Want to hear something strange?
My first short story ever has just been published.
I didn’t even realize it until just now, as I sat down to write this blog. But it’s the truth.
Here’s the thing. I’ve been published in anthologies before. That happened long ago in 2002 with Writers of the Future Vol 18. That was the publication that got me started.
My piece in that anthology was called “The Road to Levinshir.”
But it wasn’t really a short story.
For one thing, if you want to be nit-picky, it was 14,000 words, and that makes it a novella. Or a novelette, to be precise.
But the bigger issue is that the “story” in addition to being not short, wasn’t really even a story. By which I mean it wasn’t a self-contained discrete entity unto itself. It was an excerpt from my as-then unpublished novel, which bore the embarrassing title “The Song of Flame and Thunder.”
(Most of you have read a much-revised piece of this story in its proper context, as a part of The Wise Man’s Fear.)
Later, people asked me if I’d like to reprint that story. Since I’d revised it fairly substantially, my response was pretty much, “Woo! Someone wants to print my stuff!”
All three of these anthologies contain versions of “The Road to Levinshir” (Or “Levenshir” depending on my mood.)
But as I’ve already mentioned, it wasn’t really a proper short story.
My first proper published short story has just come out in Unfettered.
I mentioned it on the blog a while back, letting people know they could pre-order it. But that was more than half a year ago. A lot has happened since then.
This is an anthology where a bunch of authors pitched in stories to help out a friend, Shawn Speakman. He was was having trouble with his medical bills after getting cancer, beating it, then getting a whole *different* type of cancer years later when no health insurance would cover him.
Here’s a list of the authors involved.
Terry Brooks
Patrick Rothfuss
Naomi Novik
Brandon Sanderson
RA Salvatore
Tad Williams
Jacqueline Carey
Daniel Abraham
Peter V. Brett
Robert VS Redick
Peter Orullian
Todd Lockwood
Carrie Vaughn
Blake Charlton
Kevin Hearne
Mark Lawrence
David Anthony Durham
Jennifer Bosworth
Lev Grossman
Michael J. Sullivan
Eldon Thompson
Shawn Speakman
Seriously. That’s a hell of a line-up. I couldn’t hope for better company.
My story is set in the four corners world. It’s called, “How Old Holly Came to Be.”
It’s not like anything I’ve ever written before. By which I mean it’s short, and I finished it before my deadline.
I kid. I kid. What I really mean is that it’s a very different sort of story.
You can order the book in all manner of formats over here on Shawn’s website.
Or, if you like, you can buy a copy off the Tinker’s Packs.
I’m not going to lie to you, if you buy a copy in our online store, it’s going to be more expensive. But that’s because not only is money going to Shawn, but money is going to Worldbuilders, too.
But to make up for the expense, I’ll happily sign it for you. And in addition to helping two good causes, you’ll know that you’re getting a first edition copy. Shawn printed fewer than 10,000 of these from what I understand, and I don’t know if or when there will ever be another print run. So it’s kinda a grab-them-while-you-can sort of situation….
And if you’re feeling extra bookish, we’ve got a scattering of signed books from other authors we’ve thrown up recently in The Tinker’s Packs as well. Most of those we only have a a few of, so when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Have a good weekend,
pat
85 Comments
P.S. Let’s keep things spoiler free here, shall we?
I mention this because I myself haven’t read a lot of the stories in the anthology yet.
So if you’ve already, say, bought the e-book and read it. Feel free to comment on the stories in a general sense. But don’t really *expound* upon them.
Let’s not give anything away, okay?
Thank you for saying this, Pat. Important to keep spoilers off the site.
Awesome. I can’t wait to read it. Can you please make sure it gets to Kindle as soon as possible? I only tend to buy fiction on my paperwhite these days.
I’ll have to read your short story tho! Anything you write in the Four Corners world is bound to end up on my virtual bookshelf asap. :)
It’s available on Kindle! Go forth, buy, and be happy!
http://www.amazon.com/Unfettered-ebook/dp/B00DJJIR6S/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1372092200&sr=8-9&keywords=unfettered
Woot! Thanks for letting me know. I didn’t see it anywhere when I searched for it last night. *Goes Forth to buy and be happy!*
Ordered, penury be damned. Perfect timing – I finished Ocean At The End Of The Lane yesterday. Sweet serendipity!
