Nightmares and Signings

This is a nervous time for me.

I’m used to being actively involved in my book. I tinker with it endlessly. I revise and edit, constantly trying to make it just a little bit better….

But now The Wise Man’s Fear is out of my hands. I’m helpless. All I can do is wait and see how things turn out. Will people like it? Will it get good reviews? Will people actually buy the book?

It’s nerve wracking. Normally I have pretty strong nerves. Despite this, mine are being wracked. Perhaps even racked. I’m not sure which.

For example: a couple weeks ago, I had a nightmare about my upcoming signing tour.

Normally I don’t worry about signings. I’ve done a lot of them over the last four years and, generally speaking, I really enjoy them.

If 5 people show up, we just hang out. I do a little reading and answer questions. I tell stories. We chat about books, or publishing, or writing, or the world I’ve created.

This was the end of a signing I did in a small town in England. Only about 8 people showed up, so after I signed books, we went to a nearby park and enjoyed the weather.

If 80 people show up to a signing, I do pretty much the same thing. Except then I do it while standing behind a podium.

This one is from Amsterdam. If you embiggen it, you can see Sarah sitting in the middle of the crowd, pretty as a flower. At this point, Oot was just a tiny little bump in her belly.

My expectations for signings are always pretty low. That’s because when I was first published back in 2002, I did a few signings of the Writers of the Future Anthology that had my first published story in it.

Now in some ways these signings were cool. They were my very first signings, after all. I was feeling pretty good because something I had written was actually in a book. I was really for-real published.

But mostly, those early signings were lessons in humility and desperation. I would sit at a card table in the entryway of a Waldenbooks in some local mall and try to smile for two hours while everyone avoided making eye contact with me. If I was lucky, one of my friends would stop by and chat with me for a while, helping pass the time. If I was really lucky, someone would buy a book out of sheer pity.

In 2007 when The Name of the Wind came out, things were a little different. My first reading/signing in Madison was very well attended, with almost 100 people. (Admittedly, a lot of those were friends and family.)

Then, a couple months later, I went to Chicago and four people showed up.

But it didn’t get me down. Why? Because four people up is a treat compared to sitting at a card table in the mall for hours while people avoid you. Four people is delightful compared to that.

What’s your point, Pat?

My point is this: Over the last couple years, all my signings have purely recreational. I’m just there to hang out with fans. That means it doesn’t matter if we get two people or two hundred. I’m still going to have fun.

But the upcoming signing tour is different. This is kind of a Big Deal. The publisher is paying to fly me around and put me in hotels with the hope that people will come out to the bookstores, listen to me, and buy the book.

This makes things more of a high-stakes situation.

Which is probably why I had a nightmare about my upcoming tour.

In my dream I was in Seattle, at the first stop on my tour. I was pretty excited, because it was the big day. March 1st. My book was about to come out, and we were expecting it to be a pretty big event.

In fact, it was such a big event in my dream that the bookstore had brought in another author to do a signing before mine. Sort of like an opening act.

The opening act author was a weird cross between Tobias Buckell and some guy I knew in grad school. He got a pretty good turnout for his signing, about 40 people. A respectable number.

But when he was done reading and signing books, all those people left. Nobody stayed around for my signing. None of my fans showed up. The store was pretty much empty. There was just a podium and ranks and ranks of empty chairs.

When it became clear that nobody cared I was there, I walked around the store for a while, more than slightly depressed and despondent.  Then I found a quiet corner, covered myself up with my coat, and fell asleep on the floor.

When I woke up, the store was dark and I realized they’d forgotten about me and closed the store, locking me in. So I got up and wandered around the dark, empty bookstore, all alone….

Now admittedly, it wasn’t a scary sort of nightmare. I didn’t wake up in a sweat.

But still, you have to admit. It wasn’t exactly a warm snuggly dream, either.

So, moral of the story, I’m a little nervous about book two.

Maybe more than a little.

pat

This entry was posted in appearances, signing booksBy Pat243 Responses

162 Comments

  1. spikyc
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:14 AM | Permalink

    I’m going a small ways out of my normal haunting zone in Manhattan to get to your New York signing. I’m sure people will flock from all over. I won’t say don’t be nervous, because you still will be, but know that the excellent quality of your writing speaks for itself.

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:20 AM | Permalink

      God. I thought you said, “hunting zone.”

      Read that way, this was not a reassuring comment.

  2. Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:14 AM | Permalink

    What a horrible nightmare. I’m going to tell Betsy to buy you a Snuggie so you don’t have to sleep in your jacket when the bookstore forgets about you and locks you in for the night!

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:21 AM | Permalink

      I should probably just wear footie pajamas to all my signings, just in case.

      • astridsdream
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:19 AM | Permalink

        I agree wholeheartedly. Not that I think you’ll be left alone in the store, but because footie pajamas are awesome.

      • Posted February 15, 2011 at 12:21 PM | Permalink

        Hm … yet another idea for ConFusion 2012.

  3. Hollums
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:15 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    even though i wont be coming to any of your signings (i am from england…) i honestly dont think you have anything to worry about. There are been to much hype about this book (in england) anyway, then im sure it she same in the UK, and even if 3 people turn up to one of your signing, you still get to hang out and talk and stuff, better 3 devoted fans then no fans!!

    anyway, good luck, im sure you wont need it!!
    and come back to the uk!

    holly

  4. lazlohollyfeld
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:16 AM | Permalink

    “With great power comes great responsibility” or “Mo’ money, mo’ problems”? Maybe both. I’m sure you have little to worry about. Either way, I’m still looking forward to your DC signings!

  5. Joshua_Guess
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:17 AM | Permalink

    You shouldn’t be nervous about it. You could have written a book that was only half as good as NOTW and it would still be magnitudes better than 95% of the fantasy published in the last four years. You’re a great writer–your work will shine.

    I know that every single person who I have bought a copy of your first book for (or let them read mine) has put it in their top ten favorites. I have zero doubt that WMF will be as good if not better, and you’ll get every word of praise you deserve for it.

    I promise, I’m not just blowing smoke up your ass. If the unlikely scenario comes around that it somehow sucks out loud, I’d tell you. Others would tell you. But the reason we’re such rabid fans is because you have a voice that we KNOW is going to sing a perfect song. So relax. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. Make nefarious laughter as your bank account grows fat with royalty monies. It’s going to be awesome!

  6. pjmintz
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:18 AM | Permalink

    It will not shock me if they have to turn people away at the doors to avoid fire code violations.

    I just wish I could be a part of the throng, too. (Your signing in NY = March 15. My baby’s delivery date = March 16. Alas.)

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:22 AM | Permalink

      Whoo boy. Yeah. That’s a hard one to re-schedule….

      • Erzberger
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:34 AM | Permalink

        “Say, darling, I was really looking forward to seeing Pat Rothfuss on his signing tour. The thing is, his New York signing is on the 15th, and, as you know, that´s one day before our baby is born. So anyway, could you do me a real big favor and try to hold it in for a couple more days? What do you say?”

        This was later known as the “divorce inducing speech”.

