Some News, and Events in Indianapolis

Heya everybody,

Sorry the posts have been a little slim here lately. It’s been a strange, busy couple weeks at Rothfuss HQ. Aside from the fact that it’s the middle of convention season, some other stuff has been going on too…

  • Hollywood Talk:

As many of you who follow me on facebook or twitter already know, this happened:

BiddingWar

(Click the headline to read the article itself.)

That article is pretty impressive, not just because we didn’t make a press release, but because almost 90% of it is true. (Not the part about book 3, unfortunately.) That means that despite my plans to have a relaxing ComicCon where I caught up with some of my friends, most of my time in San Diego was spent meeting with fancy Hollywood people.

I didn’t know what to expect walking into those meetings, but I have to say, it was a surprisingly non-excruciating experience.

After the convention I came home for a couple days, then I headed out to LA to talk some more.

And honestly? That’s all I can say about that right now.

I might write a blog in a while talking about the extreme trepidation I feel about entering into this sort of arrangement, or the worry I feel about trying to adapt my books into alternate media. But right now, I just don’t have the time.

If you’re *really* interested, you can hear me talk about it at some length in the weekly podcast I’m doing with Max Temkin. I’ve spoken about it there at some length. Probably in more detail and with more caffeine involved than is entirely wise.

  • A brief adventure to Vidcon:

I was planning to fly back home on Thursday, but since I was already in LA, I decided to take an extra day or two and stop by Vidcon.

This was partly because I’m helping plan a book-centered convention with Hank Green, (Nerdcon, for those of you who don’t already know.) And I knew seeing Vidcon would help me be a better collaborator with his team.

But mostly I went because Vi Hart was there. And she is one of my favorite people.

20150724_204406

(Actual footage.)

I also got to meet Hank and John Green in person for the first time, rather than e-mail meetings, which are rather thin, ephemeral things which preclude handshakes and hugs. (I don’t have any pictures of those meetings, because I never think of doing that sort of thing at the time.)

I also got to meet Henry Reich (from minute physics) and Jackson Bird, and had some lovely talk. I saw Freddy Wong, too. But didn’t approach him, because I was trying to play it cool.

It was an interesting convention, unlike any other con I’ve been to so far. And it’s made me even more excited about the upcoming Nerdcon….

  • Non-Gencon events in Indianapolis

I’m heading out to Indianapolis primarily because of Gencon. But for those of you who don’t go to conventions (or who couldn’t get a badge) I have a few events you can come to on Friday.

Friday, July 31

11am-12:30pm: A discussion of fantasy literature with PhD candidate Beth Avila.

Geek Chic at Gallery 42
42 E Washington St
Indianapolis, IN 46204

This is going to be a little bit outside of my normal realm of panel. This time, Geek Chic brought in a person with an actual literature degree to banter with me. I’m intrigued by this one, and if you are too you can grab a completely free ticket right here.

You don’t even need a GenCon badge for this, this is a great place to come check me out while I talk with someone about fantasy literature.

7:00 pm Concert Against Humanity

Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
502 North New Jersey Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

This is a cool show that the folks from Cards Against Humanity are putting on. Performers include Kumail Nanjiani, Paul and Storm, Cameron Esposito, The Doubleclicks, Molly Lewis, Patrick Rothfuss, and John Scalzi.

You have to buy a ticket. But they’re handing out swag bags that have a bunch of games and goodies worth over a hundred bucks.

And if that weren’t enough by itself: here’s a code that will give you twenty bucks off your ticket. “indywelcomesall”

You can Buy tickets here.

  • GenCon:

This year, Worldbuilders will be all over Gencon. We’re going to have a booth by the Writer’s Symposium track of paneling. And a second booth we’re sharing with our longtime friends Badali Jewelry at #663 in the expo hall where we will be selling all manner of things.

Since we’re doing more than our average number of events at this year’s convention, we’ve got the fabulous Thera helping us coordinate volunteers for these booths.

Hey friends! There’s still space to volunteer for @PatrickRothfuss and @Worldbuilders_ during GenCon! If you’re interested let me know!

— Thera! 2016 (@Therajill) July 22, 2015

(From what I understand, we especially need people on Thursday)

If you’re interested in hanging out with the Worldbuilders team and lending a hand, drop her a line on twitter. And you can help us show off the cool things we’re going to have at our booth.

What kind of cool things? Well it’s funny you should ask….

