasy novel in a long time, if not ever. Number two is pre-ordered, get to work on three. LOL Be well my friend.

    • Oatmeal
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:10 AM | Permalink

      *LE GASP*!!! Firefly is the awesome TV series created by Joss Whedon, it’s like space cowboys and stuff. It sounds weird, but trust me it is made of awesome.
      If you have Netflix you can watch the entire series, as well as the follow up movie Serenity on their Watch Instantly program. Please do, you won’t be sorry. :o)

  9. Kara J
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:05 AM | Permalink

    I keep praying I win the lottery so I can also do that very thing you’re offering.

    A conspiracy between two of my favourite people, to bring another of my all time favourite series would be so utterly awesome it is impossible to describe!

    :-D

  10. Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:10 AM | Permalink

    Somehow I liked the “buy an abandoned missile silo and convert it into my secret underground lair” much better than the rest.

    But hey, I grew up in the north of Norway in the 70s, next to a huge USA/NATO-funded airstrip. We even had a “make a model of how this island would look after being hit by a Russian atmoic SS-20 missile at the airport” assignment at school. Calculated the we would die the first two seconds but grandma would survive the first blast but die within a week from radiation. Ah, the lovely cold war…

  11. Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:10 AM | Permalink

    As for the interview, I don’t trust bearded fantasy authors. It’s not your fault, but George R. R. Martin and Robert Jordan’s.

  12. SunTzu
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:13 AM | Permalink

    Wow, thank god the review was that good. I must admit to being a bit scared about the possibility of Wise Man’s Fear not living up to my redicilous expectations, but this makes me believe that wont be the case :D

    • heroine_addict
      Posted February 27, 2011 at 12:27 PM | Permalink

      I think expectation is in order.

      Though The Name of the Wind was mind-blowing, I get the sense that instead of having peaked our author is just warming up.

  13. Sherp
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:21 AM | Permalink

    Anyone have a ballpark figure for Fox’s asking price?

  14. tithof
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:28 AM | Permalink

    Double dose of Firefly. Seems you’re not the only one.

    http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/02/21/help-nathan-fillion-buy-firefly/?hpt=Sbin

  15. saphillips
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:32 AM | Permalink

    This is the first deep cut into enemy lines.
    I’m going to say it now: This blog post will go down in pop-culture history…
    Welcome back, Firefly, and Patrick? You are one Big Damn Hero.

    Love,

    S.A. Phillips

    P.S. I am going to see you in Dayton, and am now buying *multiple* copies.

  16. gypsymaria
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:59 AM | Permalink

    You, sir, are my hero.

  17. condietwo
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:59 AM | Permalink

    Wowzers. Rothfuss, you can’t imagine how many of us have read this letter and immediately tweeted it to @NathanFillion. At least one a minute since you posted.

    (and yes, I’ve pre-ordered the book; two, in fact, from the lovely guy who has your signed ones – YEA! Glee!)

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:39 AM | Permalink

      I just did it, too.

  18. loren
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:04 AM | Permalink

    I just twitted this link to Nathan Fillion!!

  19. schmendrick
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:19 AM | Permalink

    Have linked this to fireflyfans.net. Prepare for a roaring wave of browncoats and floral bonnets.
    Sir, I salute you.

  20. ksenour
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:29 AM | Permalink

    Someone is also working on this:

    http://helpnathanbuyfirefly.com/?page_id=2

    If you want to coordinate with them, or would rather just go to Mr. Fillion yourself.

    • mutinyonthebay
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:36 AM | Permalink

      It could be – just maybe! – that helpnathanbuyfirefly.com is coordinated by Mr. Rothfuss himself!

      (Seriously, it’s too big of a coincidence. He’s working with them.)

  21. Wendy
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:32 AM | Permalink

    Oh my holy gods, please please please let this happen. Patrick Rothfuss and Nathan Fillion, my two biggest fangirl crushes working together to right the world of a terrible wrong. It is a perfect day.

  22. Malthol
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:35 AM | Permalink

    What a pleasant thing to wake up to. And another great excuse to stump for you to my friends who may still not have read your book, but loved Firefly.

  23. Widow Of Sirius
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:40 AM | Permalink

    I AM SO GLAD I PRE-ORDERED THREE COPIES!