      • vonnaveel
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:40 AM | Permalink

        My brother and sister in law have the exact same problem when you’re in St. Louis. Signing the 12th and Shea is due the 13th. We’ve all 3 politely told her that she has to wait till the 13th to come because we all want to be at the signing :-)

        • Robin the Acolyte
          Posted February 12, 2011 at 9:19 AM | Permalink

          Do you think your wife would mind if you’re reading during the delivery? “Wait. I’ll cut the cord in just a minute. Let me finish this chapter first.”

    • Little My
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:36 AM | Permalink

      If the baby is late, or on time, you could still show up, if you’re a local. AND your extreme pregnancy will entitle you to an excellent seat, right up front, with plenty of leg room. AND the thrill of going to a reading might send you into labor, in which case everyone gets an excellent story, the kid gets a great start in the world, and you might even get a free copy of WMF. Heck, I’ll send you one if that happens.

      • Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:49 AM | Permalink

        I think I’ll probably institute a house rule saying that anyone in active labor gets to move to the front of the signing line.

        • lys
          Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:23 PM | Permalink

          *calculates*

          Darn. Too late to get knocked up now.
          Please let me know at least 10 months in advance of your next signing tour.
          Thank you.

          • I3ratPrince
            Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:09 PM | Permalink

            Awesome. Haha.

        • Flint
          Posted February 16, 2011 at 12:06 AM | Permalink

          Yes, Pat will be delivering babies as well as signing your books. This isn’t your run of the mill book tour, he’ll do anything to promote his new book!

  7. Ashley
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:18 AM | Permalink

    Now see, the horrible part for me is that I’d love nothing more than to come to a signing. I could hit the Chicago one, but I have class that night. Good grad students go to class, don’t they? Or I could hit the St. Louis one…but I have National Guard drill that weekend.

    I can’t win.

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:47 AM | Permalink

      In my experience, there are few pleasures quite as deliciously wicked as skipping a class in grad school.

      Just saying.

      • Ashley
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 7:40 PM | Permalink

        Can I print this as an official excuse note to my professor? Maybe if I were an English major that would fly….not sure how the School of Music folks would react.

        • Oatmeal
          Posted February 12, 2011 at 12:54 AM | Permalink

          Meh. If it’s a school of music you can always say you were “supporting the arts” … It’s true. ;o)

  8. ksenour
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:20 AM | Permalink

    I wouldn’t worry too much. A friend down in Florida is ready to drive up to Augusta, GA- Pick me up, continue the drive to Washington, DC on Saturday. Spend the night at a friend’s, go to your signing at noon on Sunday… and then drive back to Augusta that night, and he’d continue on to Florida Monday before his evening class.

    That’s about 16 hours of driving each way on his part to spend not even a full day in DC. Just to see you. I don’t get to sound as cool, because I’d only be driving 8 each way.

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:49 AM | Permalink

      Wow.

    • PiousMonk83
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:35 AM | Permalink

      DUDE! what part of florida? ROAD TRIP! Lol I wanna go see Pat in the Library of *Frikken* Congress. that’s like two Awesome events at once.

      • spoonyspork
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:47 AM | Permalink

        Same here… what part of Florida? Random stranger road trip go! >.>

        • RosebudReverie
          Posted February 11, 2011 at 6:40 PM | Permalink

          Dude! I’m at the very bottom of Alabama…we can make this work! The Southern States Complete Strangers Roadtrip Adventure! Statistically speaking, maybe only one or two of our entourage would turn out to be serial killers. =D

    • Johnny Snow
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:44 AM | Permalink

      I thought the DC signings were on Monday? The Library of Congress one would be awesome, but I doubt I can get off work so I’m hoping to make the Monday night one.

  9. Argath
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:25 AM | Permalink

    In the other hand, I wish that if I go to one of your signings I’m the only person that goes so I get to talk with you. hehehe.

    I know it’s selfish… I can’t help it. :(
    Could you take it as a complement?

    I would wish you good luck but I don’t think you will need it. Seriously, I know your book will be great. I being reading your Blog since I read The Name of the Wind and I could see that you write from the heart. That way, there is not way the book will be bad.

  10. PiousMonk83
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:27 AM | Permalink

    Pat, you are one of the best authors of the century. I’m actually giddy about book 2. And I’m not really the “giddy” type.

  11. Jake Covert
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:27 AM | Permalink

    I worry more that you’ll stop being super cool and real when you get too famous. That you’ll turn into some used car salesman type of book author. Maybe this might happen as a result of the lack of fan-free-time, or maybe from the preservatives that they publishing industry uses in its water.

    Point being: We worry about you losing your cool real-ness, as much as you worry about not having enough fans.

    Great post, btw. :-0

  12. gypsymaria
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:28 AM | Permalink

    I FINALLY made a WordPress account, just so I could comment on this blog. Specifically this post.

    *GREAT BIG SQUISHY REASSURING HUGS*

    You’re awesome, and I’m positive your nightmares will not come true. I met you back at CONvergence in MN, my first year at such a big con and the first time I’d ever heard of you or your book. Loved meeting you and I was so glad I’d decided to buy not one, but TWO copies of NotW, one for myself and one for my friend (who is a very big fan, but sadly could not attend that convention). Friend was ecstatic, and I was introduced to the first author I could comfortably put on the top shelf next to my Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Peter S. Beagle, and Neil Gaiman. Not many authors get that honor, but you totally deserve it.

    I’m in South Korea right now, or I would totally attend one of your signings. Heck, you don’t live that far from me. I know a bunch of Werewolf LARPers who play in Steven’s Point. I make trips out to Madison (lovely town) regularly to visit friends and game. Wouldn’t be anything to jet out for one of your local signings. Alas, unless you’re planning an East Asian tour, I’ll have to wait until I get home to pick up WMF. Or pay massive Amazon shipping fees. Or get a Kindle or something (not the saaaaaame *laments*).

    Anyway.

    <3

  13. kristin
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:30 AM | Permalink

    You are inherently lovable. If you fell asleep in a bookstore, the real danger would be waking up in a giant pile of minions who just wanted to snuggle.

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:50 AM | Permalink

      That would be a WAY different sort of dream….

      • ErikZ
        Posted February 15, 2011 at 10:57 PM | Permalink

        Minions? Like…Storm Troopers?

        I don’t think Storm Troopers snuggle, unless ordered to of course.

        I would think the armor and helmets would be *extremely* uncomfortable.

    • scubadivider
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:57 AM | Permalink

      I second that … and would venture to say that most everyone here dreams of the day that they’re wandering around a book store and happen across The Patrick Rothfuss asleep in the reference section.

  14. jvonrader
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:30 AM | Permalink

    Dude, you’re gonna be fine. More than fine. Kit’s about to be riding around in the Mercedes of tricycles soon.

    Everyone who’s seen the book so far loves it. Sanderson even tweeted about it a week or so ago…

    Here’s the thing: worst case scenario, you’re going to have great turnout and sell hundreds and hundreds of books. How do I know this? Because you’re Pat-frakking Rothfuss, dude.

    Check it: Iron Man 2 sucked, right? Transformers 2 sucked, right? Terminator Salvation sucked, right? But they all had awesome turnout!!! Why?

    Because people loved the original. I’ve seen more excitement and hype over this book than I’ve seen for a Wheel of Time book. There are a lot of people who just want March 1st to get here.

