472 thoughts on “Kingdom of Rain”

1. It’s a bad scary time for everybody. Fueled mainly by propaganda in my opinion. Personally I think everybody should post when they are emotional. It keeps us all honest.

2. Hi Wil,
   I’m a Canadian who pops by now and again to see how things are with you (Did you know that “Tribute” did an article on your website? They said it was great.) and I must add my own little “don’t let the bastards grind you down” message. So don’t let them. Grind you down, that is.
   I was reading the “ways to prepare for terror” stuff on CNN, and I can’t believe how reduculous it is. The U.S. goverment wants everyone to think that terrorists are going to break into their little suburban houses in somewheresville and turn thier homes into terrorist bunkers.
   Terrorized by the potential possibility of terror.
   All the “stuff you can do to protect yourself” listed involves buying things, a large quantity of things, too. Buy batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting, bottled water, anti-terrorist kits. And don’t cancel your travel plans, because that would stop you from spending money.
   It makes me feel better to see other people are thinking the same kinds of things as I am, because there are so many people who DON’T GET IT. Or don’t care. Or don’t want to know. My b/f and I were talking to someone who believes everything on the television, and that Bush has done a good job of running the states. So I pointed out that people are being fingerprinted based on thier background arrested for having the same name as someone who’s been profiled, large corporations are being given tax breaks while people can’t afford basic heating, women’s rights are being taken away bit by bit, and gay people are still being arrested just for being gay. She wasn’t aware of any of that, but she still thinks Bush has done a great job of leading his country through such tragedy.
   NEEAAARGH!
   So, I understand the frustration. I must, if I just spent all that energy writing all that.
   This Saturday there are more protests going on all over the world. Good. I’ll be there, that’s for sure.
   Don’t let the bastards grind you down,
   -Emily

3. Right on, Wil! I’m so sick of everyone (especially the insipid mass media) accepting our unelected president’s word on everything. We’ve run out of things to hang on Saddam’s head, so now we’ll (once again) claim he’s in league with bin Laden. Too bad no one’s found any credible evidence to support this claim! We’re not terribly concerned about North Korea, and even less concerned aobut any of the dictatorships we actually support, but we’re ready attack innocent Iraqi civilians? Clearly, oil runs thicker than blood.
   Saddam’s not a nice man, but he’s no threat to us. Israel, maybe. Then again, Israel’s a threat to most of the Muslim world. Maybe our actions (including continued support of a thug like Ariel Sharon) have something to do with most of the world opposing us?I’ll continue to speak out against this unjust war no matter who wants to stop me. That said, maybe this whole thing will backfire on the Bush Baby just like it did on his daddy over a decade ago. Guess what, Chimp Boy? People are out of work and things aren’t getting better. It’s still the economy, Stupid!
   I was about to apologize for going on this lengthy rant, but I’m not sorry. Too many of us have stayed too quiet for too long while *our* current regime trampled civil liberties and let corporate criminals run wild. Dumbya’s personal vendetta with Saddam is too much. Wil, it’s hard to keep one’s chin up these days but keep trying. Your family loves you, your posse loves you, and your work on WWDN tells me your book is going to be “as good as (you) thought.” Take some time off if you need it. You don’t owe anyone (except maybe yourself) anything. Peace!

4. Those rich fucking assholes… I hope you can see the good things in your life and the positive supportive people around you. And to everyone else, fuck ’em. Those sorry-ass motherfuckers will get theirs sooner or later.
   As for war… It’s definitely depressing. I’ve pretty much given up hope for peace. I don’t think Dubya is capable of rational thought.
   I think there’s a lot of interest in your book which is terrific! And whether it becomes a New York Times best seller or not, you will probably have equal parts of positive and negative feedback. I think that’s just the way it works. Just remember that there aren’t many other people in the world with your varied talents and experiences who have their own posse. That’s gotta rock right?

