Slow Regard of Silent Things – The Narrationing.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve talked about the upcoming Auri book quite a bit.

rooftop_encounter_by_gunghogrimm-d420vi3

(Everyone’s favorite moon fae. Art from GungGoGrimm)

When I do interviews or events, people ask me questions about the story, and I do my best to answer them without giving anything away. But the end result is that sometimes I have trouble remembering what I’ve officially announced, and what I’ve just kinda talked in one interivew. Or at one particular event at a bookstore.

(My official announcement of the book and the explanation of how it came to be is over here on the blog, if you happened to miss it.)

So. There’s been some news about the book I’ve known for a while. Something that I’ve mentioned a couple of times in various places in various ways. But I’ve never make an official announcement:

I’m narrating the audiobook.

Achievement unlocked - audio_book 2

I’ve always had a great admiration for the people who are able to read their own material. When an author reads their own work, it can add so much to a story. Over the years, I think I’ve probably spent a thousand hours listening to some of the best of the best tell their own stories in their own voices: Neil Gaiman, David Sedaris, and Garrison Keillor.

I’m not at that level. But I enjoy reading my work in front of an audience. I’ve done work with Wisconsin Public Radio. What’s more, I have been told I have a good voice….

Mountainous

(This might be one of my favorite complements ever.)

So I decided to throw my hat into the ring. This is a much shorter book than my usual. A perfect chance to give it a try. Besides, how different could it be, reading in front of an audience vs. reading in a studio?

Well…. quite a bit different, as it turns out.

Luckily, the folks at Random House/Penguin Audio brought in a great producer to work with me. Someone with a ton of experience who has more than a thousand audiobooks under his belt (figuratively.)

His name was Rick Harris, and he worked wonders, setting me at my ease and teaching me the ropes.

I won’t go into the details of what I learned. That should probably be a blog all by itself. Suffice to say now I have a *lot* more respect for people that do this for a living. There’s so much going on. So much craft and artistry. I look forward to working on it and getting better in the future.

Without further ado, let me present to you a brief teaser of the audiobook that the folks at my publisher have made available for you.

I hope you like it. I myself managed to listen to an entire 8 words of it before I turned it off again. For as much as I joke about loving the sound of my own voice, the truth is, I hate the sound of my own voice when I hear it recorded. I just can’t bring myself to listen to it.

Anyway, here it is. All fancy and embedded:

If that doesn’t work, here’s a straight-up link.

I hope you like it. Honestly? I’m nervous as hell about how it turned out, and not being able to listen to it at all, let alone with an objective ear, is not helping with that anxiety.

Be gentle with me, it’s my first time.

pat

This entry was posted in Achievement Unlocked!, audiobooks. By Pat100 Responses

100 Comments

  1. asdrubael
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 3:22 AM | Permalink

    I really like your voice and I think it’s great that you read the audiobook yourself, althought I’m not really into audiobooks in general.

    One thing I would really like tho know is if and when there will be translated versions of the book? You showed us a French and Spanish (?) cover but when are they going to be released?

    I am interested in a German version and if it comes out a few months from now on, I can wait until then. However if this is not even in the works I will pre-order the english version right away.

    • Tarpaulin the Grate
      Posted September 21, 2015 at 7:20 AM | Permalink

      Aileen
      Posted October 3, 2014 at 1:24 PM | Permalink

      OK I know I’m British and therefore bias but Rupert Degas is the best Audiobook narrator to walk this planet in my opinion and I listen a lot! I’m sure that US versions are fine and that Patrick himself will be spectacular but don’t forget us quirky Brits please

      I fully agree: Rupert Degas is the definitive narrator, beside which even the excellent Simon Prebble (Susannah Clarke’s “Jonathan Strange”) pale into insignificance. He has a fantastic mastery of voices and accents, and can switch effortlessly between them to make it perfectly clear who is speaking at any instant. To me, Fela will always have a sexy soft Irish accent and Auri a Welsh accent. To hear anyone else’s voice for part three of Kingkiller would be just plain wrong. Incidentally, Patrick, hurry up and publish part three!

      What sounds wrong is when narrators read American English in a British accent: a good example is Jim Dale who narrated the voiceovers for the US TV series “Pushing Daisies”. He’s British and despite his years in America still hasn’t lost his British accent, but he uses American English words like “gotten” and pronounces “herbs” with a silent H (“erbs” rather than “herbs”) which grates more than it would to hear an American say those things. Likewise for Gerard Doyle’s narration of Angie Sage’s “Septimus Heap” books which, although Sage is British, seem to have been converted to American English for the audio book which is then narrated in a British accent.

