Machine Gun Q&A #4

[Edit: It’s late Tuesday night, and I just finished reading through the hundreds of questions, and answer the ones that stuck me as being interesting/amusing. It took me a while to get to the last page worth of comments, because I had to take a break to mail out some t-shirts.

I had a good time with this one. Thanks for playing along.]

A while back, I offered people the chance to ask me questions down in the comment section of the blog. Nothing really deep, just fun questions that would never get asked in a real interview. Little questions. A flurry of little questions. It’s sort of like a machine gun interview.

It turned out to be fun, and I’ve done a few of them since then.

It’s been about three months since I did one, so I figured we were about due.

With previous Machine Gun Q&A, I only accepted questions for an hour or two before I shut things down. But today I’ve decided to try something a little different.

I’m going to accept questions for all of Monday.

This changes the game a little bit. Before, you needed to hurry to get your question in before the time was up. But now that’s not an issue. You have plenty of time.

This time, the challenge will be coming up with a question interesting enough that I’ll want to answer it instead of the hundreds of others. Because I only answer the questions that amuse me in one way or another.

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 reserve the right to delete unanswered questions so people reading the blog later have an easier time navigating the comments.
10. I’m not going to answer questions about the upcoming tour. All the answers to those questions will be posted up in a separate Tour FAQ blog that I’ve been lovingly assembling for a couple weeks now…

Okay. We clear on the rules?

You’ve got a day to post up your questions. I’ll be answering questions as they come in, and, depending on how many/good they are, I might continue answering on Tuesday as well.

Questions posted after Monday will be ignored.

Ready?

Go.

pat

This entry was posted in hodgelany, Machine Gun Q&A. By Pat964 Responses

220 Comments

  1. LauraRawra
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:05 AM | Permalink

    What is your favourite type of dinosaur?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:20 AM | Permalink

      Brontosaurus. For philosophical reasons.

      • xjm
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 10:40 AM | Permalink

        Are these philosophical reasons closest to:

        (a) The “brotosaurus” is a symbol of the hubris of modern science
        (b) The perpetuation of the “brotosaurus” illustrates the sophistry and/or failure of our educational systems
        (c) http://xkcd.com/636/
        (d) The brontosaurus is a charming creature straddling the line between fantasy and reality
        (e) Brontosauri were actually dragons
        (f) I am reading too much into this

  2. bldysabba
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:06 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat!
    Do you have tunes in mind for songs like Tinker Tanner when you write them in the book? And did you end up having to sing when you were late for your reading last week?

    • bldysabba
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:07 AM | Permalink

      Ack. Sorry, missed the multi-part rule. Please ignore the second question.

  3. Ironkey
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:08 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat!
    I have to know, what’s your favorite video game of all time?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:19 AM | Permalink

      Boy…. Maybe Fallout two? Maybe Portal? That’s a hard question….

      • bikeracer4487
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 2:54 PM | Permalink

        No it’s not, it’s easy: Half-Life 2….I mean Mass Effect 2…or both…huh… Mass Life 1/2?

        • Posted February 8, 2011 at 6:35 AM | Permalink

          Mass effect two was, at best, a good game. Not a brilliant one.

  4. skinnersmonkey
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:09 AM | Permalink

    How many televisions do you own?

  5. datalaughing
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:10 AM | Permalink

    Do you actually have a general story/outline of Daeonica somewhere, or do you just make it up as you go along?

    • cmkruger
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:32 AM | Permalink

      Please answer this question, as it is one that has been floating around in my head as well and was what I was going to ask.

      • Posted February 8, 2011 at 6:36 AM | Permalink

        I’ve got the outline of the story…

  6. mezentius
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:11 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat, can’t wait for book 2!

    The Name of the Wind was almost universally acclaimed, and I love it to bits. But I’d be really interested to know, did you read any criticisms or negative comments after it came out and think, “You know what, that person has a point”?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:51 AM | Permalink

      I’m a much harsher critic of the books than anyone else.

  7. Spraggus
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:13 AM | Permalink

    Ever going to tour Down Under?

  8. Pixie74943
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:14 AM | Permalink

    Just How Amazing Is Patrick Rothfuss?
    (Answer must be in limerick form)

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:27 AM | Permalink

      There once was an author named Pat
      Who could rhyme at the drop of a hat.
      So awesome was he
      (Though he mocked poetry)
      He could versify in seconds flat.

