WIL WHEATON dot NET: 1.5

Now there is some lemonade-making if I have ever seen it before.

Best wishes on the next book-signing in Huntington Beach.

Kevin.

Seems like it was a great success to me ... also thanks again with the help you gave on my blog!

-BK

Yay! Wil fan happy dance! I love when you write about your family. The warmth and love show through so wonderfully. You should include the "Misty Morning" blog entry from last May in the new book. That was a good one. Best of luck on the new project!

Uh, Wil? I think you missed an /i somewhere...

Big crowds will come and go, but your true fans(family) will always be there to support you.

Now, if you fix a coding error in your blog, does the LiveJournal feed of it get fixed too? I bet not - that's what I read, and the italics are still all in there.

A book about the fam would be amazing. :)

I would love to read more about your family!

You might want to check with your Dancing Barefoot publisher/distributor. I'm having trouble ordering the book....my bookstore says it's "unavailable."

That is so way out there that you can still kick ass, yet not be Wesley anymore :) Well-rounded talent seems rare, and I'm always encouraged the few times it is actually seen (or heard)...maybe there is yet hope for the world. Glad the no-shows didn't get you down, you're too brilliant to ever get consumed by mess like that.

juststacey: Ask your bookstore to make sure they're using the ISBN from O'Reilly, not Monolith Press. The MP version is unavailable, but the O'Reilly version should be in print, and at the very least available for order.

If anyone else is having trouble finding my books, or has had a fabulous experience with a particular bookshop, I'd really like to hear about it.

For what it's worth, I feel like it's the stories about your adult life (and your family in particular) that bring me back to WWDN. It's that "neighbor talking over the fence feel" that appeals to me, and would (I think) appeal to an older audience as well.

I'd say preparing some promo materials stressing that aspect would be a great idea.

Glad you enjoyed the time regardless.

Have a good one,
C

If it makes you feel any better (even though you seem ok with it) Stephen Coonts did a signing at Travis AFB a few years back, and there were only like 10 people there. Stephen Freaking Coonts, and 10 people--AND he had free food.

Yet a couple weeks ago there was a guy who had self published, and there must have been 50 people crowded around to listen to him and get books signed.

It's the whim of the moment, sometimes. But you'd think free food would get people there... ;)

The LiveJournal feed gets fixed eventually (on its next check/update). Speaking of the feed, do you check comments there? Or only here on your wwdn site?

Wil,

Once again you inspire those that meet you in person, and those not within driving distance. [which is mucho many monkeys]

Wish I could've been there for an smaller "An Evening with Wil Wheaton" style of reading. I never miss "An Evening with Joe Satriani" concert... no opening acts... just 2+ hours of the artist I want to see.

Keep it up... keep up the new ideas... see ya in Huntington Beach!

Edwood

Wil,

That is great that you could take the positive out of a situation that could have turned negative.

You should beg, plead and make your case to the powers that be to be included in this:

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=6877982

I know you love the Watchmen and think it'd be very cool to see you in it. Send a copy of both your books to Greengrass and Moore and a note saying how much the Watchmen meant to you growing up.

Stranger things have happened.

Too cool. I read your blog for inspiration. I know that if you can do, so can I. I'm not saying that to belittle you, but to upsize myself. Know what I mean?

Now, If I could just get as many readers as you have, I could also get feedback on my stories as well. Oh, to dream.

Wish I could have been there. Family is important. Of all the things I have done in my life being a MOM has been my biggest joy. I am a military wife and in the beggining we didn't have extra money to spend on books. I would write stories in a three ring binder on notebook paper and read them to my children at bed time. They loved it and it made me feel wonderful. I haven't read your books but I think I will.

Look at it this way...better to be in the dessert with a few folks, enjoying each other and your common ground...or you could have been in the woods in Wisconsin being shot by the "Deerial Killer". There's always an up side.

I think that's so cool that wil turned something that would seem negative into a huge positive.
i finally read dancing barefoot and its great!!

Well, Wil, it seems to be the way this weekend worked out. I had a small-enough-to-lose-money turnout for the improv workshop, too. I definitely had to work to embrace the intimacy of the group and honro those that came. But I did. And it was an amazing experience,a dnt he feedback I've gotten has been wonderful.

But I have decided to embrace astrology to explain the low turnouts.

And work with someone with some marketing skills before I do the next one.

I shall be inviting you again. *g*

Man..I was so proud of my "Deerial Killer" tag that I spelled "Desert" wrong. Nice.

Michael Bolton (Office Space): I must have put a decimal point in the wrong place or something. Shit. I always do that. I always mess up some mundane detail.