      I hope Kingkiller 3 will be narrated (for the British version) by a British narrator – and I very much hope that narrator will be Rupert Degas!

  2. chrisloff
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 3:27 AM | Permalink

    I am super excited for this book, and to hear you read it! However I am also a HUGE fan of Nick Podehl, so will He read book 3? I’ll love it either way, but Kvothe’s voice is Nick’s voice in my head. You can totally be beautiful Auri’s voice in my head (even if you look more like Kilvin, again in my head).

    • khil1
      Posted September 11, 2014 at 8:42 AM | Permalink

      Pat, I love your voice, you did a great job and I would love to hear you in more books. That said, I, too, love Nick Podehl and I hate when audiobooks change narrators when the current one did so well. (Don’t even get me started on different narrators pronouncing names different, augh!)

      • Posted September 11, 2014 at 12:01 PM | Permalink

        Rest assured I’ll be leaving book three to the professionals. I hate when series switch audio narrators as well.

        • ohtochooseaname
          Posted September 11, 2014 at 2:08 PM | Permalink

          I’ve listened to around 700 audiobooks, and I can say that, to me, you are an “OK” Narrator (I’ve heard authors and professional narrators do far, far worse). Nick Podehl, on the other hand, is a master of the art, and to me, he is the voice of Kvothe. I’m glad you’ll be sticking with him for the third book because you, the master writer, and he, the master reader, create an experience much greater than the sum of its parts. Overall, it was an excellent first reading.

          • stillatwork
            Posted September 12, 2014 at 12:24 PM | Permalink

            Podehl is great, I would take his Kvothe over anyone. But have you listen to the UK audio book? Rupert Degas does an amazing job with the frame story. Just listen to his telling of that early Taborlin the Great story: link (its in the sample)
            Its not possible, but a mash up where you have the old British guy doing the frame and Podehl doing the first person narrative would be the best.

          • FSD
            Posted September 20, 2014 at 9:58 AM | Permalink

            @ohtochooseaname and anyone else choosing to read (especially Pat).
            AGREED.
            While I have not listen to anywhere near that amount of audiobooks have listen to a good many. I love the totally mesmeric experience of reading along with a great narrator. (Thankyou Kindle whispersync for making that so easy)
            Now with that being said….
            Holy shit Pat I can’t wait to read this along with you!!!!

          • Aileen
            Posted October 3, 2014 at 1:24 PM | Permalink

            OK I know I’m British and therefore bias but Rupert Degas is the best Audiobook narrator to walk this planet in my opinion and I listen a lot! I’m sure that US versions are fine and that Patrick himself will be spectacular but don’t forget us quirky Brits please

          • ohtochooseaname
            Posted November 4, 2014 at 6:46 PM | Permalink

            I’ve now listened to the entire novella, and since I got it through Audible, I was able to adjust speed to preference. After that, I’d say Pat is actually quite an excellent narrator in his own right. Top 10% at least.

    • J McK
      Posted September 11, 2014 at 12:45 PM | Permalink

      Totally agreed on the Kilvin thing!

      • Zartharus
        Posted September 12, 2014 at 1:40 PM | Permalink

        Why is that so many people see Master Kilvin looking like Pat in their heads even though Master Kilvin is black?

        Even Pat have already corrected some people that [surprisingly] didn’t know that Kilvin is black even though it is mentioned several times in the book.

        • J McK
          Posted September 13, 2014 at 10:26 AM | Permalink

          Must be the magnificent facebear.

          • Alec1887
            Posted September 14, 2014 at 1:28 PM | Permalink

            Yep, the way he is described does sound like Pat, other than the skin colour (big, broad, big beard).

  3. cynrtst
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 3:27 AM | Permalink

    Awesome! I’ll have to actually buy an audio book this time. I love your voice too.

    • cynrtst
      Posted September 11, 2014 at 3:34 AM | Permalink

      Also, you pronounce her name “arrie”. I have always said “ahhree” (as in audio). I’ll have to adjust my thinking.

      • Inithra
        Posted September 11, 2014 at 4:15 AM | Permalink

        I’ve had that happen to me often. Almost every other word in The Wheel of Time for example. (Aiel, Siuan, Moiraine).
        I’ve read and reread those books, before and after seeing/hearing correct pronunciation, and in cases where my internal pronunciation was wrong, that’s still the one I revert back to.

        Anyway. On the audiobook, you did a good job, Pat but your voice doesn’t have the bass I expected, especially considering that “mountainous” description in the tweet.
        It doesn’t matter, as I shan’t be purchasing the audio version anyway.
        I’ve tried them, with the Harry Dresden books, but I find it impossible.
        You can’t fall asleep when listening to an audiobook and just pick up where you left off, there’s endless skipping through to find the last part you remember – it’s infuriating!