DraccusAd

Yup. That’s right. It’s a Draccus. Brought to you by the fine folks a Iello games, the people who make King of Tokyo.

When I met the folks from iello at GenCon two years ago, it turned out we had some mutual admiration going on. They loved my books, and I loved their games. I recommend King of Tokyo for anyone. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and allows for a lot of trash talk, which I’m particularly good at.

So we’ve been working on creating a Draccus creature with them to release as a special promotion, with all the proceeds of the sale going to Worldbuilders.

king-of-tokyo-couverture2

The first time I’ll get to see our awesome Draccus is at GenCon. We’re going to limit how many are available each day. That way everyone has a chance to get them, even if you only have a day pass for Sunday. (And yes, if we have any left over, we’ll be putting them up in the Tinker’s Packs.)

What’s more, I’ve got two signings at the Worldbuilders booth (see the full schedule below for details).

If you want to come to one of my signings at the booth, there will be time tickets available there anytime before the signing, so you won’t have to wait in a long line. Just be sure to pick one up before the signing, because you have to have one to get your stuff signed.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Here’s all of the places I’ll be, and a few I won’t that I think you should check out anyway.

  • Thursday, July 30

If you’re at the con on Thursday, we’re going to be giving away a chance to play True Dungeon with me, Max Temkin, Sam Sykes, and Delilah S. Dawson. It’ll be from 2:30-5 Thursday afternoon.

Lycan's Afoot - Room 6 - Pat Rothfuss Run

(We had a great time playing last time, as you can see…)

If you want a chance of winning the ticket, you need to come by the Worldbuilders booth (#663) before noon, fill out a slip with your name and phone number, and put it into the hat. We’ll select one at random at 12:01, then call the winner and coordinate with them to come to the game.

If we don’t hear from you by 1pm we’ll call someone else, so be sure to answer your phone…

12pm-1pm: Second Stage Writing Career – What to Expect. Room 244

6pm-8pm: An Evening with Patrick Rothfuss. Westin hotel, Capitol III

The bad news is, this event is out of tickets. We filled the biggest room we could get to capacity, so if you don’t already have a ticket, you probably won’t be able to go.

That said, there’s another event going on at the same time that I think you might be interested in…

6pm-8pm: Storium Live with Chuck Wendig, Sam Sykes, Delilah S. Dawson, and Stephen Blackmoore. Room 245.

This is going to be a cool event. Storium is a collaborative story writing game, and we’ve got cool authors signed up to play a game live for you guys.

Additionally, this is a fundraiser for Worldbuilders. There’s a $4 admission fee, which goes to Worldbuilders, and once you’re in you can influence the story. Want to FORCE Sam Sykes to talk about Wols? Donate and make him change the story.

Yeah. You have the opportunity to screw around with people while also making the world a better place. It’s a win-win.

Tickets are still available here, and the more people who show up, the more fun it’s going to be.

  • Friday, July 31

11am-12:30pm: A discussion of fantasy literature with PhD candidate Beth Avila.

Geek Chic at Gallery 42
42 E Washington St
Indianapolis, IN 46204

1pm-2pm: Signing at the Worldbuilders Booth, #663

7pm Concert Against Humanity

Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
502 North New Jersey Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Buy tickets here

This is going to be a pretty sweet event. It’ll be me and some of my favorite folks putting on a show. If you don’t have a badge for GenCon, this might be the coolest way to find me.

  • Saturday, August 1

11am-12pm: What Makes a Character a Hero? Room 245

4pm-5pm: Signing at the Worldbuilders Booth, #663

6pm-7pm: Writing the Other. Room 245

  • Sunday, August 2

12pm-1pm: Writer’s Craft: Satisfying Conclusions. Room 242

Other than that, I’ll be around the convention, goofing around and playing games. The Worldbuilders Team will be around too, so be sure to stop by and visit them at the booth if you get the chance. We’ve got some convention-only specials that are worth checking out.

Be seeing some of you soon…

pat

This entry was posted in conventions, gaming, movie talk. By Pat45 Responses

45 Comments

  1. Erzberger
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 4:28 AM | Permalink

    I was listenibg to the Podcast and… I feel the best decision about this Hollywood thing would be to turn it down. I dont see how this would not totally ruin your life no matter how it comes out. Im surr you could create domething beautiful with the right collaboration, but it does not seem worth it.

