Known for his Kingkiller Chronicle series of fantasy novels, he earned the distinction of being a New York Times bestselling author. His other fiction works include The Slow Regard of Silent Things and The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle. His nearly decade-long college career ended in 1999, when he graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a bachelor's degree in English. He went on to earn a master's degree from Washington State University.