        • khil1
          Posted September 11, 2014 at 8:35 AM | Permalink

          This is why I use Audible’s bookmark and sleep timer feature. Of course for the most part I fall asleep very quickly so finding where I left off it pretty easy.

        • Xaereth
          Posted September 11, 2014 at 1:42 PM | Permalink

          Ha, Wheel of Time audio does that to me too. Especially with Damane = Dom-on-ee, while Domani also = Dom-on-ee.

          That said, Pat’s books were initially read to me via Audible, and as such when I actually got around to physically read his books, I knew the “correct” way to pronounce his characters. It will be interesting if I have to relearn them with this book :)

      • kyndylan
        Posted September 11, 2014 at 6:11 AM | Permalink

        My wife named her dog Auri, after the character in Name of the Wind. She insists that it is pronounced ‘Orr-ee’. There will be no adjustments in either thinking or pronunciation, I am told.

        • cynrtst
          Posted September 11, 2014 at 12:46 PM | Permalink

          I keep trying to say it as he did but my mind won’t adjust.

        • JJLeggo
          Posted September 11, 2014 at 8:09 PM | Permalink

          lol – I was going to write and ask Pat if he realized that he pronounced her name wrong :)
          In my head, it is also Or-Ree (like ‘aura’).

        • Little My
          Posted September 12, 2014 at 10:43 AM | Permalink

          Yup, I was going to say she’s Auri like lorry, but “like aura” is a bit more like it. No adjustment from me either.

      • Posted September 12, 2014 at 4:54 PM | Permalink

        Honestly? I can go either way. It depends on my mood a lot of times….

  4. midobal
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 3:30 AM | Permalink

    I’ve never listened to an audiobook before, but this can be a very good chance to start. I like the sound of your voice, specially your laughing, and Auri is one of my favourites characters. What more can I ask?

  5. Revenance
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 3:44 AM | Permalink

    I’ve listened to many audiobooks and I think you have a lot of potential. When you say something that has a strong “sss” sound. Such as “itself” or “stones” you can hear this odd sort of whistle sound. I have it too. At 1:18 and 2:25 you finish your sentence but the volume of your voice drops a bit too much. Difficult to hear “sun” and “twelve” respectively.

    Overall, these arent big problems. Just things I notice. I’d be happy to hear some more excerpts where you do some voice roles.

    • Club Neon
      Posted September 11, 2014 at 9:15 AM | Permalink

      I noticed the esses too right away. It could be because I do work in audio production, and that’s a problem a lot of recordings have. Fortunately it’s an easy fix, there’s a device (or plug-in) called a de-esser, and that’s what it does. Hopefully this is an early raw export, that’s going to receive a bit more polish before release. As for the inconsistent volume level, again note something Pat did wrong, and an easy fix, which also leads me to believe this is an unfinished mix.

      Can’t wait for this book! I’ve had it pre-ordered since the day it was announced.

  6. Posted September 11, 2014 at 3:50 AM | Permalink

    Very cool!

  7. Keeeb
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 4:15 AM | Permalink

    Loved it.

  8. Eric Anthony
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 4:18 AM | Permalink

    I know exactly how you feel. I also can’t stand the sound of my own recorded voice. But in this case, have no fear. The teaser at least is fantastic. Your familiarity with the story and character adds a depth that can only be found by an author reading their own work. Bravo. I cannot wait to hear the rest of it.

  9. Maeveen
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 4:31 AM | Permalink

    I’m so sorry Hobbit this will be my new lullaby. I’m so looking forwart to fall asleep with this in my ears, drifting to the Dreamland.

  10. heather
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 4:46 AM | Permalink

    Pat, this is going to be wonderful! I can’t wait to lose myself in an Auri story. Your voice is molten chocolate, rich and comforting. I can’t wait…although I must.

  11. AlistairM
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 5:05 AM | Permalink

    Sounds good to me, however…

    My Auri sounds Welsh, How good are you at Welsh accents? :P

  12. Auri Rodrigues
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 5:06 AM | Permalink

    Very proud of you again!
    I adore you, my dear.
    Please, continue singing to us…

  13. Philbert
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 5:10 AM | Permalink

    Sounds great! Now I’m skittish for Novemberish.

  14. jordynlynn
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 5:25 AM | Permalink

    I love this! My dad (who properly introduced me to Kvothe) first tried to get me to listen to the books. And I just couldn’t hang on I’m sad to say, but I’d much rather be holding the book….and now I will end up listening to this one! I can’t wait to show this to my dad when he wakes up! This is so exciting! And your voice…I could literally listen to it for hours.

