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Author interview with Patrick Rothfuss
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In between working on the sequel to The Name of the Wind, raising funds for Heifer International, and raising his new kid (not necessarily in that order), author Patrick Rothfuss took the time to answer a few questions for us.
1. Is there a story you’ve written that will never see the light of day? Why would you deprive us of this genius?
I started a novel back in highschool. It wasn't very good. It was the opposite of good. The writing itself wasn't too bad, and the characters were interesting. But the story was a mess, and it was full of fantasy clichés. Dwarf with an axe. Barbarian warrior. I don't ever think I'd bother finishing that. It's just not worth my time.
2. What’s a story you’ve never written, but always wanted too?
I've got an idea for a modern day faerie tale that I think would made a great short novel. But I just don't have the time to work on it right now. I'm way too busy with the Kingkiller Chronicles and being a new dad.
3. Is there a character or plot point you’ve wanted to change in retrospect?
In The Name of the Wind? No. I took a long time getting everything in that book just the way I wanted it. I know a lot of authors look back on their first published book and flinch a little. But I revised that book 200 times. It's as good as I can possibly make it.
4. Which of your characters would you never want to meet (in a dark alley or otherwise)?
Any of the Chandrian, and many of the Faen creatures too.
5. Which of your worlds/realities/cities would you never want to visit?
Pass. Can't think of a good answer for this.
6. Are there any real-world locations you’ve written about but have never visited (or never want to)?:
Nope.
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7. Is there a piece of writing advice you’ve never followed?
"Write what you know." That's bull***. Who wants to read a story about an unsuccessful writer writing stories about being an unsuccessful writer? I write what I don't know. It's way more interesting.
8. What is an aspect of the writing craft you’ve never had a problem with (and why)?
I'm good at putting words together.
9. What’s the one book out there that you wish you’d written (but of course won’t, because it’s already written, and writing it again would be plagiarism, and that’s just mean)?
The Last Unicorn. I'll never be able to write a book like that.
10. What aspect of writing will you never stop working to improve in?
All of them, hopefully. But I have to work harder at plot than most other writers.
11. What’s one part of the publishing industry/process you wish you could do without?
Deadlines.
12. What’s the one thing you would never do to shamelessly promote your current fundraiser?
THE one thing? That question implies that I'm either absolutely insane, or that I don't have a very good imagination. There's a bunch of things I'd never do. I wouldn't poke myself in the eye. Or burn down someone's house. Or punch a nun. Unless it was an evil nun, of course.
(For information on the ongoing Heifer International fundraiser and how you can contribute, check out Pat's original blog post here, and his most recent update. There's been more than $8,000 raised so far! )
13. What’s a question you’ve always wanted to answer (about your books, fundraiser, or otherwise), but have never been asked?
"If you could punch any historical or literary figure, who would it be?"
I have a lot of these. I've done a lot of interviews of the last few years, and I've actually started a list of questions that it would be fun to ask an author, but no respectable interviewer would ever ask. Since I'm not respectable, I'm going to start doing interviews with some authors I know, just for fun.
And your answer?
T.S. Elliot.
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