    I kinda feel like an ass, trying to “give advice”. You know all this yourself. But maybe it helps to hear that many fans wont think less of you if you decide against thus deal for the sake of your mental health.

    In any case, what do I know? I could be completely wrong, of course, and this could all be the chance for a wonderful experience…

    Sorry, I’ll shut up now.

    • TheManiacWoodpecker
      Posted July 29, 2015 at 7:35 AM | Permalink

      Depends on how you look at this. I mean lets be reasonable here. Pat’s got a family to feed.
      A Movie/TV Series Deal would probably generate a lot of money for him. Even if the Movie/TV Show is utter crap, people will think “well the books from which those things are made from, are always better, so lets buy the books”. Which would, again benefit Pat greatly.
      Jim Butcher had the same thing going, his first 4-5 books sold okay and then they made this “not so good” TV Show out of the Dresden Files, which lasted about one season. But that show generated sooo much attention for him, that every other book afterwards hit the NYT Bestseller List.

      Money and publicity wise Pat could only profit from such a deal.

      The problem i see is that, lets face it: Pat is a controlfreak :-P (he said that about himself).
      So if he wants to have full controll over every aspect of the Movie/TV Show, he would probably go mad, which would be funny too see, but all in all would be a bad thing.

      I would really like to know Pat’s thoughts about this but as he said, this has to be doen another time.

      • Alexandre93
        Posted July 29, 2015 at 8:47 AM | Permalink

        Actually he said in the podcast that he would give the rights of the movie to Joss Wedon for a penny.

        I do not think money is his main concern when he speaks about his ‘baby’.

  2. Posted July 29, 2015 at 6:22 AM | Permalink

    I saw your VidCon twitter post, but unfortunately I didn’t run into you this time (I wouldn’t have had Name of the Wind with me to get it signed a fourth time). I did get to meet Felicia Day and Lindsey Stirling, though :)
    Glad to hear you had a great time there! I’m sure Nerdcon will be as awesome as VidCon.

  3. Rahl
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 7:54 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat, that really is exciting news!
    I hope that the talks about TV / Film stuff go well.
    I would love to watch KKC in any form, an anime would be amazing!

    As a fellow lover of PTerry im sure you have seen everything that he wrote about and posted online when dealing with studio execs. Keep the heart and sole of KKC, don’t let em mess you around or if they do unleash the wrath of your mighty beard upon them!

  4. sandibd
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 8:34 AM | Permalink

    ONE DAY I WILL MAKE IT TO GEN CON, THIS I VOW!!!!

  5. Alexandre93
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 8:45 AM | Permalink

    Technically the article says “A third book, (…), is expected in 2016”. And that’s true.

    We do not expect the book to be published in 2016. But we will expect in 2016 that the book will be published in some moment of time and space (most likely the future, but you never know). So the book was expected. And is expected. And will be expected in 2016.

    Unless expect has a handful of meanings I do not know (and being English my third language is a REAL posibility).

    • khil1
      Posted July 29, 2015 at 8:57 AM | Permalink

      Technically correct, the best kind of correct!

      Unless of course the book came out this year, then you would be wrong (you’re not)

  6. valentine
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 9:11 AM | Permalink

    Thanks for coming back to GenCon. We really missed you last year.

    On a side note, I am available on Thursday morning to volunteer, but I don’t do the Twitter thing. Is there another way to contact your volunteer coordinator?

  7. Brett
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 9:28 AM | Permalink

    Turns out illustrator Echo Chernik is just around the corner from the Worldbuilders booth in the expo hall. We also happen to be selling the Pairs Barmaids deck she illustrated for Cheapass Games. It’s a great opportunity to meet an awesome artist and maybe grab an autograph…

  8. Posted July 29, 2015 at 9:36 AM | Permalink

    Seems like all the leverage is in your hands, Pat. If it’s within your power to do good things your way, why not try? It’s pretty neat to have witnessed your journey from successful debut author to increasingly renowned star. I look forward to your inevitable success as you continue evolving into world-revered mogul and philanthropist.