Will, small groups are much more intimate and I think it's easier to connect with your audience, but then what do I know? The other thing I wanted to mention is if you're interested in having larger audiences, you might consider coming east once in a while. I'm sure you have tons of fans out here in places like NYC, Boston, DC, etc. I know the weather here is not quite as pleasant as it is in sunny CA, but you should come and I'm sure you'd get tons of interest here.

It's mid-November: The snowbirds have probably begun to land in Palm Springs. The snowbirds are the wrong demographic for JAG. I love it there but I was there visiting grandparents (during the O.J. Simpson trial) so everyone except for 1 girl did seem old.

I look forward to the next Monolith publication. Nolan's great. Both of your kids are great- cool, even- but that comment made me laugh.

I, also, would rather be a hammer than a nail. good illustration of the concept.

I've always preferred your family stories (and storied about yourself personally) to anything else you've written. Not sure why I'm drawn to that but I am. I enjoy your politcal writings the least.

Someone's been listening to U2 lately. ;)

It would figure, that the only 3 days I dont check WWdN, is the one time I absolutly need to. When I finally read it, I end up wanting to cry. Palm Springs is only 45 minutes from where I live. If I wasn't in Sacramento, I would have been there. I would have loved to been in attendance for at least one of the signings.

But, on the other hand, I'm pleased to hear that you had a good time in Palm Springs. Even more glad to hear that you and your family got to catch up on some family bonding (there goes my idea of buying you a few pints of Guinness). Family time is always a major plus.

I just wish I was able to attend. Any chance for a week's advanced notice for the next signing in So Cal? :)

Oh wow, I just read this. I read it AFTER I sent you something. I think it fits in with your getting away from Star Trek theme, check it out!

Aw, I'm sorry more people didn't come out (now if you'd come to Tampa...*grin*), but I'm glad you had fun. I bet the next book's gonna rock just as much as Just A Geek and Dancing Barefoot (my favorite because I can finish it during one class, when I should be paying attention). Your kids do sound cool. *hugs* Mojo wishing at least 200 at the next signing. MOJO MOJO MOJO NO WHAMMY, NO WHAMMY, STOP! *must stop watching Family guy*

Hey Wil,

I WOULD have come to see your signing if I still lived in So Cal. But since you never come out to where I am, you are just going to have to live without the honor of meeting me. *nudges Wil to come out to the Detroit area*

I loved reading this entry because it really shows how much you've grown, emotionally, in the past few years. You are becoming more comfortable with who you are, rather than what you were, and it's great to see you get to that point :).

I was there... Both Friday and Saturday... I was too star struck to show my enthusiasm and introduce myself, so I stayed in a corner. Loved seeing you in person, I have had a huge crush since I "was" you (female version) in our 9th grade production of "The Body". My teacher was so impressed with the movie that we did the play...taking excerpts and doing them.
You were wonderful, and Anne, you are one lucky woman. You are married to the 2nd best person ever (my hubby being the 1st).
[stalker] You are totally the kind of people that we would hang out with, and our kids are the same age. And we drink the same beer. [/stalker]

No matter how great the big crowds are, theres always something special about the smaller ones. One of my favorite musicians is like that. The music is awesome, and his concerts are great. Not many mainstream artist (doesnt matter what genre) will go for hours on end at the end of a concert and just hang out, passing around the guitar for anyone who wanted to play.
Big turn outs are always good. But its the smaller ones that can really make a difference.

Thanks, Will. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and unthankful today. But, when I read what your wrote today, especially the part about cherishing those who did come to your reading and not being disappointed about those who didn't, you made me remember how thankful I should be about things I do have. (I'm the "older" audience, too. I'd definitely go to one of your readings if they happened to be near where I am.)

Hi Wil......You asked to hear about any fabulous experiences with particular bookshops so I thought I would share mine.

I Bought Dancing Barefoot a while back but at the time was unable to get JAG from my local bookstore (I am in Australia and my local was out of stock).

So I waited a while then read about your reading at Mysterious Galaxy and how you had signed some First Editions to be sold thru them.

Just recently I decided it was time to order it and I emailed Myst Galaxy to see if I could order internationally. As it turns out they were happy to ship to me here in Australia.

I ordered a few extra things along with my signed 1st edition of your book and the service was excellent.

I got a great deal of help via email from a guy called Patrick. In the absence of a secure credit facility he helped me with all my concerns.

Even though it was via email he was always polite and cheerful and the responses were fast.

And I was delighted when my package turned up in half the time that Patrick thought that it would take to arrive. And its really cool knowing that I am reading from a book that you have personally held in your hands to sign.

So now I am just getting started reading it.....and so far it's fantastic. I can't wait to get home tonight and keep on reading.

Thanks for the reading experience Wil. Bring on the next book.

cheers
Lauren

Whoa. Another book?

That's kick-ass.