5. Damnit!
   Now I’ve got that old The The song in my head…
   Thanks……..

6. Sorry about the Rich Fucking Assholes Wil. If it’s any help I’ll volunteer to babysit. I’m not a teenager (just close to it at 21) and I live in Pasadena. I work for Caltech and am bored as all get out . . .and. . .well kids are fun just so long as they are over the age of 2 (I can’t understand babytalk for some reason).
   And posting when emotional isn’t always bad- sometimes you just have to vent and I think most of us understand that completely. I totally understand the uncertainty about your book as I recently had some people at work tell me since I didn’t have a PhD I’m not a real scientist and I wouldn’t know how to conduct or complete a single experiment. Don’t feel bad- some people just need to feel like they have some power and they get that feeling by trying to squash anyone and everyone.

7. Damn… People telling Wil *he’s* uninformed, that Hussein’s hell-bent on taking over the world (like Bush isn’t?), and that the polls show most Americans *support* a war? Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, misguided as it may be, but that’s exactly what the Bushies want to take away from anyone who disagrees with them… Wake up, America.
   Oh, and Wil? Don’t worry about being called “un-American.” I feel more and more un-American every day. Could any Canadian WWDN monkeys offer advice on how to look for jobs up there? I want off of this ride.

8. Wil,
   Just two words: MOVE QUICK!
   Those people are what my grandmother would affectionatly call a pack of bastards.

9. Wil,
   Go to Mr. T’s Bowl and have a heart-to-heart with that freaky blonde space-alien bartendress / owner’s wife hottie.
   It’ll help, trust me.
   As for your neighbors…tell ’em Pasadena has re-zoned the neighborhood, and all your homies west of Fair Oaks and north of Raymond are moving next door.

10. I don’t think any sane American *wants* war. Who wants to send their children off to die in some hellhole?
    That being said, I do think that the price of Peace is paid in blood. We, in America, just aren’t accustomed to what it takes to maintain the peace. Honestly, we’ve enjoyed the peace we have due to the sacrifice of others.
    And, no, no American should ever be called unAmerican for not wanting a war. However, all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

11. I know the fears you have about your book. Like it is the last chance you have. It is not so. I know it because I can see it from a distance. There is lots of opportunity around you. You are not doing too bad. I can see that you can

12. I hate Bush, the idea of war, the fear of leaving the house because the media says I should be. I hate that my students are going to have a 1/2 day off (we never cancel school), so I can go to an inservice about “No Child left Behind”. Ironic? No Child left behind, except for all the ones that are at home instead of in school because we need to listen to Bush’s federal implementation of standards that make NO sense. Federal education…George Bush. Me UnAmerican? You? How about George going against the will of the people!

13. Hey Wil
    I think some of your best work is the emotional stuff. I know how many posts you get saying how much we love you and how wonderful you are, but my advice is this – just do what it is that makes you the happiest. Whether its your book or your site or just looking at your wife and realizing just how lucky you really are. Its not so easy to do, but you are a great writer and a great guy. At least thats the way I feel from reading your Blog everyday. I hope it wasn’t my email that pissed you off!!!!Just kidding.

14. Hi Wil,
    For what it’s worth, I agree with you about the war and your book. I mean, I don’t have any experience with either (writing my own book nor fighting in a war), but I understand the stress. Although I don’t consider myself a religious person, what I say to myself to get through some of my most stressful moments (and there has been some doozeys for me over the past 5 years) is “This too shall pass.”
    I just wanted you to know that I enjoy your writing on your website and that you are a great actor, I’ve enjoyed your performances on Star Trek and the low budget movie, The Curse. I hope that you are in alot of things soon. I think you have alot of talent.
    Good Luck to you,
    Patty

15. you’re STILL reading “Bringing Down the House?”
    Thank god you write faster than you read, Wil!
    Just joking with ya!

16. Wil,
    This website and your blog are a part of my day. I read what you write and laugh/cry/rant/giggle with you.. and then marvel at the way you place your words so lightly in your posts.
    You make me want to write again.
    *offering my support along with everyone else*
    ~twink

17. Well, I haven’t read through all 266 posts, but
    We’re all here for you Wil.
    We got yer back. Take a look in the ‘box.

