Thursday, October 1, 2009

Launch Party at TKE and etc.

The latest:

1. We're just five days away from the release of THE MAZE RUNNER! I'd like to personally invite everyone on Earth to the official launch party, to be held at 5:00 pm at the very excellent indie store, The King's English in Salt Lake City, Utah. The address is 1511 South 1500 East, just north of the Starbucks.

Please come! It'll be the first chance to get a signed copy of the book. Also, since it's kind of early in the day, I'm a little worried about the turnout (that's called neurosis). I'll be doing a talk and Q&A at 5:00, so come on time if you can - but we should be there until 6:30 or 7:00.

2. Then I head for Seattle, then San Francisco/Oakland, then Chicago, then New York City, then Washington DC, then Salt Lake again, then Phoenix, and we wrap up in L.A. For the full tour schedule of events, please CLICK HERE.

I would really love to meet as many of you as possible!

3. I received my schedule for the tour - wow. I'm going to be one busy dude. Lots of interviews, lots of school visits, lots of signings. I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited.

4. One event is going to be pretty incredible that I think all of you can experience, no matter where you are. I don't know all the details yet, but on October 15th at the big Barnes and Noble in Manhattan, I'll have the honor of serving on a panel discussing post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction with three other amazing authors: Scott Westerfeld (UGLIES, LEVIATHAN), Michael Grant (GONE, HUNGER) and Carrie Ryan (THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH).

The event will be filmed and streamed on the B&N website. I'll post the details once I know more.

5. In other news, I received my editorial letter and manuscript comments from Krista (Marino) yesterday for THE SCORCH TRIALS, Book 2 of the trilogy. I don't think she really reads my blog, so I can say this without anyone accusing me of brown-nosing: she is freaking brilliant. I can't tell you any specifics because it would just be spoilers, but she nailed so many things that will enhance the book and take it to another level, just like she did with the first one. I am a lucky author to have her as my editor.

6. I can't sleep at nights. I mean, usually I can, but I'm just too excited and antsy this week.

7. Did you watch the series premiere of FLASH FORWARD? As a die-hard fan of LOST, I'm really hoping this can fill that series' shoes once its done for good next spring. I am officially intrigued, especially by that brilliant ending of the first episode. Oh how I loved that!

8. That made me think of something: I'd like to take this opportunity and thank the people responsible for DVRs, TiVos, etc. You are more important than Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Peter Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and Mother Teresa all rolled up into one. That is all.

9. Speaking of LOST, I'm going to be so, so, so sad when it's over. Any writer should study that series on so many levels to learn about storytelling, characterization, how to structure chapters (the individual episodes are so brilliant!), etc. Sidenote: people don't realize how important the music is in that series! If FLASH FORWARD had the same music person, it would've been twice as powerful.

10. Well, that was kind of a random end to our list today. I have so many thoughts and feelings churning inside me as we get closer to launch day. I'll share more of those soon. I hope everyone is enjoying the best time of year: fall.

34 comments:

Kenny said...

You're going to have an awesome time, James. Say hello to Carrie for us.

Re: LOST. This show should also be studied by network executives who try to meddle in creative affairs. After Season Three, we almost stopped watching the show, based on certain throw-away episodes meant to lengthen the series at the expense of overall coherence.

Since being permitted to write toward a fixed ending, the writers have pulled it all back together quite nicely, and LOST has re-conquered Heroes (which sort of fell apart in Season 2) as our favorite ongoing American sci-fi drama (Torchwood and Doctor Who top that list, however).

This is a long way of saying: stories are better when they have an arc, complete with beginning, middle, and end--and better still when that arc is known early on. This is well-understood in Japanese television, and more American TV execs need to recognize it. Some authors, too, I guess.

numberonedashnerfan said...

I wish I didn't have ranges on relese day Cuz they end at 6 and then it would take 40ish minutes depending on trafic so you would most likely be gone by the time i would get there....and I cant skip out on ranges cuz than I fail.....I will just have to stalk you a differnt time I mean support you and your book another time... lol my brother calls me a brown-noser.... fall is cool with the leaves changing and my dads birthday but personaly I like winter the most because of the holidays and my birthday and the snow and we tend to become more closer as a family durring christmas.... TIKI TIKI

Stacey said...