  15. Posted September 11, 2014 at 5:31 AM | Permalink

    Your voice sounds really good and I’m looking forward to listening more. Audiobooks are my primary form of reading anything anymore. It’s about time management mostly, but I’ve also just grown to appreciate the performance as art when it’s done well. Neil Gaiman does a wonderful job with his own work. I really, really love Nick Podehl’s performance of your first two books, though. I do hope he will read the third!

  16. dysheekie
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 6:06 AM | Permalink

    Very nice. I generally don’t listen to audio books because I have a hard time keeping my attention on the material…however I found myself pretty immersed in the sample. It just works, well done.

  17. Dulcet
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 6:47 AM | Permalink

    I love audiobooks. I am not a huge fan of Nick Proehl, but I thought this sample was excellent by you. I’ve gone to your events before as well as listened to you read your stuff before. While you’re no Gaiman at it, you certain have a rich voice that I would love to hear more of in your work. Fantasy I’ve noticed usually lands poor narrators. You my friend have an excellent reading voice.

  18. MommaAng
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 6:48 AM | Permalink

    It sounds wonderful Pat. Auri is such an amazing character with how she sees every little thing in its splendor and beauty. I truly believe you are the only one who could capture the true Auri so I’m thrilled you are narrating her story.

  19. Laila
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 6:53 AM | Permalink

    It’s been a long time since I last listened to an audio book so it took me a minute to get into it but then I really loved it. You have a great story telling voice and with eyes closed it’s easy to picture the scene in my head. This really makes me want to start listening to audio books again! Well done :)

  20. The Natrix
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 7:07 AM | Permalink

    Since adopting my children, I have made a move to audiobooks, and since 2009, I have listened to over 170 books, most of which are longer than 30 hours. Some narrators nail it, some don’t. Nick Podehl nails it on your books.

    Now, your sample… is incredible. I’ve not had the pleasure of attending an event of your’s, so maybe a trip to Atlanta is in order. :)

  21. ghevalt
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 7:17 AM | Permalink

    I think everyone hates the sound of their own voice when it’s played back to them. Well, maybe not everyone, but I would guess that it’s pretty normal to hate the sound of your own voice when it’s recorded. That said, I think you have a great speaking voice in front of an audience, and a lot of that carries over into reading for an audiobook.

  22. iclimb55
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 7:24 AM | Permalink

    Some should and some should not. You sir are in the should category. I love audio books and am amazed at how important the reader is to the whole experience. Can’t wait to hear the rest.

  23. chriswat11
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 7:41 AM | Permalink

    I woke up to this news this morning and it put a big smile on my face! Good for you Pat!

  24. kwyrt
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 7:42 AM | Permalink

    Great job Pat. You have a lovely reading voice. I prefer to read books on my own and make up my own voices but for those that enjoy audio books this will be a real treat. It was also interesting to hear your voice for the first time after following your blog for quite a while. For some reason I always thought you would sound like Hagrid from the Harry Potter movies. Probably for the best that you don’t though as that voice probably wouldn’t have been as conducive for a good audio book. : )

  25. Baashterd
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 7:50 AM | Permalink

    You sir, should record your voice for a gps navigator! Your voice sounds authorative without being commanding or pushy. I guess simply put, you sound like you know what you’re doing. Just don’t let anyone know the truth. :P

    Another thought that came to my mind while listening, was that you haven’t by any chance considered trying some voice acting? I’m quite positive that the guys at InXile would let you try your wings with some NPC, if not even with the character you wrote for them. Just the thought makes me giddy.

  26. Posted September 11, 2014 at 8:04 AM | Permalink

    Honestly, I like it. It gives me the feel that I’m hearing it directly as you wanted the story told.

  27. chantillylace
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 8:52 AM | Permalink

    It sounds wonderful!! I can’t wait to hear the whole thing. I listened to the bit of Laniel Young-Again that you read and it made me weep. I can’t explain why, it was just beautiful.

  28. TreffnonX
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 9:55 AM | Permalink

    I felt a slight similarity to Carl Sagan’s ‘The pale Blue Dot’ but I don’t know why, as the voice pattern itself is entirely different. I think it is the use of rethorical breaks shortly before the end of a sentence or two :)

  29. Mikael H
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 9:56 AM | Permalink

    Dear Patrick,

    Given the ongoing unpleasantness between Amazon & Hachette and the severe risk that this will spread to Audiobooks (as Cory Doctorow wrote the other day: http://craphound.com/?p=5309).

