the happiest days of our lives
The last two weeks have been incredible trip back across the last three years (and in some places, the last fifteen years) as I've worked on my Just A Geek rewrite . . . and I'm down to the final scene in the book, which I will finish today.
I sent the 99% completed manuscript to my editor two days ago, and after reading it, he sent back a note, that he asked I share with WWdN readers.
Hello there, friends, fans, and freaks. This is Wil's O'Reilly editor, piping in to let you know where Wil has been lately. As he mentioned a few days ago, I've been cracking the proverbial whip (well, let's just say it's proverbial, to protect the innocent), and figured I'd write something about "Just a Geek" while I've got him slaving over a keyboard. First, let me say a "Thank you" to all of you guys, who made "Dancing Barefoot" nothing short of a phenomenon--I can honestly say that signing Wil as an author was made easier by every one of you who plunked down your cash to pick up a copy. It got my attention, and eventually got Tim O'Reilly's attention, which is why you're going to be able to buy "Just a Geek" at every store in the nation, rather than having to order it direct. Wil's quite happy, I hear, as he and his wife were prone to squabbling over exactly how many stamps 100 pages of nostalgia cost to ship in today's economy.In any case, all prelude aside, I wanted to say just a word about "Just A Geek", as I just finished reading the 99% complete manuscript.
It's incredible.
You want this book.
You need this book.
All brevity aside, you're all going to be very, very pleased. Without denigrating (yes, I paid a lot of college tuition to use big words like that, thank you very much) "Dancing Barefoot" at all, "Just a Geek" is a highly polished, well-written, wonderfully crafted novel that goes so much further than any of you can imagine. It's a lot of fun, and that's after way too many readings. I'm not trying to get you drooling too much (well, maybe a bit), but suffice it to say that the few days you've lost Wil on WWdN have paid off in spades. In fact, it's as if Wil picked up a Queen of Spades on the river to make a gutshot royal straight flush, which is a pretty big deal where I come from.
I'm confident that you'll start to see bits and pieces of JAG show up here, on oreilly.com, and of course at Wil's appearances, but I just thought you all deserved to know that this is going to be a killer book. I'm not a flatterer, so take that as high praise. Wil has literally busted his tail to get this done, respond to hundreds of comments, add lots of new material, and generally become a terrific author. I can honestly and happily say that while JAG is great, I expect it to be only the first full-length book; only the initial offering in a long line. We're excited here at O'Reilly to help you guys get as much of Wil as we can... to squeeze the very life out of him while his family laments what life used to be like before writing contracts... to ensure his mother knows his voice only by memory...
Oh... sorry... I got a little caught up in being an editor again. In any case, we all love Wil here, and expect to see a lot more from him in the months to come. We've also got some great surprises coming along, like a potentially mind-blowing foreword to "Just a Geek", some opportunities for collectible copies, and much more... so stay tuned, right here.
I'll go let Wil out of his cage ... er ... office ... in a day or two, and you'll get to read it all here.
Wow.
Thanks, Brett. I . . . don't know what to say. I'm really happy with the way this book has turned out . . . but I don't think I can take credit for the entire thing. A lot of people have given me valuable feedback along the way, including you.
I'm really not supposed to do this, but I'm going to share a tiny glimpse of what I'm finishing up today. Don't tell anyone, okay?
I had my final costume fitting the next day, and the day after that, I found myself at the Melrose Avenue guard shack, half-an-hour early for my 8:30 am call time."ID, please." The guard said.
I pulled my driver's license out of my wallet, and gave it to him.
"And where are you going today . . . " he looked at my license. "Wil?"
"I'm working on Star Trek." I said.
"Enterprise or Nemesis?"
The Next Generation.
"Nemesis," I said. "I play Wesley Crusher."
He looked up at me. "Oh my god. You are Wesley Crusher. You look so . . . "
Washed up?
". . . grown up."
"Yeah," I said. "It's been a long time."
"Do you know where to park?"
"Yeah. But I don't know where our dressing rooms are."
But I do! I do know where our dressing rooms are! They're trailers on the street in front of stages 8 and 9. Mine is filled with Warhammer 40K figures and GURPS books. It's right next to Brent's trailer. It's 1989, and I'm back. I'm back home.
"Okay," he said, and gave me directions to an area on the lot where I'd never been before.
I parked my car, and picked up my backpack. Inside was my script, a notepad, and a few tapes: Only A Lad, Music For The Masses, and Squeeze: Singles 45 and Under . . . all of them music I listened to when I was working on the series. I remember, when I put them in my backpack, that I thought to myself, "Maybe I can sit in my trailer, listen to 'Never Let Me Down,' and imagine that I never left."
I locked up my car, and walked toward the dressing rooms. Other than the addition of a back lot, Paramount hadn't changed in any substantial way since I was on the show, and my thoughts drifted as I walked down those familiar streets on auto-pilot.
That's where I met Eddie Murphy when I was sixteen . . . Hey! I crashed a golf cart there when I was fifteen . . . There's the mail room . . . There's stage six, where the bridge set started out . . . I almost got up the courage to kiss that girl at the Christmas party on that stage in . . . there's the stage where Shatner told me, "I'd never let a kid come onto my bridge" . . . this street feels exactly the way it did when I worked here . . . here's where my trailer used to be . . .
I stopped, and tears filled my eyes -- tears of joy: It's so good to be here, mingled with tears of sadness and regret: Why didn't this happen years ago?
Because I wasn't ready for it to happen. I walked a few more steps, and looked into the foyer that led into stages 8 and 9. Enterprise lives there now. At least they kept the stage in the family.
