One of the fun things about being published (are there are plenty) is having signings with other authors.  I’ve had the opportunity to attend three of these multi-author events so far.  The first was just before Mother’s Day at a Barnes and Noble near where I live.  There were six local authors including me.  I had the chance to meet both Victoria Houston and Patrick Rothfuss among others. 

Victoria Houston is exactly as you would expect she’d be from reading her fishing-based cozy mysteries set in northern Wisconsin.  She’s plain spoken, unpretentious and reminded me a lot of the police chief in her novels. 

Patrick Rothfuss is an engaging twenty-something college instructor with a wonderful sense of humor and atrocious handwriting.  He was promoting a hefty fantasy entitled The Name of the Wind.  I was tempted at one point to sing the really old folk song that goes, “A way out here, they got a name for rain and wind and fire.  The rain is Tess, the fire is Joe and they call the wind…”  I didn’t, but he would have laughed. 

Pat does NOT however call the wind Mariah.  His character Kvothe never actually tells the reader the wind’s name, which is probably best since names carry power.  I enjoyed The Name of the Wind.  At 662 pages, I was a little surprised by that lack of firm resolution, but it is set up nicely for a sequel and I hope Pat writes one. Kvothe’s story is an interesting one of magic and mystery set in a fascinating, complex and believable world. I liked the flame-haired Kvothe and was captivated by the story of his life (or the part we see in this installment).  It’s well worth picking up.

An interesting side note.  At one point in the day, a large group (seven or so) of young women surrounded Pat. They kissed his cheek, hugged him and had the rest of the authors laughingly wondering aloud if he knew this loud, affectionate group.  As it turns out, Pat is engaged to one of the young ladies and the rest were her sisters and mother.  No matter what happens with Pat’s teaching or writing careers, he’s in for a good time with his bride and in-laws-to-be.    

Until Next Time,

Laurel