Say, the family plays poker, right? Because if the family doesn't play poker, you should write some poker stories, too.

And if you don't have any poker stories, you should plan a poker trip to Vegas with some friends.

Just saying.

Yay for planning a family-story book! You write so movingly about your fam - love it. *g*

Brilliant! *and not because I just heard Lois say it on Family Guy*

Now there's something I'd most certainly buy. The stories about your family are always your best, because they come from the most important place: Your heart.

Run with it, man \m/

Wil-
I am totally bummed i didnt go out to see you this weekend, i totally thought about it but had too much work (damn Borders). and now i missed seeing you withour hoards of people invading my space. ;) o well. TOTALLY jazzed about another book. that is TOO cool. AND... when you do, be SURE to come and do another book signing at Borders in Arcadia!!! i promise we'd have you again in a second.
JustStacy: check out your local Borders. i know we have tons of them in stock ("we" being Borders Arcadia, if you're in the LA area) ever since Wil did a book signing here.
Tristan: could you mean Simon and Garkunkle, instead of U2? (i'd rather be a hammer than a nail... trust me, its old school and its awesome).

Just wanted to say thanks, Wil. Your blogs always put a smile on my face. I really needed that today.

I'm glad you had a good time out in the desert. Hopefully, when my time comes, I'll remember to make the best out of what could be a bad situation, too.

a writer friend of mine didn't find it too difficult to appear on the diane reams show on npr to discuss his book. it's a large diverse audience - perhaps that could be a possibility....

So tell me the truth . . . are the kids you talked about really that cool?"

I think that is my favorite line from today's blog entry. :) I really love the way you brag on your kids. I think it's cool that they got to hear you bragging on them!

Sounds to me like the signing was very successful. It is quality, not quanity, that counts after all! :) I am sure all 12 of those people were very blessed today, and will remember it always.

Wil-

I've had the pleasure of attending two of your readings, so far. I live in So Cal and would have loved to have gone to the Arcadia and Palm Springs appearances, not only to enjoy your dramatic talents, but to pick up a few more autographed books for holiday presents.

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but, dude, you've got to step up your advertising game (see Pam's comment) and give us some more notice!! For the last two aforementioned gigs, I've only heard about them a few days in advance, via your main blog entries. Your "Appearances" page hasn't been updated since October!!!

I'm asking you now. Will you be having any more reading/signing appearances in the So Cal area before the holidays?? Let us know ASAP!

I've got holiday $$$ to spend, but the books must have the Wil Wheaton signature of approval!

Thanks!

What Jessie said!! Her advice was excellent. If the publisher doesn't want to develop another set of promo materials (don't know how yours is, but many don't), try getting something together yourself. And look for some of the positive reviews that are out there - that's how I first heard about GEEK - to use in the promos.
The coming-of-age-in-Hollywood parts of your stories are somewhat Trek-specific, but good writing (such as yours) makes us see the general through the lens of the specific. You could use that. Ditto the too-much-success-too-soon themes. There wouldn't be an E! True Hollywood Story if that didn't happen a lot. Most of those have downer endings, yours is pretty upbeat at this point. Practically a Horatio Alger story of overcoming your early success.

And don't feel too bad. You gave 12 people the reading of a lifetime, and the chance to get to know you, as a person, a bit better than most. That will build 12 very loyal fans, who will tell their friends.

There are lots of reading/signing horror stories out here. Wait 'til your reading at a convention is scheduled opposite the local version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and both the people who show up are having trouble hearing because of the screams of laughter coming from down the hall.

That last should have had a *BG* on the end.

Howdy -

Loved the post :)

Um... Monolithpress.com seems to be dead, well the dynamic parts of it anyway - faq works, some of the other stuff works, projects & home are down.

DB error. really funny thing is that it's google's first listing on the search for 'monolith press'

Looks like you changed your password and forgot to change it in the monolith config or something :)

Thought I'd let you know.

Any readings/signings in the Davis/Sacramento area would be greatly appreciated. They would probably have to beat people back with sticks!!

Hey Wil
Here's an idea -- you've really done something cutting edge with the blog thing and have tons of 'online fans' - who would probably LOVE to go to one of your readings. Why not have a few 'readings' live and online??? You could set times and people could come and hear you do a reading, (video hook up/streaming thing - people see you live and get to ask questions, etc.)- each person could get a free access pass in advance of the time by giving their e-mail and info and if they buy a book, they get some kind of a deal, and you'll sign their book for them before it's sent. By logging the people that come and from what areas, you can have an idea where the majority of your online fans/buyers came from. You can send out lots of press, online, etc. to promote it. Hey, maybe it would even be the first online 'blog' inspired book reading and signing!