    I mean, I did it BEFORE I knew of the wonders you would do with the royalties, but seriously, I just almost peed my pants with joy that I’ll have a tiny little part in it :D

  24. Joshua_Guess
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:53 AM | Permalink

    If you’re serious about this, I would start the process of figuring out exactly how to purchase the rights and start a donation drive on one of the many social giving websites out there. I know that many, many, many people would be willing to chip in, myself included…

    • Marcus Cox
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:07 AM | Permalink

      Look at the tags for this blog post: “Firefly, I am completely fucking serious, Joss Whedon”

      He is completely fucking serious.

      Still have to sit down and watch Firefly. I was planning on doing so when it starts to air on the Science channel next month. I was tempted to just go out and buy the DVD’s but I need to focus on my reread of “The Name of the Wind.” 200 more pages and 6 days to do it.

      • The Horned God
        Posted February 23, 2011 at 3:06 PM | Permalink

        ‘I am completely fucking serious’ as opposed to the Valentine’s Day ‘fucking with you’. I just think it works well

  25. Cimmie
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:13 AM | Permalink

    “spend my royalty money useless bullshit”
    being Swedish, but still, shouldn’t it be something like “spend my royalty money buying useless bullshit”?

    The letter is awesome though, and it made my brother’s day I think :) Really enjoyed that interview on the sword and laser as well, you’re a true storyteller.

  26. Adeline
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:28 AM | Permalink

    Well done, sir. My friend just tweeted a link to this post, and you have just sold two more books.

  27. AlanAdams23
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:37 AM | Permalink

    Doing that would earn you at least 50 Fonzy Cool Points.

  28. Josh
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:40 AM | Permalink

    Pat, you win the award for the best categories to organize a blog into. Hands down, pure brilliance.

  29. ChaosAthena
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:44 AM | Permalink

    I beg of you, dear Literature Overlord, to use your awesome leadership and organization skills to coordinate a fundraiser in the name of resurrecting Firefly.

    Browncoats everywhere raised some good money just for a campaign to try and save Firefly. If they had an *actual,* *tangible* goal, imagine what could happen…

    Plus, I just want in on that shit.

  30. kdculb
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:53 AM | Permalink

    My favorite thing about the interview – it was on B&N. After reading it I checked in on WMF again and they had the Limited Edition Autographed version for sale finally. I got one of them and cancelled my other pre-order.

    Thanks ;)

    • ljkeats
      Posted February 24, 2011 at 6:06 AM | Permalink

      Thanks to your post, I also cancelled my regular pre-order in favor of the Limited Edition Signed version.

      Thanks for the heads-up!

  31. Oohaha
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:54 AM | Permalink

    Pat, you deserved that review. I’ve force fed The Name of The Wind to quite a few reluctant readers, who in turn re-read the book as many as four times. I’ve been waiting for what seems a lifetime for the follow up and its finally here! I’m glad you took every minute you needed to make the book a masterpiece and I absolutely cannot wait to come to your signing on the 14th.

    Regards,
    SharkBait, Oohaha

  32. Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:00 AM | Permalink

    Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. A million times yes. Next to Worldbuilders, this may be the most important “charity” out there.

    I can’t wait to see where this goes.

  33. He without a clever name
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:03 AM | Permalink

    The Brown Coats are gathering.

    Someone needs to set up an actual donation page so all us little fans can help out too. We may not all be giants, but my wife and I have a few bucks to give to this cause.

    What an awesome post. It would be A-mazing if something comes of this.

    It what also be the biggest Fuck You! to the networks (i. e. Fox) ever. Fuck you Fox, we’ll all just buy the damn rights and make it! We’ll watch what we want!

    If this were to happen, it would be pretty awesome if you wrote an epsiode. Gaiman on Dr. Who, you on Firefly…it’s enough to make a fanboy swoon.

    This post is all sorts of shiny.

    • He without a clever name
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:26 PM | Permalink

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKFW6QeGvns&feature=feedlik

      “Firefly’s cancellation
      hurt like Luke’s amputation”

      Here be a nice geeky jingle that mentions firefly with the above quote. It takes place at a cosplay party, so lots of fun costumes.

      Viewer beware if you are into geeky things, for you will undoubtedly be watching and rewatching this video and singing the song for days to come.

  34. Ent_hused
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:05 AM | Permalink

    Really? Missile Silo?…C’mon… I know you can do better.

    Better to buy Serenity and some towering beach front; then build a dream home around the ship. Make her your writing room so you can sit on the bridge, type and stare out on the endless horizon, on the lookout for Reavers and such.

    That’s how you go epic. You work in a shrine of fictional magnitude.