    Do you have any preferences on where to buy this audiobook? Your paper books (real books) I always by at my local (independent) store Science Fiction Bookstore in Sweden, because they are so worth it, but for audiobooks I have no good supplier and I try to avoid Auidible.

    Any suggestions?

    Sincerely,
    Mikael

    • khil1
      Posted September 12, 2014 at 11:48 AM | Permalink

      See, Audible is amazing, I have dealt with other companies for audiobooks and it’s all crap. Audiobooks on their own are stupid expensive, and until audible came along to help provide a better marketplace the audiobook market was an oligopoly.

      I can understand Doctorow’s stance on DRM but I think he is making a mountain out of molehill (for now, the industry is still very much in it’s infancy)

    • Posted September 12, 2014 at 6:44 PM | Permalink

      I always advise people to buy from their local indi store if at all possible. A local bookstore is a treasure, and should be supported.

      I made a special point of asking the publisher to produce physical audiobooks too. So you can buy/order this on CD if you like.

      (I know it’s not a perfect solution. But it’s the best I could manage this time around.)

    • Weirmus
      Posted September 21, 2014 at 7:35 PM | Permalink

      If a local independent store is not an option, you can try a DRM free online audiobook store at, http://www.downpour.com . Downpour has a smaller catalog then Audible, sadly they don’t have The Slow Regard of Silent Things yet from the looks of it although maybe they’ll get it later hopefully, but they are DRM free and another route to go if you don’t want to deal with Amazon/Audible.

      Sadly I live in a big city dominated by mega-chains for bookstores :( but at least our library system here is pretty solid and well supported.

  30. NinjaofDoom
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 10:12 AM | Permalink

    Ahhhhhh! Awesome Pat! Looks like I’ll be getting the audiobook to accompany the signed book!

    Auri is indeed a fascinating character, and I can’t wait to read more about her world.

  31. James
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 11:11 AM | Permalink

    I’ll be honest, after reading your blog i was nervous for you, part of me almost didnt want to listen. BUT of course how could I help myself and by the time i got to the 2 minute mark i was ready to settle in for the whole story. Look forward to hearing the entire thing when it’s released.

    p.s. I can only imagine what you had to practice and learn for this experience. The breath control alone i can see being very challenging.

    Looking forward to reading and listening to the new story!

    Cheers

  32. Kelly
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 11:56 AM | Permalink

    My first thought was, “Man, Pat would make a great narrator for an old-school point-and-click adventure game!”

  33. ced
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 12:32 PM | Permalink

    Wow. I hate the sound of my recorded voice too, and I definitely picked up some of your nervousness before clicking on the play button, but I shouldn’t have worried. That just felt like storytime.

  34. erica163
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 12:52 PM | Permalink

    Love it! As a busy parent sometimes the only time I have for ‘reading’ is audio books in the car. I did find time to read and listen to both book one and two but really enjoyed listening to the few minutes of this book. I love and appreciate that you have decided to read this for us, even though it was difficult and challenging for you. Much appreciated and I will enjoy.

  35. Posted September 11, 2014 at 12:57 PM | Permalink

    I am so excited for this; I can’t wait to explore Auri’s world with her. I preordered the book a while back; I will be getting the audiobook too! I like to listen to stories while I make art; I imagine you and Auri might help me create something whimsical and new!

  36. Carrie
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 1:33 PM | Permalink

    I know what you mean, I hate listening to my voice recordings. That said, you sound wonderful!! Just like you have been doing it all along. Can’t wait to get this!

  37. LadyDrena
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 1:33 PM | Permalink

    I like that I can hear you take breaths and pauses. It makes it feel very natural, like I’m sitting down for story time. Other audiobooks I’ve listened to sound like there is no breathing room and can feel more like a robot is reading to me rather than an actual person.

    I think you have an absolutely wonderful voice and pace for narrating audiobooks. It would be fantastic if you have the time/desire to narrate more audiobooks in the future, or perhaps lend your voice to other things.

    I am very much looking forward to reading and listening to The Slow Regard of Silent Things when it comes out :)

  38. Posted September 11, 2014 at 1:41 PM | Permalink

    It’s great hearing your voice, thank you for putting that out there. One of the things I love most about hearing authors read their own work is to hear exactly how they like the names of the characters pronounced. I get a little thrill when it turns out to be the same way I pronounce them in my head when reading the book – and when it’s different it’s a fun reminder of the individual experience one has as a reader and the personal spin we bring when consuming a story. Regardless, looking forward to the book – well done and thank you!