  9. Ophelia
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:16 AM | Permalink

    What’s your favourite type of magic from any fantasy book?

  10. MidgetMe
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:16 AM | Permalink

    Any ideas how soon after the 1st it may be before I will be able to hear Nick Podehl reading your wonderful words in his wonderful way for 43 wonderful hours through the wonderful site Audible.com?

  11. Katori29
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:16 AM | Permalink

    So, I just wanna know. What you think happens if you bounce Wonderflonium?

  12. Spraggus
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:17 AM | Permalink

    How did you choose your sons name?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:28 AM | Permalink

      Like the end part of “boot.”

      • crowder
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 11:06 AM | Permalink

        I think he said “how did you choose”, not “how do you pronounce.” I’m curious about the “how did you choose” question, too.

        • Posted February 8, 2011 at 6:37 AM | Permalink

          Oh. I make up names for things. That’s just what I do.

  13. mlmartins00
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:17 AM | Permalink

    How can i know publishing date of “Wise Man’s Fear” in my language?
    I’m spanish.
    Thank you so much.
    If there is a FAQ entry about other publishing languages i would be thankfull for eternity if you show me where it is. Notice i did second question without making a second question? Damn! I did a second question!!

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:29 AM | Permalink

      We’ll be adding that when we update the webpage….

      • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:29 AM | Permalink

        But right now I don’t know exactly when the Spanish Version is coming out….

        • mlmartins00
          Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:34 AM | Permalink

          Thanks for answering. I think i’ll buy English Version, i can´t wait anymore, and then i’ll buy Spanish Version. It’s worth the money

  14. datalaughing
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:18 AM | Permalink

    If a movie was made about your life, it would be called, “The Last _______” what? (examples include, The Last Starfighter, The Last Action Hero, The Last Airbender, etc.)

  15. Aberinkula
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:18 AM | Permalink

    Just finished book one again. Understood so much more than my first read-through.

    Now, as for the series, after the third one is finished, will you continue to write books in Kvothe’s universe, with him being the star or not?

  16. Parrotfish
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:19 AM | Permalink

    Hello from Germany,
    will you sell the film rights to Warner Brothers or Dream Works?

    • Aberinkula
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:25 AM | Permalink

      Do you make enough money writing to support yourself or do you still need a day job?

      I’d like to know the answer to this from Brandon Sanderson as well…

      • Aberinkula
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:26 AM | Permalink

        Oops. I am new to this. :(

        • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:30 AM | Permalink

          No worries. You can re-post it below if you want….

  17. ObeliaCaioDaria
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:20 AM | Permalink

    When did you know in your gut that you were destined to be a published writer?

  18. Catalyst27
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:21 AM | Permalink

    What would have as your last meal? I’m thinking more steak than popcorn.

  19. Joshua_Guess
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:21 AM | Permalink

    At what point will you become concerned that your beard will gain sentience and begin the process of taking over your life?

  20. beetjes
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:24 AM | Permalink

    When will you start writing/editing on the third book?

  21. burdkilla
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:25 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,

    Do you think diarrhea can be healthy? Like in a cathartic sense?

  22. Mikkel
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:26 AM | Permalink

    If your beard was like the one depicted in this webcomic (http://www.explosm.net/comics/2305/), would you let me borrow it for a day?

  23. Jado
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:28 AM | Permalink

    Who is your favourite fantasy book character of all time? (Excluding those of your own creation of course!).

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:32 AM | Permalink

      Gandalf has a special place in my heart.

      Also, Dr. Horrible.

      • Jado
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 3:35 PM | Permalink

        haha he does have a Phd in Horribleness. Thats pretty bad ass.

  24. Shroomy
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:30 AM | Permalink

    Can Kvothe play a mean fiddle?!

  25. Hilarious Joke
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:30 AM | Permalink

    Excuse me Mr Rothfuss sir if you please,

    I would like to know if you listen to music at any stage in the writing process.

    Yours sagaciously,

    HJ from Sydney

  26. Kanng
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:31 AM | Permalink

    I honestly have to ask, what do you think of Jersey Shore?
    hopefully you’re not one of those people that likes it.
    :D

  27. Aberinkula
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:32 AM | Permalink

    Time for great success.

