Patrick Rothfuss

Full Name: Patrick James Rothfuss

Date of Birth: June 6, 1973

Place of Birth: Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Nationality: American

Profession: Author, Philanthropist

Early Life and Education

Patrick Rothfuss was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. His love for storytelling and fantasy literature developed early in life. Rothfuss attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English. He later completed a Master’s degree in Arts and Literature at Washington State University. During his college years, Rothfuss began writing the draft of what would become The Kingkiller Chronicle.

Career

Rothfuss's breakthrough came with the publication of his debut novel, The Name of the Wind, in 2007. The book, the first in The Kingkiller Chronicle series, received critical acclaim for its intricate world-building, lyrical prose, and compelling characters. It won several awards, including the Quill Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror. The sequel, The Wise Man's Fear, was released in 2011 and debuted at #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list. Readers eagerly await the third installment, The Doors of Stone.

Rothfuss’s work has been praised for its depth, originality, and ability to blend epic fantasy with personal, introspective storytelling. He has also contributed short stories and novellas to anthologies and published a companion novella, The Slow Regard of Silent Things, in 2014, offering a deeper look into the world of The Kingkiller Chronicle.

Philanthropy

Beyond writing, Rothfuss is a dedicated philanthropist. In 2008, he founded the charity Worldbuilders, which leverages the power of the geek community to raise funds for humanitarian efforts, particularly through partnerships with Heifer International. The charity has raised millions of dollars for global aid projects.

Personal Life

Patrick Rothfuss lives in Wisconsin with his family. Known for his wit and engagement with fans, he frequently attends literary conventions and maintains an active presence in the fantasy literature community. He is passionate about education, storytelling, and using his platform to make a positive impact on the world.