  39. Jsherry
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 2:36 PM | Permalink

    While there are many great professional audiobook actors out there (and anyone who has never tried to record an audiobook has no idea, as you allude, Pat, just how difficult it is to do, let alone do well), there is always something special about hearing words in the voice of their author. Neil Gaiman isn’t necessarily my favorite reader of Neil Gaiman’s work if I just want to listen and enjoy a story, but listening to Neil Gaiman read Neil Gaiman is a different experience, sort of transcendent from just “hearing a story.” Many of my favorite authors, people like you and Gaiman, are also gifted storytellers in any medium, so hearing you tell a story, whether in print or in voice, written or improvised, is always a gift to be treasured.

    That being said, I had an interesting epiphany while listening. I find something strange in the idea of listening to an audiobook about Auri. By anyone. Even by you. There’s something about hearing rather than reading about her that for me interferes with the…stillness?…mystery?…something…(I need an abstraction that somehow conveys both tautness and placidity at the same time)…that cloaks her (perhaps nothing could describe it better than the Slow Regard of Silent Things).

    • Posted September 12, 2014 at 6:46 PM | Permalink

      I hear you. I think with this book especially, the text experience will be much different from the audio version of the story.

  40. Posted September 11, 2014 at 2:50 PM | Permalink

    I did a radio-play for a novel I wrote (Shadow Waits) using SoundForge and Shockwave sound for the background music and sound effects, and friends in Asheville who had acting experience for the other characters, so I understand about not wanting to listen to myself (my voice is a much higher timbre than I think it is and I still think I sound like someone else). I discovered by doing it that you need a certain cadence for narration, and from the clip I heard I think you have it. When you listen to yourself think of it as from a voice actor, not you, and it’s easier (The radio-play was great fun to produce but took a lot of time – I posted it on i-tunes a few years back as an audioblog). ~David

  41. Posted September 11, 2014 at 5:25 PM | Permalink

    Thanks, Rothfuss. You just prickled my nape. (Hmm, t-shirt worthy, perhaps?)
    As an audiobook consumer, this is the beginning of something special, Pat.
    Look, you’re gunna get a lot of folks who will gladly blow sunshine up your butt.

    Some objective honesty based on what I heard:
    * I like the pacing. It does feel a little hurried, but I imagine that’s because of it being your first time and all. The more you narrate, the more apt you’ll be to discover your own verbal stride.
    * I really like that you don’t oversell/overact the material. The best readers just read. Don’t act the text; just convey it, and this you do clean and crisply.
    * My only genuine complaint is that I have to wait until it’s released to hear more. (Unless you’d like me to give it an early review?? :)

    Good stuff, Pat!
    Really, be proud of this audiobook (it’s really good).

  42. Tubusy
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 5:37 PM | Permalink

    Beautiful Pat. Can’t wait to hear the rest.

  43. charlief33
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 6:08 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    I was wondering if you nixed the AsktheAuthor portion of the site or if there’s somewhere else to post questions. There hasn’t been any activity for so long. Sorry I’m posting here.

    Just got my edition of Rogues and turned right to page 711. Great stuff. I think I’m going to live vicariously through Bast. Or least imagine myself his ‘wingman’. Looking to forward Auri’s tale…she’s an awesome character.

  44. Xabain
    Posted September 11, 2014 at 9:50 PM | Permalink

    Eh, I think I’ll stick to the print version.

  45. Raksata
    Posted September 12, 2014 at 1:40 AM | Permalink

    My happiness is twofold!
    So I’ve always loved your voice. It’s deep and rich but also approachable. Like if Ricardo Montalban were Canadian.
    Secondly, in the sample clip, you pronounced Auri’s name (which I’ve heard aloud in various instances pronounced as “ōræ,” “ōree,” or once even something akin to “airy”) ah-ree. My sister and I named our husky Auri and we’ve always pronounced it so. It made me unreasonably happy to hear you say her name. It also made Auri’s ears prick up, which was pretty damn cute.
    Thirdly, of course, because threes, audiobook! Sentences.

  46. jestin
    Posted September 12, 2014 at 1:57 AM | Permalink

    Sounds great Pat! But just curious about something. Will “Rupert Degas” be reading as well?

    • Posted September 16, 2014 at 1:48 AM | Permalink

      Maybe in the UK version.

      • waldorfjim
        Posted October 4, 2014 at 8:03 AM | Permalink

        I really hope so – he’s wonderful at it. Slight man voice crush reveal here…!

  47. Sahirioth
    Posted September 12, 2014 at 5:31 AM | Permalink

    This is AWESOME! Good pacing and articulation (the very audible ‘t’ in “wasn’t” kinda surprised me). I always figured that Auri’s name was pronounced like that, but I just can’t shake my own “OW-ree” out of my head.