Done and done! Can’t wait to get it!
just saw this, probably too late to order, but as big of a fan as I am, what I really loved seeing was the Fuck Cancer mention. My mom (who was also a fan, and a massive Tolkien nut) passed from cancer rather suddenly last year. Her favorite hat, shirt and saying was Fuck Cancer.
Thank you for having that on your page dude. made me smile and cry
and look at that, not too late. (totally should be asleep right now)
If at all possible if you could include my mom’s screen name from the various Tolkien forums (Vison) along with a Fuck Cancer inside the book I’d be incredibly grateful. If not, I understand too, you’ve got 10,000 to sign and that is going to take awhile.
Here is a tip: Do not search for “Unfettered” on audible while at work. The results are not, shall we say, safe for work…
Pat,
Any chance for an audio version of this book?
There is a shot at this. Audible right now is putting together a contract for Unfettered and my novel, The Dark Thorn. Watch Grim Oak Press’s website/Facebook/Twitter for details!
Exceptionally keen! I might have to find a copy somewhere in Perth, Australia to buy it though. $55 + $35 intl. shipping = $90 US = $98AUS.
I’d love the signed version, but I think $98 is a bit much for me on this occasion!
It is marginally cheaper on Shawn’s website. About $68 or so with shipping to Perth. I’d love to buy it but it’s a bit out of my reach.
That lineup contains four of my favorite “new” writers. This has got to be one of the coolest anthologies I’ve seen. And all for a good cause.
Thanks
Thanks, Kev. Hope you read the book and review it!
I bought the ebook and it was amazing! I loved How Old Holly Came to Be, so very different than anything I might have been expecting. The foreword made me laugh too ;) The other authors’ stories were all really good as well, one of the best anthologies I’ve read.
Be sure to leave a review. Very important if the book is to have lasting legs. :) Glad you enjoyed Pat’s contributions! I loved his Foreword too.
Cool Beans Pat!!! I can’t wait to read it. On a somewhat related note, I’m really excited about one of my own projects which seems to finally be coming together. In about a week me and my friend Megan are launching a Kickstarter to create a totally free literary magazine in Milwaukee without any ads. It would mean a lot to stuff if you checked out our page on Facebook at (facebook.com/wild.words.milwaukee).
All the best,
Nick
Hey, seem great, but I prefer to buy my book in eBook format now. But I can’t seem to find the book on my habitual buying place (Google play book and diesel ebook).
Can someone point me to where I can buy it?
Thanks.
Ah sorry. I found it here: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Unfettered/book-m9s_iqO_fESy8MTLMSvbAw/page1.html?s=_Wk8z1P71UOi_5sRnJ2zlg&r=1
GAH! Wheres my wallet!? Shut up and take my money! Seriously though, what an excellent group to be included in, congratulations.
I thought you wrote, “Shut up and take my monKey!” haha
My gosh, what a list. It’s awesome. Sorry, I would like to buy it but I have so many things to buy… Anyway, I’ve bought 1 limited and 1 unlimited deck, so I think I’ve help a little with worldbuilders (and with my geekness)
Anyway, I think writers like Andrzej Sapkowski would do a great job there, in the list and Guy Gavriel Kay too. You and those too another writers are my favourite :)
Pretty proud of my small collection of signed Rothfuss books… though I really need to come up with something awesome to send in so I can get my unsigned ones taken care of. Perhaps a goat.
Picked up a signed copy, and one of those delicious fantasy calenders. It’s amazing that one of my favorite authors is such a fantastic human being.
I bought Unfettered and that was Good.
I read Unfettered and it was Good
I finished Unfettered and that was Both.
This actually made me laugh out loud.
Me too. haha
All of the ebook links (Nook, Kindle, Kobo, iBooks) are on Shawn’s site that Pat linked to above.
Thanks for the reminder, Pat! Nook version purchased and reading has commenced.