    Do you make enough money writing to support yourself or do you still need a day job?

    I’d like to know the answer to this from Brandon Sanderson as well…

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:54 AM | Permalink

      I make a living off my writing. But not a lot of writers do. It helps that I live in a really cheap part of the country….

      I know that Sanderson makes enough to support himself on his writing as well…

  28. sherbet
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:34 AM | Permalink

    What is your favourite word?

    • Valaritas
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 4:12 PM | Permalink

      Probably “Eggoliant”

  29. beetjes
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:35 AM | Permalink

    Why are you up this early in the morning?

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:32 AM | Permalink

      Chances are he just hasn’t gone to bed yet.

  30. Marcus Cox
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:37 AM | Permalink

    Last night on Facebook you posted something like “Wait, the Superbowl is today?” Where you being sarcastic or did you honestly not know?” I imagine that’s all most people in your state where talking about this weekend.

  31. Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:37 AM | Permalink

    Do you consider yourself more a world-builder or a storyteller and why?

  32. Mikkel
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:39 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat, bringer of awesome and divine purveyor of procrastination.

    In your opinion, have you evolved in coolness (that is Gaiman-Day units) in the past year?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:55 AM | Permalink

      Oh hell yes. I scored major points off the people that named their baby after a character in my book….

  33. Liam
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:39 AM | Permalink

    How did you organize your world-building notes for the NOTW?

  34. Parrotfish
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:39 AM | Permalink

    After your recent comments on modern video games, are you considering a text-based adventure for Kvothe?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:56 AM | Permalink

      It would be fun to write, but I’d need someone else to spearhead the project. I don’t have time to mastermind something like that, unfortunately.

      • Parrotfish
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:58 AM | Permalink

        Just kidding, but i have a friend who’s really good at that kind of thing and he’s into fantasy novels (reading your book at the moment, i presume).

      • Rickster
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:22 AM | Permalink

        I would help develop that in a heartbeat.

      • JonH
        Posted February 12, 2011 at 6:45 AM | Permalink

        Hell I would make a full 3D game if I ever got the chance >.<

  35. Shroomy
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:40 AM | Permalink

    Havee you read any of Joe Abercrombies books?

  36. Darmys
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:41 AM | Permalink

    back story
    I have a rental inspection this Wednesday, and I have been looking for, but can’t find locally at least a jar / bottle / something of Anal Lube to leave on my bedside table. I really do not like my new property manager.

    So my question is: If I leave an over sized jar of vaseline instead would that work?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:00 AM | Permalink

      If you’re going to weird them out, go all the way. Leave out a porn mag, a screwdriver, and a big jar of peanut butter with a handful scooped out of the top.

    • NorCalRushfan
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 2:28 PM | Permalink

      I’m a real estate appraiser and see the insides of many homes. From personal experience, stacks of magazine and DVDs trump lube. Toys are very funny though.

  37. Marie
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:43 AM | Permalink

    How do you make sure your admittedly drool-worthy writings doesn’t distract from the actual plot?

  38. Fathomboy2004
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:44 AM | Permalink

    For any of the various songs that appear in “The Name Of The Wind”, have you ever imagined them being adapted, arranged, and performed in real life (especially The Lay Of Sir Savien Traliard)?

  39. wastevens
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:48 AM | Permalink

    Is Denna the feminine form of Denner?

  40. dankinney
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:49 AM | Permalink

    Do you prefer to write in silence or with some music/background noise?

  41. Jack
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:51 AM | Permalink

    Who would win in a fight between Kvothe and Dr Horrible?

  42. fpgiv
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:51 AM | Permalink

    Do you like camping, and is your answer affected by the presence of whiskey while camping?

  43. markahm494
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:54 AM | Permalink

    I’m a tattoo artist and I was wondering…

    Have you heard of or seen anyone getting a tattoo based on NOTW? I’d love to do one personally.

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:02 AM | Permalink

      Nope. Nothing like that yet….

      • jhebert
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 9:12 AM | Permalink

        I have considered several ideas. However, I decided it was a good idea to wait for the rest of the story.