    Perhaps the headstone will end up reading “Patrick Rothfuss: Nerd, Father, Force of Nature”…

  9. evil_gn0me
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 10:26 AM | Permalink

    Is there going to be anyway to acquire the Draccus, King of Tokyo piece without attending Gencon? I’m somewhat hampered from attending due to the Atlantic Ocean :(

    • Amanda
      Posted July 29, 2015 at 1:00 PM | Permalink

      We should have them up in the store later on, keep an eye out…

      • datalaughing
        Posted August 4, 2015 at 1:40 PM | Permalink

        The entry says if there’s any left over they’ll be in the Tinker’s Pack, but the iello games gives the impression that they will be regularly for sale in the Tinker’s Pack at some point after the con. Can you clarify that at all, Amanda? Were there 0 left over so we shouldn’t bother? Were there 17 left over, and they went up and were purchased already? Or is the impression that iello gives correct, and there will be enough for all?

  10. ericturner29
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 11:00 AM | Permalink

    Pat,
    I know you don’t like talking about book three, but if I could beg a quick clarification on what you said above, when you say the part about book three being expected in 2016 is not true, do you mean:

    (a) There is currently no expectation, meaning it is possible for it to be any time in the future, including 2016, or
    (b) It is expected that book will not be released in 2016, and will most likely come sometime after

    Thanks, and congratulations on your news.

  11. towo
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 11:58 AM | Permalink

    Regarding the Draccus, it’s a bit sad that this a “sucks if you don’t live in the US” thing.

    Let’s face it, leftovers put onto Tinker’s Packs will be on eBay faster than you can even look for them on TP.

  12. Sean McGrath
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 3:10 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,
    Are you worried about selling the rights to Kingkiller Chronicles movies/tv-shows, when they would likely exhaust the material you’ve published before you reach a conclusion? (considering you plans for at least one further trilogy). I know you have to strike while the iron is hot, but at the same time I think all of you fans are hoping for the most faithful adaptation possible. Thoughts?

  13. Ovobo
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 5:15 PM | Permalink

    So happy for you, Pat.
    As for my greedy self, your “unfortunately”, re book 3, has finally broke me…

  14. Sutisuti
    Posted July 29, 2015 at 6:52 PM | Permalink

    I don’t know anymore Pat. I know you don’t like to break promises, but what about silent promises?

    The hatred of fan expectations is well known and discussed. At what point is it fair for writers and publishers and film studios to talk about expected revenue from a fan base, but unfair for fans to expect completion of a trilogy story hanging in the air for half a decade.

    When do side projects and distractions become a priority over the thing that brought the fans?

    And is it fair that movies might be out before fans can read the story with the world still in their heads.
    Are we going to see a GOT like situation where the video media spoil plot developments of the unpublished source material?

    Sometimes I have things of work that I loathr doing, but I do them anyway. So do millions of your fans.

    Yes, I get it, you hate my guts. But I am a reader, and I have a voice.

    • Posted July 30, 2015 at 1:44 AM | Permalink

      Comments like these fill me with sadness, not least of all because of how counterproductive they are. “I want my piece of fiction finished, so I’m going to make the author feel real shitty about it.” How is this motivational? Do you think a book three written out of spite would be any good? Or is this purely aimed at being hurtful because you are not satisfied with over 1500 pages of story?

      Thinking this way is short-sighted. You present it as a negative, but a “GOT like situation” would be amazing. This is a kind of opportunity that is offered to precious few. The Kingkiller Chronicle is (or might be) on its way to become far more than a fantasy trilogy, perhaps doing something similar to Game of Thrones and further cementing Fantasy as Something No-one Should Be Ashamed Of Liking. And nobody will give a crap about the release timeline once it’s all done, but you can bet everyone will forever remember if book three is a flop.

      Lastly, while I obviously can’t claim any factual knowledge, I doubt Pat’s writing pace has changed much overall since The Name of the Wind. I’d wager the story wouldn’t be that much closer to completion if the side projects didn’t exist, and if I had to guess, PC gaming would once more take up a lot of that free time. I mean, come on, keep working on that thirtieth revision, or figure out how to get out of Ravel’s maze? Write 500 more words, or maybe try to steal a kiss from Annah?

      What can change the nature of a man? Not this kind of attitude, I’m afraid.

      • Kyrenna
        Posted July 30, 2015 at 7:02 AM | Permalink

        I get how you’re responding to the tone of the post…which isn’t that positive, near the end. However, I feel you go beyond calling that out and belittle any concern voiced, while attributing intentions not in the original post, which is kind of a shitty thing to do, as well.

        One can feel a lot of feels, about this news. Let them all be there.