    Now I’m in Denver and there’s no signing here, so I can’t attend. But I’m pretty sure Seattle and everywhere else is the same. So stop freaking out.

    You could show up with a phone book and people would be tossing their credit cards around like hats on graduation day. But it’s not a phone book. It’s The Wise Man’s Fear, and we’ll love it.

    • Little My
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:38 AM | Permalink

      Amen!

  15. slick447
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:30 AM | Permalink

    Well Pat, I can’t speak for anyone else but I’m going to be riding about 5 1/2 hours to get to your signing in Texas. And to top it off, I’m bringing my friend along with me (Provided he listens to my advice and drops the book he’s reading now to read Name of the Wind). So thats at least 2 people coming :)

  16. Widow Of Sirius
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:31 AM | Permalink

    I had been considering just waiting for you to get back to Point to bother you for a signature… but maybe I’ll get as many people as I can to meet up in Madison for your signing there instead. Not that I’m worried no one will be there. I just figure it’d be cool to be at a real signing like that.
    As long as it’s kosher for me to bring a copy that I didn’t buy there. I can’t wait a week.

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:34 AM | Permalink

      Oh, you also have to promise me you’re not gonna dress up or something. It’d mess with my whole concept of you as a person if you show up in anything less than mismatched socks, jeans, and Firefly or otherwise nerdy t-shirt.

      • Oatmeal
        Posted February 12, 2011 at 12:59 AM | Permalink

        Unless it’s a Tux. At the risk of sounding too much like a Doctor Who junkie, bow ties are cool. Therefore, tuxes are way cool. :o)

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:46 AM | Permalink

      Hello, former classmate. ^_^

      I would seriously consider such a Madison trip if you’re having difficulty finding people who can go.

      • Widow Of Sirius
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:06 PM | Permalink

        Absolutely. If you want to meet here in Point, I can drive from here?

        • Posted February 12, 2011 at 10:11 AM | Permalink

          Remind me closer to the date itself (Facebook it or something), and we can make some more solid plans.

  17. Krispi
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:31 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    Like Holly, I’m from England so unfortunately can’t make any of your book signings, please come back to England!! I’m spreading the love for your writing whenever I can!

    Good luck and I’m sure all will go really well, if not then people are missing the opportunity to met a living legend!

    Kris

    p.s. I rank you second to Toilken! woohoo!!! :o)

  18. Christer
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:31 AM | Permalink

    So I was talking to a freind out west and he said he got a ticket for the “signing line”… apparently they’re already working on crowd control at ye ‘ole University Bookstore. I’m sure it will be off the hook! On another note stroll down to Solstice Cafe from the Bookstore (south two, maybe three blocks… cafe on your left) and get yourself one of the best cups of coffee known to man. Looking forward to the Brooklyn signing!

  19. jvonrader
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:32 AM | Permalink

    That was supposed to be “Oot”, not “Kit”… my phone’s auto-correct must be a fan of the Hoff.

    • Lomky
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:22 PM | Permalink

      For a second I thought we had discovered his name from a RL-Rothfuss friend. Curses!

  20. GorillaGreg
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:32 AM | Permalink

    Re-enacting Time Enough At Last in a book store, sans broken glasses, sounds like a pretty sweet dream to me. Just mentally erase the whole nobody showing up for your signing business at the start of it and you’ll be right as rain. But methinks you’ll be getting more than four people here at the Chicago signing. I’m a guaranteed one, so there’s a quarter of your previous crowd already.

  21. Lenora Aranon
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:33 AM | Permalink

    Never fear Sir Author, I’m attempting to drive to NYC from Plattsburgh during Mid-terms to go to this… that’s a seven hour drive. Not fun, but totally worth it. :)

  22. na6375
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:33 AM | Permalink

    I don’t think that you have anything to worry about. (Easy for me to say) Looking forward to The Borders Oak Brook signing here in Illinois. I am sure it is going to be packed.

    Just know that all of your fans are thrilled that you are going to be bringing your beard to the masses. Besides, my wife even thinks your cool and she doesn’t like anything related to fantasy…that’s huge if you know my wife. (She is even bringing you brownies with peanut butter and caramel.)

    Take care and don’t fret!! This tour will be amazing for both you and your minions!

  23. Ana Keshalyi
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:35 AM | Permalink

    I can’t believe you are actually doubting yourself.. You have nothing to worry about. A friend of mine introduced me to your book about a year ago, and I am the type of person who will read everything I can get my hands on.. On average, I read for about 4 hours every day and I’ve never found any piece of fiction to equal to your work. I know others who appreciate great stories, and most of those whom I’ve encouraged to read The Name of the Wind, are in agreement.. Your legions of fans continue to grow and grow!
    I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming tour, and please.. never doubt how much your fans respect and adore you!

  24. Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:37 AM | Permalink

    Wait… you were locked in a bookstore, after hours, with no one to bother you? I fail to see the problem here.

    • jvonrader
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:48 AM | Permalink

      “Like”

      • Widow Of Sirius
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:54 AM | Permalink

        Exactly what I thought.

        • JN
          Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:43 PM | Permalink

          Ditto for me too.

          And I used to work in a bookstore. After hours (or before the store opens) was the best time to be in there. No people, all the books you could want!

  25. Little My
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:40 AM | Permalink

    I myself always thought it was racked. As in, nerves stretched on a torturous rack device. And then, a few years ago, I started seeing wracked everywhere. What’s that about?

    • Mickey
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:36 PM | Permalink

      One of those little oddities that make English such a delightful language. In the Oxford dictionary it is given as rack, most English writers however, persist with wrack ( as we tend to be a stubborn and inflexible lot ) which relates to wreak, wreck etc.

      One suspects that it will one day graduate to the hallowed status of the flammable/inflammable debacle.

      Hope this helps !

      • Little My
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:15 PM | Permalink

        Hmmm. So you’re saying that wrack is MORE common? English as in UK? or as in English language? I wonder what genres I was reading all those years that had it the other way. . .anyhow, I suppose I must accept that they’re both OK, since the internet, and Pat, and Mickey, say so.

  26. Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:43 AM | Permalink

    Maybe you should read the comments on your facebook events to cheer yourself up, and prove people are attending. Because they are. If nothing else I promise at least 5 people will show up when you come to Northeastern because my friends are all counting the days. And we’d be totally ok if we were the only 5, but this is never going to happen because there are already 81 people on the list (just checked).

  27. Raven Darkmoon
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:49 AM | Permalink

    I am sure you’ve nothing to worry about Pat. If I may speak to something I saw mentioned in other comments, the Erikson Malazan books are excellent. I am sure you’ll be much too busy to do a lot of reading in the upcoming months but I would definitely recommend them. It’s a huge story, many characters, but Erikson manages it well. I’ve been reading his stuff waiting for Wise Man’s Fear to be released upon our world. I will have to put Erikson on hold to do a re-read of Name of the Wind.

    Take care Pat and worry not, I am sure this will be a block buster for you.

  28. madpiper
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:50 AM | Permalink

    If you fall asleep at the Virginia stop I promise to gently poke you with a pointed stick.

