One Small Step for Mankind, One Giant Leap for James

It is El Completo.

THE MAZE RUNNER, first draft. Complete.

I struggled a lot with the ending. A lot. I knew how it ended, but putting it together was probably the most difficult time I've ever had in my writing career. I added something that was hard to write, and much deeper than anything I've ever done before. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if my editor makes me change it. It's brutal and taints the "happy" ending.

But after much turmoil, I decided this story needed it very badly. And somehow I wrote it. I'm kind of terrified to read it again, scared it might be a 9 on the old suckage scale. We shall see.

I'm surprised actually. I've always felt an extreme amount of elation when completing the first draft. Not as much this time. It's kind of a muted relief. Sometimes I think this book is too big for me, that I should stick to lighter fare. People, I really, really, really hope this book doesn't stink. I want this story to be fun, intriguing, fast-paced, exciting. The usual. But I also want it to leave the reader with an impression, leave them thinking long after shutting it.

We'll see. I have almost a month to work it to death, to make it better. We'll see.

Hope all is well out there. You'll notice I responded in the comments, something I'd kind of slacked on. No more! I'm superhuman blogger dude! I love getting your comments.

We're a week away from the Dashner Dude one-year anniversary. There'll be much celebrating, and maybe even a very special giveaway. Stay tuned. I may even post a picture of me in a speedo. Or maybe not.

Don't forget the big event this Saturday for Shannon Hale's new book, RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE. It'll be fun. For more info, see the prior post.

Time to get busy on Draft #2.