Okay. Back to work.
Comments
Nice bit of writing there, Wil. Congratulations on what looks like is going to be a very successful book! Nice to have your editor on your side, huh?
Posted by: Angelwwolf | April 14, 2004 12:44 PM
Wil, I'm impressed. I really am. I imagine this explains why I haven't heard from you in so long, so I'll forgive it.
But nice going. Really.
Posted by: E | April 14, 2004 12:48 PM
Wil! Yay! You're back...sort of. I am absolutely salivating for JAG. It's gonna be so awesome! I know it. And apparently your rockin' editor does too. Congratulations on such a glowing review. There will be many more to come.
Posted by: Abby | April 14, 2004 12:51 PM
Wil:
With all this success and adulation, what's going to be come of the wry, wistful (sometimes downtrodden) Wil we've always wanted to buoy up? The "everygeek" Wil we all identified with? The Wil trooping out dutifully, sometimes ecstatically on auditions who slouched home, treading painfully the glittering Hollywood sidewalks? Wil...just...don't ...become...William F'in Shatner.....
Congrats, dude. You're the best.
Peter
Posted by: Peter | April 14, 2004 12:51 PM
Oooo... now if I can only figure out a way to score one of the first dozen copies the way I scored one of the first dozen or so of Dancing Barefoot that go shipped! Right up there on my bookshelf next to my Twian first editions. Well done, Wil!
Posted by: Gary Brown | April 14, 2004 12:51 PM
is the surprise forward by WFS?
that _would_ be a shock :)
Posted by: uglyvirgin | April 14, 2004 12:53 PM
I cannot wait for JAG to come out. I've read 'Dancing Barefoot' 3 times already. I laughed, I cried, I revelled in my geekitude along with you.
And now you tease us with one of your little soul-baring slice o'life stories that we know and love so well... just enough to drive me crazy until I can get a copy of JAG to find out the rest of the story!!!
Posted by: Pamster | April 14, 2004 12:54 PM
Wow will i'm going to be chomping at the bit of get JAG! i can't wait! your a kick butt writer!
Posted by: ~~~Angel~~~ | April 14, 2004 12:55 PM
Wow. Simply, wow.
Your writing style has truly grown and flourished since "the beginning". This book is going to be a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a fan, whether it be a fan of Star Trek, a fan of B-movies, a fan of this blog, or simply a fan of you, Wil Wheaton.
I am impressed. :)
Posted by: Harry | April 14, 2004 12:57 PM
Great going Wil!! I can't wait till JAG comes out..Dancing Barefoot was a great book and I am sure JAG will be to..Keep it up!!
Posted by: Jake | April 14, 2004 12:59 PM
I must have the JAG book...I must have the JAG book...
Posted by: ze-mag | April 14, 2004 12:59 PM
Peter: you raise an interesting point.
I'm not going to lie and say that I miss the days of busting my ass for an audition, only to fail yet again.
I'm incredibly lucky, and I'm enjoying some positive balance to all the negative unhappiness and frustration that you refer to.
I'm under no illusion that things will always be as good as they are right now, so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts . . . without turning into WILLIAM FUCKING SHATNER, I hope.
Posted by: wil | April 14, 2004 01:04 PM
Congrats Wil I can't weight to read the book Congrats again on getting it done. Can weight to get it.
Posted by: Sherrie | April 14, 2004 01:07 PM
Oh Wil, it sounds great. You drew me right in. I can't wait for JAG to come out. I know it will be worth the wait. Keep going.
Posted by: Lorraine | April 14, 2004 01:08 PM
A-yup. Count me in as just one more person in what will most likely turn out to be a very long line of accolade-spewing fans.
Just point me to the pay-pal button, and I'll be clicking. Heck, tack on an extree 20$ for the signed copy, and you'll still get at least 3 sales from me. Christmas is coming soon!
Posted by: Leif | April 14, 2004 01:14 PM
proud to see you done so much in the last few days on your writing :) keep it up wil!
Posted by: mcfoo | April 14, 2004 01:17 PM
It's been a while since the last update, but worth the wait. Now don't get distracted by the flood of comments and emails sure to follow -- just finish the book. :]
Posted by: Colin | April 14, 2004 01:24 PM
I've gotta add, mate: your book will be available in more than just american bookstores. Hopefully soon, I will be able to amuse my uni bookshop clerks by hopping about wildly, squealing, clutching a copy of JAG - at the other end of the world!!!!
Go on now... finish that book!
Really happy for you in B'mouth, love to the fam!
Patty :)
Posted by: Patty | April 14, 2004 01:29 PM
Aww! Wil, that had me in tears! Tears!! Oh my gosh. Aww. Way to go Wil! In an odd way- especially since I in no way know you- I'm kinda proud o' ya. Yup. I said it. Don't expect a repeat either. It's a one time deal. Unless of course by some freak mis-hap I happened to have typed that about you earlier. In which case, well, in which case I still mean it.
Geez, I'm a dork. Gotta go back to the real world now. Pointe shoes and tap grooves. Tap sucks, btw. Rocks.
Posted by: Hillary | April 14, 2004 01:30 PM
Quoth the Editor:
"First, let me say a "Thank you" to all of you guys, who made "Dancing Barefoot" nothing short of a phenomenon..."
Hmmm...Wil, I suspect you may need a back-up editor. If so, give me a ring.
Posted by: ToastedAmigo | April 14, 2004 01:31 PM
wow! Now I really can't wait for Just a Geek to hit the shelves!