  29. mischo
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:50 AM | Permalink

    Actually, I love nightmares. I’d trade the “forgotten in a dark closed store” with you anytime :o).

  30. oiamslain
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:51 AM | Permalink

    My wife and I were just discussing how cool it would be if neither of us had real world responsibilities so we could follow you the whole tour, groupie/stalker style. I might even buy a VW bus. (Although, I’m not sure if it was the idea of seeing you multiple times, or the fact that I had no responsibilty that got me giddy.)
    We live in Peoria, IL, so we’ll be at the St. Louis signing. And Chicago is tempting…

    • Mickey
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:38 PM | Permalink

      Nice !

      Little creepy maybe, but Nice !

    • chrisspartan416
      Posted February 12, 2011 at 8:17 PM | Permalink

      Nice indeed! Funny thing is, I just drove through there last weekend! Haha! Luckily, I’m a bit closer to STL than Peoria.

  31. dkartzinel
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:51 AM | Permalink

    Well, you’ve at least got one guaranteed visitor when you are out in San Diego, can’t wait for the tour. Or the new book for that matter. I’ll just join everyone else in agreeing that we aren’t worried about the quality of your next book, can’t wait to read it.

  32. Euphande
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:53 AM | Permalink

    I was lucky enough to get an AR of Wise Man’s Fear. It is absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for giving us a book that is every bit as good as Name of the Wind. It will be a delight to smile at customers who ask how the book is, and wholeheartedly recommend it. I’ve worked for a major independent bookstore for fifteen years; ten of those years have been spent buying frontlist sf, fantasy & horror. Yours is the book I am most excited about, the one I’m waiting for.
    You have many devoted fans on our staff that will be delighted to sell the living bejesus out of Wise Man’s Fear.
    Thank you so much for pouring your soul & all of your skill into your writing. It really, really shows. You are the real deal Pat :) Now stop worrying & enjoy your time at home.

  33. Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:54 AM | Permalink

    I used to do a lot of theatre. I have only done one play in the past 5 years (since kid #1 was born) but still, I had a typical theatre nightmare the other night. In the dream, it was opening night, and while it was a play I’d done years ago, I hadn’t rehearsed with this cast at all, and I remembered some of the songs but none of the spoken lines. Thankfully (this time) I woke up before actually being onstage.

    May your writer’s nightmare be as far from the truth as my actor’s nightmare dreams always are. I know it will be.

    And we all know TWMF will rock. So save your nerves for Book #3. You know how crazy everyone gets when a series is ending. ;)

  34. redsfan1911
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:56 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,

    Quick question about the signedpage books. Are you going to add awesome inscriptions like with NOTW or simply write “To so and so”? I know you are signing a lot of books that day so I understand if you simply add to so and so. I was hoping to get a cool inscription in my WMF to match my NOTW. If the signedpage books are only the to so and so, that’s cool. It’ll just mean a 4.5 hr roadtrip to the nearest signing, but I’ll probably be there anyway. But I’m going to make it a point to go if it means I can get the awesome inscription in my WMF.

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:20 PM | Permalink

      <3

      • Widow Of Sirius
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:21 PM | Permalink

        Oops! Wrong one >.<

  35. Mojojojo449
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 9:57 AM | Permalink

    Pat,
    But I would walk 500 miles
    And I would walk 500 more,
    Just to be the Fan who walked 1000 miles
    To be at that Bookstore
    NANANA (nanana) NANANA (nanana)

    See you in Boston
    Ps. Coming all the way from Canada!

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:20 PM | Permalink

      <3 this

  36. Andrew Roberts
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:01 AM | Permalink

    I really don’t think you’ll need to worry about having any no shows on your tour. Your writing speaks for itself, there’ll be many, many, MANY fans attending the signings.

    Im not saying don’t worry cos that just silly, everyone worries when something big is about to happen and Im guessing this is the biggest thing that’s happened to you since Oot came along! Try not to worry too much but a little’s healthy, it’ll make you feel better when the crowd arrives for the privilege of being in your presence for a short time.

    I would love to go myself but alas I live in Ireland and can’t make it to any of the signings :(

    If you manage to make it over here be sure to let us all know, I’ll be front of the line!

    Andrew

  37. kathy k.
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:03 AM | Permalink

    There will be two very excited people at the Borders in northern VA on March 14th – me and my 13 year old son (I have teenage boys that read!) who has been asking me repeatedly for the last 18 months ago when this book will be out. A signed copy from the lovely people at Subterranean Press was part of his Christmas present – he just has to be patient. All of this presuming I don’t get lost in DC traffic… Mind you, mine is only a three hour drive.

    Also – a belated thank you for the link you did a while back to Peter V Brett, because his books have also become part of our collection and a signed copy of Brayan’s Gold (also from the SP people) was part of the eldest son’s Christmas present.

  38. Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:03 AM | Permalink

    Well, I for one am psyched for the SF signing!

    I hate those stressed-out sort of nightmares, though. The other day I had one about trying to buy a scantron for my midterm. I also had a nightmare about finals after I had already taken them, which at that point is just my brain trying to torture me, I’m sure.

    Maybe you should try lucid dreaming. All of your dreams about signings could involve catgirls and.. other awesome things. (Ooh, so eloquent.)

    Anyway, back to rereading NoTW in preparation!

  39. cchoi
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:05 AM | Permalink

    I missed the signing for your first book in Pasadena, but I’ll be damned if I miss this signing. I’m planning to drive down with a friend to the signing in St. Louis.

  40. mannblack
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:06 AM | Permalink

    At least there were no zombies after waking up in the dark mall…

  41. talvanor
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:08 AM | Permalink

    Pat, frequent reader of your site and NotW. Amazingly enough, yours will be the FIRST book signing/tour that I will be attending. Ever.

    I can only attribute it to your generous personality/morals/wittiness. You strike me as a man of principle who lives his life on his terms and takes the time to appreciate the small things. None of us are perfect, but your posts about Oot, Worldbuilders, this book tour and others has actually changed my experience reading NotW. Basic human goodness sometimes appears to be missing these days. I respect your beliefs and support what you stand for. Wish you every success and look forward to meeting you in Boston.

    Congratulations on the release of Book 2!

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

    I have to say that I’m the one who always feels like a dork at a signing. I go because I love the book and want to meet the author but when I get there I always feel like a 15 year old fan boy. Can’t wait to see ya in Portland though! I’m super looking forward to this book!

  43. deltaflip
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:18 AM | Permalink

    Well, pat, I will definitely be there and at the front of the line, come march 1st. I also have a question, though: when I went to a Brent Weeks signing in…september? Anyways, it was right after his new book, Black Prism came out, and he was numbering the first one hundred copies he signed. Will you be doing something similar?

  44. skinner
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:19 AM | Permalink

    oh, look at you, Mr. Big Time, going all “Hollywood” on us! Gone are the days of you wandering around in the wilderness cursing your GPS. Now you’re in “airplanes” and using “podiums”.

    Your next blurb should be, “oh, look me, I have a chair, I have a chair, king of the castle.” — Pat Rothfuss

    [\sarcasm]

    All joking aside, good look Pat! (not that you need it, your writing speaks for itself). Have fun and enjoy the ride!