Also, you could do that with the current visitors - get each person to just log in their e-mail and location and then do mailing lists - targeted to those locations and do signings in the areas of the country where you already have lots of fans. Then when people hear how popular those readings are, they will start wanting them in their towns too.

Also, you could do the fringe festival circuit as well, a lot of people do monologues and a lot of that creative kind of crowd might be interested too.

Well, that's my brainstorming for you for today. If you come up to Victoria, BC - I'll come and see ya. :D

Eric, from PA-

Well, I was thinking of U2's song "Bad" off of their "The Unforgettable Fire" album (look up the lyrics, it's there). You mention the Simon & Garfunkel song known as El Condor Pasa which lyrics do resemble Wil's title. However, the order is switched; it goes, "yes I would, if I could". Thus, while I see the validity of your point, I believe that it is more likely that Wil has been listening to U2. Also, please don't misunderstand me, I enjoy Simon & Garfunkel too. ;)

Wil,
The thing that draws me to Just A Geek is how despite the obvious differences (your being a child star, a trekkie etc.) You are so much like the rest of us. Your bright, funny and just as insecure as the rest of us. That makes you real.
I can't wait to read your next book.

Wil,
You may never escape the Trek references in the promo materials.

You can read "The Best Awful" or "Postcards from the Edge" and think Carrie Fisher is a wonderful funny writer. But I'll bet you dollars to donuts that to every idiotic promo writer, she is and always will be Princess whats-her-face, with the danish pasties on her head.

It's a strange thing to think of only a dozen people showing up for your book reading. I'd bet I could get more than that to show up for you in my living room... Speaking of which, next time you're in the Indianapolis area... ;)

S

Wil, I think Pam raised some very useful points which you should seriously look into with your publisher...I know people who pay money for that sort of advice!
What attracts me to your blog, apart from the fact that I'm a Trekkie :-) is that you market yourself very well using the internet. You are reaching your fan base on a global level and effectively promoting yourself in this way. You have transitioned your career from struggling actor to online entrepreneur while sharing your personal experiences. I'm sure many people would love to run their own successful online business or market themselves online but just don't have the know-how. This could be another market for you to relate to. Living in Australia, I cannot attend one of your readings, but I just might order one of your books through amazon and have a read. Also, don't worry about the smaller groups of people attending. You obviously left a positive impression with these people and you can never underestimate the power of promotion through 'word-of-mouth'. Good luck with it all!

About live readings: Do not try to find the material that's right for a particular audience. Find the material that's right for yourself and involve your audience - whoever they may be. For example, I'm no gambler and I really know little about the type of poker you like to play. But when you write about it, you engage me in the story. Even when I have to skip over some of the "specialized terms" (slang), I still enjoy the stories. Also, as I continue to read these stories, I'm begining to understand some of those "specialized terms". I don't have to be a gamblin' geek to enjoy your poker stories.
Promo advice: Do something different. Publish a short story, in installments, delivered directly to peoples' cell phones. Write your own comic strip/book and publish it on the web. (I'm sure you can find an artiste who would be willing to immortalize you and your kids and your wife). Do some more cell-phone camera art.
Diane Rheme (sp?) would be a great radio show to appear on, but NPR's "All Things Considered" would probably attract more prospective book purchasers.
On a more personal note: I'm considering getting a part-ime job at a local Borders just so I can put JAG on the "Recommended Reading" shelf.. and then quit.
As for future appearances? Don't just up-date your webpage. Mention appearances on the homepage - more than just a day or two in advance. And spread out, man... you're too regionalized. We'd love to see you in South Florida. I mean... I know some folks don't like to fly, but... man... you used to go at warp speeds!
Besides. I still owe you a Guiness.

I hope you and the fam had a fun time in Palm Springs. My wife and I made it out there for a day last year when we were staying in LA for a week. I hope you got a chance to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. That was really neat, I bet your kids would get a kick out of it.

Woah.

What Pam said. Every word.

/back to Middle-earth...

Wil, when are you coming down to Florida? You do have a lot of fans down here (try going to Fort Lauderdale or maybe Orlando- your safest bet is Fort Lauderdale, since there are a lot of '80s fans who've seen your movies and also a lot of Star Trek fans). Are you scheduled for any conventions or seminars down here?

-Vanessa Nichole

Wil,

Deffinately heed to Pam's advice about doing another book signing/reading soon. Your books are awe inspiring to the target group, and if what Pam is saying is correct, you missed the target by about 20 miles ;) When and if you decide to do another signing, let us know more than a day in advance if it is possible. I'm not going to miss the next one that's within arms distance of where I am. I would go as far as Sacramento to San diego, to Nevada to Phoenix (even though I despise Arizona with a passion) to be in attendance. I want my first book signing/reading I've ever been to to see a person I can actually relate to.