18. Re: the war and all that…
    I would love to live in peace, as I’m sure even President Bush would. What I don’t hear much from advocates for peace is where to draw the line before war is required. Being Chamberlain seems like a really good idea until history proves that Churchill might have saved the world. Tough choices to make without the benefit of time. But hey, I’m just a geek without the answers, and I’m trying to give those with the horrible job of making those decisions some benefit of the doubt.
    But, welcome back Wil, hope you can be happy.
    And, of course, my love to Christina Aguilera.

19. 1) In regards to writing the book : remember the definition of brave is doing something even though it petrifies you.
    2) I will be buying your book, and not at the discounted Costco price either 😉
    3) I am sorry that people are mean to you, its so uncool both in person and online.
    4) In regards to war and terrorist attacks, my plan is to buy a 5th of an alcohol of my choice, and keep it near in the event of anything nefarious I shall go into that dark night giggly. If it is my time, so be it.
    5) so get your mack, your swerve AND your groove on Will time’s a wastin’ and I’m running out of things to read. xxoo

20. All of this “unelected President” talk is crap.
    Bush WAS elected. Accept it and move on.

21. Wil, just disregard the nay-sayers and other dren out there. As a fellow writer (don’t you dare call me an author), I can relate to the trepidation concerning your book. Remember to write for yourself and the rest of the world will read it. I can relate to the ex-hubby problem also. My wife’s first husband for years was an a-hole and we couldn’t avoid him since we all worked at the same university.
    Hey, we are doing what we can to stop the Bush War, he is just too stubborn.

22. Hang in there Wil! You’ll make it through all this crap. Looking back on your archives, I remember you use to say that when something bad happens, something good will happen to balance it out! Look into the future because I’m sure good things are bound to happen! Don’t sweat it about the book, because I am sure it is terrific, and I will be one of the first to buy it Wil! Don’t worry, be happy! GOD BLESS!

23. this is mostly directed at the last end of your post… i blame the dumbing down of america for most of this, they arent smart enough to read a little into these types of things just the way bush likes it… and who pays the wages of the news, corporations, all they tell us is their propaganda and whe they want us to think and since bushy is on their side put 2 and 2 together… if you want real news you have to go read/watch something england based… the guardian isnt bad, UK paper, and around here CNNfn comes on at 1 a.m. which is english CNN much better news because they ask questions that people in the US get fired for asking…
    ps- those Richassholes….. were RichHUGEassholes
    welcome back

24. hey wil,
    the ex stuff will come in waves. its a pita, but you guys will overcome with love and each other and family and, well, us (and major hugs to anne, i KNOW what the sod ex partner does to life, doing it now:( )
    the book – hey, *I* like your style, enjoyed the extract, and am another guaranteed buyer..but in the end dude, you write cause you have something to say. if you reach just ONE other person, you have made a difference in life. and thats a rare and wonderful thing that people can do..
    but have faith, WE do…so many people writing who believe in you
    and yeah, take a break, im just meandering back after a month off to concentrate on baby growing and relationship (yep, including pita ex) stuff….this place is a community, and its home..
    “home is the place, that when you go there, they have to let you in”
    thanks for creating a comfy home for us unca willy:)
    the war blows, my australian gvt is supporting it DESPITE the clear wishes of the australian public to not be involved unless there is a clear UN resolution. marching on sunday to protest. doesnt make me anti-us, just anti war.
    and yeah, post when emotional, good and bad, wtf not – wouldnt you want us all to feel safe to do so?
    hugs and mojo and a nice cup of tea, r:)

25. What happened to “no entries because I’m so depressed” thing? Figures….what else would you be doing?
    You remind me of Ethan Hawke–wasn’t offered anymore scripts but now is a “writer”

26. Re. slightly above: no, no he wasn’t. Bush was appointed. Accept it and move on.
    Rather than be upset, distressed or worried, you should rent the Marx Brothers’ “Duck Soup.” Or buy it, if you’re feeling flush. Take two doses of Groucho and post again in the morning.