  45. brooklynapple
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:22 AM | Permalink

    The problem with signings in NYC is that there is no bookstore big enough to hold the number of people who want to attend when popular authors make appearances. I tried to go to the George R. R. Martin signing a few years ago when A Feast For Crows came out – I got there 30 minutes early, and more than 400 people had showed up. They were turning people away and closing the store. I anticipate that the NYC signing for A Wise Man’s Fear is going to be similarly insane. And I live very close to the store where it will take place – they just don’t have enough room to accommodate everyone who will come. I will still be there, though, in hopes of maybe catching a glimpse of Pat’s beard from afar before they tell me the event is already at capacity.

  46. Cheerfulnut
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:25 AM | Permalink

    Too bad you’re not visiting Japan! I’d definitely show up, and have you sign all 3 installments of the Japanese version of TNotW! :)

  47. kenderdoken
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:26 AM | Permalink

    I’m going to be driving out to your signing in Houston, along with my husband, his brother, and his brother’s wife (all of whom I willfully infected with your book). It’s a three-and-a-half hour drive from Austin, and also it means we have to go to Houston (just another word for crazy-driver-Hell as far as I’m concerned), and we’re planning on getting there way early, so you can gather that this means a lot to us.

    Ostensibly, we’re also going to see the big Impressionist exibit that’s in town right now, but I view that as secondary (and I love me some Van Gogh). As far as I’m concerned, you’re the best thing that’s happened to the Fantasy genre in forever. Thank you for coming to Texas! <3

    • evil
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:10 PM | Permalink

      The girlfriend and I will be making the same trip from Austin. I expect a bunch of people show up as Pat does not come down to Texas often.

  48. ladylighty
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:28 AM | Permalink

    All right, that’s taken me out of lurker mode. You know that your SF signing has been changed from FCFS to “by pre-registration only”, right? I don’t think it’s because nobody wants to come :) Silly author.
    here’s hoping not to go into labor 6 weeks early!

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 8:30 PM | Permalink

      Huh?

      I didn’t know about that. Thanks for the heads-up….

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:12 PM | Permalink

      Wait, WHAT? How does someone pre-reg for it?

      • Little My
        Posted February 12, 2011 at 10:31 AM | Permalink

        I just saw the reading posted at SFinSF.org. They have an email for information that is [email protected]. I would email there, unless ladylighty has more or better info. . .?

  49. Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:30 AM | Permalink

    If you feel any better, you’ll have at least one person at your Boston signing. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

  50. priscellie
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:32 AM | Permalink

    I’m skipping class to see you in New York. So there will be at least three fans there for you!

  51. spoonyspork
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:40 AM | Permalink

    Dude. I have been reading since before I could *speak* (granted, I didn’t start talking until age 4). I have been reading fantasy (not fairy tales – fantasy. One of my first books was The Hobbit) since age 5… back in school I would be working on at least 5 epic fantasies at any one time. I went through every single fantasy book in our (well stocked!) library, starting with A and ending with Z, then had them order more. I am now 30 and have slowed down on the reading (at least for myself) since my son was born 8 years ago, but am still a pretty avid reader – at least two books finished every month.

    That said… The Name of the Wind is *literally* the best piece of writing I have read, ever. Since I finished it a few months ago I haven’t finished a single book. I get about halfway through, sigh at the boorish writing, and go play a video game or sleep at a sane hour or something. THAT said… I have never gone to any signings or ‘meet the writers’ panels or anything (except Anne McCaffery because she happened to be at the tract I was volunteering with at DragonCon, and I accidentally met (and had an argument about her books with) Margaret Weis when I went to buy a book at the same Con and didn’t realize *she* was the one at the booth), but if you were touring any farther southeast than DC, I would go. So… yeah. I think ‘people not showing up’ should probably rank way down there on worries, somewhere below ‘being smothered by a crowd of fangirls/guys glomping the hell out of you’ XD

  52. Sparkuus
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:43 AM | Permalink

    If every single signing wasn’t so very very far away from Japan, I would be at one of them in a heartbeat, assuming a heart actually beat slow enough to give me travel time!

  53. jaburn277
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:43 AM | Permalink

    I work for a defense contractor in Tampa Florida, and for the last several months I’ve been forced to endure multiple trips to St. Louis to work on a project there that I find boring. I was just about done with this project until I found out about the book signing on March 12th. Now I’ve volunteered to go that week which obligated me to take 3 other week long shifts as well. I still couldn’t be more excited.

    By the way, my company builds full motion flight simulators for the military. If you ever come to Tampa, I can bring you and your family in for a tour to fly some. It’s pretty fun and you have a lot of fans in the area.

  54. LMBeth
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:44 AM | Permalink

    Pat-
    I have been acting for 20 years, and every opening night, heck, every time the lights dim, my stomach still gets nervous! I’ve had horrible dreams about being on stage and having no idea what my blocking is or what my lines are, so don’t feel bad.

    You have worked like a dog on this book and if it is HALF as good as “NotW” then it will be amazing.

    Besides, take it from someone who is used to critics and their “educated” reviews of things: if you are happy with the final product and are having a good time, then everyone else can go stuff it someplace!

  55. abakerp
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:51 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat. I’m from Costa Rica and I just finished reading “The Name of the Wind”, literally, yesterday night. Although I can read English with ease, I chose to read your book in Spanish since I find my self more comfortable with my native language…I can´t say how anxious I´m since I don´t know when the second book will be out in Spanish. Anyways, I just wanted to say THANK YOU Pat for giving me the opportunity to read your book…it has been a long time since I had a book so intense, so close to me, so magical and organic and so amazingly well written. It transported me to placed that I had forgot and it has inspired me to go back to my writing. I hope you continue to write forever and I hope to have the change to meet you in the future. Kvothe has a special place in my hard and my bookshelf.

    It will be hard to not read your work while I wait for the other books, but either way….Thank you so much for taking me to your world !!!

    • abakerp
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:53 AM | Permalink

      *”a special place in my hearth” I meant !

  56. Deborah Wolf
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 10:51 AM | Permalink

    And here I’ve been worried that there will be so many people at your Chicago signing I won’t get to really meet you. I’ll bet my nightmare comes closer to reality than yours…

    I’m one of those people who will be driving all day long to get to the signing, staying overnight in Chicago, and driving back the next day. Have I mentioned that I loathe cities? I love your writing more than I loathe cities. And that’s a bunch.

  57. Maureen
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM | Permalink

    Sorry you are apprehensive about the signings =(. We want you to look as forward to them as we are!

  58. IsThisReallyADream
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:01 AM | Permalink

    I have already pre-ordered my books, and I have convinced several friends to make purchase as well, because I truly believe you to be an amazing writer. I, for one, shall be present at 2 of your signings. I have a very important mission: to get my fiancé a signed copy of book one and two in hardcover. He wants to attend, but most unfortunately, they have no intention of letting him have a couple of days [or even one day] off after boot camp. He is going straight to Submarine training.

    My point? You have fans- plenty of them- that are not only hoping and wishing and planning to attend your signings, but that are purchasing your books too. I, for one, have two copies of Name of the Wind, so that I can lend one copy to any friend of mine who has not yet read it, just so we can read it together!

    You have touched lives, sir.