        • makeesta45
          Posted February 7, 2011 at 11:14 AM | Permalink

          Oh I have been thinking up ideas too! But I agree about waiting for the rest of the story. Don’t worry though, It’ll happen! :)

      • markahm494
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:21 PM | Permalink

        I’ve sketched up a couple ideas from time to time, but nothing serious yet. I’d love to do one one of these days though.

      • Rob
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 10:21 PM | Permalink

        I’m totally getting a tattoo on my ass of Kvothe holding a porn mag and a screwdriver, with a big jar of peanut butter under his arm!

  44. Burning_Quill
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:55 AM | Permalink

    Lets say some huge trans-dimensional portal opened up right under your desk swallowing your trendy lamp, really comfortable chair, coffee cup, beard rest (I refuse to believe you hold that thing up using neck alone) and yourself thence dropping you into a generic fantasy world – what kind of character would you end up being?

    (I’m thinking Viking Berserker)

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:03 AM | Permalink

      Wizard. Definitely Wizard.

  45. Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:55 AM | Permalink

    If he asked, would you kiss Joss Whedon on the mouth?

    • Burning_Quill
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:59 AM | Permalink

      This needs clarifying… tongue or no tongue?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:03 AM | Permalink

      Well… yeah. Wouldn’t you?

      • Pixie74943
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:05 AM | Permalink

        does that include the tongue?

      • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:07 AM | Permalink

        Absolutely. In a second. Even my husband is aware of this.

      • Burning_Quill
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:10 AM | Permalink

        I dunno – after Firefly, I get the feeling like Joss is a tease. Get you all excited by a dreamy kiss and then LET YOU DOWN BY NOT GIVING YOU A SECOND SERIES NO MATTER HOW MANY PETITIONS YOU SIGN!

        • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:48 AM | Permalink

          Yeah. Because we all know that studios let you make television shows because of online petitions….

          • Burning_Quill
            Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:00 AM | Permalink

            *weeps*

            Next you will tell me Santa is not real.

        • Posted February 8, 2011 at 6:19 PM | Permalink

          I’m honestly surprised that another network didn’t pick up the show after the movie, “Serenity”, was made. There can’t be more proof of popularity than that.

  46. deedeetee
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 5:56 AM | Permalink

    Is there any chance you would ever do a signing tour abroad, say maybe in India? Bangalore is a really great place to visit if you’re a fantasy writer, I’ve heard… :)

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:05 AM | Permalink

      I’ve already done a bit of a tour in Europe, and I plan to go back.

      As for India, my book hasn’t been translated in that part of the world at all. Almost everywhere else, but not there….

      • Shawn
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 11:35 AM | Permalink

        Sorry to be a smart-ass, but isn’t English an official language in India?

        • GryphonBrokewing
          Posted February 7, 2011 at 8:01 PM | Permalink

          Not really the official language, but the common one, since it was forced on the country by the British Empire. When I was there, I was told they all spoke “Hinglish”. Couple of the teens I met there were reading current version Marvel comics *shrugs*.

          • Rulerofkingdoms
            Posted February 8, 2011 at 7:05 AM | Permalink

            Umm…actually English *is* one of the two official languages in India. Also, very few books are translated into Hindi(the other official language) since the vast majority of “book-readers”(for lack of a better term) in India read the books in English. Anyway, my point in all this is that Pat really shouldn’t wait for his book to be translated into an Indian language – he should make a trip here ASAP! :)

  47. Hilarious Joke
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:00 AM | Permalink

    Mr Rothfuss, sir, if you would be so kind,

    I’m planning a mid-year holiday. Which do you think: Narnia or the Shire?

    Yours bodaciously,

    HJ

    P.S. I just got a call from Gandalf – he is totes going to be in the Shire this July.

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:06 AM | Permalink

      It depends on what you’re looking for, really. The food is better in the Shire, but it’s way easier to hook up in Narnia….

      • Hilarious Joke
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:12 AM | Permalink

        Jiminy H Cricket!

        What you know some loose dryads?

        Fetch my magic wardrobe! Fast!

        • Hilarious Joke
          Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:20 AM | Permalink

          On second thoughts, I’m going to the Shire. I don’t want my innocent perception of Narnia tainted by any such base experiences. After all this is Lewis’ world not Pullman’s. JOKES I love Pullman.