27. Wil, you ain’t the only getting labelled anti-American. I served 6 years active, 6 years reserve in the USMC (including Desert Shield/Storm) and currently oppose our drive to take a second shot at Saddam.
    For opposing the coming war, idiots who’ve never served a day in the military, have affixed the “pro-Saddam” label to myself and like-minded colleagues. I am far from being “pro-Saddam.” What these chickenhawk warbloggers and neocons fail to grasp is that opposition to a war doesn’t mean love of a dictator. And it certainly doesn’t make someone “anti-American.”
    Over a 12 year military career I took the oath of office at least 8 times for reenlistments, promotions and on historic occasions. Each time, I swore that I would “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, Foreign and Domestic” and “that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.” Not once did I swear to agree with the President of the United States on any issue at any time, lest I be branded anti-American. Blind obedience and conformity are anti-American. The willingness to openly criticize government and politicians is truly an American trait.
    Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.

28. look at this way, if they (the terrorists) really do strike again, they’ll hit hard and heavy here in Washington, DC. of course that’s no comfort to me as I live here (in DC), but for the rest of you who live elsewhere….
    ok, there was a point in there….

29. Wil,
    While I don’t agree with your stance on the IRAQ situation, I am sorry to hear about all the crap you are going through. I do look forward to your book being published…don’t worry it will be just great…as far as the blog-trolls, dont worry about them…brush them off…there are web-trolls everywhere…and they are typically all the same 10 people with 20 different email addresses.
    Take Care!

30. Hey wil…
    You can’t depend upon ANYONE other than yourself regarding anything creative.
    You are making a big mistake by letting others influence your work. You have shown us all many times exactly how creative and delightful your writing is.
    YOU have the be the one pulling the strings. Once you start relying on other people’s ideas and opinions, your work becomes the work of a committee, and it’s not YOURS anymore!
    Don’t give a shit for what anyone says but YOURSELF regarding your work. And regarding the idiots in DC, they’re going for the big power grab no matter what anyone in the world says. But they’re pissing off a whole shit-load of people, and I think it’s gonna come right back around and bite them in the ass in 2004. Assuming we all live that long…..
    LeeB

31. I want to read your book. And when I read it I want it to be a book written by Wil Wheaton, no one else. Your book will rock. It’s only natural to be affraid when doing something new. Keep the faith and trust that it will be appriciated us your audience on the net. I for one will be purchasing a copy.
    J.

32. Hey Wil, writing a book is stressful business, publishing it (I would assume) doubly so. It’s kind of like flashing people – any feedback you get you’re likely to take personally. But think about it. Your website has umpity ump readers who think your writing is cool, so your instincts and your abilities must be pretty good, right?
    And if you want more confidence builders, go to Barns and Noble and look at some of the books you wouldn’t normally read – tawdry romances, crummy mysteries, biographies of Martha Stewart. Glance through them and remember the words that have inspired great writers since the days of James Fenamore Cooper: “*I* can write better than this!”
    And then note that what you’re reading was published, that the writer was paid for it and is, to quote Stephen King’s essay in the 1989 Writer’s market, “[…]a professional writer, whatever the literati say.”
    So have faith, Wil. Don’t stress about it, don’t *worry* about it too much, just write the book so that the editor is happy with it (remembering that your editor is in it for the company, for whom the success of the book translates directly into money, and they’ve done this hundreds of times.) Just do it.

33. Blah, blah, blah, liberal blather. Hey you guys hate America so much, go the hell to France and live amongst the Frogs and their filth and stinch. Also, the French, Germans, Belgians, and Iraqis can S my D.
    Oh, Wil good luck on the book, I need a good laugh and toilet paper.
    Thanks!

34. You rock, Wil. Thank you for saying what I’ve been thinking for months. Thank you for posting it where other people can comment and agree without feeling quite so afraid or paranoid. What really scares me is the fact that I’m not afraid of the “terrorists” – I’m afraid of our government and where it’s leading us. It’s nice to know other people have those thoughts and feelings too, and that not everyone is following along blindly.
    I look forward to reading your book.