OK, so after shelling out a nice sum on the NOTW Kickstarter, now this book. My inner fangirl is just popping out all over the place. So I thought about why am I willing to pay all this stuff for Patrick Rothfuss stuff? Did I just want to let my inner-geek flag fly or what? Here is what I came up with: After the important fact that Patrick writes awesome books, the main reason I have gotten so behind him and let my fangirl out is because of the things he stands for. I have given to charities in the past, but because of the passion and devotion Pat has shown toward Worldbuilders, it has fostered an excitement in me to get behind it. He could take all the profits from his merchandise and line his pockets. He would be totally within his rights to do so. But I find I am more willing to dig deeper knowing that although I am getting some bling, I am supporting a worthwhile cause. I respect that as Pat gains fame, he doesn’t seem to let it be changing him. He still stands up for the things he always believed in. He is even honest with his fans. (See his post at the start of this thread) Not many authors (or other celebrities) would put the time in for his fans that Pat does. Since he does….yes, he expects a certain decorum and respect back. That is honest. So, in the end, I can say that entering this little bit of geekdom has impacted me in such a positive way that how can I not back his projects.
That’s awesome Pat! I was hoping for a signed one! Ordered a second one to help WB, and will donate my Grim Oaks order to an avid reader friend.
Looking forward to the new story!
If I ordered this in October, will it be patiently waiting for me in the mail when I get home from work today?!
Doubtful. I’d been checking the mail everyday since the e-book released and nothing.
I heard from someone else it was going to be about 3 weeks to ship out all the preorders and longer for people who ordered signed, but maybe if Shawn sees this he can answer better because I’m not sure how completely accurate that was.
Yeah. They’re shipping them out even as we speak. But it takes time to ship 2000 books….
And the signed limited editions are going to take a little longer because they’re going to be signed by *everyone* that’s a bit of endeavor with a list of authors like this, everyone being as busy as they are….
As a fan of your books we are all used to patiently waiting, knowing the result will be worth it. :)
Can’t wait! This lineup is phenomenal! Thanks for the info!
Yes, I’m patiently waiting for my limited… might have to break down and order a trade copy :)
I started mailing hardcover copies yesterday, technically. And the ARCs are shipping today. Then I travel to the warehouse on Monday and begin the task of shipping out the 2500 or so books that have been ordered. Gonna take me a while to do so.
JYI, I am starting with the oldest orders first. That should give you some kind of “feeling” for when your copy might ship. I will be updating the Facebook and Twitter pages every night about my progress, posting what order #’s I got through, so watch that. :)
Thanks for the info Shawn!
I’d been wondering how to check when things were shipping without directly bothering someone and being that one super annoying over excited fan. LOL.
Thanks Shawn! Now I get to check the mail everyday and I will be *much* more excited when I finally get it because the anticipation will be killing me!
Kindled! Should get me through my holiday :)
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Shawn
Thanks, Julie!!
There is a site for people who have cancer (or other health issues) to get support from their loved ones. CaringBridge It’s a non-profit and they keep all of your data private. It’s a social network where it’s safe to post about private things like your health or doctor visits. And it’s free!
Not sure if this counts as spam, if it is, I’m sorry. It’s just such an awesome site.
How much do I appreciate this blog posting… I went out and bought Unfettered. And then I looked into Shawn Speakman more and realized he had a book of his own – The Dark Thorn – bought that too! Love books with the Tuatha de Dannan (Kevin Hearne is pretty Spiffy too!). And given that I live in ass-crack Canada with very few author tours his website (The Signed Page) will be great!
Some of the best books I have read are ones being recommended by some of my favourite (I’m Canadian dammit stop underlining and saying I spelled this wrong!!) authors and now I have two more to read!
[Can’t wait till book 3 Pat!!]
Awe, thanks hobbitfu!! That just made my entire morning! Maybe my day! Ha!
If you enjoy The Dark Thorn and/or my short story contribution in Unfettered (The Unfettered Knight is set in that same universe), then definitely let me know! I’m on Facebook and can be reached at any one of my multiple websites. Cheers!
Just ordered, and can’t wait to read it! Also thrilled to have a copy signed by Mr. Rothfuss, my new favorite author. Pat: can’t wait to read Day Three, but I hope you aren’t letting all your crazed fans get to you about the schedule. The Lord of the Rings took 12 years to write, so take your time. Our first-world problems can wait!
Nicely put. First-World problems. Couldn’t agree more.
Stupid question?
Is any of the ebook formats readable on a normal computer or must you own a “E-Book-Reader-Device-Thingey”?