    • Mickey
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:21 PM | Permalink

      Just something to ponder….you are talking to a guy who gets a VIP invite to hang out at The House on the Rock.

      I’m just saying, Pat could probably manage to make that missile silo into something the rest of us can barely begin to imagine.

    • Little My
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 3:41 PM | Permalink

      Wonder what kind of beachfront property is available in Stevens Point.

      • JoeLlama
        Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:07 PM | Permalink

        The best kind.

  35. spoonyspork
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:12 AM | Permalink

    Okay, with this post you sent me over the edge from ‘admirer’ to ‘fangirl’… congrats man; you are my first.

    I now have this almost overwhelming urge to groom you , only stymied by the fact that my husband would probably take issue with that, among others >.>

  36. Hyrneson
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:13 AM | Permalink

    Pat, before this I just wanted to buy you lunch some time. Now I want to kiss you. :)
    (On the cheek, let’s keep it platonic as I don’t know how our wives might take this…)
    You have gone to new heights in the awesome-sphere.

    RH

  37. jagnogg
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:32 AM | Permalink

    I think you should set up an account where fans could donate to this cause an collectively be one of the “20 or 30 people” that you speak of.

  38. CruEllenDeVille
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:32 AM | Permalink

    I’ve only recently started watching firefly, but was hooked in 10 seconds. Am very happy to see that half the internet is planning on raising money for the good cause of buying the series (and creating some more episodes of course).
    Loved the interview, and just so you know that beard you’ve got is an amazing anti-achievement (ooh, alliteration :-)).

  39. zensidhe
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:36 AM | Permalink

    So I was about to comment with my novel and clever idea of suggesting you open this up to the Brown Coats and do a public donation drive… but then I read the comments and realized and not special after all.

    Still, just to reinforce the case I’ll say… I would be willing to drop a couple of hundred bucks in order to have Nathan include me in the list of people he thanks in the DVD extra’s…

  40. DulcetDevil
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:41 AM | Permalink

    I finally had to register so I could reply to this one: BEST IDEA EVER!!!! I was thinking about Firefly again yesterday after seeing the newest episode of Castle. They mentioned “Serenity” more than once (as the name of a spa, but still…) and I swear Nathan got a sad little glint in his eye every time someone said it.

  41. Channain
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:41 AM | Permalink

    Were you not a happily married man…

    Yeah, well, thanks for that.

    • AlanAdams23
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:01 AM | Permalink

      THAT was a funny post.

  42. DigitalSinner
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:44 AM | Permalink

    You have been one of my favorite authors from the moment I got lost in your book.

    With this letter, you just became even more awesome.

    Thank you for being the type of person your fans can relate to.

  43. shifty803
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:47 AM | Permalink

    Malcolm Reynolds may be one of my favorite TV characters of all time. I imagine Nathan must have had a great time playing the role. How could it not be fun?

    I’m not ashamed to admit I ordered two books already and was considering ordering a third. I’ll see you at the Library of Congress!

  44. Pimmeh
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:56 AM | Permalink

    You, Patrick, made my very crappy day a little less very crappy.

    • Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:57 PM | Permalink

      That’s what I’m here for….

  45. Warhound Ulrik Ezickial
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:59 AM | Permalink

    Ahh Firefly… my hope lies with a man who delivers, the man who raises amazing sums for world builders and who debuts as an auther on the international best sellers list (both of those things being dam near imposable).
    I think my hope has a good chance of reality, to at last see the sky returned to Nathan Fillion and the world.
    Good on ya Pat, I got $50 bucks if it comes to it mate, I think you will find others do to.

    PS. got to love a pilot who plays with dinosaurs

  46. Adam D.
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:15 AM | Permalink

    After reading of this awesomeness, I went out and bought the first 2 books in the series. Well done sir… well done.

    Sadly my current project is a couple of years away from fruition, but if funds are still needed then I’ll gladly contribute to the cause.

  47. Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:26 AM | Permalink

    I actually just started watching Firefly last week – a result of a certain Mr. Rothfuss’s influence. It’s fabulous. I’m already depressed that it’s cancelled, and I’ve still only seen four episodes.

  48. whoisduley
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:35 AM | Permalink

    Okay, you were my favorite author. Now… is there something better than that? Because you just attained that status, whatever it is. A shiny idea if I ever heard one.

  49. Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:36 AM | Permalink

    If this comes about, you will be one of a small number of people to make a significantly larger number of people very, very happy.

    You, sir, are a great man!