  48. jordynlynn
    Posted September 12, 2014 at 5:07 PM | Permalink

    Slight bit off topic. I was wondering if anyone knew if Worldbuilders sent out the calanders for Geeks Doing Good. I received all my other perks besides the calander. Beginning to think its just fashionably late, as a calander shouldn’t be.

    • Posted September 12, 2014 at 6:47 PM | Permalink

      We’re shipping those out separately. Starting next week.

      • jordynlynn
        Posted September 13, 2014 at 6:12 AM | Permalink

        Awesome! Thank you !

  49. holeypurlgirl
    Posted September 12, 2014 at 11:51 PM | Permalink

    I’m sure I’ve just missed it somewhere but has the preorder started yet? I’ve been watching fervently and haven’t seen a thing.

    • svalic
      Posted September 14, 2014 at 2:16 PM | Permalink

      I’ve already preordered the audiobook :-)

  50. mrscrawford1998
    Posted September 13, 2014 at 12:15 PM | Permalink

    Normally I just lurk here and enjoy reading Pat’s awesomeness. But now I have to post. I have been having my creative writing students to listen to the work of others and borrow a few favorite words, to recombine and make something new. Guess what we’ll be listening to on Monday? Gorgeous words from Pat!

  51. svalic
    Posted September 14, 2014 at 3:49 AM | Permalink

    Over the years I have listened to hundreds, if not thousands of audiobooks. They are my favorite entertainment for late evenings and I find myself pushing the play button every night as I climb into bed.

    The best part of listening to intricate, detailed stories such as yours, is that dreams tend to follow the path laid for them with the waking mind. I cant count how many times my mind has literally played a great work of fantasy out, with me as the protagonist, right along with the book that was being read to me as I slept. This may be one of the most wondrous experiences of my life.

    Nick Podehl’s voice brought your words to life in a way that few audiobooks have. His timing, emotion, voice choices, and character work literally drew me in so completely that I have a hard time listening to anything new, anymore.

    That being said, your voice sounds as you imply your experience as a new narrator–timid and unsure, yet eager. But your ability to weave a believably vivid scene still snuffed out all the days worries in only a few short minutes, so I would still call it a success. I only point out how you sounded because you seem to be looking for constructive critiques.

    I want to leave the world I am in, and escape to a new place, believing that I am there, whenever I start a new audiobook. This small sample made me feel that I am moving through passageways underground. I felt as though I was Auri. I felt a bit quirky and playful, and I could actually understand why the sudden divergence of the pipe made her react the way she did, and I smiled.

    You built all of that recognition through massive collections expert word placement in the previous books. This one will be no exception. don’t let your inexperience frighten you. Auri may have been the perfect vessel to plant that flag in, anyway. She is such a delightfully timid and unsure, yet playful and eager, character.

    Your voice makes her believable. Your timidity works to your benefit. Your nervousness is hers, as well. You can work on becoming the greatest narrator the world has ever seen later. This fits perfectly.

  52. Pandarve
    Posted September 14, 2014 at 7:01 AM | Permalink

    Nice voice man! I’m looking forward to the new book! I left the wiseman’s fear in a cool backpackers in New Zealand when I finished it in honor of the Inn/travelling vibe the second book has…thought I mention it ;P

    Greets from the lands of nether!!!!

  53. RedDeVoe
    Posted September 14, 2014 at 8:31 PM | Permalink

    When I was at the ‘evening with Patrick Rothfuss’ at PAX and you read a snippet of your book, the first thing I thought was ‘Why the HELL doesn’t he narrate his own books?!’. Knowing you are narrating it is only going to make the audio book better

  54. jpgray88
    Posted September 15, 2014 at 2:36 PM | Permalink

    Sounds GREAT! Patrick…or Pat…or Pattykins…idk. but yeah, i like the content, your voice works well with the world i’ve read in my head, hope Auri’s book holds up….(im sure it will…Cant wait)

    • jpgray88
      Posted September 15, 2014 at 2:37 PM | Permalink

      *created

  55. SporkTastic
    Posted September 15, 2014 at 6:50 PM | Permalink

    So now I’m jealous of Oot and Cutie Snoo because I just realized that they get to listen to you reading them stories all the time.

    And I’m gonna have to get my hands on this, likely on CD ’cause DRM is major suck.

  56. prettypoison
    Posted September 16, 2014 at 1:33 PM | Permalink

    I’m not only impressed with how well you’ve taken to something like this, but also very eager to hear more. You’ve got the perfect voice for this, Patrick (which doesn’t come as a surprise after your reading at PAX).