      • Sutisuti
        Posted July 30, 2015 at 10:11 AM | Permalink

        I can’t agree with you. I am speaking my heart against my favorite author. It is how I truly feel. If I can’t voice that, then what? Do you want a world where thousands are boiling with frustration but keep a happy smile? Because I certainly don’t.

        This issue is always presented black and white. Fans cannot expect anything. All they are allowed to do is cherish the work. Spend money. Buy merch. Idolize a writer. Go to the writers public events. Speak only of successes, not of shortcoming.

        We can criticize engineers, doctors, politicians, bankers, rockstars, journalists, cooks… All for jobs they chose.

        But heaven forbid we criticize the writer. Because writers are *special*

        When did this relationship between reader and writer become so skewed?

        Why is it hate inducing to ask about the next book? Why must the silence about the work be so deafening.

        Maybe this is not productive. But is it worse than closing our eyes and going lalalalala I’m not frustrated?

        You can’t handle the pressure of thousands awaiting the next dose of your drug in book-form? Then maybe its time to make a change.

        • Posted July 30, 2015 at 1:29 PM | Permalink

          Since when is the silence deafening? Every time I read a comment on anything Rothfuss posts, it’s there somewhere. Which frustrates people, for reasons. Reasons like the complainers not seeming to understand how the creative process works, and expecting that if the author does ANYTHING ELSE EVER it’s time away from the work on the book. Since when do we expect that of “engineers, doctors, politicians…?” Just work, eat, and sleep? Yeah, I’m sure the imagination will be amazing on that kind of schedule! Add into it people seeming to expect release dates that aren’t affected a single bit by the length of the book, and it’s all just completely insane. (You realize many authors only release one *short* novel a year, right?) I believe Rothfuss has posted on this before, comparing release schedules of people like Jim Butcher and GRRM when you look at word count instead of number of books, but I’m not going to go find the post for you, you can do a little looking yourself.

          If I and others like me sound completely black and white, sorry. It’s because we’re fed up with all the above. Just, you know, “speaking my heart” and “how I truly feel.” Because if I can’t criticize a random commenter who’s criticizing a favorite author, who can I criticize?

          • Sutisuti
            Posted August 6, 2015 at 5:42 PM | Permalink

            I mean the silence from pat’s side. Sorry you were unable to grasp that.

            Imagination is not exclusive to writers. Creativity is employed in many fields by many people who can be very open about it.

            By labeling the creative process of a writer sacred and somehow special apart from other processes youre enabling the exact thing the frustration stems from.
            Ironically, it is you that perpetuates a black and white situation. For god forbid that a painter talks about what brushes hes using and what layer the painting is at.

            But you feel the need to blast and ridicule my honest message. Because god forbid someone touches the almighty untainted Author.

        • Posted July 30, 2015 at 7:08 PM | Permalink

          Sutisuti, clearly you’ve put a lot of thought into your standpoint, so sorry for suggesting you were only trying to be hurtful.

          You can indeed voice your frustration, but it’s definitely not just your voice, and that is the real issue. I couldn’t claim that the authors hate the people complaining, and in fact you’re probably only echoing their own frustrations with themselves – but it’s like hearing the same rib at your expense over and over and over. It was funny at first, but after hearing it a thousand times you just wanna punch someone’s face. Some public figures in this situation develop mental health issues, because many of us aren’t built to handle hundreds of voices saying we’re not good enough. Some flat-out quit because they simply couldn’t deal with all the crap. This is the main reason why it’s short sighted and counterproductive: it’s psychologically draining and saps the fun and drive out of the project. In pragmatic terms, the end result is less work done, and of lower quality.

          Thing is, certain authors and other creative types *are* special. This isn’t work to collect a paycheck or please a demographic. Going by what Patrick has said in the past, these books are his life’s work, and he is trying to create something as close to a masterpiece as can he can make it. I understand your frustration, but maybe it’s best to let him work at his own pace. In the end, it will probably be worth it.

          My not sharing your frustration isn’t a product of idolization, but one of perspective. It’s the same with every other incomplete series out there: not out yet? I shrug and move on, because there’s hundreds of other forms of entertainment clamoring for my attention right now. I don’t need to have this particular item, now or ever. Let the deliberate and painstaking writers work their magic and do what they are most passionate about, let them take their opportunities when they come, for there is always merriment to be had elsewhere.

          To sum it all up, The Doors of Stone 2017 = Half Life 3 confirmed.