  50. JessicaJo
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:38 AM | Permalink

    Abandoned missile silo? Is that a Josh Ritter reference?

    • Skye
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:51 PM | Permalink

      It’s more than likely a Penny Arcade reference. In which case we have to make sure he buys Firefly instead–it would be a sad day if one of my favorite authors were eaten by a deep crow.

  51. Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:43 AM | Permalink

    What’s FireFly ?

    • Little My
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:01 PM | Permalink
    • AnotherCoatOfBrown
      Posted February 25, 2011 at 4:08 PM | Permalink

      It is what many thousands of people consider the best television show ever made. I’m not exaggerating. I feel the same way. Patrick obviously loves it and he’s the one who turned me on to it.

      Seriously? “tv show”? What’s the Sistine chapel? “I dunno, a church with some paint on it” If Pat’s letter is any kind of example, the show deserves a little effort on our part when it comes to enlightening new people. Don’t just tell people, make sure they want to watch it.

  52. Vexed Heckler
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:43 AM | Permalink

    For some reason, an abandoned missile silo sounds cooler than buying the rights to Firefly (heresy, I know). I must find out what this Firefly phenomenon is all about and rectify my stance on this.
    So, other than straight up buying the rights to Firefly, what would one have to do to perhaps join you in your abandoned missile silo? Sacrifice a goat to Tehlu? No, that should go to Worldbuilders.
    Name my first child after a character in your series?
    Buy 5,000 copes of the Name of the Wind and 10,000 copies of the Wise Man’s Fear?
    I truly want to know.

  53. sortova
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:46 AM | Permalink

    If you like Firefly, run, don’t walk, to get a copy of Stephen R. Donaldson’s Gap series.

    The five book series starts off with a novella called “The Real Story”. It’s a painful read, full of unpleasant people doing very unpleasant things. But it is extremely important to get through it, as it sets the stage for the rest of the saga.

    If you get halfway through “Forbidden Knowledge” and you aren’t hooked, and you like Firefly, I’d be shocked. There are so many parallels that I almost wonder if Whedon used it as the basis for the characters in his TV show. The stories are different, yet there is a scene in Serenity that matches a nearly identical one in Book 4 of the Gap series, and the other similarities are too hard to ignore (roguish spaceship caption/smuggler, female first mate – heck, just read the books)

    Until they make more Firefly, that series will give you the fix you need.

    As much I as I think “The Name of the Wind” set a new standard for the genre, the Gap series did the same for space opera.

    (Sorry to pimp another author on your blog, but you can only produce so much content and my copy of WMF should be on its way as soon as Amazon can ship it).

    • JoeLlama
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:11 PM | Permalink

      Sounds interesting! Checking my library catalog now. And of course they have all but the first book.

    • AnotherCoatOfBrown
      Posted February 25, 2011 at 4:12 PM | Permalink

      Wanna read more Firefly? check this out: http://www.whedon.info/article.php3?id_article=8136
      It’s written by “War Stories episode writer Cheryl Cain.

    • Posted February 28, 2011 at 7:01 AM | Permalink

      There are two shots in Serenity that are also straight out of the comic series ElfQuest. I’ve been wanting to ask Joss for years if he was a fan. :)

  54. ischyrus
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:52 AM | Permalink

    It’s kind of funny that you would mention his interview. I was driving in my car with the radio on, which is rare , and I heard his interview.

    Equally random, I learned that Fox didn’t like the order of the Firefly episodes and switched them. So if you go and buy the dvds they aren’t numbered in the ordered they aired.

    Anyway, awful lot of Firefly chatter lately. Both in the media and offline.

    • JoeLlama
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:14 PM | Permalink

      The order on the dvds is the intended order. The Fox executives felt the 2-episode pilot didn’t work as well for tv, so they commissioned the episode “The Train Job” which they used as the pilot. I can’t imagine watching the series in any other order but the Joss approved one.

  55. DMage
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:59 AM | Permalink

    This. MUST. Happen.

  56. priscellie
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:03 AM | Permalink

    Just when I thought you couldn’t get any more freaking amazingly awesome, you post something like this.

    Godspeed, Pat. I already preordered two copies and was planning to buy the audiobook as well, and now I’m considering buying more. More power to Rothfuss’ League of Fanatical Browncoat Minions!

    • priscellie
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:10 AM | Permalink

      Btw, I sent the podcast link to Jim Butcher. He got a tremendous kick out of it. :D

      • Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:59 PM | Permalink

        Heh. I’m glad to hear that.