          Awkward.

          • Little My
            Posted February 7, 2011 at 3:12 PM | Permalink

            If anyone DOES want their innocent perception of Narnia tainted, they should check out Lev Grossman’s The Magicians. His Fillory isn’t exactly Narnia but the influences are clear, and you won’t look back at Narnia the same way again either.

  48. Pixie74943
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:07 AM | Permalink

    What size shoes do you wear?

  49. Fabio_Cristino
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:08 AM | Permalink

    How are you going to know if you already aswered any of the questions here in one of your previous interviews if you said that you never remember what you say on them?

    • Fabio_Cristino
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:24 AM | Permalink

      Hmm, sudden overuse of the ‘you’ pronoun.
      Must improve my writing

  50. ssorgatem
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:10 AM | Permalink

    Why?

  51. cathy_j
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:12 AM | Permalink

    Did you have any inkling when you were writing “The Name of The Wind” that it would be so successful?

  52. Aberinkula
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:13 AM | Permalink

    Does Kvothe ever learn to fire lasers out of his eyes?

    • Jack
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:32 AM | Permalink

      spoiler alert: the draccus teach him

  53. two_eyes
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:15 AM | Permalink

    How was your weekend?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:49 AM | Permalink

      Pretty good. Played with the baby. Ate a burrito. Read a book.

      • two_eyes
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 8:15 AM | Permalink

        That’s good to hear. I was thinking about maybe eating a burrito, but I got the gumbo instead. Can’t say I regret my choice.

      • crowder
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 11:12 AM | Permalink

        What book?

  54. kenderdoken
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:15 AM | Permalink

    Humanoid alien and magical races used to be a staple of SciFi and Fantasy, but I’ve noticed that in the last ten-fifteen years both genres have been moving away from that in favor of being mostly or entirely about humans. Why do you think that is, and do you have a preference either way? As someone who grew up on Star Trek, heavily Tolkien inspired fantasy, and ElfQuest, I kind of miss it sometimes.

  55. JustinP
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:20 AM | Permalink

    If last night had been Super Bowl night at the Eolian (assuming, among other things, the existence of television)…at the end of the game, would the mood have been celebratory, somber, indifferent, or other?

  56. Tisamon
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:22 AM | Permalink

    Hilary Clinton, Jackie Stallone, Dan Brown.

    Snog, marry, avoid?

  57. Moryndia
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:24 AM | Permalink

    In the unlikely event that Oot has no taste and dislikes everything SciFi-Fantasy, what genre do you hope he picks up on that you two might share?

    (In my case it’s history be it non-fiction or historical fiction, it’s a gateway drug to geekdom and a lot of history was really weird.)

  58. fb
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:24 AM | Permalink

    I hope this one will count as it is only midday Monday here in the UK!

    What would you do to pass the time if you were snowed in your house for a month and for some unknown reason you could not be working on revisions etc for Book 3? (Assuming you have all the necessary food and drink etc to see you through)

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:51 AM | Permalink

      Read books. Have sex.

      Read books about sex.

  59. Pixie74943
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:26 AM | Permalink

    Do You Know How To Dance?
    Specifically Salsa?
    And Will You Salsa with Me?

    (Oh noes, too many questions)

  60. hobo
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:29 AM | Permalink

    If bacon were a fruit would you enjoy fruit salad more or less?

  61. Grinner
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:30 AM | Permalink

    Not sure if you already answerd that one before.
    In one of the earlier interviews you mentioned preview-chapters…i know the 1st of march isn’t that far away but is there any chance for that?

    best regards from germany
    grinner

  62. Oneiric D
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:30 AM | Permalink

    The Name of the Wind has several stories within it, such as those about Lanre and Menda/Tehlu. Would you consider adapting these to a graphic novel format, maybe after all three books are done?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:52 AM | Permalink

      Maybe. It would depend on who was offering to run the project. I’d need a good team for something like that…

      • Angelbaka
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 11:25 AM | Permalink

        Gaiman. Is that the equivalent of whedon doing the tv show?

  63. Corg
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:30 AM | Permalink

    I have to get fillings in half an hour. Tell me something happy?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:54 AM | Permalink

      You probably get to have Novocain.