Now, if you came to the desert in Reno, NV.....

Well, I can't guarentee a crowd, but I know I'd be there. ^_^ My friend told me I have a "Sick and disturbing obsession with Wil Wheaton." She just doesn't understand--she never read Dancing Barefoot. :p

Hey Wil,
I've recently stumbled upon your blog from a mention at 'Think Geek'. From what I've read, i think this x-mas i'll be purchasing copies of your book for my brother. I would have liked to have been at your desert readings. But alas, im stuck in the middle of a different desert. Say 'hey' to the family and listen to pam she seems to have a good head on her shoulders.

Dude, there are only like 50 people in Palm Springs who have the internet. I think it sounds like Pam has her shit together. She should be your booking agent in the Coachella Valley. But she's still right. Many more families, many more people young and old that would **LOVE** to have a chance to see you at a reading/signing.

I have a few silly jokes now...

What did the grateful chef say?
Tongs.

What did the grateful scuba diver say?
Tanks.

What did the grateful hot-dog vendor say?
Franks.

Borrego springs is a very nice desert town too. You are probably closer to Palm Springs or Joshua tree, but I think Borrego tops them because its a bit less well known and has a bit more of a rual feeling. I always stop at a little place in Santa Ysabel for supplies. It has the best buffalo jerky ever(insert tons of exclimation points here). You can go hiking to the palm oasis on nice laid out trails, then at the end you can do a little off trail boulder climbing. Or, if you have the gear, you can drive down to ocatillo wells and check out the wind caves and do a little vehicular off roading.

Ask me in a year for Aussie desert recomendations =)

Wil,

As long as you have people who believe in you and your abilities, you'll always be a success. I cant name a single person who posts on this thread who hasn't supported you in any way they can.

Never give up, never surrender. All of those 100% media people who turned you down are tools of their own creation. Wil, you do, and always will have people who support you... look at your family you're a part of. From what I've read, they all consider you to be a success. Furthermore, Look around at your fan base. All of us who you've been writing to these past years believe you to be a success as well.

Prove to Everyone keeps looking for more and more from what I've read in the past 5 months I've been reading your blog (thanks to fark). Wil, look around you. Look at the people who do believe in you, the lives you've touched without ever realizing it. I've known you for a long time, without really getting to know who you really were. Your blog and your books have given me (and all of us) a glimpse into your life, to show us that you're a lot more like the rest of us... and that is what draws us in.

What ever you're doing Wil, keep doing it. It's working. I'm giving your books as presents this holiday season to spread the word a little more... because I personally believe in you, and believe that you're a success in my book.

Regarding the promotion of your book to older or non-sci-fi crowds ... family and love are universal themes. Promo material could compare/contrast with other (well-known) writers on this topic within the last few decades. Guess that will take some research though. Growing up and out of insecurities (coming of age) is also a universal theme. Perhaps it sounds a bit lame, comparing yourself to other writers in order to promote your stuff, but if potential readers haven't heard of you then they need some point of reference in order to be convinced to give your books a chance. Good luck!

Just a little more time is all we're asking for
Cause just a little more time could open closing doors
Just a little uncertainty can bring you down

And nobody wants to know you now
And nobody wants to show you how

So if you're lost and on your own
You can never surrender
And if your path won't lead you home
You can never surrender
And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
Cause no one can take away your right
To fight and never surrender

With a little perseverance you can get things done
Without the blind adherence that has conquered some

And nobody wants to know you now
And nobody wants to show you how

So if you're lost and on your own
You can never surrender
And if your path won't lead you home
You can never surrender
And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
Cause no one can take away your right
To fight and never surrender
To never surrender

Two words: Hire Pam.

We already know how cool you are....now it's just a matter of clueing in the rest of the world.

Thank YOU - for allowing us into your life and being so open, honest & funny.

Woo HOO! Another book on the way....doing the happy dance!

Wil,

Regarding the small turnout at the Palm Springs Book Signing, I'm glad that you were able to enjoy the crowd even though it was small. Smaller gatherings are more intimate and you're able to connect more with the people rather than just seeing faces in the crowd.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and create a few memories to write about in a future book. My favorite stories are about your family.

Linda

Wil, many years ago I was the *only* person to come to a book-signing for Fred Pohl on a college campus. About 10 years later, I met Pohl again at a con. In the course of the conversation we got into book signings and he brought up the signing at the University of Maine.

"That was one of the worse days of my life," Pohl said. "Do you know only one person showed up?"

"That would be me," I answered.

So, things could be worse. *I* could have showed up. :-)

Maybe the people who post here should start some kind of email campaign to the studios. We could demand that Wil, gets to choose his own part. Maybe a law and order episode, you could play a serial killer or some guy who thinks he is an Aliens baby or something. - just a thought

Hi Wil,

sorry to hear you didn't land that part in Alias. Never got into that show, but I know it is a big thing and I would have watched episodes with you.