Oh how fun! Definitely let us know how we can listen in on the NYC event! Love all of those authors!

We are LOST fans too. I just can't imagine it being wrapped up!

I plan on being there Tuesday at TKE! LOVE that store!

Hooray for great editors. I have been very pleased with the things I have read that Krista has worked on. That girl has good taste!

Vanessa M. said...

James, I know a month ago you said Sept. 1 is the best, but I think you should know that Oct. is the best. That's when it finally starts cooling down. (Though yesterday was pretty cold and it was Sept.)

Unknown said...

I'm a lurker here, but I'm excited to meet you next week in Seattle! I loved 13th reality, and looking forward to reading Maze Runner.

Jenilyn Collings said...

Hey, I saw a copy of the Maze Runner on the shelves at Kmart in Provo today (Oct 1st). I guess they missed the memo about the release date. But they had it shelved in the best sellers section, so they're already expecting it to do well.

hidden reader said...

....maybe I should go over to Kmart just to get a copy. It'll be just like an ARC but not.

Taffy said...

DVRed Fast Forward and watched it the other day. Hello?! Very intriguing!
Good luck on your tour, dude.

James Dashner said...

What's up Duders!

You saw it in Kmart? Serious? Who woulda thunk it that Kmart would be our very first sighting? Thanks for that.

I'd love to hear from others when you see it. Wow, you can actually buy it - at least in one place.

Glad to see some LOST fans on here!

Magenta said...

Hey James! Sorry I've been MIA on your blog and haven't commented on your few recent posts, but the point is I'm here now.

Less than a week! Man, I can only imagine how antsy the whole world must be to buy Maze, let alone how antsy the author is that people will be buying it and loving it! ^_~

Wow! No doubt you're gonna be totally busy for a good while.

Oct. 15, B&N site? I am so there! I look forward to it!

Krista sounds like a wonderful editor! You make the rest of us wish that we had her. ^_~

Congratz on everyone checking out the Random Buzz chat. I keep going back to it constantly, and I'm pleased to see the reaction. Better keep up with those questions, James, before they pile up!

Happy Oct. 1st, by the way! ^,^

Unknown said...

Happy Spocktober!!!

@Kenny, amen to the Heroes bit. Was totally brilliant at the beginning, season 2 slightly less so, and this season it just tanked. Oh well. :-(

Anonymous said...

I think Abraham Lincoln might take exception to that and I'm pretty sure Mother Teressa would issue a throwdown. You know how wild she is.

Tuesday, right? I'll do my best to be there, Man. Gotta support the Dashman. (It has nothing to do with my frantic desire to read Maze. Especially since it's KILLING me not to have.)

Way cool news on the B&N Streaming. Are you pumped?

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to be there but I can't living about two an a half hours away:( (sniff).
I can't wait to get a copy of you book!! I am rather exited as well.
I hate to disagree with you guys, but autumn is horrible! it is almost as bad as winter! why can't the year just be warm all the way around? I hate it being so cold your feet never are warm except for when they have been inside of shoes for and hour. ARRG!
that is it.

Joanna said...

I am looking forward to Tuesday and I hope I can make it to the book release. After reading the chapters online I am ready for the book. Humm maybe I will drive to Provo :)

Nichole Giles said...

Seriously? You really want to invite everyone on EARTH? Even politicians, lawyers, and terrorists? What about religious fanatics? I'm thinking you should rethink that invitation, cuz it could end up being kind of dangerous in that little store. The owners of TKE might not invite you back.

Seriously, you'll have a great turnout. Don't sweat it.

Awesome coolness about the B&N thing. That...well, it just rocks. Good luck with your whole tour.

Nichole

Dave said...