  59. Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:13 AM | Permalink

    I’ll see you in Portland (well really Beaverton). I admit, not having you at the main Powells was a bit of a disappointment, but I’ll brave the suburbia for you.

    Maybe post show we can grab a beer and head to the main store Powells. :)

  60. Luke D
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:24 AM | Permalink

    Who plans these things?
    Backtracking to St Louis? Sheesh.

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:58 AM | Permalink

      You, sir, spent a lot of time on that… I’m kind of impressed.

  61. rdrjr
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM | Permalink

    I remember you mentioning your nightmare on Facebook and immediately making the book tour event for Seattle. The funniest thing about it all is that the University Bookstore always has huge signings for SF/F. Brandon Sanderson had a lot of people for his Mistborn books before he was as well known as he is now.

    I actually wish you weren’t very popular, because now I’m going to have to buy your book at the bookstore, in addition to my pre-order, for a signing ticket so I don’t have to wait 2+ hours in line and take a really late ferry back to my island!

    Thanks for all of your effort! See you in Seattle!

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:23 PM | Permalink

      This is another Seattle-ite who’ll be seeing you at the University Bookstore in Seattle. Looking forward to the Wise Man’s Fear like no other book this year!

  62. greghalfaprayer
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:33 AM | Permalink

    So I was mightily disappointed to not see PAX East listed as a stop for your signing tour. I have actually given thought to canceling my trip there just to show up for your book signing…maybe there will be a Rothfuss impersonator there that I can take a picture with : )

  63. Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:34 AM | Permalink

    Pat,

    You have no idea how excited my friend (who is flying in from CA to go to your book signing) and I are to see you in DC. March 14th was going to suck for me because I am scheduled to be in the prep-phrase of my up coming jaw surgery at the end of March. All I had to look forward to was around 4 hours of being poke and prodded before finding out that you will be in DC that day. I won’t be able to see you at the Library of congress but I will definitely be at the 730 book signing later that day. Thanks again for making a crappy experience more managable. Look forward to seeing you in a month.

    P.S. Thanks for the recommendation for the “Way of Kings”. That $h!t was amazing !

  64. Whatsit
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:38 AM | Permalink

    Something to think about. You say that book two being out of your hands is “nerve wracking”. You obsess over every little detail when you write. In short you are kind of a control freak when it comes to your books. However, this is what makes you an amazing author. If you stop having these nightmares and being “wracked” then, and only then, do we as fans need to worry. Plus they make for great blogs.

  65. Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:51 AM | Permalink

    ;___; Paaaaat. That was really sad!

    I am pretty certain you have nothing to worry about, and your publisher wouldn’t send you off on this wild ride if she didn’t think there would be a crowd to greet you in all these places. You’re kind of a big deal. SOMEONE will be there, if not as part of a crowd then as a willing coffee-and-conversation-friend.

  66. jenk0975
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 11:57 AM | Permalink

    Whenever I have a dream like yours I check it out at http://www.mydreamvisions.com and I usually find that the strangest elements while scarry at durring the dream are actually kinda reassuring in the morning. Check it out!! I love that site.

  67. miss_stryker
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:01 PM | Permalink

    I am sooo going to the signing in Seattle! So at least 1 person will be there. :)

    • Mike
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:03 PM | Permalink

      I’ve never been to a book signing, but i’ll be there too – so that’s two!

      • miss_stryker
        Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:12 PM | Permalink

        I’ve never been to one either! :)

  68. Sereisa
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:04 PM | Permalink

    It’s really sad, but I have to admit that you dissapoint me. You are an author,Pat! You create your own worlds and share them with us. If you like them why shouldn’t we like them too? Do you know what it means to be a good author? It means that the reader can see your world through your eyes. That he can feel what the characters feel, what you let them feel. That he get the feeling that your world is the real world (what doesn’t mean to lose yourself in the book but to get the feeling that you’re part of it).
    I have read your book for more then three times and I knew and I KNOW that you are more then just a good author. I don’t know how much more, maybe I will after reading the second book, but for now I just can say that I believe in you and you’re books and I’m not the only one. So pat, if your fans believe in you, you should do it too!
    And if you don’t believe me…just think about that:
    You have more than 200 people, who read your blog everyday,because they like you and your style of writing.
    Don’t you think some of them will buy/like your book too? :)

    Sere

  69. LordZod
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:04 PM | Permalink

    If it helps, His Ruthfussness, I’m going to be driving up from Salt Lake to Portland (mapquest says it’s approximately 850 miles (the directions are a little funny in the proportaions (that doesn’t matter)), and I’m bringing friends. One of these friends wants to send you flowers for your book as adamantly as they want to sent the Wachowski brothers flowers for their contributions to cinema (Speed Racer and V for Vendetta, specifically). This guy doesn’t send flowers lightly, I’ve literally saved this guy’s life, and have seen trace neither of petal, nor stem, nor thorn (He might not be able to come, as it might be considered a Parole violation, but we’re working on getting clearance). I know it’s kind of a roundabout way of saying it, but we (your fans) have your back.

    Signed,
    Lord Zod, Ruler of the Underworld, and Kicker of Puppies

  70. Marcus Cox
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:19 PM | Permalink

    I don’t want to push you back into this habit but have you checked “The Wise Man’s Fear” Amazon sales rank lately? On the Books list you’re hanging in the low 30’s the last few times I’ve looked. Out of every book they sell you are in the top 35, and there is still two and a half weeks until the publication date. People are buying your book. People are going to show to your signings.

  71. Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:23 PM | Permalink

    Squeee! I remember that signing in Taunton – as one of the 8-or-so it was lovely, (And I am absolutely certain there would’ve been a lot more of us if it hadn’t been at such short notice)

    I hope there aren’t any more nightmares. (Plus, in the worst case scenario, where better than a bookstore to be locked into?)

  72. Andrew972
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:24 PM | Permalink

    I vote that Denver needs to be on your list of places to visit. I’ve been telling people about The Name of the Wind left and right and I really, REALLY want to go to your book signings. I was hoping you’d have one in the Washington area in April cause I’m gonna be over there but it doesn’t look like the tour goes that long.

    • ErikZ
      Posted February 15, 2011 at 11:15 PM | Permalink

      I’m in Denver too, and it doesn’t look like his tour even touches our time zone. :-P

      Even though I’d love to see him, traveling and book signings are ridiculously draining. I wouldn’t want to add to that.

  73. raws
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:31 PM | Permalink

    I hate having those low-key nightmares. Waking up feeling sad…
    You won’t have to worry about San Fran because I know there’ll be at least two people there. My sister and me! I made sure she got the day off. We’re coming all the way from Fresno to see you!
    Hope you don’t have any more bad dreams!

  74. Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:33 PM | Permalink

    Dear Pat.
    I understand why you’re nervous, but, please, take it easy! Your readers are so BIG FANS of yours they will be benign. As for myself, I’m sure I’ll love your book…
    I would love to be there and support you…. But I’m afraid you will have to travel to Spain to enjoy my support. Please do! I promise you big fan attitude, nervous giggling, homemade t-shirts referring your books (I bought my last Harry Potter book with a “I trust Severus Snape” t-shirt) and a bunch of devoted friends who will do the same. I’ll even flirt a little if that helps.