As to your question about marketing, I think Pam (and others) have raised some very good points. Even I, living in Germany (no chance to get to your readings) was somewhat surprised to read your announcements about 2 days before the readings...

Anyway, the family theme. Yes, one of your strongest points. A universal theme, in fact, building family with people not related by blood, as a lesbian, I can very much identify with that.

I also like your political postings, much needed, I think, in these times. I hope you'll never stop them just to be more mainstream.

Definitely agree to get away from the Trek advertising. Don't get me wrong, I was a Trek fan... well, at least, until I discovered Babylon 5! Still think that early ST was revolutionary (think of it in racial equality terms), but lost this message as it became a franchise. Oh, and I didn't like Wesley, big surprise, but I always thought it was the writing, never dreamed of dissing the actor.

The geeky aspect of your website is what most drew me in the first place. The whole geeky/ not being flash, but being a person who struggles, makes mistakes, reflecting upon this, having issues, still trying to be a good person and husband thing is, I think, the strongest aspect.

Also, the self-irony, the eighties-to-now popular culture references... Then, the irony of becoming an internet star, and drawing from that...

Wil, I haven't read all of the comments yet b/c there are like 75 of them and I just saw your latest post today! Anyway, I think you should definitely do the book on your family. Just like with Dancing Barefoot, you know that all of us who read your blog will try to order that book the second it's available for orders! And if not that second, within two weeks. I think we're the ones who made JAG so possible to be published by O'Reilly last time, and we're the ones who got Dancing Barefoot picked up too. You know we can do it again with this book about your family. Sometimes it takes a while for companies to figure out that what's projected to be mainstream isn't quite that. It's all like Plato's story about the people living in the cave, only seeing shadows. Just because they/we are told what's true, how does that make it an absolute Truth? We're not all Trekkies who read your blog. Sure, I watched TNG. It's the first one that was produced in my lifetime and I actually appreciated Wesley Crusher because even though he was 7 years older than me, he was still a kid and I could relate to a kid. I liked that part of TNG. I'm not a die-dard about Star Trek, but I've found that even though Wil lives an entirely different life from the one I've got, I can still relate! It's stuff like that which keeps so many of us reading your blog. That's why we'll buy your book about your family. We'll buy it because we're trying to tell the Man that what he thinks we want isn't all that we want! You're mainstream Wil. The media hasn't picked up on it yet, but you know they will if we keep telling them.

You might not want to hear this, but I'll say it, because it's important.

Hollywood isn't the only institution that's looking for 'edgy'. (do you even spell it that way? beats me!) Having promotional materials reflect how you're doing ok now just doesn't any sex appeal. So the powers that be figure it's safer to bank on the installed base of sci-fi fans. I recommend your spin this a little differently. People will enjoy relating to you in your book, but they aren't really *attacked* to that sort of book. I think you need to emphasize the struggle. Your bio needs to be 'edgier'. It's a sales tool, not an encapsulation. I hope you can think about it more in these terms.

And edgier no longer looks like a word to me. I hate it when that happens.

I used to be a performer, and that thing about focussing on the ones that are there is SOOOO important.

Keep on keepin on!

"El Condor Pasa."

Nice. You never cease to amaze me with your ability to pull out an obscure lyric, and from such a wide array of musical stylings.

Again, nicely done.

I went to an author signing a few months ago in a small bookstore and it was fantastic!!! Although I felt bad for Fiona McIntosh (the author) in the fact that only a handful of people turned up (that has nothing to do with her writing talent whatsoever, she is great, just location and small bookstore membership) but it was great for my best mate and myself because we actually got to sit down and chat with her for about 45 minutes and she vey kindly signed all of her five books that I had bought along. It is a great experience to be able to make a connection with the people who take you with them on their journeys, especially when it can be that little bit more intimate, as opposed to a signing where you get hi thanks for buying my book whats your name etc. So I think those that did make it to your reading would feel that they have connected to you in a more personal way, which can never be a bad thing.

Cheers Wil, for reminded me of that experience where I felt like a silly schoolkid in the presence my idol, I fully geeked out and got all embarrassed when she smiled at me and asked my opinion of her writing but hey, if you can't feel like that any more then obviously you are a bit to jaded by life and you need to stop and smell the books. (sorry poor poor analogy)

Thanks again Mate

Haven't managed to find your books yet, but saw an article in Dungeon mag. Loved reading about teaching your kids to play. When I saw WWdN listed in my yahoo, had to put it on my page. Keep up the work with the family and have fun.

