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.
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
220 Comments
What is your favourite type of dinosaur?
Brontosaurus. For philosophical reasons.
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
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?
Ack. Sorry, missed the multi-part rule. Please ignore the second question.
Hi Pat!
I have to know, what’s your favorite video game of all time?
Boy…. Maybe Fallout two? Maybe Portal? That’s a hard question….
No it’s not, it’s easy: Half-Life 2….I mean Mass Effect 2…or both…huh… Mass Life 1/2?
Mass effect two was, at best, a good game. Not a brilliant one.
How many televisions do you own?
One.
Do you actually have a general story/outline of Daeonica somewhere, or do you just make it up as you go along?
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.
I’ve got the outline of the story…
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”?
I’m a much harsher critic of the books than anyone else.
Ever going to tour Down Under?
Eventually. I’ve heard that Tasmania can be a lot of fun if you have a map….
pretty please? (does that sway you at all?)
Patrick James Rothfuss, you sly devil ;)
LOL !!!
D’oh!!! *faux blush*
Just How Amazing Is Patrick Rothfuss?
(Answer must be in limerick form)
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.
golf clap
What’s your favourite type of magic from any fantasy book?
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?
So, I just wanna know. What you think happens if you bounce Wonderflonium?
How did you choose your sons name?
Like the end part of “boot.”
I think he said “how did you choose”, not “how do you pronounce.” I’m curious about the “how did you choose” question, too.
Oh. I make up names for things. That’s just what I do.
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!!
We’ll be adding that when we update the webpage….
But right now I don’t know exactly when the Spanish Version is coming out….
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
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.)
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?
Hello from Germany,
will you sell the film rights to Warner Brothers or Dream Works?
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…
Oops. I am new to this. :(
No worries. You can re-post it below if you want….
When did you know in your gut that you were destined to be a published writer?
Never.
What would have as your last meal? I’m thinking more steak than popcorn.
At what point will you become concerned that your beard will gain sentience and begin the process of taking over your life?
When will you start writing/editing on the third book?
Hey Pat,
Do you think diarrhea can be healthy? Like in a cathartic sense?
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?
Who is your favourite fantasy book character of all time? (Excluding those of your own creation of course!).
Gandalf has a special place in my heart.
Also, Dr. Horrible.
haha he does have a Phd in Horribleness. Thats pretty bad ass.
Can Kvothe play a mean fiddle?!
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
I honestly have to ask, what do you think of Jersey Shore?
hopefully you’re not one of those people that likes it.:D
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…
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…
What is your favourite word?
Probably “Eggoliant”
Why are you up this early in the morning?
Chances are he just hasn’t gone to bed yet.
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.
Do you consider yourself more a world-builder or a storyteller and why?
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?
Oh hell yes. I scored major points off the people that named their baby after a character in my book….
How did you organize your world-building notes for the NOTW?
After your recent comments on modern video games, are you considering a text-based adventure for Kvothe?
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.
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).
I would help develop that in a heartbeat.
Hell I would make a full 3D game if I ever got the chance >.<
Havee you read any of Joe Abercrombies books?
Pat’s already blogged about it :)
https://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2008/10/what-should-i-do-11-two-trilogies/
he also interviewed him at https://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2009/12/abercrombie-books-and-interview/
It is *very* funny.
…I hope this qualifies as 7b and 7c… :)
Yup. Thanks.
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?
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.
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.
How do you make sure your admittedly drool-worthy writings doesn’t distract from the actual plot?
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)?
I think it would be fun to hear some of the more rustic songs performed. Songs like Knackerman, Knackerman and Violet Bide.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Jbzl2Vkv8
Here is “Tinker Tanner”
That is amazing…love it.
Is Denna the feminine form of Denner?
Do you prefer to write in silence or with some music/background noise?
Who would win in a fight between Kvothe and Dr Horrible?
Do you like camping, and is your answer affected by the presence of whiskey while camping?
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.
Nope. Nothing like that yet….
I have considered several ideas. However, I decided it was a good idea to wait for the rest of the story.
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! :)
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.
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!
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)
Wizard. Definitely Wizard.
If he asked, would you kiss Joss Whedon on the mouth?
This needs clarifying… tongue or no tongue?
This is JOSS. Does it matter?
Well… yeah. Wouldn’t you?
does that include the tongue?
Absolutely. In a second. Even my husband is aware of this.
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!
Yeah. Because we all know that studios let you make television shows because of online petitions….
*weeps*
Next you will tell me Santa is not real.
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.