Good job Wil! You should be proud of yourself :)
Posted by: Raeann | April 14, 2004 01:33 PM
wil,
I can't wait to get the whole book. Just reading through those few paragraphs, I felt like I was right there with you. Felling the same things you were feeling, tears and all. That's a great sign of a great writer. getting me the reader to feel what you want me to feel. Good job.
Paul
Posted by: Paul | April 14, 2004 01:36 PM
"Wil has literally busted his tail to get this done"
Wow, so sorry to hear that you busted your tail. I hope you recover soon. (I really hate it when people misuse the word literally - just one of my pet peeves, the fact that he is an editor hurts).
Other than that (I'm sure you'll recover soon) - CONGRATS! I love Dancing Barefoot and I'm sure I'll love Just a Geek.
Posted by: Adrienne | April 14, 2004 01:37 PM
Wow, I'm blown away, both by your editor's comments, and the short preview of Just A Geek (I hate the letters "JAG" because of that horrible TV show JAG, which my roommate was on as an extra, and somehow got to keep his the naval academy replica ring he got to wear for the role).
I can't wait to get my signed collector's copy, which I'll hide away to keep in pristine condition, while I read and abuse my 2nd copy.
\m/ Wheaton ROCKS!
Posted by: Kroeme | April 14, 2004 01:38 PM
Wil,
Once again you brought a tear to my eye. I was standing right there beside you as you walked onto the lot. You're sharing these memories... these moments of your life with us. You made us part of your life. For that we will be forever grateful.
I salute you, Wil Wheaton, writer, actor and all-round good guy.
*raises his pint of Guinness as he sits at the Hooters bar in Pasadena*
- Guillermo
PS- I'm not a stalker... just another Guinness and Hooters lover. ;)
Posted by: Guillermo | April 14, 2004 01:44 PM
major congrats, wil! freakin' awesome. can't wait for the book ...
Posted by: courtney | April 14, 2004 01:46 PM
Wow...O'Reilley reall IS all that and a bag of chips. It's really cool to know there are companies that make it big that really do care about the people that do the work (the authors, in the case of a publishing house).
I keep saying this I know, but again, congrats Wil! I will certainly grab JAG the week it comes out--I can't wait.
Wil, hearing about you having all of your hard work pay off really is terrific. Your loyal readers do like to be able to send off the mojo when you're down, but we're also totally jazzed* about it when you succeed. It's a little well-needed reminder that hard work does pay off.
Hmmm...I wonder who's writing the forward...Patrick Stewart? Gene Roddenberry (MHRiP) would have been perfect, but he's not available unless O'Reily has a _really_ good booking manager. Obviously not WFS, and I don't know that Wil's has been personally fond of Lenard Nimoy. Hmmm...Carrie Fischer (another actor-turned-writer)? Neil Gaiman? Whoever it is, can't wait!
*As far as I know, I picked up this expression from _Stand By Me_. How cool is that?
Posted by: Craig Steffen | April 14, 2004 01:51 PM
So, after this book is a huge success, who do you think's gonna play Wil in the movie version?
Posted by: ticknart | April 14, 2004 01:53 PM
I have been a fan of yours for some time, but I don't quite understand why you hate William Shatner. Is it personal or just on principle?
Emily
Posted by: emily | April 14, 2004 01:53 PM
Wil,
1st time, long time.
I enjoy everything about your site, blog, career, and everything else. Hope all is well and maybe be lucky enough to have you respond back.
I'm awaiting with much anticipation for the release of your latest endevour JAG!!!!11
Good luck with everything!
Posted by: Ron | April 14, 2004 01:54 PM
Wil,
No matter what happens in our lives, we each have our own life experiences. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to relive those formative times, if only for a brief moment in time. It's like walking down the street and smelling that particular combination of hot pavement, smoke, and street-vendor snacks that bring back a flood of memories of a trip taken many years ago (Québec City, summer of 1989). I'm 22 years old again and I'm about to go for crêpes in Haute-Ville.
What would you like on yours?
Thanks Wil!
Posted by: Jason | April 14, 2004 02:07 PM
i have to say that this excerpt brought tears to my eyes...thanks.
btw, we will miss you at penguincon, but i hope you get the job...it'd be nice to see you on the big screen again...
*HUG*
Posted by: kitten trumpinski-roberts | April 14, 2004 02:09 PM
YOU'RE BACK! Sorta. Oh hell with it: YOU'RE BACK!! Welcome back and see you soon all at the same time, as it looks like you will be diving back into book mode for another little bit. It was awesome to have you surface if even for a minute :)
The note from your editor rocks my socks. It must just fill you with warm fizzies. Heck, _I_ want to jump all over my apartment in happiness for you and just might when I finish typing this :)
Naughty boy teasing us with a little bit of the book! Excellent as it is, now it makes it HARDER to wait! (Do not let this in any way stop you from giving us more, we won't tell!)
Hand Smackin' High Fives all around!
(I'm really not a spaz, I just play one on the internet)
Posted by: Erin | April 14, 2004 02:10 PM
Whew! I can breathe again! *stops holding breath* Terrific news! Great stuff! yay!
Posted by: seasnail | April 14, 2004 02:12 PM
\m/ Wil! \m/
Congrats on all the success! Good luck with the last 1%.
For those of us SciFi Channel geeks your absence hasn't been as painful with this week's ads: On Saturday the SciFi Premier of .... Wil Wheaton.... blahblah some chick .... in DEEP CORE.....
Finally some quality programming!
Cheers Wil!