  57. dupliKate
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:12 AM | Permalink

    *jaw drop*

    You and the cast and creator of Firefly (including the women) are the most important men in my life. (Don’t tell my partner.) I admit I am torn by the thought of an underground lair hidden beneath a silo… oh distractions, BUT I hope this happens. I mean, there’s still (1) operating costs and (2) finding a network to run it (like The Science Channel who just purchased rights to air the re-runs plus some behind-the-scenes add-ons). Not to mention that the new season(s) would have to be BETWEEN season 1 and the movie (it wouldn’t be the same without Alan Tudyk and Ron Glass)…

    Please, do not get my hopes up and then crush them to bits. They are already in a fine-powder-like state after Firefly cancellation numero uno.

  58. Darkside
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:20 AM | Permalink

    I would more than gladly chip in several hundred dollars to this cause assuming there is a safe place for me to donate my funds. If you find somewhere reliable, could you please let us know? Hell, I think I trust you enough to just send you the money and let you give it to Nathan directly, if it comes down to that.

  59. Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:27 AM | Permalink

    Just…YES!!

    I promise that if any of my books ever sell “a ridiculous number”, I’ll jump on the bandwagon, too.

  60. Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:32 AM | Permalink

    I knew you were a Whedon fan, but… I think I love you.

  61. Robo
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:41 AM | Permalink

    Man, that dude Paul Allen is on your jock! Talk about a man crush. I think he’s ready to don a robe, light some candles and chant some Latin. Let’s all hide the flatware and household pets!

    • Mickey
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:31 PM | Permalink

      Yeah, like you don’t have a secret trapdoor in your room leading to a basement altar room…Who’s that guy with beard painted onto your wall ? Ha ! Thought so…

      • Robo
        Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:35 PM | Permalink

        Actually that’s Bob Ross and he’s in my “happy place.”

        • Mickey
          Posted February 24, 2011 at 3:27 AM | Permalink

          Happy to give you the funny points here, but who is Bob Ross ?

          • Little My
            Posted February 24, 2011 at 8:45 AM | Permalink

            Oh my GOODNESS. Wiki is your friend, as always (to see a picture of the great man) but a clip on YouTube would demonstrate why the guy had such a cult following. He’s hilarious, and also sweet and wonderful. Hmmm. . .parallels? Well, maybe no, because Bob Ross unintentionally hilarious.

          • Robo
            Posted February 24, 2011 at 4:13 PM | Permalink

            Bob Ross also has one of the best beards (and white man fro’s) in recent history.

          • Mickey
            Posted February 25, 2011 at 2:21 AM | Permalink

            Okay, got the picture..

  62. sandy_williams
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:02 AM | Permalink

    I didn’t even know this was a possibility. Why haven’t we been collecting funds for years!?

    And do we know exactly how much it would cost to buy the rights from Fox?

  63. Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:11 AM | Permalink

    Should have waited to post until after I listened to the interview. Gotta say though, it was pretty awesome. I absolutely adore the idea of the comic for the third book.

    It was really interesting hearing about how the story comes together with the two parts of the story – the story part and the present day Kvothe. Really just insight onto how all the different parts of the book come together is neat.

    Oh, you should totally publish that first story you wrote. As horrible as you know it is, we’ll love it. :D

  64. thenine
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:12 AM | Permalink

    Dear Mr. Rothfus,

    Why not post the project on Kickstarter.com (or something similar) enabling your fans to also contribute? Your army of 20 or 30 could quickly turn into an army of hundreds or thousands.

    Kind Regards,

    theNine

  65. TheWatchersEye
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:31 AM | Permalink
    • mutinyonthebay
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:37 AM | Permalink

      This shit is all sorts of taking off.

  66. Blarghedy
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:38 AM | Permalink

    “he weaves a labyrinthine plotline effortlessly…”

    I couldn’t help but laugh. Yes, “labrynthine plotline” seems an adequate description, but I’m fairly certain it was far from effortless for you. Maybe more effortless than for most of the rest of us, though.

  67. ASamuelson
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:55 AM | Permalink

    My wife and I loved Firefly. It would be awesome to bring it back, but would we pretend that Serenity never happened? I loved the cast of that series and several people met not so nice endings…

    Also, the missile silo thing is pretty fracking cool too. And a bargain at a mere $2.8 million. From there we could terrorize Fox into surrendering the rights to Firefox without even giving them a penny (oh if only the missile was included in the sale, we could change the world one threat of nuclear annihilation at a time).

