Friday, September 19, 2008

San Francisco, Here I Come


This is my last work day before the Fall 2008 Edition of the Change the World Tour kicks off in the San Francisco area. I'll be there all of next week, and then it's off to Houston, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North and South Carolina, Utah, and Idaho. Six weeks in all, dozens of schools, probably 25,000 students spoken to, lots of signings. I can't wait!

For the schedule of book signings, go to http://www.the13threality.com/ and click on "Tour Dates." I'll be blogging regularly from the road, so be sure and check in.

I'm really excited about San Francisco, having never been there. I'll actually have most of Monday to explore, so please, anyone, give me some advice on what I should check out. I've always wanted to go to Alcatraz...

Last time I asked about Halloween, whether you loved it or loathed it. Here's my answer: I LOVE it! Now, the Dashner Dude doesn't dress up, mind you. I hate dressing up. But I love seeing the kids dressed up, giving out candy, taking my own kids around the neighborhood, the weather, the decorations, the jack-o-lanterns, the smell of pumpkins burning from candles, my wife's special recipe for cooked pumpkin seeds, creepy music, yada yada yada. I love it all.

October is one of my favorite months, topped only by November and December.

Today I'm having lunch with the woman who changed my life forever. Okay, that sounds a bit dramatic, but she did! Honestly. Go back and read about it in one of my old posts. Stacy Whitman, Editor Extraordinaire. Her editorial feedback on THE MAZE RUNNER was brilliant, and it never would've made it to SOLD! without her. She's freelancing now, so I strongly urge you to contact her and seek her help.

I don't know if I can give out her email address - I'll ask her today. In the meantime, email me and I'll tell you how to contact her.

J. Scott Savage (check out his amazing FARWORLD website) and Sara Zarr (who just turned in her manuscript!!!!) are also joining us, so it's gonna be good times. Ya know, the only thing better than being an author is being friends with other authors. We're a strange breed.

Well, have a great weekend, and be sure to watch plenty of football. It makes the world a happier place. Note: Hopefully I'll be showing you some covers very soon..... Oh, and the Advance Reader Copies of THE HUNT FOR DARK INFINITY went to press today!

17 comments:

Cheryl said...

Well, if you're going to do Alcatraz, you might as well see Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghiradelli Square (best ice cream and chocolate!). They're all close together. If you get a chance, go across the Golden Gate Bridge (warning: it takes a toll BOTH ways. Not just one way like the other bridges) and hike around John Muir Woods. One of the best spots is the Oakland Temple (across the Bay Bridge and in the foothills of Oakland). The view is spectacular and the grounds are gorgeous.

I lived in the Bay Area for only a year, but it was heaven on Earth. HEAVEN, I tell you!

Have fun on the tour. Ooh, and I can't wait for my ARC!

Worldbuilder Robin said...

Another great thing to check out as long as you're down there is the Exploratorium. It's very close to the SF side of the Golden Gate bridge. It's a hands-on science museum that is chock full of really great stuff! Much better if you have children to take with you, but still high on my "must see" list for SF.

Q said...

You must go see Lombard Street. It's practically a law.

(So how soon are you shipping the ARCs for contest winners? I'm so excited.)

Suey said...

Alcatraz is a definite must... and all the other stuff everyone mentioned. We LOVED our SF trip! Be sure to catch a sunset. There's really cool book stores there too, and amazing Italien restaurants.

Unknown said...
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J.N. Future Author said...

sweet! it would be so cool to travel the world! or at least the U.S.

Do you remember most of the people you meet? and does driving time get annoying?

*oops, i wasn't signed it - sorry!*

J.N. Future Author said...

signed in* pardon my english o.O

Anonymous said...

Great to see you today! Have a fun time on your tour . . . and don't get locked up at Alcatraz.

Tamra Norton said...

Have a great time in San Francisco--birthplace of yours truly! :)

I'm looking forward to your Houston visit. Eight days after the hurricane we FINALLY have electricity--woohoo! The kids here in Houston will love meeting you and getting a much needed break from the horrendous week we've all been through.

Josh said...

hey brother Dashner, I found it. I hope San Fran is fun. You should go to a 49ers game

Marz said...

Hey James! Of course, you have to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge! Just be warned when you come back over it going southbound there's a stupid toll :) And visit Pier 39, lots of shopping, an aquarium, seals, and you can at least see Alcatraz from it. I only live an hour from San Fran, so I've been there a few times. Have a blast!!

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen said...

Hey, good luck on all those trips and presentations! I bet you'll have a great time. And thanks for telling us about your editor. I'll have to keep her in mind.

Lauren said...

Next week I'm going to go and meet you!!!! I can hardly contain my excitement! Sadly, I haven't had any time lately to make a loooonnngg list of questions yet. Soon very soon.......

Lauren said...

Oh! By the way I'm one of those kids mentioned by the lovely Sister Norton below.......Yeah, I'm pretty stocked!!!

Lauren said...

Oh....Um....That last sentence made no sense at all.....Just ignore it completely please.

J.N. Future Author said...

hehe, when i first meet james i also gave him a long list of questions. its just natural for someone to want an author to know they care ^.^

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I've only been to San Francisco once but I second the Pier 39 idea - such a fun assortment of shops and some seriously good eating as well. And my oh my, the Oakland Temple grounds are simply stunning!

Huge, huge congrats to you, James. Have fun out there!