*pint raised in adoration*
Posted by: geoster | April 14, 2004 02:14 PM
That is going to be awexome. With an X. Whoa...
Posted by: Ravenna | April 14, 2004 02:19 PM
Wil's first post in more than a week. "Urge to kill fading...fading...fading..."
Posted by: Geoff | April 14, 2004 02:23 PM
Big congratulations. Maybe you'll get at least a Sequoyah Award.
Look out NY Times!
Posted by: Jim Cripps | April 14, 2004 02:25 PM
I don't like to keep harping on your editor's use of words, but this one struck me as particularly odd:
Ed.: "...wonderfully crafted novel..."
I was under the impression that Just A Geek was to be filed under non-fiction. If that's the case, you may want to confirm with O'Reilly that they understand where in a bookstore the "novel" should be located.
If Just A Geek is fiction, it might be worth making that clear to fans of your writing (us).
Posted by: Matt | April 14, 2004 02:26 PM
I'm glad you mentioned that, Matt.
I think Brett is referring to the length of the book as more like a novel than Dancing Barefoot is. Just A Geek is going to be close to 300 pages, while Barefoot is 117.
It's most certainly non-fiction. I had to dramatize some dialogue and composite some characters to move the narrative along, but everything in the book is true.
Posted by: wil | April 14, 2004 02:33 PM
Wil,
Really glad to have you back. Been checking every day to see if there was a new post.
Thanks for the preview of JAG. Can't wait to see what a "grown up" writer has produced. Looking forward to buying the book. Hope it'll also be available on-line.
Your longtime fan,
Joe Fekete
[the ONE guy who didn't want to kill off Wesley...From the last LosCon. I gave you a copy of GateWay.]
Posted by: B. Joseph Fekete, Jr. | April 14, 2004 02:36 PM
wow, um, thats really moving. Good work...yep, most def.
-perry
Posted by: lectique | April 14, 2004 02:45 PM
....
All I can say is that I can't wait for the book to come out.
Posted by: Tommy | April 14, 2004 02:47 PM
JAG is on my "must-buy" list as soon as I spot a copy in the stores. (I hope to see it at Tattered Cover, but if it shows up at Softpro, I won't shun them. Not that I would anyway.)
Your writing really brings it home, making the reader feel what it must have felt like for you. The only thing I could compare it to would be if I were to get a job working for the new company run by the guy who was my boss for five glorious years in the latter half of the Nineties. I can imagine it now, the same feelings of "I'm back. I'm home."
And your editor, Brett, is a gentleman and a scholar.
I think I'm going to hunt up my MP3 of "Never Let Me Down Again" now. Keep on rockin'!
Posted by: Erbo | April 14, 2004 02:49 PM
Yes! Wil will be back soon! Did I just say "Wil Will?" Maybe I should break into the poetry business... On second thought, nah, I'll stick with being a movie projectionist.
You're an amazing writer, Wil. Even with that tiny little bit of JAG you posted, I was transported to the Paramount lot and walking down the street with you. You're really gifted, dude. Keep it up! I can't wait to get my hands on JAG.
Now, a message to Brett at O'Reilly: Can we get our beloved Uncle Willie a few East Coast signings, maybe in the Pittsburgh area? Please? Pretty please? I promise I'll buy more O'Reilly books, really...
And one last thing: Fans of Wil being Photoshopped, Behold Wil as the star of his very on 80's TV Phenominon! Fark didn't like my "Tweak old TV shows for modern celebs" idea enough to post the photoshop contest, so I thought you'ld all enjoy it...
Posted by: Eric | April 14, 2004 02:50 PM
Oh yeah. Forgot one thing. Pop Culture ref. revealed:
When we grew up and went to school, there were certain teachers who'ld hurt the children anyway they could... By pouring thier derision upon anything we did, exposing every weakness, no matter how carefully hidden by the kid...
But in the town it was well known, when they got home at night, thier fat and psychopathic wives would thrash them within inches of their lives...
Gotta Love Pink Floyd \m/ At least I hope that's where your entry title comes from... Just another Brick in the Wall, I suppose...
Posted by: Eric | April 14, 2004 02:56 PM
Wow from me too. ::points to self:: Am uber impressed, ultra excited, & excited to the max for JAG. High fives all around!
Posted by: Zorahgail | April 14, 2004 02:58 PM
Nice Story sounds like you week break was worth it keep it up.
Posted by: Dan L | April 14, 2004 03:12 PM
Duuuuuude! I am soooo excited, thrilled, over the flipping moon! I can't wait! I absolutely loved dancing barefoot, i was glued from beginning to end and i can't wait to see further into the life of 'Wil Wheaton', which fascinates me. I was moved to tears, laughed out loud and felt down right peeved (ahem William Shatner(i can't believe he was such a DICK! Grrr!)) feeling all those emotions and more- i couldn't ask any more from a book.
Well done!
We love you!
Posted by: jenny T | April 14, 2004 03:16 PM
wow. that entry brought tears to my eyes. there is something about music, yeah? i'm happy to hear i was not the only 15 year old listening to squeeze. they are still one of my favorites.
Posted by: sylvia | April 14, 2004 03:23 PM
"I have been a fan of yours for some time, but I don't quite understand why you hate William Shatner. Is it personal or just on principle?