    • ErikZ
      Posted February 25, 2011 at 10:48 PM | Permalink

      The missile silo is a bargain, stocking the bar will break you though.

  68. Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:02 PM | Permalink

    mwahahahaha.

    I think this is just as devious.

  69. Jake Covert
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:05 PM | Permalink

    Love this idea. I’ve submitted a Kickstarter proposal to try and raise funds.

    Linkage forthcoming….

    • Jake Covert
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:10 PM | Permalink

      I’ve withdrawn this proposal. :-) If Pat decides to start one, he will when the time is right. :-)

  70. Jammarian
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:09 PM | Permalink

    I want more captain tight pants :D

  71. thisisausername
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:19 PM | Permalink

    I liked the first book, but I’d been planning to wait for the paperback of the sequel, if only so they’d fit on the shelf next to each other.

    This changes that.

    I’m on my way to the bookstore now to place a pre-order.

  72. Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:26 PM | Permalink

    Pat. Cool, man.

    Paul Goat Allen. Wow. I’m not the jealous type, but that review made me think about changing that policy.

  73. Celtland
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:30 PM | Permalink

    I saw this on Twitter a day or two ago and just about dropped to the floor. My hopes remain high, so be gentle with them. :)

    I ordered my signed copy of The Wise Man’s Fear from Powell’s last night. I want to make it to your signing in PDX, but I most likely will not be able to go. What is these small creatures clinging to me – and why do they hinder me so? Okay, I really do love my kids. When they are old enough to behave themselves, I’ll bring them with me.

    Here’s to the success of your second and (and dare I say it…) third books, and to the resurrection of Firefly!!!!

  74. LMBeth
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:31 PM | Permalink

    Yeah, I think I may have to buy another copy of the book if for no other reason than to help this along…I’m sure there is someone’s hand I can shove it into…

  75. Resputina
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:32 PM | Permalink

    Just so you know, I think what you said here is amazing and brave. I’m buying your first book today because of this letter.

    Thanks for being awesome!

  76. He without a clever name
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:41 PM | Permalink

    I need to re read Name of the Wind before March 1st, and today, a rare day off, was going to be dedicated to such an end, but I think that now a Firefly day is in order.

  77. LaFleur
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:46 PM | Permalink

    I advise you, Pat, to back out now. I understand the want to get this show back on air, it’s a magnificent show, but it’s just not possible. after Fox sees Fillion’s statement, they will milk the thing for all they’re worth. They won’t let the show go for cheap. Getting the original Actors, Writers, Directors, Crew, and everyone else involved will be impossible. The show would be ruined if one actor is gone, and it will be too different if there are different writers or directors. No one is going to want to be a part of a show that got cancelled (however upsetting it may be) a decade ago.

    The money issue we’re talking about, is upwards of 100 million, just for the rights. let alone paying everyone more money to come back to the show, building sets, getting special effects done… there’s too much at stake for this to work.

    • He without a clever name
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:29 PM | Permalink

      Hopefully the rights would be much less. The rights to the terminator franchise recently sold for 30 million. It would be interesting to see if we (internet fans of firefly) can raise some of that. Disney was willing to sell miramax for 100 million but couldn’t get a buyer for that much, and mirimax owns the rights to 007 James Bond and The Hobbit.

      Casting could be a problem. Fillion and the girl that plays Kalie (name currently escapes me) have both given a resounding yes. Summer might be an issue, as she seems to get plenty of work on her own.

      If any movement happens on this front, it would be pretty amazing.

      • LaFleur
        Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:15 PM | Permalink

        after fox see’s the number $300 million, speculative or not, they will not settle for a small amount I’m afraid…

  78. Rob
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:02 PM | Permalink

    Paul’s review was brilliant, in and of itself, thus I extend my congratulations on you and your books being its content. The only problem I have with it is it’s just one more fucking guy telling me how great Wise Man’s Fear is, and I don’t even have it to read yet.

    What you do with your money is up to you, of course, but if you do buy Firefly, could you PLEASE change that abhorrent theme song? I’ve only seen the whole series once, although I own it, and I had to start fast forwarding through the theme song after the first episode. Or could you just take out the words? Or something?

    Personally, if I win several million dollars, I’ll give you back all of the first edition copies I have of your works to auction off for Worldbuilders.

    • Rob
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:06 PM | Permalink

      . . . congratulations TO you, not ON you, sorry about that . . . .