35. Wil,
    Just finished my first novel and have been putting myself through the torture of getting critical feedback. The. Process. Sucks. It took me quite some time to get past the fact that those who criticize, don’t know how to critcize, and even when they say things like “this is wrong,” or, “change this to that,” you have to add the silent “It’s my opinion that…” at the beginning, because that’s all it is–just their opinion. No better than yours, no better than mine.
    And in looking for an editor, I know exactly the fears and self-doubts that clamp down on your head and refuse to let go. Joel Rosenberg once told me, “I’m perfectly capable of saying to myself, ‘Gee, that’s neat, I wish I — oh, I did’ and ‘Shit, what idiot wrote that — oh’ within the same paragraph.” So, it’s not just you. Promise.
    Keep these in mind: J.K. Rowling was turned down by every single publishing house in England before getting her first Harry Potter novel grudgingly accepted. She kept all the rejection letters, and finds it endlessly amusing that no one will admit to having told her No.
    And it’s always the song that almost didn’t make album that tops the charts, the idea that no one else liked that eventually takes the world by storm.
    So relax, friend. 🙂

36. Ok, all you screw-ups and under-achievers. If you don’t like it here in the BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD then leave. Go to Canada where the exchange rate sucks and most of your hard earned money (whatever you can make a McDonalds) goes to pay taxes for a Socialist country.
    You lame-arse idiots. You and I are so lucky that we hit the gene pool lottery and fell out of our mama’s wombs in this country. Think about it, you could have been born under some freakin tree in Africa and be eaten alive by lions, killed by your tribe or sold into slavery. Or, you could have been born in China and make all of $120 per year slaving away in some unsafe GUBMENT factory.
    You’ve got it made here. And you want to run the risk of throwing all that we’ve worked so damn hard for? If Saddam does not die and we don’t kill every terrorist in the world, then we are in jeapordy of loosing our way of life.
    I, for one and many, love this country, our President and the great life we have. You all better smarten up or life may be very different years from now.

37. At times it seems like the richer you are the shittier the personality you have. I honestly don’t mind being poor. Most of us folks are pretty down to Earth & would understand you running a little late.
    I can see why you were pissed off & yea all the Terrorist preparations madness is bizarre too.
    Duct tape for my windows? If deadly chemicals are right outside my window I don’t think duct tape is going to save me.
    argh…yea…the world is truly becoming a weird place.
    P.S. Good luck with the book. You’re a talented guy & don’t ever second guess yourself. It’ll all work out find in the end.

38. Wil,
    I wanted to let you know that we all get feeling like that from time to time. In collage, It was explained to me a little better and the explanation always makes me feel a little better.
    I can tell that you are excited about your book. But you are also afraid and anxious about whats going on with it. When you feel excited and afraid at the same time its a good thing. You are growing as a person. You are branching out into the unknown and thats where the feelings are coming from. When I realize that I am feeling these feelings, I usally get a rush of positive feelings since I know that no matter if a fail or succeed, I have grown, which means I have succeeded.

39. I also have to wonder if America knows what the world thinks of them? Unfortunately, what can the rest of the world do? Most of the countries are scared of America. America is the same people who said that they would “storm the world court if any of it’s troops were charged with war crimes”. But, I’m one of the people who lives in a country that knows how much of America feels. I’m not sure how many people in America believes that Osama is joining forces with Saddam. But the world knows that it’s crap.
    Maybe that’s scarrier, we know, yet America won’t be stopped. My country “harbours” alot of terrorists, what’s to stop America of invading Canada when their done with Iraq? Or France, Germany, any country?

40. It’s good you’re speaking out about the war but let’s take it further.
    Why don’t you join folks like Susan Sarandon and her husband Tim Robbins on the protest marches.
    There’s one in SF on February 16th.
    You’re famous and so will be heard even more.

41. Good luck with the book. Write the book that you want to write. Listening to suggestions is good, but ultimately you need to be the one who is satisfied. It will be your name on the cover. I, for one, am looking forward to reading it.
    Your blog has been a breath of fresh air in a country where anyone who disagrees with the government is deemed anti-American. Personally, I consider believing and practicing the ideals of America- including freedom of speech- is patriotic.

42. I totally feel the same way about Bush. I don’t think war is justified, the people I talk to don’t think war is the answer, and the rest of the world sure doesn’t seem to want us to go to war; Why the hell are we speeding down the road to war then???!!