Emily
Posted by emily at April 14, 2004 01:53 PM"
Emily:Another WW fan here who ponders that himself because I have not purchased or read Dancing Barefoot and I have not read all of WWdN blog entries. From what I've gleaned from context, reading between the lines, plus the tidbit offered in today's sneak preview post, WFS apparently treated WW with arrogance and contempt and hurt his feelings badly, so it's pretty personal. But I have also heard and read that WFS has proven himself to be uncool and not nice to various other people over the years. I did read WFS' book called "Get a Life!" which was WFS attempt to go on record saying that in the past he did not "get it" and that at some point a light went off in his head and suddenly he "got it". (Please don't hate me for reading WFS book; I did not buy it and it was before WWdN came along and it meant nothing to me, it was just a little fling. It's pretty funny actually. Sorry for my heresy here.) Supposedly WFS used to hate the Cons, did them anyway, but hated them and could not understand what the big deal with Star Trek (all gen's) was with Trekkies, Trekkers, fans in general. But he claims that at some point he began to understand the deep fanship and what Trek means to so many people. My question would be, was WFS so personally arrogant to WW before or after WFS wrote his book? Was it before or after he claims to have had this major change in attitude? Maybe it doesn't matter, and maybe WFS truly was a jerk then and will always be a jerk. I will never know since I'm not inside his mind, but I'm curious nonetheless. Even though this is not the shark-like environment of FARK where posters seem to enjoy eating each other alive (for spelling and grammar even!) I shall not be terribly upset if or when someone better informed and in better command of the facts takes the time to correct my entry here, but I hope it answers Emily's question a little bit until said clarifications appear.
Ciao
Posted by: Bill | April 14, 2004 03:26 PM
That's f-ing fantastic Wil! Get down with your bad self ^_^ Can't wait for this one to hit the stores, and mad congrats on the high praise. You've gotta be on Cloud 9 or somewhere close to it. Well done and well deserved.
Posted by: AJ | April 14, 2004 03:27 PM
Do you know *anybody* who doesn't play poker? :-P
Posted by: Haldir | April 14, 2004 03:39 PM
That entry was well worth the wait. I'm dying to read JAG. I had to physically restrained from buying yet another copy of Barefoot, when I saw it on the shelf at Barnes & Nobel last night. Keep at it!
Posted by: Steven Klotz | April 14, 2004 03:48 PM
that is some serious good stuff right there
looking forward to the book
Posted by: Jakob | April 14, 2004 03:55 PM
Someone already said it, but it bears repeating: Your editor deserves some sort of poetic punishment for using the word "literally" when he means "figuratively." It is his job to NOT butcher english.
But yeah, I'm all excited about JAG and I keep checking here daily for that "I'm all done" post we are all expecting. I even refrained from sending Wil the link to the "Guinness is a health drink" news story that ran last week so as not to interrupt. But that is what you should hoist in celebration.
Posted by: phriedom | April 14, 2004 03:56 PM
hey wil,
that was so amazing. as so many other people have written, i was totally there with you! i really cannot wait for JAG to come out...i hope it'll be available over in the UK faster than Dancing Barefoot?!
anyway...
good job man,
take care
rach
Posted by: rach | April 14, 2004 04:00 PM
Wil!
Hihi! Its wonderful to hear that you are almost done with the new book. Its good to see that you are already getting such high praises as well. It amazes me to pull up the comments and look through them and see that in one day you already have this many comments. It also amazes me to see that you can inspire such emotion within people. I wont lie, Ive been a fan for a long time, but I never really knew what did happen to you until recently. I am really happy for you and hope that life keeps bringing such wonderful things your way. I am hoping to get a copy of dancing barefoot, and I really look forward to JAG because of that excerpt. If money allows it I will certainly try to get both books. Good luck to you!!
Posted by: Lotus | April 14, 2004 04:15 PM
Very awesome Wil! I am looking forward to JAG with anticipation.
To bad you are going to make it to Penguicon in Novi, MI this weekend. I was looking forward to seeing you.
-steve
Posted by: spi | April 14, 2004 04:43 PM
Oh frell, you've just taken me way back. "Squeeze: Singles, 45's and under" was my favourite long playing record.
Posted by: Amanda | April 14, 2004 05:11 PM
Am I a geek if I have "Squeeze: Singles, 45's and Under" on Vinyl AND on CD?
Posted by: geoster | April 14, 2004 05:43 PM
I'd buy you a beer, but I'm underage. So buy me one, k?
Muahaha. Excellent work, dude. I know where a chunk of my next paycheck is going.
Posted by: Astra | April 14, 2004 05:52 PM
So, after this book is a huge success, who do you think's gonna play Wil in the movie version?
Oooh...Just A Geek: THE MOVIE.
Can I play the role of the wildly attractive young journalist who interviews Wil at a Linux convention?
Posted by: Sarah | April 14, 2004 06:07 PM
You rule. I drank a Guinness in your honor last weekend. Just A Geek is going on my bookshelf :) Take care!
Posted by: Gretchen | April 14, 2004 06:11 PM
Wil,
WOW !! What a fantastic report from your editor, Brett. Please thank him for recognizing us (your fans) as contributing to the success of your book.
And for those of us who do not understand your relationship with William F'in Shatner, they will just have to read Dancing Barefoot (pp. 46-48).
I'll guess you used at least 10 stamps to mail your work to the publisher.
Can't weight, I mean WAIT, for JAG.
Your fan, Freeman :)
Posted by: Freeman in Louisiana | April 14, 2004 06:14 PM
Rock on, Wil! \m/ It couldn't have happened to a nicer, more all-around talented guy and fellow geek. I'm already queued up to buy Dancing Barefoot and am chomping at the bit for JAG! Congratulations, and - geeks represent! :)
Posted by: Marie | April 14, 2004 06:34 PM
Your editor rules.