For those of us who can’t lip-lock with Whedon, I just found his Top 10 Screenwriting Tips here:
http://dannystack.blogspot.com/2009/01/joss-whedons-top-10-writing-tips.html
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… :)
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….
Sorry to be a smart-ass, but isn’t English an official language in India?
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*.
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! :)
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.
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….
Jiminy H Cricket!
What you know some loose dryads?
Fetch my magic wardrobe! Fast!
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.
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.
What size shoes do you wear?
44
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?
Hmm, sudden overuse of the ‘you’ pronoun.
Must improve my writing
Why?
Did you have any inkling when you were writing “The Name of The Wind” that it would be so successful?
Shit no.
Does Kvothe ever learn to fire lasers out of his eyes?
spoiler alert: the draccus teach him
How was your weekend?
Pretty good. Played with the baby. Ate a burrito. Read a book.
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.
What book?
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.
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?
Hilary Clinton, Jackie Stallone, Dan Brown.
Snog, marry, avoid?
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.)
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)
Read books. Have sex.
Read books about sex.
Do You Know How To Dance?
Specifically Salsa?
And Will You Salsa with Me?
(Oh noes, too many questions)
If bacon were a fruit would you enjoy fruit salad more or less?
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
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?
Maybe. It would depend on who was offering to run the project. I’d need a good team for something like that…
Gaiman. Is that the equivalent of whedon doing the tv show?
I have to get fillings in half an hour. Tell me something happy?
You probably get to have Novocain.
Believe me. That’s a happy thing. Imagine getting your teeth drilled without it. Victorian-style. Not cool.
Did that once. Not cool.
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!!!!
I’ll give you a big back of poisonous snakes and/or jellyfish if you come to Australia…? :)
Sevilla, Cadiz AND SALAMANCA!!!
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*
I have but one question, and one question only.
Do you love me?
More than anything.
Hi Pat,
Thanks for your amazing work.
What have you learned as a parent that has unexpectedly changed you?
Best to you & yours,
Robert
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
Do you have a favorite kind (ie – size, fluffiness or breed) of cat or dog?
What to you is the absolute minimum amount of resources required to MacGyver your way out of an emergency?
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.
No idea. Sorry.
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 (!)
2xTalent? Either there’s some synergy there, or they cancel each other out in some way. But I doubt they land right at 2x. :-)
If you could be credited for/have your name attached to something in history, what would it be?
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.
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.
For more details, see the College Survival Guide, if you can get someone to buy it for you.
Thus an entry in epic fantasy non-fiction. Well done.
Were you kissing your date or the judge?
The judge.
Being from Wisconsin, where you required to put a big block of foam cheese on your head and watch the Packers play last night?
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.
Yes.
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?
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.
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.
If you were to compose a rock soundtrack for The Name of the Wind, what would Kvothes’ theme song be?
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.
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?
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?
:-)
Urban Fantasy.
How Urban and how Fantasy? Have you read much Charles DeLint?
That sounds like Shadowrun.
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?
A few. Not a lot, but a decent number….
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.
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?
Who in your opinion was the better cartoon hero; He-Man or Lion-O?
Favorite dessert flavor? Cookies or cupcakes?
Usually Cookie.
Do you ever want to go and add a few more years on to those nine years of undergrad study you’ve accumulated?
Yes. All the time. I really miss being a student….
Pat wishes to be THE ETERNAL E ‘LIR
Have you ever been investigated by the FBI?
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?
If you were to get a pet (for yourself, your girlfriend or son) what would it be?
Catgirl.
I am fostering a beautiful girlcat who is amazing and needs a home (and likes babies) – just saying… girlcat is pretty close
Do you have any recurring nightmares?
Do you have a real life model for Abenthy or is he completely fictionalised ?
If Kvothe could vote, would he be a Democrat, a Republican or a Canadian?
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)?
Is HBO an option?
Or Showtime. I can imagine the trailer for the Kingkiller mini-series!
At least *part* of it ;)
In fairness to the question, yes, HBO would be an option. ;)
Oooh, how about Starz?
I can see it now:
Kvothe: Blood and Sand.
Then yes. HBO.
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?
Wow, someone else in Singapore who uses “ain’t”. You’ve made my day. Thank you.
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 :)
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?
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?
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.”
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).
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.
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.)
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.
And radio show….
And play….
touche. Well played sir well played
And text-based adventure game….
Why did you name your son oot?
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….
.. and for that I salute you! I just might name my kid Oot because of that.
Your agent has asked you to write a book about the little people that live in your beard. What do you call the book?
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