Holmelund,
Yes, you can download software that will allow you to download and read ebooks on your normal desktop/laptop computer. Here are some links for you:
Kindle (PC / Mac)
Nook (PC / Mac)
Hope that helps!
Shawn
Thank you Shawn. Helped a lot :)
If you own another kind of mobile device you could get Kindle for it, like a smart phone or a tablet. If you need help say the word :-) I know quite a bit about Kindle
Hey I know this might sound crazy since you’re an author and all but…
WRITE ANOTHER FUCKING BOOK ALREADY JESUS CHRIST.
Ok, I won’t blame in this blog, I will be kind and I will answer you.
HE PASSES LIKE 10 HOURS WORKING EVERY DAY.
He said it himself in Facebook. Curiously, he also said the comments that said “Why aren’t you working in the book” after he had been working ten hours were very annoying…
But imagine we didn’t know that. It’s after all, an act of kindness. He has made one of the best fantasy trilogies of all the time (and you like his books, or you wouldn’t be like that), you debt him some grattitude, ¿no?
Don’t imagine I don’t wait the book as much as you, but I don’t blame him for his work, I blame him for being so goddamn good :)
You probably said it without offense, like forced with a magic force when you write in a blog that makes you say things you don’t want to say (I’ve done comments I was proud about and in 30 minutes I was saying: ¿What the hell?), or like a joke, but the next time think of it before you write that in the blog
I´ll paraphrase a Gaiman quote:
Patrick Rothfuss is not your bitch.
If you want the full explanation to the quote go here:
http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2009/05/entitlement-issues.html
Well, I was just relieved he didn’t say,
“Here’s my number so call me maybe?”
After a weekend of 10 year old girls, I just don’t think I could have taken that….
Read the second book. It’ll cure you of waiting desperately for the third. Worked for me.
It didn’t work with me. It worked au contraire. Before rereading the books, it was something there, but I could with it. Buf after rereading, I couldn’t read another book for two weeks. TWO WEEKS. I only wanted those, and two weeks are amazing for someone like me. Now, every time I think in Kvothe I have a little of pain and I can’t read another book for 10 minutes at least.
Ah, and your commentary was very funny Ivorydoom (althrough I’m so ashamed…)
Question: When will the iBook be available?
Once you said that Fantasy fans are the most loyal, but I think this Anthology proofs that to write Fantasy the author needs an overwhelming kindness… Maybe it’s that kindness what draws the reader… It’s part of a fantasy world… I think so at least (didn’t want a comment like the last one to spoil this) buying it for Kindle right away since I’m not from US.
Sorry this is off topic, but, is there a page anywhere that lists pronunciations for the characters in Pat’s books? I find myself spending way too much time thinking, “is that pronounced Seal-dish or maybe it’s Kail-dish, or maybe Caul-dish”, with my luck it’s none of the above. Anyway halfway into tNotW, in one word, engrossing, in two, Fuckin’ wicked!
If you have access you can listen to the audio versions.
Also, if you have questions about specific names or words you can always hit up the crew on Goodreads, someone will certainly know the pronunciation if no one on here gets back to you.
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/4738-rothfussians
(Pretty sure it SEAL-DISH) ;)
Thank you for the friendly reply, I will check that out, cheers!
You’re Welcome!
haha nope.. totally failed the link. but it still works.
I vaguely remember something about this a few months ago and if it was available for pre-order, I probably did. But, since I’m not sure, I ordered the signed copy, because hey, not only does it help Shawn out, but now something goes to Heifer as well. Since we’re about 600 miles away from where the shipped cop(y/ies) will end up, and I really hate waiting, I bought the Kindle copy too. Please don’t tell me it’s available on Audible as well.
Jay
Well, guess that answers that question… I have a tracking number for the unsigned copy from Grim Oak
Man, this book is awesome so far!
P.S. Did you stop doing Storyboard? I am disappoint.
We’ll be bringing it back. But right now I’m just too busy….
I figured as much, it’s all good!
I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t done for good.
I didn’t know Todd Lockwood was an Author, I like his art though. Even the more Kitch stuff.
And especially Death Loves Me.
Ordered. Really looking forward to it.
Yeah, seriously, fuck cancer. My uncle is fighting Stage 4 lung cancer. So I say fuck cancer with a passion.