Posted by: Jeremy Nickurak | April 14, 2004 06:50 PM
Wow.
Best WWdN entry ... ever.
Posted by: Carrie | April 14, 2004 07:07 PM
man...what a long way you have come!...i remember those days...at least those days as you related them on WWDN...the sadness in you was palpable...the pain was hidden in between almost every line...and sometimes not hidden at all...i could feel the disappointment you felt through the words that you wrote here...and that is something you do well...bringing people into your world...not only to read about the life of WIL WHEATON...but also to share the feelings that have made the stories you tell so much more than just another showbiz rundown...we got to watch as you approached the crossroads of your life...and made your choice...i for one think you made the correct one...from now on things will be much more interesting...i'm looking forward to reading all about it...good luck with the book wil...may it be everything you imagined and more.
Posted by: d. burr | April 14, 2004 07:10 PM
Hoooray!! Huzzahh!! HoooRAH!!!
It looks great! You go, guy!! You Writer-Guy, you!
Tom
Posted by: Tom | April 14, 2004 07:20 PM
JAG available EVERYWHERE??? Even Canada??? I can't wait!!! So proud of you, Wil!
Posted by: Jess | April 14, 2004 07:21 PM
took a few times to finally stop and read it, but it was deffidently worth every second. great stuff Will. still as happy for all the success your getting as ever.keep it up my friend.
Posted by: numb | April 14, 2004 07:41 PM
Oh my GOD! I cannot wait to get my hands on JAG. So glad to hear from you again. Been going to WWDN every day hoping for a post.
Is it going to be really everywhere? O'Reilly taking pre-orders yet? I have DB, but need a signed copy of JAG for sure. :) O'Reilly was a great hook up for you, Wil. They have been a super supporter of our Mac User Group over the last year, I can only imagine how great they must be for their authors.
Looking forward to kicking back with JAG soon. And I have Guinness in the fridge for the occasion.
Best of luck. So proud of you.
Posted by: Melissa | April 14, 2004 08:09 PM
Man, Wil, the tears welled up just reading this entry, and I wasn't even on the bloody show! In fact, I have never been on any show, yet for some reason I feel like I can relate. I can't wait to read JAG. I know, I know, I keep saying that - I guess I am a sentimental old slob - but mostly, I am a person who loves to read good writing, and I am looking forward to reading yours. And hey, don't forget the book tour in Canada, eh?
Cheers...Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | April 14, 2004 08:25 PM
Never in my life have I "thrown the goat". Not because I'm some freak who sees is and shrieks "Satan!", I've just never been compelled to do it. However, after reading the excerpt and the praise from your editor: \m/ Rock on, Wil.
Posted by: Indy | April 14, 2004 09:29 PM
While I certainly am planning on buying your book, while I certainly admire your accomplishments in writing, and while I absolutely respect you for your courage in being as "out there" as you are with this blog and all your public appearances, I have to say that the blatant push-the-book entry from your publisher is not necessary. I'm sold, already, okay?
(You had me at "Hello.")
Posted by: Dash | April 14, 2004 09:36 PM
Best Sneak Peek Ever.
Wil, your JAG entry has whetted my appetite. I haven't looked forward to anything like this, since LOTR in 2001. Already bought Dancing Barefoot, and looking forward to Just A Geek. Bring it on!
Posted by: SpaceHamster | April 14, 2004 09:40 PM
Can't wait, Wil. Can't wait.
BCH
Posted by: Burt | April 14, 2004 10:00 PM
. . . the blatant push-the-book entry . . .
You know, I almost didn't post it because I was afraid of that perception . . . but I don't think that was Brett's intention. I can understand how some people would take it that way, though.
Posted by: wil | April 14, 2004 10:06 PM
Sweet comment from the editor. I can hardly wait to watch the Enterprise episode (Shockwave, Part I) too.
Posted by: David | April 14, 2004 10:25 PM
Wil,
Once again.. you have captured my imagination, and i thank you!
i cannot wait to read JAG and i hope it will be readily available in the UK, *holds out for a special copy*
hugs and love to the family
love ya man!
Andrea xxx
P.S. WFS is an ass..he always has been and always will be... i dont like the guy and i didnt like him when i was a kid *long before i realised the universal dislike and Wils dislike* i guess he just makes people want to hit him... he is an oaf!
Posted by: andrea | April 14, 2004 11:52 PM
Yay!
Posted by: Kitten | April 15, 2004 12:39 AM
Its going to be available in the UK though Wil? Right? *twitches* you wouldn't hold out on us would ya buddy? *another violent twitch* Come on buddy! I need another fix here!!!!!
Posted by: Pete (UK) | April 15, 2004 01:29 AM
Our boy has made the cartoons again!
hee hee
http://archive.gamespy.com/comics/nodwick/ffn/ffn.htm
Posted by: Pete (UK) | April 15, 2004 01:43 AM
Woo!!
Posted by: ionicus | April 15, 2004 02:53 AM
I didn't know you were in FHM, Wil.
Posted by: Tristan | April 15, 2004 04:42 AM
Nice piece of work!
I do have to say though... doesn't editing and rewriting suck? I find that the initial draft comes out so easily and then it takes three times as long to polish it and make it fit for human consumption... maybe it's just me!
Posted by: Randy | April 15, 2004 05:48 AM
Wow!! Thanks for sharing
-gil
Posted by: Gil | April 15, 2004 06:10 AM
*crosses fingers and makes wish*
Oh please come to Canada on book tour... please come to Canada on book tour.