      Believe me. That’s a happy thing. Imagine getting your teeth drilled without it. Victorian-style. Not cool.

      • Ditte
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:39 AM | Permalink

        Did that once. Not cool.

  64. mcb
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:31 AM | Permalink

    Hey!

    I’m spanish, and I’m wondering if you will ever visit Spain (Sevilla or Cadiz, to be more specific). Will you? pleeeeeeeease????? I promise you a big bag of traditional spanish sweets if you come!!!!

    • Jack
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:33 AM | Permalink

      I’ll give you a big back of poisonous snakes and/or jellyfish if you come to Australia…? :)

    • huoxingren
      Posted February 12, 2011 at 3:16 PM | Permalink

      Sevilla, Cadiz AND SALAMANCA!!!

  65. Vorbis
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:32 AM | Permalink

    Which Tarot card do you identify most with?

    I’m making an Indiana Jones type puzzle, using the cards as clues to find map pieces and open treasure chests. I’m using you as my inspiration for The Sun – your charity work and newfound fatherhood make you pretty archetypal.

    Also I want to put this in writing somewhere before book 2 comes out – my pet theory is that before they tried to assassinate Kvothe, the botched job they had in the other city was on Denna *grins*

  66. CGilga
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:36 AM | Permalink

    I have but one question, and one question only.

    Do you love me?

  67. Hyrneson
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:37 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    Thanks for your amazing work.

    What have you learned as a parent that has unexpectedly changed you?

    Best to you & yours,
    Robert

  68. Burning_Quill
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:37 AM | Permalink

    If someone was going to University and was a little flaky….maybe they want to do Chemistry…maybe they want to do Psychology…maybe they want to do English….how many years would you say it would take them to graduate? :P

  69. pjmintz
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:37 AM | Permalink

    Do you have a favorite kind (ie – size, fluffiness or breed) of cat or dog?

  70. Sparkuus
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:39 AM | Permalink

    What to you is the absolute minimum amount of resources required to MacGyver your way out of an emergency?

  71. jaimo
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:39 AM | Permalink

    I know the print run of the US first edition was about 40,000 copies. What was the print run of the UK first edition published by Gollancz? This is a very hard edition to find.

  72. Albender
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:42 AM | Permalink

    Would you consider to work with Brandon Sanderson?

    *Off to ask Sanderson the same question about Pat*

    *Secretly wishes some sort of a master-plan by the two of them to dominate the world by writing together a book, or two, or three, or…*

    Talent+Talent= 2xTalent (!)

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:03 AM | Permalink

      2xTalent? Either there’s some synergy there, or they cancel each other out in some way. But I doubt they land right at 2x. :-)

  73. ellipsis
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:47 AM | Permalink

    If you could be credited for/have your name attached to something in history, what would it be?

  74. borvise
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:49 AM | Permalink

    Your magnificent Rothfussness,

    From your nine years as a registered student, what is an exceptionally notable event from an exceptionally notable party/gathering/hooplah/hootenanny that you attended?

    Thanks for the stories and the amazing storytelling.

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 6:58 AM | Permalink

      I once went to a make-out party and was awarded the title of “best kisser,” even though the judge was a lesbian.

      I’m pretty proud of that.

      • Little My
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 3:23 PM | Permalink

        For more details, see the College Survival Guide, if you can get someone to buy it for you.

      • borvise
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 8:33 PM | Permalink

        Thus an entry in epic fantasy non-fiction. Well done.

      • Rob
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 10:28 PM | Permalink

        Were you kissing your date or the judge?

  75. knelson
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:03 AM | Permalink

    Being from Wisconsin, where you required to put a big block of foam cheese on your head and watch the Packers play last night?

  76. Henrik Lundell
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:03 AM | Permalink

    During your revisions of book one and two, have there ever been any “epic” changes? ones that made you go, fuck! I have to re-think the whole rest of the story.

  77. Kismet
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:04 AM | Permalink

    Its still Monday here in Ireland :)

    I often hear you speak of Gaiman and Sanderson and others,
    However where oh where is your love for Terry Pratchett??
    Where do you stand on him?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:17 AM | Permalink

      I often gush with adoration about Pratchett. I’ve written at least two blogs about him that I remember, and mentioned him in many others.

