Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Checking in...

Hey! Ah, man. I averaged three posts a week for that one week and then ruined it all by averaging zero per week last week. And I used the word "week" four times in that last sentence. Bad writing.

Not a whole lot going on, but here's what's on my mind:

1. My birthday is on Thanksgiving this year. Which is good in the sense that I can eat lots of food and sit around watching football all day, but bad in the sense that I get a two-for-one special day situation. I know, not as bad as Christmas, but still. My wife made it up to me by celebrating early and getting me one of the coolest surprise birthday presents of all time:


2. I'm slightly addicted to the drums. And really getting pretty good if I do say so myself.

3. I had a great time in Michigan last week. Thanks to everyone involved: the schools, the students, the teachers. Thanks to both Barnes and Noble and Borders for hosting events and to all those who came. And I really enjoyed my luncheon at the Borders headquarters. Awesome people and it looks like they're going to promote The Maze Runner a lot this Christmas. Sweet!

4. But most of all I have to thank Mr. XXXX XXXXXXXX. (He insists on staying anonymous.) I didn't know people like this still existed in the world. He is genuine, funny, and completely and absolutely selfless. He personally funded this entire trip so that many students could have the experience of meeting an author (we did 5 schools). And he is by no means rich. I was truly blown away.

5. Mr. XXXXXXXXX also kept me laughing the entire time with constant one liners and countless "sayings", like "kill one cockroach and a thousand come to the funeral" and "women are like streetcars, a new one comes along every 15 minutes." (Don't get mad over that last one - his dad told him that when he got dumped one time to make him feel better. Haha.)

6. Thank you XXXX. I couldn't possibly say it enough times. You are a good man.

7. I've really sucked it up on Twitter lately. I promise to do better!

8. Especially considering my new phone makes it easier. So, I've always coveted the iPhone. But I held off because I LOVE Verizon so much. You can't beat their coverage and their incredible customer service. So when they came out with this new Droid, I couldn't resist. I don't know if it's as good as the iPhone, but it's awfully close. I love, love, love it!

9. I know all you iPhone users will look down on me. I don't care. I win.

10. By the way, I'll be 37. That is freaking old.

11. Maze was chosen for the Texas Lone Star Reading List. It's quite an honor and we are thrilled! Thank you Lori Loranger and everyone else on the committee!!!!!

Q&A from the comments:

LT Elliot asked which kind of cheese I prefer: Well, honestly, I'm a blue collar cheese lover. Cheddar and Pepper Jack!

Erin G: Yes, I knew you were kidding! Haha.

Diva Donna: Yes, I know I owe you guys dinner. Soon!!!!

Shannon O'Donnell: Yes! I would love to come to Montana. I'll email you....

FirstRainbowRose: Nothing in Provo anytime soon. Sorry! Stay tuned for all events....

Matt Hayes asked if I like 13th Reality or Maze better. Hmmmmm. Too close to call!

Dave asked who is publishing 13th Book 3. Shadow Mountain will do the hardback in April, Simon & Schuster the paperback.

ErinG asked if I would still write books if no one paid me for it. Easiest question I've ever gotten: YES!

DkuzNY asked if Maze is going to be made into a movie. I certainly hope so, and though nothing has happened yet, there's definite interest and I really think it will happen.

Jack Porter, great usage of the Maze slang words!

And Aaron, no, I did not die. Thanks for your concern!

37 comments:

Angie said...

37 is not that old. (I just turned 38, so I hope it's not). Happy Birthday!

Lula! said...

I was going to check in to see if you're still wounded because of (2) Uga's death and (b) Joe Cox's death.

OK, so Joe isn't dead. And that's not even a funny joke, so I'll repent. I've begun fasting and praying for the Bulldogs' 2010 season. It's the least I can do.

Happy early birthday. Please celebrate by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and eating lots of turkey.

p.s. I've asked for drums for Christmas for the past 2 years. Maybe this year I'll have my wish granted. And...a video of you banging on the drums would be both appreciated and well-loved. By me.

Erin G. said...