James,

How many times have I told you / complained to you about coming to the Tri-State area??? And when you finally do, do you see the kind of "welcome" we give you?? Do you know what strings I had to pull to get those cameras there?? I called in every favor that I could...Glad we finally reeled you in-see you on the 15th!!

Dave

Chuck McCulloch said...

Yes! I finally beat the Maze Runner game last night! It was intense JD...I did discover a cheat though...

My sister thought I went crazy. I was so into it...

Dashnog:shesswi- A French slang word for "pony tail holder".


Anyways, I CAN NOT wait for your book! I am SOOO excited!!!

LouMac said...

By the way, the above comment made by "CMAC Productions" was meant to be posted by me, Loumac. (My dad was logged in.

Once again, CAN'T wait James!

Cami Checketts said...

Good luck with your busy schedule. It was wonderful to meet you at the Ogden Tree House signing. Denver and Mykelle thought you were the coolest author ever (their words). Thanks for signing your name card for them. Now if I can get them to stop fighting over it!
Warmest wishes,
Cami

hidden reader said...

You better keep up on the blog while your around the country being murdered by fans trying to get your autograph. We all want to know who brings down the big bad Dashner Dude. :P

Vanessa M. said...

James, yesterday I noticed my library has the Maze on order. It's been on the catalog for months but now it's on order. Yea!

James Dashner said...

It's always great to read your comments, guys. Keep it up. And I'm thrilled to see that a lot of you are going to try and come on Tuesday. It'll be awesome.

Word on the street is that my wife is going to make some yummies....

Dave said...

Dash,

So what's going down in NY? Is the signing just you or are the other 3 involved in that also? 7pm in NY huh...have you heard any chatter about the crowd size there? That B & N is a big store. I wonder what time to show up...any idea?

Dave

Dave said...

ANYONE ELSE HERE PLANNING ON SHOWING UP IN NEW YORK? IF SO, WHAT TIME ARE YOU GETTING THERE?
THANKS!
DAVE

Laura said...

Just want you to know, if I could teleport, I'd be there. Really.

You're right, Krista is brilliant. I have a lot of respect for her. But you're brilliant too, so it works.

Good luck with your tour. It's going to be a blast.

Brian said...

Hmm, I'll have to watch that stream of the talk about the post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction books. I've read a lot of those lately and it's what we're studying in English this year.

J.N. Future Author said...

I'm so jeolous......

man, this is going to be the time of your life! ^.~ how cool is that!

Dude, get me a first edition! and sign it - that way when it becomes the next big hit i can laugh at all the non-first edition people! ^.^

Scott Westerfield. I want to meet him

Scorch sounds way awesome!!

Unknown said...

T-Minus 24, brother!!!

Dashnog: duckorse. A pegasus made from a horse and a duck.

Vanessa M. said...

oh. my. gosh. oh my gosh! eeeeekkkkk!

okay. sorry about the insane burst of happiness but I am so excited. the book is almost out eeeeekkk!

Unknown said...

I snagged mine from the case that came in today, since there wasn't a street date and it's out elsewhere ;-) I LOVE THIS!

Numberonedashnerfan said...

So im like extremly dyslexic so my range is acutaly on the 9th not the 6th so if my dad gets home in time from work I get to go to the release party.....TIKI TIKI

Cranberryfries said...

I hope your TKE party tomorrow rules! I can't make it because of previous (aka 2 months ago) commitments but I'm telling all my book loving friends about it.

I love that your list was a top 10 today. It's my favorite number so I'm taking it as a personal nod that you like me. :)

Dave said...

Dash,

Congrats! It has finally come. For your other fans to see, I recently had the opportunity to interview James about "The Maze Runner". To find out what he had to say, you can go directly to the interview here:

http://thelateinergangbookreviewspot.blogspot.com/2009/10/interview-with-james-dahner-author-of.html

Best of luck and congrats!

Dave
The Lateiner Gang Book Review Spot

Okie said...

Not going to make it to TKE tonight (obviously, since it's after 5 now and I haven't left work yet), but congrats anyway.

Looking forward to picking up a copy. I'll just have to wait for the tour to come around again to get it signed. :)