      • Little My
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 3:28 PM | Permalink

        For example, there’s this blog entry.
        Plus, given that Gaiman is considered such a paragon of coolness, there’d have to be some implied glory because of Good Omens, right?
        Terry Pratchett was certainly my gateway drug into the fantasy genre.

  78. The Universe is Laughing
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:06 AM | Permalink

    If you were to compose a rock soundtrack for The Name of the Wind, what would Kvothes’ theme song be?

    • Jado
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 4:00 PM | Permalink

      Awesome question. He is a bad ass so it would have to be pretty heavy but at the same time I think it would have to be something classic! Bat out of Hell, Meatloaf? lol.

  79. Marcus Cox
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:08 AM | Permalink

    If you could pick any presently operating video game studio to make a video game based off of your work what company would it be?

  80. Jake Covert
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:09 AM | Permalink

    I can imagine that after working with this world for 15+ years, you might start to feel creatively “boxed in” after a while. The need to create new aspects (alternate currencies / magical constants / dilethium crystal staffs, etc) could be limited by the sheer volume of prose and stories carved into granite vis-a-vis Book 1 and 2.

    Question_predicated_on_above_overly_generious_previous_assumption: What completely new genre of literature do you secretely yearn to “create” and explore in?

    Westerns? Steamy romance? Orthographic biographies?

    :-)

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:20 AM | Permalink

      Urban Fantasy.

      • D_
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 12:10 PM | Permalink

        How Urban and how Fantasy? Have you read much Charles DeLint?

      • iluntasun
        Posted February 10, 2011 at 3:05 PM | Permalink

        That sounds like Shadowrun.

  81. iuqiddis
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:15 AM | Permalink

    How many people have declined to be beta readers for you because they want to read the finished book, and not some umpteenth pre-final revision?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:22 AM | Permalink

      A few. Not a lot, but a decent number….

      • Robin the Acolyte
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 12:56 PM | Permalink

        Scandlous!

        I would never do that to you. Because then it would be like reading two totally different books! Necessary since NOTW and LOTR are the only two books I’ve ever reread in my entire life. Oh wait. Kurtz’s Deryni Rising series too. OK five books total.

        But NOTW is about to get read a third time, so it’s still #1 on the Awesomeness Scale.

        Feel free to keep my name on file to beta read book 3.

  82. Jochem
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:16 AM | Permalink

    While listening to the audio book of TNoTW I noticed the moon and spoons are regular subjects for analogies. So I’ve come to wonder, what is your relationship with the moon and spoons?

  83. rhodery
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:16 AM | Permalink

    Who in your opinion was the better cartoon hero; He-Man or Lion-O?

  84. dmbeucler
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:17 AM | Permalink

    Favorite dessert flavor? Cookies or cupcakes?

  85. Josh
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:19 AM | Permalink

    Do you ever want to go and add a few more years on to those nine years of undergrad study you’ve accumulated?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:21 AM | Permalink

      Yes. All the time. I really miss being a student….

      • Shnargen
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 10:32 PM | Permalink

        Pat wishes to be THE ETERNAL E ‘LIR

  86. nyarlanotep
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:20 AM | Permalink

    Have you ever been investigated by the FBI?

  87. Chanelle
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:20 AM | Permalink

    After day three is finished and kvothe’s story is over, will you continue to write in this world you have created or enjoy making a brand new one?

  88. Lenora Aranon
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:21 AM | Permalink

    If you were to get a pet (for yourself, your girlfriend or son) what would it be?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:45 AM | Permalink

      Catgirl.

      • Mallory
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 10:40 AM | Permalink

        I am fostering a beautiful girlcat who is amazing and needs a home (and likes babies) – just saying… girlcat is pretty close

  89. stampergl
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:23 AM | Permalink

    Do you have any recurring nightmares?

  90. Mickey
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:23 AM | Permalink

    Do you have a real life model for Abenthy or is he completely fictionalised ?

  91. Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:24 AM | Permalink

    If Kvothe could vote, would he be a Democrat, a Republican or a Canadian?