What I'd like to add is this:
I think that you connect with the whole idea of being 30-something and realizing, as we all do at this age, our real life is not what we or anyone else ever imagined it would be... and that's ... OKAY. Not only is it okay, but it is as it should be. Everything, in fact, is as it should be for this moment. Your weekend was not what you might have envisioned beforehand... but the actuality of it is good. Good, good, good.
And that's... the way it is.
I'm a dork.

Wil,
Seems like another cool time for you. Kids seem to say some of the most funniest things. Thats cool.

FG

I'm a Palm Springs resident who didn't find out about your book signing at Pepper Tree untile TWO HOURS after it started!!! I was sitting at the Ale House down Palm Canyon Drive sipping on my Sam Adams and paging through the Desert Post Weekly (which comes out Thursday, so it was a day old) and DAMN if I see you were not up the street but two hours ago -- I let out a big GAH! Seems like around here, all the cool shit is seriously underreported. Though there are a hell of a lot more non-senior citezens round these parts than 10 years ago -- been in the desert off and on since 1990. There is quite a younger crowd -- under 40. So hope you come back here again soon -- and look into announcing your presence in young-demo media such as FM 95.5 (I think that's there call number) and on Casey's show there in the morning -- he is about 28 years old and the FIRST non-oldtimer and only non-rightwing yahoo on our local radio. Also, see if you can get flyers printed out and put out by places like the Ale House, The Village Pub, etc., the "younger" houses of spirits :) -- and at College of the Desert. OK, there's my more than 2 cents' worth -- AND am newly hooked on your blog -- rock on!

Wil-
There is a definite audience for a "family book" from you. I based this on the fact that as I was walking into Comic Con in Plano for your book siging a few weeks ago, I stopped a couple who was leaving for directions as one of them was carrying a copy of JAG. They also had a toddler and a baby -- which must have taken a major, major coordination effort to bring two little ones to a book signing. The young couple in line in front of me (whom you seem to know personally) also had a baby. And yet your writing also speaks to me -- and I'm old enough to be *your* parent.
Keep writing. Keep acting. Keep doing readings.

PS -- Just read Pam's post and she is spot-on! Also just remembered that the guy Casey on the alt rock station is also a HUGE sci-fi fan and would really be into interviewing you.

This is entirely trivial, but I just wanted to give you props for use of the word 'trekkie.' I've always hated the word 'trekker' (it just sounds pretentious as hell and people need to get over the fact that watching a tv show does not warrant an action suffix, and yes, I realize this paranthetical just proves how much I need a life).

I grew up on TNG, and I still refuse to associate with people at conns who take their fandom that seriously.

So props for not buying in to the FIAWOL terminology, and rock on with the new book-- it sounds awesome.

Wil,
Pam & Caroline have great ideas. There are many folks who read your blog & books who are not geeks, gamers, card players, or trekies/ers. I'm old enough to be your dads friend, and yes I have always loved science fiction. Naturally I was ST/TOS fan & went to TNG with fear & trepidation but was hooked from the get go. As an aside, I never hated Wesley, kind of jelous actually. Really smart, lives on a star ship, food of any description right in the wall, what could hurt a person. In any event, You have reinvented your self from kid an actor to grown actor, improv comedian, writer, blogger, internet fenom. How many people have gotten a 3 book deal from a big time publisher from weblog entries. That's using the web, dude! I found your blog because of a TV interview on ABC's Overnight, about how popular it was & you had written a book from those blog entries. Not because of my affection for Star Trek. I came & ended up reading all the archives in one weekend because I loved your story telling. Your family, your neurosis, your frank telling what happened good, bad, happy & sad. That is what will get you out to the main stream. However, you have a unique oppertunity here, that is why I think Caroline is on to something, with using the web to reinvent the idea of a reading /Q & A, how to sell a book. I will be the first to admit I have no idea how difficult or expensive that would be, streaming media etc. but better men than I, do understand. I'm thinkin' some of them geeks read your blog & may just have a thing or two to say about it. I propose you use the blog to gather together the best ideas you get, write it up and get the web savy crowds help in really using the web in new & unusual ways. I would not abanddon the regular path with Pam's ideas, but god help me for using this tiresom phrase .. think out side the box! You are fond of lyric references, you have not used the musical theatre that I remember. In any case there is a Show about a painter, Georges Seurat who invented pointelism in the 1880's. "Sunday in the Park with George" has advice in a song called Move On"

Stop worrying where you're going, move on
If you can know where you're going, you've gone
just keep moving on.......
I chose and my world was shaken--so what?
the choice may have been mistaken
but choosing was not.
You have to move on........