  75. Fabierien
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:35 PM | Permalink

    Well I think your Seattle signing will be HUGE. The fb page for it has 166 that are coming and another 50 that are maybe coming. Plus I know another 20 or so that are coming that have not signed up. I also know the store and they are going to have to turn people away I think due to fire code issues.

    That has to feel kind of cool.

  76. origami
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:43 PM | Permalink

    See, I’m actaully kind of worried I won’t be able to handle the crowd. Also, probably a drastically reduced possibility of post-signing hang-out-and-bum-around time. The Facebook event shows 164 people attending the Seattle signing so far and…we’ve still got a few weeks to go. Crowds and I don’t always get along (I’m pretty short and being forced to stare at 100 people’s shoulder blades drives me nuts).

    I am totally building on your optimism here. I will have a good time regardless of how crazy it will inevitably get! Actually, crazy would probably make it more fun. This’ll be the first book signing I’ve ever been to and I look forward to meeting you. Your book tour will have a great start!

  77. tscott.iv
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 12:47 PM | Permalink

    Pat, you have nothing to fear. Let me put it in perspective for you. Everytime you post on your blog, within seconds you have replies. Why is that, because people like me are checking you site multiple times every hour just for a morsel of your thoughts. These same people dream of meeting you. They will be there for your signing, by hook or by crook, they will be there…

    Tonight, think about lesbian unicorns prior to sleep and your dreams will be much sweeter.

  78. IrisSue
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:00 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,

    I just wanted to let you know how much I have been anticipating meeting you on March 1st at the University Bookstore in Seattle. The morning after I saw your book tour announcement, I called the bookstore right away to ask about the signing and to order a copy after canceling my preorder through Amazon. The events coordinator had to call me back a few hours later because they didn’t know much about it then and the event wasn’t even posted on their website yet.

    The date is marked on my calendar and I’m planning on skipping class that day so I can be the first person in the bookstore at 9 a.m. and will plan on staying there while reading Wise Man’s Fear suited up in my Eolian Bar T-shirt. I might look tired or crazy when you meet me because most likely, I was too excited to sleep the night before.

    So, you don’t have to have any more nightmares, Pat. Even if there is a zombie apocalypse, I’ll be staying around for your signing. :)

  79. Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:06 PM | Permalink

    I’ve just done all my monthly shopping, groceries included, so it would be a perfect timing for a zombie apocalypse

  80. doublenerds
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:09 PM | Permalink

    Ooh, this post brings to mind a question. Is there a difference in profits to the author between a Kindle and a “classic” purchase? I have Wise Man’s Fear on Kindle pre-order but can switch to old school if you make more dough that way :)

  81. Jack Lancaster
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:14 PM | Permalink

    If it helps at all, Mr. Rothfuss I was willing to fly to Chicago to attend a signing until I realised how much Christmas had dented my savings.

    I live in England.

    So I probably wouldn’t worry too much about attendance… Unless, you know, you wanted to worry about getting mobbed like The Beetles…

  82. Intomime
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:34 PM | Permalink

    Im bringing at least two people to the Portland, Oregon signing so at the very least you’ll have us. :) Its gonna be Much bigger than that of course! I talk to other NOTW fans regularly and know that many of them would have gladly given up a kidney for an advanced copy of WMF. But to hear you talk about it and do a reading? A kidney would be like trading a piece of coal for a diamond and labeling it a future investment. I think my head may implode in the next 3 weeks out of sheer excitement and anticipation. I love you man!

  83. Priscilla
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:37 PM | Permalink

    Well… there are already so many comments, you probably won’t see this one. But I’ll be there in Huntington Beach! I know that B&N, and I hate the plaza, but I’ll still brave the traffic/crowds, and maybe bring some cookies with me. ;)

    On the topic of cookies, what kind do you like? If I have time, I’ll bake and bring some to you. :) Otherwise, it might default to chocolate chip just ’cause I like them…

  84. laurafromNY
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 1:39 PM | Permalink

    Don’t worry Mr. Fussy! I’m sure your second book is awesome. Yours is only the second ever to have made me cry, so that’s saying you’ve got great writing skills and can weave the story so the characters are real…something few authors can do nowadays. (I cried when Kvothe got beat up in the alley and robbed of his money and suddenly this guy dressed as the demon his dad played helped him out during the festival…got to read it again and refresh my memory).

    I’ll be going to your NY signing. But, you should be aware that people might up and leave as soon as you sign the book or might show up really late since there’s so much to do and not enough time and with traveling in between, (takes me 2 hrs by train to get to work and home and 2 hrs again from home to work…). Then, there’s some people who might want to go to your signing but can’t since crap comes up in their schedules last minute…

    Um…also, is it ok if you can sign something else other than the book? I collect books and cringe at the idea of writing in it…..much less even opening it all the way so the spine creases O_O

    • Little My
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 7:41 PM | Permalink

      What was the first book that made you cry?

      • laurafromNY
        Posted February 14, 2011 at 7:23 AM | Permalink

        That’d be Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. It’s part of a trilogy called Sevenwaters and recently when we thought it ended, two more came out! Daughter of the Forest, the first of the trilogy is by far the best. It’s a retelling of a fairy tale The Six Swans, but in an Irish landscape, has elements of Celts, Germanic etc… Although I don’t much fancy book 2& 3, that one holds a special place. Book 4 Heir to Sevenwaters is the second best to me, and the recent book 5 isn’t too bad but different…but book 1 isn’t like any other.

  85. I3ratPrince
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:05 PM | Permalink

    I, for one, cannot claim your fears to be ungrounded. I will say, however, that I intend to a. Skip the weekend I’m supposed to be working in the Air National Guard (because the idiots decided to make that weekend coincide with the Saturday you’ll be signing my copy of your book) and b. Accompany my best friend to Boston for the NEXT signing (because sadly he lives in East Jesus, Kansas, and otherwise would not have an oppurtunity to get HIS book signed).

    So, there’s two people. Three, if you count me twice. Which you should. I’m fairly awesome. :D

  86. thnkbfruspk
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:07 PM | Permalink

    Pat, you aren’t the only one with nightmares…….Imagine a fan, all attempts at appearing to be above “hero worship” having long since dissipated with your entrance onto the fantasy stage, totally geeked out over your impending arrival in NYC. The fan, sweating profusely and wringing his hands with anxiety, finally approaches the omnipotent ROTHFUSS, book in hand. He opens his mouth to pledge his undying devotion to his favorite author only to realize that the words won’t materialize. Mr. Rothfuss politely signs his name to the book while making furtive, knowing tugs at his beard, alerting B&N security to remove the obviously disturbed individual making high-pitched squeaks. Looking forward to seeing you in NYC! :)

  87. Eric Anthony
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:07 PM | Permalink

    Well, Pat, I certainly plan on trying to make it to your NY signing. Not only that, but I will buy a book (perhaps even several as gifts) not out of pity, but purely because of how enamored I am with your book. I normally despise NYC, but this is a momentous occasion that I am willing to suffer the drive form NJ to go to. Fret not, Mr Rothfuss, you shall indeed have fans there.