43. Wil…
    1) When your boys see that you have called their friend’s parents “Rich Fucking Assholes,” will that be a good lesson for them? Will they be proud of you? Something about “think globally, act locally” comes to mind right now for some reason.
    2) If a bridge in New York blew up after charges were placed on the pilings by men in a zodiac boat at 3 a.m., and then it is learned that the men were sighted and reported but no attempt was made to check them out, would you criticize “the authorities” for failing to act?
    Have a nice day.

44. I’ve been reading this site for… I’m not sure how long. But I’ve got to tell you that this is probably the best post I’ve seen you put up. It is certainly one of the best un-American articles I’ve ever read. I salute you! Vive la libert

45. Wil,
    Well I think you changed your mind, but you know what, I’ve often found when I get into that pissy, angry-at-the-world mood, taking a break from EVERYTHING related tot he computer for about a week really helps.
    Also, you could always let Lady Wheaton take the helm (no ST pun intended) for a while. The last time she posted, it looked like the Monkey Masses were thrilled about it, myself included!
    Yep, you could let her tell us all of those wonderfully juicy little secrets about you. You know, things like whether you slurp your spaghetti, wrap it around your fork, or use a knife, or if you are a Ford or a Chevy man, is your glass half full or half empty, tastes great, less filling…all of those important manly dilemmas >;}

46. Wil,
    I was at the 15th Anniversay Con in Pasadena when you gave a presentation from your book. I told you this then and will gladly remind you…your book will be AWESOME! There is absolutely no question about it. You stole the show from the rest of the cast. You are very talented and have NOTHING to worry about, although I understand that kind of pressure. It’s normal, but you WILL BE GREAT! So, have you looked into Cold Fusion yet? You said to remind you. Hang in there and will see you next month at the Grand Slam.
    terrie

47. It’s been pointed out that there’s a big problem with duct tape, plastic sheeting, and an air-tight room. Um, AIR.
    As for your post being “un-American,” I think one of the most American things you can do is state your opinions and encourage debate.
    I hope it stops raining in L.A.

48. Wil,
    Hang tough, don’t let the bastards wear you down. I truly wish you sucess with the book. I agree that voicing your anti-war opinion is not unpatriotic as long as you give thoughtful well reasoned arguments and don’t spout out untruths like “It’s all about the oil!!”. Now in the spirit of American free speech I would like to voice what would seem to be a minority opinion with you and your readers/commenters. I am pro-war with Iraq and I thank God that George Bush is President of the USA at this crossroad of history. While war is a thing to be avoided not all wars are unjustified. Does anyone here think Nazi Germany under Hitler did not need to be put down? All those with an open mind should read this essay by Mr. Bill Wittle at his website: http://www.ejectejecteject.com/archives/000027.html
    Hopefully it will change some of your minds.
    As for me I lay the blame for the current Iraq and radical Islamic fundamentalism terrorist situation on Presidant Jimmy Carter and his administration. When the “students” took over our embassy in Teheran in 1979 and that situation was allowed and abetted by the Iranian govt. that was cause for war. If the US had forcefully corrected the situation at that time and put down the newly Islamic fundamentalist government of Iran many of todays problems would not be with us. Islamic fundamentalism would have be squashed in it’s infancy and the Iran-Iraq war probably would not have occured (which helped Saddam aquire much of his military hardware/knowledge from the USA because we wanted to punish Iran thru Iraq). Which all eventually led to the first Gulf War and the current situation we are in now.
    Thoughtful not hateful comments welcomed. Good day all.

49. I saw you on the screen savers a while back. I noticed your url in a review of Opera last nite on the screen savers. WOW I guess I should pay more attention to the net. This is what I have been lookin’ for. I feel the same as you about the alerts and such…It is so 1984, it’s scary. I have wondered why the media and other voices are not speaking out about this iraq crap…..But the sad thing is that I know people that actually what this war. I have family in Ventura that are all over kicking Saddam’s ass. They buy this stuff hook line and sinker. I look at them and think how could I be related to these fucking idiots. Well I’ve gotta go get more duc tape. See ya

50. You’re BAAAAAACK! I’m so glad!

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