        • Manda
          Posted July 30, 2015 at 11:05 PM | Permalink

          I’m not sure you can compare writers to doctors, bankers, or cooks but since you brought it up, I’m going to try.

          Asking an author, “How long will it take you to complete this book?” is kind of like asking a master chef, “How many years will it take you to perfect this dish?” You don’t know until you get it right.

          I’ve made chocolate chip cookies a million times. I know I can have the dough ready in the time it takes to heat up the oven, but I couldn’t tell you how long it would take me to make lemon meringue pie. Why not? It’s all baking. I’ve made other kinds of pie before. It doesn’t matter. I’ve never made *that* kind of pie.

          Writing a book is like making a new kind of pie. No. It’s like inventing a new kind of pie every time. You might have to scrap your work a bunch of times before you get something worth eating.

          Now imagine that you only have one chance to get it right. People from all around the world will try your pie and if they don’t like it, they’ll never eat your food again. Writers don’t get many chances to screw things up. Can you blame them for waiting until the finished product is perfect? After all, once it’s out there they can never take it back.

          Do you really think Pat’s withholding information out of spite? I’m pretty sure he just doesn’t have an answer yet. Sometimes you don’t know how long things will take.

          Also, I disagree that it’s harder to criticize writers than other professions. Are you familiar with Goodreads? Amazon?

          How many times have you waited a long time to get your food at a restaurant? Once or twice? A dozen times? Now, how many times have you marched into the kitchen and asked why it’s taking so long?

          • Sutisuti
            Posted August 6, 2015 at 5:31 PM | Permalink

            But thats just it Manda. Even if the master chef analogy holds, there are people in the table sitting, waiting hours for the desert. Then they ask the waiter: can you tell us when the desert is coming? The waiter snaps at them: How dare you pressure the maestro? Dont you know that cooking is an art? This dish is the maestros life work and he will not answer any questions at all! Now sit at your table and wait for desert!

            Im not asking him for a date. Im asking for him to be honest and open about his process. Right now hes being mysterious, working on other books, many side projects, charity drives, book signing tours..

            Thats why I said: the silence about book three is deafening. Even if hes stuck in a rut, working on other stuff, or going through revision – I dont care, i just get really frustrated its somehow the only forbidden topic.

            The guy is putting intimate events with his kids on herr. His wishes for charity. His love for many things. He discusses a million and one ‘so today i was xyz and guess what happened’

            But theres one thing thats never talked about.

            In a house, was a man, writing a blog. There was lots of ruckuss going on, but there was a silence pervading all – the silence of a writer not talking about his writing.

          • Manda
            Posted August 8, 2015 at 12:25 PM | Permalink

            I’m sorry, Sir. I’m afraid you’ve ordered an item that’s not on our menu. We have plans to include this item in the future but I can’t say when that will be. If you’d like dessert, perhaps I could interest you in a delicious helping of The Name of the Wind? I know you’ve had it before but it’s even better the second time around.

            It’s not about being a special snowflake. Following a recipe is different than creating something new. One has a more defined timeline than the other.

            I don’t feel like Pat’s being all that mysterious. As I understand it, he’s still revising Book 3. I guess he could talk about it more often but detailed reports about revision would probably be spoilery or boring.

            “Today I eliminated unnecessary words from several sentences but that changed the cadence so I rearranged the words in order to achieve a more pleasing effect. Then I answered some email.”

      • JayWood2010
        Posted August 1, 2015 at 8:38 AM | Permalink

        I think the problem is with clarification. Anybody and everybody who knows much about Pat knows that he doesn’t like being asked about a release date, but he and everybody else needs to understand the frustration that causes for people. Usually what you hear is, “Pat does not owe anybody anything” which is completely true. If he decided that he didnt want to write the book then he could just walk away and his fans couldnt do a thing about it, just like they cant rush the writing process of his book. And again, everybody understands that he is a perfectionist, and that writing it, editing it, publishing it, etc takes time. But there is a point that you should be truthful to your fans and say when you may or may not expect it. Truth goes a long way and people learn to respect that. Maybe not everybody, but a lot.

        And of course if he does that, and then he doesnt make the deadline then “he breaks that promise” and everybody gets mad. right? Well yes and no(as I said, truth goes a long way). If he worded it like “I “hope” to release it in 2016, but no guarantees” then people will know that he is at least pushing for something, and if he doesnt then theyll be disappointed but at least they were warned. Or he could simply give updates on his process. All people want is to be included instead of left dangling by a shoe string.