There are any number of songs in that show you should listen to, on the nature of art & family. It may not be the type of music you lean towards, but the thought & feeling are extroidnary. Stephen Sondheim is the best for a reason. pj

Wil,
The musical mentioned above also won the Pulitzer Prize for drama & your old friend Brent Spiner was in the original cast. He left the show to do TNG as I recall. pj

Thanks, Wil!
I will check with our special orders rep about the proper ISBN for Dancing Barefoot. I'm trying to get our store well-stocked for your MacWorld appearance.

Jessie: I'm at the S.F. Union Square store. Too bad we don't do shipments between stores! We'd take some of your copies!

Wil-
i'm thinkin' its too late to expect you to read this, after all the comments have gotten into the 90's. but just in case i want you to know this: i first discovered Wesley Crusher when i was just a wee girl and my dad, the die-hard Trekkie, took me to all the cons and i loved it, and Wil Wheaton was forever embedded in my head as the hottest space traveler ever. but is that what makes me read your posts every day, and wear a "just a geek" shirt to your book signing? NO. your writing has given me an insight into who you really are: a really cool guy with lots of cool stories. years ago wesley crusher posters were usurped from thier positions on my wall by newer space travelers, but Wil Wheaton, the cool guy on the internet with the awesome books, took place on my bookshelf. and that is way cooler if you ask me. so i guess what im saying is that leaving the star trek arena is the best thing you could ever do. we dont love you because of nostalgia, we love you because you are a cool guy and an awesome writer. go with it.
ps oh my god give us a heads up as to your next booksigning! i hear rumors that you'll be in huntington beach and i just know you'll tell us the day before. stop it!
Nicole: i think we should make more Just A Geek shirts for the next booksigning nearby and sell them :)

Wil,

The most touching stories on WWdN have been you relating to your family and particularly your stepchildren. As a prospective gay foster/adoptive parent I find your struggle to balance closeness with the children's needs to develop attachment at their own speed particularly profound.

The only other writer to hit this chord for me has been David Gerrold in "The Martian Child". Take the kids to the park and keep writing!

Wayne.

I used to work at a bookstore, and what you describe happened to us pretty often -- we'd bring in some fabulous writer and, you know, three people would show up. We always felt terrible about it. Like, if we'd somehow done a better job with publicity, we wouldn't be wasting the writer's time! The writers who were gracious about it, who took the time to engage with the people who were there, are the ones who stand out in my memory. So on behalf of the bookstore employees at the place where you read, thanks for being a mensch. :-)

I am sure you will have a great crowd / time at Barnes and Noble in Huntington Beach! My wife and I were at the store last night and saw that you will be there next week. We are TOTALLY stoked! :-)

Wil

I have a foster son that thinks I am really cool. I has told me years ago that I was the coolest Papa in the world, except for his own dad. I told him that it wasn't a contest and that he was really cool too.

He has since realized what a horrible man his "dad" is all on his own. It has never been a contest, I have loved his as my own son and in a few months he will be. He will be 17 when adoption is final.

I have had 26 foster children and know how it is to raise other peoples kids. From what I have read, your boys have a good dad. I hope they are always close to him if he is deserving of it. I hope Nolan and Ryan are mature enough to realize it is OK to love two dads and loveing one doesn't take away from the other.

Also, don't hold back your love or affection on the premise that you might step on someone's toes.

If you are ever in the Chico (not Chino) area in Northern California, I'd bring 10 people myself to a book signing. You would also be a guest at my deli in our historic downtown and I guarantee that it will be better than the Black Bear Diner. (My son actally really likes the BBD.)

Mr. Val

Wil,

In response to what other aspects of the book might be interesting to non-Trek people, as a blogger myself, I think the aspect of your book that I found the most fascinating was your description and demonstration of how having the blog has made you a better writer, the comparisons between your early posts and your later ones, and how you eventually came to be more open and honest to your readers and yourself in your posts than you had been at the start. Maybe you could play up the aspect of writing itself in your promotions, how writing has affected your life, how your life has affected your writing, etc. as you might be able to bring in some people who may not have previously been aware of you as an actor/blogger/what-have-you but who would be interested in the authorial aspect, as there are thousands of closet writers who I'm sure would relate to and gain insight by hearing your story.

It is amazing about this Sponge Bob character.

My friend who has 3 grand kids just raves about how they all like Sponge Bob Squarepants.

I just don't understand what the fuss is about.

Growing up, we had:
Popeye
Our gang
Mikey Mouse
Clutch Cargo
The 3 Stooges (My Fav)
Sally Star
Captain Kangaroo
Etc

I guess things have really changed.

Keep Writin'

Dave

I for one am glad you came down to our dessert. We don't get many peopole in our area who I know anything about. Plus you arrived just in time to make the book a perfect cristmas gift. Thanks for making my month.

Now, abou ideas, I'll be thinking some up for ya. I too am a writer, so I'm sure something will pop up.

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