James, James, James. How silly you are. I actually had to resort to studying last week. STUDYING!!!! You need to stop taking these vacations from blogging so I can continue to put off my schoolwork. Thank you.

That's a pretty awesome birthday present! Have you ever played the drums before or are you just learning? We should get together and jam sometime (you on your drums and me on my chinese flute). Haha. Just kidding. Happy Birthday!!!! on thursday. :D

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, James. You are getting old, but hey, a great senior discount is right around the corner, buddy. I'm pumped for you!

Kidding, kidding. Have a great Thanksgiving/B-day. Hope the writing is going well.

ronna15 said...

Happy Birthday Mr. D!!!!! And 37 is not that old. Awesome birthday gift by the way!! I've always wanted a drum set, but alas! I can't afford it(yet). Been asking one for my parents for 3 yrs.(or a Les Paul guitar) but they won't budge. Anyway, yeah. Have an awesome Thanksgiving/Birthday!!! ;D

-ronna

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Your wife? Rocks. But you probably knew that.

Hope the day itself is just as fabulous!

Jade said...

Just thought I'd say hi. I just bought Maze Runner in my epically awesome haul of Christmas books and I'm really looking forward to reading it. I hear good things...

Also, you should come to Australia because it's summer here. Lots of BBQs and drinking and ocean-frolicking to be had. Tempting...

Deb said...

The Droid is awesome (and don't tell anyone I said this, but much better than the iPhone because Verizon DOES have way better 3G coverage).

Also, may I offer my condolences to you. 5-5...looks like I may win the bet after all :)

Nice to hear from you on the blog again. Good to know you are alive and kicking, even if barely. I mean, 37??? Sheesh, one foot in the grave, my friend!

Anonymous said...

You're a babe in swaddling still, James. You'll live to be, like, 112.
Thanks for the cheese answer!

I was getting worried about you. We haven't seen you for ages and ages (okay, a week) but you were missed.

I've got to ask you about that droid because I'm seven kinds of curious about it.

Anonymous said...

BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Lyssa(: said...

Are coming to Atlanta, Georgia during your Maze Runner tour by any chance?

Cluttered Brain said...

Are you coming to St. George UT by chance for a book signing? Yeah, I know it is a pretty lame-o place to stop but I live in Mesquite NV. I drove up to see Josi Kilpack..I'd drive up to see you too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NO,37 is NOT old. Silly.

Your wife is awesome! She got U that drum set? Cool.

And enuf slacking on Twitter! GET BACK on the bandwagon and start tweeting...maybe if I am lucky you will tweet at me back. If you did, I would RT it, cause a BIG time author tweeted at me...SO COOL!

LOL! I am working on getting published too. You inspire me. Actually all authors inspire me. Josi,Annette, Jaimie, Tristi, you know the gang...

Talk or TWEET at you later James.
Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Laura said...

Okay, I'm a month and a half older than you. Since you're officially going to be old, I'm feeling especially ancient.

Question of the day- do you play your drums to the radio, pre-recorded music, just for fun to make a lot of noise or have you secretly joined a band? The Dashner Dudes. I can see it now.

Unknown said...

Is There Going To Be A Second Book To The Maze Runner ?! I Think There Should BE!
-Devery

Berin Stephens said...

Dude, I hope to hear you play those drums like Neil Peart by next week.

Cranberryfries said...

a) Drums? Sweet! I remember reading a while back when you went out to visit your brothers and you got to play in the recording studio. I think your wife wanted to make sure you were good before she got them so that there wouldn't be crazy blam blam noises goin' on.

b) Mr XXXXXX rocks. Nothing like doing something nice for the benefit of others.

c) Happy Birthday old man.

d)I am so with ya on the two-fer holiday. Do you like to celebrate your birthday for the whole week?

Katie said...

Nice drums!! Your wife is truly amazing for getting those for you. Happy Birthday! Congratulations for The Maze Runner for being on the Texas Lone Star Reading List! That is awesome.

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

Awesome post! Happy almost birthday! :) Enjoy your day!

Gina said...

Happy turkey day...oh, I mean birthday! Could be worse...Christmas is a grand day but I wouldn't necessarily want to share my birthday with it.....too many people giving two for one presents! LOL. I actually know someone that has that situation and another someone that was born on Halloween. Curious...very curious.