        But you see instead, everybody is asked to shutup, do not ask because it doesnt help. Well of course its not going to help, but neither is telling people to shutup. Fans should respect Pat Rothfuss, but I also feel he should respect his fans. Nobody (or most) is telling him to hurry up and get it done as we know that doesnt work. But you must understand that to anticipated readers the release date is always next year. Thats what everybody has in their head. “oh its ok, itll be here next year” only to find out next year that it isnt , and that to people is the same thing as a delay. And then the process restarts,”next year”.

        You see, he can stay cryptic and make his fans frustrated because to them it still looks delayed, or even worst, to some people they feel he isnt working on it as he could be. Assumptions and accusations will rise in these cases and of course it will remain this way. “Next year” “Next Year” “Next Year” Because anticipation is very much an emotion that in a way eats at you like a hunger.

        • Sutisuti
          Posted August 6, 2015 at 5:45 PM | Permalink

          Exactly!

  15. firebird
    Posted July 30, 2015 at 6:07 AM | Permalink

    Is the podcast over? I’ve been waiting for this week’s but haven’t see it.

  16. jgsky
    Posted July 30, 2015 at 12:22 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,

    I would like to say something, and I am hoping that I speak for some that may not typically give voice to their thoughts. Please read this if you have a chance.

    The article states:

    “A third book, tentatively titled The Doors of Stone, is expected in 2016, and likely sparked the renewed interest in The Kingkiller Chronicle.”

    You wrote above:

    “That article is pretty impressive, not just because we didn’t make a press release, but because almost 90% of it is true. (Not the part about book 3, unfortunately.)”

    That is a terrible hanger. I am not complaining here. I have no issues with waiting for the next book. You do much more for the world (IE: Worldbuilders, and being a great father to your children) than spark our interest in a fantasy written to take us out of our own worlds.

    So why am I writing this?

    I am writing this because I follow you on twitter, and frequent your blog. I see the many updates you write regarding the fact that you very much dislike when readers comment regarding you working on the next book. I find it disrespectful of your readers to constantly bombard you with those types of obnoxious and/or hate filled comments, and I can fully understand why it is taking longer for you to publish the next book. Living your own life is important.

    Here is where I am hurt. You have a huge fan-base of loving readers who also don’t mind waiting for the next book. Yet you shun them with no updates to the progress, you mock them by telling them it is rude to ask.

    I am not sure if you realize, but that comment you make above, about the information in the article not being correct regarding book 3, is the first update I have seen regarding the next book in a very long time. The only update we, as a loyal fan base, receive is a one liner that says an article stating the book is expected to be released in 2016 is unfortunately wrong.

    We are all so confused that we don’t even know what you mean by saying that.

    It is frustrating. We just want an update. Is that really too much to ask from those of us who normally say nothing?

    Also, for those who voice their hateful opinion commonly, would an update not temper their expectations?

    Either way, please know that I follow you not only for your books, but for the reason that I believe you make the world a better place, and that the world is better for having you.

    Cheers.

    • Dissident
      Posted August 3, 2015 at 1:38 PM | Permalink

      It would be nice if Pat would actually respond to this. Unlikely.

    • cherieamb
      Posted August 4, 2015 at 1:01 PM | Permalink

      I really agree with what you’ve said here. I am not one to berate someone for not creating on my schedule. But I also don’t like feeling that the creator resents their reader’s for looking for a clue about any news that actually DOES exist, however soft the data may be.

      Another point to bear in mind is that readers are obviously more interested in multi-book story updates because, well, the story is not finished. I look forward to single standing books from author’s I love, but I don’t feel the same sense of agitation as I do with an unfinished series.

      I found the the first book in this series not long before the publication of the second. When I found out just how long there had been between one and two, I stopped reading. It was not easy, but I knew I would enjoy the entire experience far more if I could read them in complete sequence and i didn’t want to wait years while ‘holding that thought’ for such a rich and intense story.

      I won’t be watching any screen versions of it either, until the books are done and read. Just my .02, I think , from what I’ve read thus far, it would make an amazing movie series. I look forward to watching whatever screen treatments exist when I’m done reading.