    There is no better person to tell your story than you; you know all the little nuances of feeling, the true scope and depth and weight of the words. It’s true name, if you will. I can hear it every time you read aloud. Bravo for doing something that scares you.

  57. Posted September 16, 2014 at 3:52 PM | Permalink

    Celebrate with some metheglin!

  58. Xaios
    Posted September 16, 2014 at 4:41 PM | Permalink

    While I’m ambivalent to audiobooks as a whole, if you want to hear an excellent orator and storyteller, check out Stuart McLean and his series of short stories called “The Vinyl Cafe.” They broadcast it on public radio here in Canada, and the man is a national treasure. If you want a sampler, try and find a stream of the story called “Dave cooks the turkey.” He has many, MANY short stories which are all both hilarious and heartfelt.

    • Justavriend
      Posted September 16, 2014 at 9:08 PM | Permalink

      Grew up listening to Stuart on Sunday afternoons after church. Didn’t like church much, but his voice and stories have ingrained in me a deep appreciation for Sundays. For sure a national treasure.

  59. Abel3189
    Posted September 17, 2014 at 4:35 AM | Permalink

    It’s cool. I don’t have enough experience with audiobooks, but, for some reason, while I read a book, I usually “hear” a known voice “saying” the words in my head.

    When I started reading the Name of the Wind, my mind automatically assigned this voice to the narrator. It was cool reading it with that voice in mind, but now I can change it for yours, and I think it will match with the story a lot better.

  60. DeviDevil
    Posted September 17, 2014 at 9:35 AM | Permalink

    Im so excited to read this book. Auri was one of my favorite characters! Devi is also a favorite. The audiobook sounds good. For once the voice didnt put me to sleep. Excellent job Pat!!

  61. thisisfish
    Posted September 17, 2014 at 6:13 PM | Permalink

    I really enjoyed it, Pat. It was like spoken-word poetry.

  62. brriska
    Posted September 20, 2014 at 12:54 PM | Permalink

    LOVED hearing you read your own words. I wish we could hear all books like this (though I usually don’t have the patience for audio books…way too slow for me).

  63. cj
    Posted September 23, 2014 at 12:59 PM | Permalink

    Nick created a world in audio that I fell in love with. I could fall in like with this version, you do have a nice timbre and sound – but the pacing and word emphasis you chose to use makes it harder to for me to follow the story and harder to visualize in my mind. I’m happy for you personally to have achieved this self-narration experience, but personally am kinda bummed to have lost the world I fell in love with.

  64. jessica7x9
    Posted September 24, 2014 at 12:31 AM | Permalink

    I love audio books and I look forward to the release date for this one. I too was a little disappointed that Nick didn’t do this one. Neil Gaiman is the only author I have heard read his own work well, and still one of the greatest audio performances I have EVER HEARD was Lenny Henry reading “The Anansi Boys”. Its entirely perfect in every way, if you haven’t heard it, your life is less magical than it could be. I will download this as soon as it’s released and I hope to love it.

    On this topic I hoped I could appeal to you Pat Rothfuss, and your readers as readers. We are all greedy for good stories. Have you read the series of books about Merlin by Mary Stewart, ( who died this year at 97) The Crystal Cave (1970) The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment (1979) (I include the dates I remember as a potentially subtle, and dignified form of support) These books are absolutely glorious and there is no unabridged audio version. Its a crime and a shame. Mary Stewart never had an agent and my own attempt to find out who owns the rights has thus far failed. Does anyone think a Kickstarter would work to get the books to audio? I know I am not the only one who loves them they were all best sellers off and on for a decade.

  65. Amenophis
    Posted October 2, 2014 at 3:38 PM | Permalink

    No offense Pat, but there is a certain flatness in your voice when recorded. I would imagine a more playful voice. However, your tone is adequate … or it could be . I’m a bit presumptuous considering I have not read the book yet. Kvothe had long pieces of the story following a grim or joyous pattern. Auri could be harder to follow through the maze of feelings I suspect she’d be living through, hence the vocal art involved to sing the words might actually be more of a burden.

  66. BrianC
    Posted October 2, 2014 at 4:04 PM | Permalink

    Nice job reading the book, Pat. Your voice lends pretty well to it. Audobook reading is like acting, so it’s not an easy task. At least this way, we get to see how you intend the sentences to be read. I say that, but when I read my own stuff, it doesn’t necessarily come out the way I intend it to. lol

    Can’t wait till Book 3 comes out. It’s a hell of a job working out all the plots and getting them the way you want them when written, especially in such a large book. Good luck!

  67. jopa
    Posted October 7, 2014 at 9:04 PM | Permalink

    I already bought the pre-order! And I’m waiting for the release! *From Brazil*

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