Posted by: Kirwan | April 15, 2004 06:10 AM
TEASE!!!!
Oh my, Uncle Willie sure knows how to keep a girl wanting MORE! (She said in a deep sultry voice) >
Can I have some more? ;)
Seriously tho - awesome, wonderful, stupendous, fantastic........golf clap ensues...panting with anticipation.
Posted by: Sharfa | April 15, 2004 06:14 AM
Sorry to be a thread jacker, but neil gaiman mentioned you on his blog...
http://www.neilgaiman.com/journal/journal.asp
No html skills here...
Posted by: Tricky | April 15, 2004 06:21 AM
Welcome back! Congrats on the manuscript completion, and thanks for giving us something to read. I was going into withdrawal!
-AT
Posted by: AT | April 15, 2004 06:42 AM
Well yet again I was there with you Wil, as you drove into Paramount and you felt those emotions, and experienced those memory's. You manage to inspire me, wow me and utterly amaze me, with your writing skills and ability to tell those story's so wonderfully.
Thank you Wil
K
Posted by: Kordith | April 15, 2004 07:02 AM
WTG, Wil. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: bezahlt | April 15, 2004 07:06 AM
So, what does a girl have to do to get a signed copy of JAG? Seriously, I missed the boat on Dancing Barefoot, and I'd like a signed copy. Just say the word!
Posted by: Lawless1 | April 15, 2004 07:16 AM
Wil, will you now allow yourself a rockstar moment? Or will you wait until the book's release? Will you now proclaim yourself a fucking writer and stop(at least for a while) being so damn modest about all your success? Man, I just want to hear you proclaim, "I'm the greatest!" that's all. I want to see some swagger in your step. I want to see that famous Wil Wheaton attitude everyone else talks about. In short, I want to see this go to your head-but not for long because then you might forget about us and that would not be a good thing.
I'm totally happy for your success,man. Your book will be a monster hit and I look forward to seeing you promote your hard work on the talk shows.
Trying like hell to be,
Tommy
Posted by: Tommy | April 15, 2004 08:00 AM
Great post.
Nice to see another Oingo Boingo Fan. God, I miss that band!
--tj
Posted by: tjsoundguy | April 15, 2004 08:13 AM
You simply MUST send someone at /. an advance copy to review. I think it would be great.
Posted by: slasher | April 15, 2004 08:29 AM
Wil:
The minute you start turning into WFS, the armies of your loyal fans will set you straight.
Best of luck on the book.
Posted by: Robert W. Leu | April 15, 2004 08:41 AM
Welcome home, my friend; yes, you have been missed.
Congrats on the great words from your editor; I hope that if I ever finish a project, I get an editor half as awesome as Brett seems to be.
Payday today; guess it's time to bite the bullet and hit Amazon.com to order Dancing Barefoot (and a few other choice O'Reilly titles from the User Friendly collection), then plan to camp out in line overnight for JAG. Really looking forward to it!
Posted by: Roberta | April 15, 2004 09:07 AM
Wil - great to hear that Just a Geek is so close! I'll be sure to start pestering the local bookstore to get my copy.
Any chance your book tour will bring you up to Ottawa/Montreal? It would be most excellent to thank you in person.
Thomas.
Posted by: W. Thomas Leroux | April 15, 2004 09:41 AM
So last night, i was flipping through the digi cable and watched Toy Soldiers! Wow! Remember when Sean Astin had abs? I hope he can lose those 40 pounds he gained for Lord of the Rings. And Wil, is your ear still pierced?
*A
Posted by: Ana | April 15, 2004 09:49 AM
ohh, that O'Reily editor-man-thingy sounds just right as someone to work with you-he has the sarcasm, freedom to praise and the intelligence to recognize a 'writer' when he sees one...it's so exciting
Posted by: Annie | April 15, 2004 09:53 AM
I'm sure that you're getting this from all directions, but I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to see "Just a Geek" in print. The snippets you've been posting here and there are only whetting my appetite.
You've arrived as a Popular Author, Wil. I just hope you realize it. :)
cheers,
Phil
Posted by: Phil Carter | April 15, 2004 10:15 AM
I finished reading "Dancing Barefoot" a few nights ago and I'm now passing it around to my friends. They love it, I love it and I can't wait to read "Just A Geek". Keep up the good work Wil. :)
Posted by: Nikita | April 15, 2004 10:16 AM
I just read your wish list and I wanted to tell you:
I'm only 29 but I've been rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. It was a two week trip and very expensive but WELL WORTH IT. I highly recommend you take your family on this one - ya'll will love it!
Posted by: Ravenna | April 15, 2004 10:33 AM
first off:
\m/ !
OK.. it's all been said in the comments, so I'll just sum it up in ... "yeah! What they said!"
P.S. I love how everyone's jumping all over your editor's grammar. One guy, Jakob said "It is his job to NOT butcher english.", while splitting his own infinitive! Something about glass houses comes to mind... hehe.
Congrats. Will definitely pre-order it if given the chance.
Tom
Posted by: Tom McKearney | April 15, 2004 10:54 AM
Thanks for the preview. I sure am rooting for you, Wil. Missed your updates the last few days, but everyone needs a life, right? Good luck!
Posted by: Mike G Bailey | April 15, 2004 11:09 AM
To properly split an infinitive is one of the hallmarks of someone who is fully capable of using the language to completely convey his meaning.
:-)
(In other words: it's not a real grammar rule, and no editor worth the title worries about split infinitives much.)