  88. Lomky
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:24 PM | Permalink

    One day, you’ll look back and miss when you were obscure enough to have a cool chat in the park with 5 fans :D When we went and saw Sanderson, it was a little off putting to be surrounded by 200 people.

  89. Frank
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:49 PM | Permalink

    But then again, how awesome a story would it be if it started in a dark gloomy alley of an immense bookshop? Maybe I’m hyping up the scene a bit. But still!

  90. Alatarsand
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 2:53 PM | Permalink

    Speaking of… If only a few people show up to the St. Louis signing, would you sign a Sanderson book, too? Doesn’t have to be with your name or anything. Maybe just a picture of an imp with a big knife of something.

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 8:49 PM | Permalink

      I know of two authors who have a fierce (friendly) rivalry and particularly enjoy crossing the other’s name out of the title page and signing their own to a book they didn’t write.
      That sounds like something Pat and Brandon Sanderson would do.

  91. slimjim247
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:03 PM | Permalink

    + 2 to you March 4th, LA signing. I’m sure plenty of people will be there.

    I’m nervous too. I want to pointed out what I think is a mistake in “The name of the wind.” It’s a very small one, very small, but I believe it to be a mistake none the less. Will you get mad at me?

    I don’t know if it would be a nice break from what I think most people will say to you. Basic hellos, thank yous, asking for pictures, spelling their names for you so you don’t mess it up.

    Or if my mentioning of a minor mistake, minor, will make you think that I’m a total jerk because I chose such a stupid time to mention it and I ruined your signing.

    I’m conflicted because maybe it’s something you already know about and don’t really care. Maybe it’s so small it just didn’t matter… because it is so small that it didn’t matter to the story. Maybe, you’ll find it an interesting little mishap and are delighted that a fan would read your book so carefully. Maybe it’s not really a mistake, I misunderstood what I was reading, and I’m just an idiot.

    • Little My
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 7:50 PM | Permalink

      Why don’t you ask or point out the error (or confusing thing) right here on the blog? It can get addressed by Pat and the legions of other close readers who will appreciate your attention to detail, and then when you meet Pat in person, it can all be sunshine and hugs. (If you want to stand out at the reading/signing you can always get a strange haircut or something.) Just a thought. That’s what I would do.

      • Oatmeal
        Posted February 12, 2011 at 1:30 AM | Permalink

        I second this comment. I want to know, as I have read the book about a dozen times and not noticed anything. Now I’m curious. You can’t tease us like that…

        • Mickey
          Posted February 14, 2011 at 3:23 AM | Permalink

          Thirded, I now have to re-read the book with my super-detective-editor specs on…that could just be an excuse to get more of that NotW loving.

  92. Aerron
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:05 PM | Permalink

    While reading about your nightmare, I made the noise you make when puppies fall over in their water dishes or when a newborn misses their mouth in an ice cream.

    We are driving for 8 hours to be able to be at your Lexington signing. People are willing to go out of their way to see you .

  93. amara64
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:16 PM | Permalink

    Don’t worry Pat! I’m going to your signing in LA and I’m bringing at least 3 copies of your new book to sign. I’m also bringing friends with their own copies. Most of us will have already read the book by March 4th too so it will mean even more to have you sign them. Thanks for being so awesome!

  94. realist
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:23 PM | Permalink

    Driving from Indianpolis To be at your lexington signing. Going to force feed my roomates a copy of name of the wind so i’m not alone on the trip. mwhahahaha. Keep up the good work XD

  95. Hodar
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:29 PM | Permalink

    I for one, am very interested in buying your book. I’m one of the hordes of people who have already pre-ordered it on Amazon. My only regret at this point in time is that I couldn’t buy it on the Apple bookstore.

    Seldom have I enjoyed a book as well done, as well developed as your latest endeavor. Until your book, my ‘Gold Standard’ was the Belgariad series by David Eddings. You sir, on your first major effort have surpassed what I considered to be one of the best series that I have had the pleasure to read.

    So, while I patiently wait for my mid-night download to begin – I can’t help but wonder …

    Will there be a movie in the future?

    Well done, Patrick … very well done.

    • Hodar
      Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:32 PM | Permalink

      You will have at least 1 person from the Salt Lake City region at your Seatle signing. A friend of mine, who convinced me to buy ‘The Name of the Wind’ is flying up for the signing.

      Me, I’ve sold 3 copies of your book to friends so far. I’m getting mine on my iPad – so getting it signed is rather pointless (sigh). The only downside to electronic media.

  96. Henkemeyer
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:56 PM | Permalink

    Hi Patrick! I’m very excited to meet you here in Portland! A few friends and myself are planning on attending. I just finished your book yesterday (I am engineer and father of 2 w/o enough time to read as many books as I’d like to, so your book was on my shelf for a while). Once I started reading it, though, I knew that this was my new favorite series by far. Dragonlance, LOtR, Dark Tower, Eragon, and now this. I blazed thorugh it in record time. :) So needless to say, I’m quite excited and thrilled that your coming to town! I may even have to have my “geek” t-shirt cleaned and pressed, just for this occasion. Or maybe I’ll stick with the semi-wrinkled look. :P

    See you soon!

    David

  97. Nicham
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 3:58 PM | Permalink

    I’ll be there on the 2nd in Portland!

  98. shifty803
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 4:05 PM | Permalink

    I’m planning to take off work to hit up the Library of Congress. Going to hop the metro down from the Reston area. How can I not go see one of my favorite authors at the freaking Library of Congress?!

  99. LisaD
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 4:24 PM | Permalink

    There are at least 50 people signed up on the San Diego fb page. I’m torn about this. Excited that others love your writing as much as I do. Sad that I can’t commandeer your company and take you out for coffee and perhaps an impromptu beach bonfire with my family and friends, and then retain I Got To Hang Out With Patrick Rothfuss bragging rights. Which is an idea for a great bumper sticker, by the way. *nod* feel free, with my blessings =)

  100. kvothe
    Posted February 11, 2011 at 4:45 PM | Permalink

    You already have 137+ comments on a blog that isn’t all that easy to find. Look at the forums on such websites as Amazon and you will find even more people obsessed with the chronicle of Kvothe.

    I have already pre-ordered your book, and I know others that have done so as well. I am really looking forward to it!

    Also, J.R.R Tolkien continued to edit his books long after they were published, although it involved legal action with his publishers.

    • Posted February 11, 2011 at 8:39 PM | Permalink

      Really? I didn’t know that.

      That makes me feel better….

      • Matt
        Posted February 13, 2011 at 11:02 AM | Permalink

        Oh no. I read this and got worried.

        Don’t hurt yourself, Pat. Realize when the books are done, and let them stand.

        Yeah, Tolkien fixed a few problems, that’s cool. But also remember George Lucas, forever fucking around with things that didn’t need fucking around with, and fucking the whole thing up as a result. Please don’t go Lucas on us. You and your work are so much better than that.

        • kvothe
          Posted February 13, 2011 at 2:11 PM | Permalink

          OK, yes… George Lucas is a tool. It seems I get raped every time I see one of his movies, even when I bring the wintery freshness of mace along with me…

          • Kageryuu
            Posted February 14, 2011 at 8:36 AM | Permalink

            Han shot first!

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