  17. xheem
    Posted July 30, 2015 at 6:34 PM | Permalink

    I’m anxious for the next one too, and don’t really disagree with your core sentiment, but he has posted the reason for the lack of specific updates. Basically it comes down to he’s an amazing writer, but kind of a bad project manager. Having worked with certified project manager professionals and having read some of the documents they’ve produced, I prefer it this way. :)
    There is no publication date.The statement was made a couple years ago, but it’s clearly still true.
    He’s busy as hell.
    He’s obsessive about getting things right, and spends hours making tiny revisions.
    After book two missed its projected release date [link 1], he doesn’t want to set a date because people lose their mind. [link 2]
    – Silence is hard to come by with a girlfriend and a kid. (my interpretation of his post about book two linked above, and this post)
    – Creativity isn’t manual labor. (distilled from this post)
    “Because any time I mention the book at all, it prompts a chorus of bitching and whining.”
    He can’t estimate percentage of completion like Brandon Sanderson does on his site, because Brandon is a three draft writer, but Pat is a 200 draft writer and the percentages would constantly vary (up and down, which would defeat the purpose of having a percentage).
    – He is still working on it (that’s obvious), but it will be done when it’s done – and if people insist on specifics, he’s given a release date on Twitter.

    • khil1
      Posted July 31, 2015 at 7:49 AM | Permalink

      This this this!

      (Now I want him to have a progress bar that just nearly fills but then empties just for the snark of it)

      • Sandhya
        Posted August 2, 2015 at 12:53 AM | Permalink

        ^^^^^^^ This!
        I would be curious to know if any of the snarky complainers are in anyway artistic. I would venture to say they are not. For if they were, they would have a deeper, more compassionate understanding of the process. Get a life and leave Pat alone. He is doing what he is doing and your bitching, complaining and whining will not change that. Hell, if anything, it would probably delay it. Artist are usually sensitive folks.

    • ericturner29
      Posted August 3, 2015 at 9:58 AM | Permalink

      >>>
      – “Because any time I mention the book at all, it prompts a chorus of bitching and whining.”
      <<<

      This is of course Pat's choice, but I think it's a shitty choice. An overwhelming majority of his fans are considerate people who respect his process. A vocal minority are asshats. He is allowing the asshats to dictate the relationship he has with his considerate fans, which punishes not the asshats but the people who treat him with respect. This sucks.
      I harbor some hope that as he becomes more famous, he'll realize that there's no pleasing the asshats no matter what he does, so he'll learn to ignore them and he can go back to talking openly about his work.

    • Dirtneck
      Posted August 6, 2015 at 8:27 PM | Permalink

      Thank you Xheem

      I went back and read Pat’s post for his second book. It reaffirmed my belief that Pat is truly a gifted writer. I never read the post before and when he got to the part describing some comments as a poo in his cereal, I lost it. What a gift for putting a feeling into words and just nailing the description perfectly, which he does throughout his books.

      Of course I am mildly depressed when I compare that my own writing. Sigh.

  18. SporkTastic
    Posted July 30, 2015 at 11:23 PM | Permalink

    I really like your “win-win” example here. Yesssssssss… Wicked is Good!

  19. Smcgrayel
    Posted July 31, 2015 at 1:41 AM | Permalink

    I just want to say that I love going to conventions but Gencon this year will be my all time favorite now because I met Patrick yesterday. It made my day that I got to meet him and I love the stories he makes so I don’t care if it takes ten years for another book to come out because I fully believe that he genuinely loves his fans and just wants to make the best stories he can.

  20. Y-Axis
    Posted July 31, 2015 at 3:11 PM | Permalink

    Hello fellow I was wondering what you think. I made this poll because I was interested in what you thought should happen. Here is the poll https://pollev.com/moralcookie517

  21. Alexprop
    Posted August 3, 2015 at 2:58 PM | Permalink

    I don’t know the rules or gameplay for King of Tokyo, but I vote that you have to moo whenever the Draccus is played.

  22. Icarus
    Posted August 10, 2015 at 4:07 PM | Permalink

    Is your conversation with Beth Avila by any chance going to be recorded? I’m a Lit student and would love to see something like that.

  23. arachnid
    Posted August 18, 2015 at 8:03 AM | Permalink

    Pat, playing D&D with you at GenCon in 2013 was an incredible experience. One I think more people (and Worldbuilders) could benefit from. Do you think you’ll do that again in future years?

    -Nathanadon

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