Two Weeks to Go!

Whoa, we're getting really close to the release of Book 2. I feel like this has totally snuck up on me, and I haven't done as much thinking about promoting the release as I did with Book 1. I think part of that is because my publisher has really pulled back due to the economy and my release tour is going to be very modest.

But, hey! Stupid Dashner! That means you should be working even harder to promote it on the Internet!

Thinking, thinking, thinking...

I got nothin'.

Meanwhile, I really hurt my knee last Thursday night playing basketball. Yes, pity me. I was making a very Jordanesque drive to the hoop when I planted my right leg awkwardly and I felt something twist and turn inside my kneecap. Never had that happen before. It was very strange and very painful.

Of course, I fell to the floor and writhed in agony, realizing the opportunity of a lifetime to be treated like a king. Carried off the floor, brought my own personal bag of ice, many looks of concern for my welfare. And I've milked it at home, too, enjoying the royal treatment from my wife and kids. Even my one-year-old brought me my copy of Entertainment Weekly when he could tell I needed a boost.

I spoke with my Physical Therapist friend and he told me to wait until today to see if I should go to the doctor. It's better, but not a whole lot better. I'm currently trying to decide what to do. I didn't feel the infamous "POP" so I'm really hoping it's nothing serious.

Okay, just had an idea. It seems like a lot of you are really excited for my book, THE MAZE RUNNER. Well, we should be seeing advance copies for that sometime in May. Now, I have no idea how many of those I'll be receiving, but hopefully enough to make this worthwhile.

How about one of those blog tour thingies? Do those work? Every person who blogs about my book the week of its release will have their name put into the drawing hat. If I get enough ARCs for everyone, a copy is yours when they are printed. If there aren't enough, we'll give away as many as I get until they run out, drawing names randomly.

Does that sound like it'll help? I'm asking for advice from my faithful readers. I want to do something that will really help get the word out. Book 1 was well received, and almost all of the reviews were very positive. But Book 2 is so much better, and I want people to discover it! Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

I now officially know where the first opportunity to buy my book and have me sign it will be. The BYU Bookstore will have copies of Book 2 when I'm there for LTUE, the writing/ scifi/ fantasy/ educator symposium to be held the weekend of February 19-21. My signing will be at the bookstore at 2:00 pm on Saturday the 21st, and Book 2 will be there, even though it's technically early.

I'll also be doing a reading and various panels that whole event, so be sure and check out the website for the schedule. It's free. No, really, it's free! And lots of big names will be there. To check it out, CLICK HERE.

Anyway, I hope we can have a party atmosphere around here at The Dashner Dude as we countdown to the release of THE HUNT FOR DARK INFINITY. And any help or advice you guys can give me, bring it on, please! Let's make this thing rock n roll.