  79. wildguess
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:04 PM | Permalink

    Weird. I just started watching firefly on Netflix last week. Prolly the best show ever so far.

    Maybe the Kingkiller chronicles could be made into a tv series.

    5 1/2 more days. I wonder what time the book will show up on my kindle that day. I wonder if I should take that day off work.

  80. bea
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:17 PM | Permalink

    I dont know if youve ever caught an episode of Community, but Troy and Abed have a deal where if either of them die, the other will stage it as a suicide note caused by the unjust cancellation of Firefly.

    • JoeLlama
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:20 PM | Permalink

      I saw this and loved it. So very amazing.

  81. Erzberger
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:25 PM | Permalink

    Looking forward to the “What happene thus far”-Comic.

    Speaking of Whedon: Did you like Dollhouse?

  82. franbelda
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:33 PM | Permalink

    I am (probalby) your only fan who hasn’t read a word of your opus. Despite the glowing reviews, the shelves of Madrid’s bookstores stacked with your novel (“14th Edition!” the jacket covers shout) I have yet to open the book(s) and dive in. Why? Well after G.R.R. Martin has broken my heart I promised myself that I wouldn’t start any book series that wasn’t finished.

    So curious about your book, I’ve stumbled into your blog which I adore. I read it religiously and hoot and laugh up when I really should be working. This last blogpost has made my day, so thank you!

    Please rest assured that I will buy hardcover editions of your book the second the series is finished, and if you ever come to Spain I will buy the ones available, wait hours in line to have them signed (you have a huge fanbase over here) and give them to my wife so that she’ll hide them until the last of the book comes out.

    Wait. Did I send you an email to this effect already? I think so. Stupid memory.

    • Little My
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:04 PM | Permalink

      Wow, that is even more hardcore than the people who avoid spoilers. I salute you.

  83. JoeLlama
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:49 PM | Permalink

    I got a kick out of Fillion’s comment. I’m glad I’m not the only one who occasionally plays the lottery just on the (extremely)off-chance that I could resurrect the show and be the Hero of Firefly.

  84. Franziska
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 1:54 PM | Permalink

    I’m a poor college student – but I’d gladly donate the 5€ in my bank account that I don’t need to you two to revive the show!

  85. RogueSock
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 2:22 PM | Permalink

    I really hope you read/respond to this.

    After listening to the Sword and Laser bit, I am really curious on what you thought of the Hunger Games. In particular, if you read the whole series, how did you feel about the third and final book?

    I felt as though the main character was no longer Katniss, but “War”. I can appreciate the authors desire to convey that War is evil. Unfortunately I felt that this message superseded everything that previously happened. I understand it was not meant to be a fairytale ending, nor did I want it to be. But I just felt hollow at the end, cheated even.

    I have never desired to re-write an ending for a book until this one.

    I highly value your opinion and would love to read it.

    Here is hoping!

  86. Keris
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 3:25 PM | Permalink

    Dear Sir,

    I confess that until I heard of this idea of yours I had not heard of you — I tend not to frequent bookshops these days, having enough series which I am following to keep me well supplied with reading material. But being a fan of Firefly I came, I saw, I read your sample chapter eight, and I have now ordered both books (having found that the chapter both made me chuckle and to keep reading, in spite of my general dislike of reading books on screen).

    If the idea does go ahead, I would be willing to chip in (not with anything like that amount, I’m unlikely to see a percent of that in my life, but everything helps).

  87. AlanAdams23
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 3:59 PM | Permalink

    I dunno about a missile silo base…after reading Girl Genius I’m thinking Zeppelin Castle. Imagine the entrances you could make at conventions and book signings. Have a picture of you making crazy eyes painted on the side of it. Epic.

  88. Jonathan Eaton
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:07 PM | Permalink

    Hello Mr. Rothfuss.

    Can you tell me when your new book will become available in Canada? I need something awesome to read. Being a Canadian, if I get too bored because there’s no good book to read in the winter, I have a habit of drinking too much beer, stripping my clothes off and jumping into icy waters just for the rush of it. The problem is that this practice is very threatening to my general health and, the Great Canuck forbid, virility.

    Please save my future children with your awesomeness.

    Thanks,
    ~Jonathan

  89. na6375
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:45 PM | Permalink

    Love the fact that you dig Nathan Fillion. In my opinion, he should be Drake in the Uncharted Movie. Looking forward to your visit to The Borders in Oak Brook and cannot wait to bask in your awesomeness!