Posted by: Andrew | April 15, 2004 11:30 AM
Wow! This exciting tidbit coming out AT THE SAME TIME the SciFi Channel is promo'ing the heck out of the *premiere* of "Deep Core" or something to that effect - starring Wil Wheaton and the gal that used to be on DS9 and that show with the guy from Cheers!
;-)
Who'dathunkkit?
Congratulations!
MO'B
Posted by: Mike O'Brien | April 15, 2004 11:48 AM
Depeche Mode has been my 'rock', so to speak, for ages. Their albums have taken me through a lot of experiences (both good and bad) in life. It was cool to see another fan..listening to one of my favorite albums, too, by the way! :)
Sincerely,
Janelle
Posted by: Janelle | April 15, 2004 12:03 PM
Right, now I know I'm pathetic because that almost had me in tears. It also triggered the theatre geek in me and reminded me of the lyrics to 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' from Sunset Boulevard. Not that you're Norma Desmond, Wil! But it is a good song - and this looks like it's going to be a hell of a book.
Oh, in case anyone cares, the lyrics I mentioned are at http://www.poplyrics.net/waiguo/soundtrack/sunsetboulevard/021.htm
Posted by: Kirsten | April 15, 2004 12:07 PM
Fantastic.
After reading your site so much, watching TNG reruns is never the same for me. They were rerunning "Parallels" the other night on Spike and I was kind of half watching it while working on something and instead of thinking "Oh yeah, Wesley's in this episode" when I saw you on screen, I thought "Oh, yeah, Wil's in this one". I've never been much for being starstruck by actors, they're all human, but I look at you so differently than I do the random actors I've met at conventions.
Can't wait to read the book! Congratulations on all of this.
Posted by: Erin | April 15, 2004 12:36 PM
Dude! You rock! And we geocachers know it! :)
So... when ya going to mention the geocache page which publicly honors your writing talent, eh? Hey, we didn't put in all that work into "Dancing With A Barefoot Geek" for nuthin'! :)
Just teasing ya. Seriously though, thanks for your part in helping make that whole thing happen. You do know how to help create postive memories for people, and we appreciate that. :)
(Other folks: check out http://tinyurl.com/325xv for context on this.)
Posted by: Sparrowhawk | April 15, 2004 01:29 PM
Wil has literally busted his tail to get this done
I hope your tail gets better.
On a similar note, I wasn't aware you HAD a tail!! I mean, you must, since you LITERALLY busted it.
Great write up though. BA-ZING!!
Posted by: charmlessman | April 15, 2004 01:48 PM
Joy! Just joy!
Loved reading a letter FROM the editor, and a snippet of JAG.
(from a newly-hooked WWdN addict, missing Wil's blog posts!!)
Posted by: Geri | April 15, 2004 05:30 PM
Update to earlier post: After I got off work, paycheck firmly in hand, I went to my favorite local independent bookstore to pick up a couple of books. Just for the heck of it, I stopped at the information counter and asked, "I'm looking for a book -- it's called Dancing Barefoot by Wil Wheaton."
The guy at the counter did not look at me like I was some weird alien creature. He punched a few keys on the computer, and said, "Well, looks like we've got one left."
I managed to restrain my shouts of joy, and said, "Where is it categorized?"
"Let's see, it's under Essays...let's take a look."
After a few minutes, we found it -- it had been put back in the wrong place. (If anyone here has been at Kepler's in Menlo Park and was trying to hide the last copy till you could get back with the cash, apologies.) I held it at the front counter while I quickly walked up the street to deposit the aforementioned paycheck and cash back enough for my purchase plus lunch.
Read it during lunch, plan to read it many more times. And there's a chance of rain in NoCal this weekend; wonder if the spouse would like to go for a walk... :)
Kepler's rawks. \m/
And you definitely rawk, Wil -- the book is definitely freakin' awesome! \m/ \m/
Posted by: Roberta | April 15, 2004 08:22 PM
Wil,
Indeed, you have superior taste in music. Oingo Boingo, Depeche Mode AND Squeeze UK. Ah, 1989. Senior year in college for me. Watching TNG, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Always good to reminisce, huh? Take care!
Ariel in the South Bay
Posted by: Ariel | April 16, 2004 12:23 AM
For tj,
I miss Boingo badly, too! I spent many a Hallowe'en during college at Irvine Meadows.
No one lives forever! :)
Ariel
Posted by: Ariel | April 16, 2004 12:25 AM
Wow. Just...yeah wow. I can't express how wonderful a writer I think you are, Wil. I know I'm going to enjoy reading JAG if that small peek was any indication.
Have you ever watched show, really enjoyed it and seen one of the acotrs and thought, "that guy is gonna do great things"? Well, I did. Sure, I was like...5 years old in 1987, so it was probably more like, "Ooh, that guy that plays Wesley is really coooool," but STILL!
Posted by: Jenny M. Finster | April 16, 2004 12:39 AM
I don't post comments very often, but I wanted to let you know that I think this piece of writing is phenomenal. I like your writing generally, but this... this gave me chills. That doesn't very often for me--not with you, not with many authors. If this is representative of the quality of your whole book, then, jesus, I can't wait to read it. Good freakin' job.
-Sarina
Posted by: Sarina | April 16, 2004 01:14 AM
Hi. Long time reader, first time poster from Ireland here. Geek out on this! :)
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/elements.php
Posted by: Colm | April 16, 2004 01:45 AM
sounds like I need this book.
Very happy to see the works being penned and soon to be ready for the eyeballs! =P
Thanks for taking out the time, energy and devotion.