If I would like to buy anything off Tinker’s Pack, do you ship to Malaysia?
Nevermind, with a little digging around, I discovered that I CAN get stuff bought off Tinker’s Pack delivered to Malaysia.
Yup.
I am hardly a liberal, but I am hoping that the healthcare reform that Obama inacted is actually affective and makes it easier for the self employed to get health insurance. When I was in my early 30s I got turned down for health insurance due to allergy shots. I asked to just have them removed from the plan and Ill pay it out of pocket. I got refused. Was told I was only elligible for a HIPAA plan. This was $15000/month (this was 5 years ago) with a $10,000 deductible, and allergy shots were not covered anyway. It didn’t cover much at all either.
This was due to allergy shots that I was happy to just pay for out of pocket? The impression I got is that they only wanted to cover people who never needed medical care. I went to another vendor and got a good plan, but this really shocked me. I have spent most of my career working for corporations where you are auto-covered no matter what is wrong with you since with 1,000s of people in the pool it doesn’t matter what certain people have. The rates for a large company are not going to go up if a few people get cancer. The costs are spread out. Now the plans have gotten worse over the years, but I am still covered. I’m not going to die because I can’t afford chemotherapy.
Writers are self employed. This is a capitalist country. One of the biggest hurdles to entrepreneurs is health insurance. I really hope that Obama doesn’t screw this up and this actually makes health insurance affordable for the self employed. I am skeptical that it work very well. Though I am hopeful.
BTW, I bought the Unfettered book as well.
That would be nice.
We just had an insurance meeting yesterday and the owner was told that he was going to have to start insuring everyone after 90 days that worked Full Time beginning next year I believe. Sadly, the business I work for can’t really afford to do this so instead they plan to just cut everyone who has worked here less than 5 years to 29 hours a week. :/
I mean, luckily I’ve worked here long enough to not get my hours cut, but really sucks for some of my co-workers….
Now they get to work two part time jobs a week AND pay for there own insurance….Not very Awesome. Hopefully they are the minority though and others find the program successful.
Yeah. There’s a lot of this bullshittery going on.
A lot of companies saying they “can’t afford” it are *really* saying “we don’t want to pay for it.”
The head of Papa John’s, is a notable example for this.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/papa-johns-john-schnatter-obamacare-pizza-prices/story?id=16962891#.UdSD9tglJ4s
He complained about having to insure his people, (which would cost about 5 million dollars) though his company makes 1.2 billion a year. Some fair douchery, in my opinion.
I think that only businesses of a certain size are effected by the law though. Small businesses are exempt.
Yah, I sorta got the impression that “we can’t afford this” was another translation of “we don’t want to cut into our profit”
Which is really too bad, especially since I live in a rural area. The business I work for and two others employ approximately 80% of the residents. I’m really hoping the other two big companies in my area don’t follow this one’s lead, otherwise things might get pretty ugly in these parts.
On the other hand, I could see how this whole idea could be positive for people who have normal humans running there corporations. LOL.
Hey Pat, someone posted about jots being on sale on Ebay on the wayward backer facebook page. If I hadn’t seen that link by chance, I wouldn’t have gotten one – maybe you can make a quick blog post so people can run over and get one?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130941975660
He posted on facebook about it and then about 23 minutes later posted that it was sold out.
2 more on amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00DQC685U/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
So, I read your story. Waited a couple of hours for proper digestion, then read it again. It is odd, but in an oddly beautiful way. I think you are more musically talented than you admit, because it is lyrical, rhythmic – just like many parts of your books (like your rhythmic TataTataTataTata pattern you follow in dialogue, to give an easy example). I find the lines echoing through my head ‘… and that is neither’
I just got my book today. I walked out my door to head to work this morning and just saw it sitting there. It made what was going to be a rather miserable day at work a much happier one. Thanks again Pat.
That would have made my day at work way more miserable as I stared at the book I couldn’t read all day….sitting there on my desk because I hate myself…mocking me from the closed cover position…the bastard.
Got my copy today, along with the autographed copy of The Daylight Wars and The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle. You and your awesome selection of goodies will be the reason I get my beat up Army jacket out and sit under a bridge later in life.
“Homeless veteran, need money to blow on awesome books and Kickstarter campaigns.”