Oh, and 37 is not old....true, it's older than I, but definitely not old.

Have a great time and celebrate the heck out of it.

James Dashner said...

Thanks for the comments guys. Keep them coming!

Nichole Giles said...

Happy birthday, James. So...how long have you been playing the drums? Awesome present!

Nichole

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

James--Happy birthday, baby boy! I'll be 44 in just over a week. Enjoy you drums. I'm sure my hubby will stop by the gas station on the way home from work and get me a bottle of sparkling wine. :)

Dave said...

Dash,
Glad to see you are ok! Happy B-day..37, I'm creeping right behind you! I was going to say on here a week ago that I kidnapped you to get a glimpse at Scorch, but thinking twice, I knew I'd have either the authorities, Random House Execs, or a ton of Duders at my house within 24 hour, so I refrained! Glad all is well.

Dave

Stephanie Black said...

Happy birthday, James. Your birthday is the same day as my daughter's, which makes you extra-cool.

Melony said...

Uh - your wife is pretty darn awesome! My bday is Dec 8, which has always kinda sucked just being in Dec but I have bro and sis that go on and off with Turkey day (Nov 23 and Nov 28) we all feel your pain! How was Mi, I grew up there and miss it! Happy writing!

The Damsel In DisDress said...

Sweet drums...now I'm gonna call you "Spartacus" or "Shades" (That Thing You Do)

margot

Magenta said...

Happy birthday, Dude! ^_^ I hope it rocks tomorrow (just like your drums!). Wait, of course it'll rock... it's gonna be Thanksgiving! Yay!

Sometimes my birthday (my twin's too, of course) lands on Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year) and my brother's often lands on one of the nights of Chanukah, of which there are 8. This year we managed to avoid both. 0,o

Thanks for being born and bringing joy to YA readers everywhere! ^_~

Melinda said...

Your wife must REALLY love you or she doesn't mind a lot of noise. Or she plans on you being gone a lot with your book trips.

And.

Who are we kidding? You are old!

Christie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vanessa M. said...

1) If this was another social experiment, read my comment from last post. WE DON'T LIKE IT JAMES!

2) The first thing that came to my mind when I saw your drums is a picture of you banging on drums. Or maybe it was the sound of drums being banged on by some kid.

3) Happy Birthday old man.

numberonedashnerfan said...

Happy Birthday my favorite author !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....
.... You never replied to my last 2 or so comments on a different posting..... oh well...... my dad got the HTC touch pro so his boss had to get a phone cooler than him so he got a droid..... We no longer have the same phone.... Speaking of phones it might actually be a good thing you got a new one because mine decided to call 911 in my pocket today.... Hope your TURKey day is filled with Many BIRTHDAy wishes!!!.... Nice drums... want my brothers drums too please lol jk... if you were in town on the 16th I was going too invite you too build a bear because one of my friends canceled on me with the party I was having so you our your cute 2 year old could make a bear.... im being a little random but ohs well... my principal on the anouncments today was all students this is a very important message a hypoglycimic kid back pack was STOLE, please get it back asap.....Tiki tiki dude

numberonedashnerfan said...

James hope your having a good day.... Dave, why did you block me from your website I have left you alone for quite some time I don't think it was far or nice of you to do so.... anywho James let us know how cool your birthday turns out!!!

Unknown said...

I'm glad you didn't die, I would have been sad.

Lyssa(: said...

I loved the blog post.

And I'm really glad you didn't too. :)

Do you have a complete list of all the books you've published anywhere?

Unknown said...

You had a great time in Michigan because you can be annoyed by me even when not in Arizona, and that's the truth of it. No need to lie to yourself. =) Amanda said you were super sweet. However, you let HER jump the line and not me? This is not ok.m =P

C.J. said...

I hope your birthday was a happy one. That XXXX guy seems to go by many different names all spelled with X in varying amounts, but he does seem amazing.

kanishk said...

You need to stop taking these vacations from blogging so I can continue to put off my schoolwork. Thank you.

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