  92. Kisaoda
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:28 AM | Permalink

    If a studio approached you with the offer to convert Kingkiller into live action, would you prefer a) a television series (crappier budget but longer time to tell the story) or b) film trilogy (epic graphics but extremely condensed storytelling)?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:45 AM | Permalink

      Is HBO an option?

      • saphillips
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 8:13 AM | Permalink

        Or Showtime. I can imagine the trailer for the Kingkiller mini-series!
        At least *part* of it ;)

      • Kisaoda
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 8:27 AM | Permalink

        In fairness to the question, yes, HBO would be an option. ;)

        • carpentermt
          Posted February 7, 2011 at 9:13 AM | Permalink

          Oooh, how about Starz?

          I can see it now:

          Kvothe: Blood and Sand.

        • Posted February 8, 2011 at 6:46 AM | Permalink

          Then yes. HBO.

  93. Zeppelin
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:29 AM | Permalink

    Well it’s Monday in Singapore at least :)

    First off, and not to make too great a point of it, but I’d gotten a bit frustrated with the fantasy genre these last few years, and picking up ‘The Name of the Wind’ when it came out reminded me of what it was like to be filled with childlike wonder again, and why I first fell in love with the Fantasy genre to begin with. So thanks a million times over for that, you saved the optimistic Geek in me.

    As for my question, during your trip to Europe, was there any moment when based on the culture or the lifestyle you found yourself thinking “I ain’t in Kansas no more.” And if so what was it?

    • borvise
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 8:38 PM | Permalink

      Wow, someone else in Singapore who uses “ain’t”. You’ve made my day. Thank you.

      • Zeppelin
        Posted February 8, 2011 at 2:59 AM | Permalink

        Thanks, but unfortunately to let you down I’ll have you notice I used it between quotation marks… sorry :p

        In my twisted mind I somehow imagined someone from Kansas (Kansatian, Kansari?) would use it :)

  94. Fourwinds
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:29 AM | Permalink

    I was wondering to what extent you’ve developed the system of Sygaldry, do you know what some of the symbols look like? Can you draw them?

  95. Looknan
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:29 AM | Permalink

    One thing that has always been bugging me:
    If it says “Comment removed by the ‘author'” in here,
    does it refer to the author of the comment or is that
    Evil Pat’s way of camouflaging his censorship?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:47 AM | Permalink

      Usually I just ignore people that piss me off. Besides, if I deleted a comment, it would be “by author” it would be “by administrator.”

  96. HJ
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:30 AM | Permalink

    Someone posted a question about whether you would do a tour in India in the future. Just wanted to ask, does it really matter if your book has been translated in India or not? I’m from India myself, and overall we tend to read books in English more than Hindi (or any regional language).

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:51 AM | Permalink

      Who would help me set up the tour? I have no publishers over there.

      Would bookstores have me in for a signing? Do bookstores over there stock copies of my books?

      I know that I have big fanbases in Spain, Germany, and the UK because I get royalty statements from them. But without any sort of publishing foothold in the country itself, it’s hard to even think about making a trip there.

  97. Josh
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:31 AM | Permalink

    Follow up from my first question: if you went back to school, what would you study this time? You can pick three subjects if they’re interesting/specific. (I miss being a student as well… and I only graduated two months ago.)

  98. Headstrongbyb
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:32 AM | Permalink

    First a comment i was meaning to sign up for your site for awhile finally got around to it. I get some sort of strange satisfaction of potentially having my question answered. So im gonna do it in reverse form kinda like Jeopardy

    This is the answer to life from a certain book and TV series.

  99. cilvercat
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:38 AM | Permalink

    Why did you name your son oot?

    • Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:53 AM | Permalink

      I refer to him as Oot on the blog, but that’s not his real name. When he’s older, he can decide to be an internet celebrity if he wants. I’m not going to make that choice for him….

      • Mikael H
        Posted February 7, 2011 at 9:23 AM | Permalink

        .. and for that I salute you! I just might name my kid Oot because of that.

  100. Andy
    Posted February 7, 2011 at 7:38 AM | Permalink

    Your agent has asked you to write a book about the little people that live in your beard. What do you call the book?

    • davidstvz
      Posted February 7, 2011 at 1:48 PM | Permalink

      Pat has no idea what to call the book. Ultimately someone else reads the book and suggests the name that should have been obvious all along: The People Under the Chin

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