  90. DresdenKvotheCauthon
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:20 PM | Permalink

    Reddit.com is behind you 100 percent. You start a charity for the fund raising of firefly and they will probably help. JUST NEVER GO TO REDDIT website gives viruses well not really it gives procrastination aids. And we wouldn’t want book 3 taking longer than it has to.

  91. Foxsilhouette
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:38 PM | Permalink

    If you (or others) would start a collection for the remaking of Firefly – I would contribute substantially.

    • Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:49 PM | Permalink

      … remake? Why would it need to be remade? Just pretend the events of Serenity didn’t happen so we could keep the whole crew and carry on!

  92. cdieter20
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:28 PM | Permalink

    I think the funniest part of the whole interview with Nathan is the comments section below the actual article. Apparently it is considered sacrilege to diss Firefly, with the results being abuse laid upon your person. Lots of calling people fat and lonely if you didnt like the show. Speaking as someone who never say the show ( I was 12 when it was on and had better things to do) I look forward to seeing it aired

  93. Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:37 PM | Permalink

    I wish someone would do this for the Dresden Files too! :)

    • Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:48 PM | Permalink

      Oh heavens yes. They’d have to do a reboot of the show though, there’s no getting around that.

      • jon514
        Posted February 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM | Permalink

        I know, such a letdown! Damn you Nick Cage! Damn you to ‘EL!

  94. slizoth
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:43 PM | Permalink

    Thats it, I’m buying two copies of your book.

  95. LaisLindsay
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:52 PM | Permalink

    I don’t have a band (I’m way to uncool for that) but if I did, I’d totally name it “Cat Man Samurai”!!

    • LaisLindsay
      Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:54 PM | Permalink

      Refer to Sword and Laser podcast for that comment to make sense, please!

  96. crad14
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 7:01 PM | Permalink

    Patrick, First off, I have to say that Name of the Wind was epically awesome. I got it shortly after it came out, read it more than once, and have been eagerly awaiting the sequel. As if that wasn’t enough, you post this? Shit, you have to be my favorite author EVER now!!!!!!

  97. Mike T.
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:05 PM | Permalink

    Did someone actually not know what Firefly is? Shame on you sir whomever-you-are, shame.

    Nathan’s current show Castle is great and the subtle Firefly hints are a delight. “Where did you learn Chinese?” She asked. “Oh, just a show I used to love.” He replies.

    Brilliant.

    • Mickey
      Posted February 24, 2011 at 3:39 AM | Permalink

      Now hold on there pardner, not all of us live in the USA. There are frequent references made to people, books, shows etc on the blog and some of them never made it to Europe. Let alone out of the way places like South Africa, Australia or New Zealand.

      Where I come from there are exactly four (4) television channels if you can’t afford satellite television, which the overwhelming majority cannot. So go easy on those who ask questions. It is after all the only way to learn about things.

      • AliB
        Posted February 25, 2011 at 12:19 AM | Permalink

        Perfectly said. While reading this blog reminded me that I have yet to watch the brilliance I have heard about called Firefly, when I look it up on Netflix Canada, it’s not available and I believe it directed me to watch Dr. Who. Although I found that less offensive then it offering me Steamy Movies with a Strong Female Lead, is that even a real category?

    • fergusonar
      Posted February 25, 2011 at 9:50 PM | Permalink

      Or how about when Castle dressed up as Mal for a Halloween costume? Made me really happy.

  98. JBurns
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:50 PM | Permalink

    Just to weigh in along with everyone else…

    This sentiment is beyond awesome. I have pre-ordered an extra copy. You are my hero.

  99. kamama
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 9:40 PM | Permalink

    Sir Rothfuss, when you come to Boston, you should have a sign at your table (or podium or throne) letting people know about your efforts to support new content for Firefly. It’ll let people who wouldn’t normally read your blog know what’s going on and get people AMPED!

    Looks like there are already lots of people buying multiple copies just for the cause, and I’m gladly jumping in the wagon! More of your book, more of Firefly! There’s little that could be better.

    Spreading the word, one syllable at a time!

  100. phiredrops
    Posted February 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM | Permalink

    Well Shit… this woulda made a great handsell tactic.
    I regret, Sir, that my store will be closed or still limping through liquidation by the time WMF is released. I had such plans! I was going to defy the planogram and place WMF in the best display! ..and sneak in as many paragraphs as I could manage with the laydowns the monday before. /cough

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