Tuesday, October 6, 2009

THE MAZE RUNNER: Now Available!

October 6th. I just looked at my cell phone, and it definitely says October 6th.

It actually came. This day actually came! I'm pretty sure I don't have to say this, but I will: I'm very excited.

So I've been thinking all morning about clever things I could say - especially considering that (hopefully) we'll be getting a lot of new visitors to the Dashner Dude. I began this blog 2 years ago, offering a glimpse into the life of a struggling author. At that time, if you would've told me where I'd be in 2 years, I'm pretty sure I would've dropped dead on the spot. (Which brings up all kinds of trippy space-time continuum condundrums, but let's not go into that.)

But, maybe for the first time in my life, I think I'm speechless. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to expect, either. Random House is throwing an unbelievable amount of support behind this book, and I know the goals are high. So I do feel a ridiculous amount of pressure for Maze to sell.

But I also know I can only do so much. The story is written and brilliantly edited, the cover beautifully designed (yay RHCB design team and artist Philip Straub!). The distribution and bookstore support is overwhelming. I guess we just sit back, wait, and see how it does!

I wanted to thank a few people in this post, and even started it, but then I realized I was just repeating what is already well stated in the acknowledgements of the book. But I do want to say the names of my wife Lynette, my agent Michael Bourret, my editor Krista Marino, my publicists Noreen Marchisi and Emily Pourciau, my publisher Beverly Horowitz, and my international rights agent Lauren Abramo. People, I love you and thank you.

And to all those bookstore and librarian folks out there who have already thrown your support behind Maze, thank you thank you thank you! I love you, too. :)

Okay, so tonight is the launch party and then I head off for the release tour. I have a very busy schedule, but I'll try to blog whenever I have the chance. Here are a few items of interest:

1. I plan on using twitter a lot during this tour - I think it'll be fun for people to have a glimpse into what it's like. If you'd like to follow along, then go to http://www.twitter.com/jamesdashner.

2. I'll be coming to the Salt Lake City, Seattle, San Francisco/Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Washington DC, and Phoenix areas. I'd really love to meet as many of you as possible! CLICK HERE for the full schedule.

3. The official launch party is tonight at The King's English bookstore in Salt Lake City at 5:00 pm local time. I'll be doing a reading and Q&A, but we should be there until 7:00 if you can't make it on time. The address is 1511 South 1500 East. And my wife is making treats!

4. Look for details soon on the post-apocalyptic panel that will be streamed live from the Barnes and Noble in Manhattan on Thursday October 15th at 7:00 EST. The panel will include me, Scott Westerfeld, Michael Grant, and Carrie Ryan.

So... I guess that's it. My book is out and I hope you'll give it a chance and read it. Thank you so much for doing so!

I read all of my blog comments via my phone, so please let me know where and when you see the book or buy it, what you think of it, anything. I'd love to hear from you guys as I'm out and about.

I'll end this post with the tagline from the book that's on the bookmarks and ads, which ironically also describes what The Maze Runner and Random House have done to my life:

Everything is going to change.

50 comments:

Meghan said...

Congratulations! I loved The Maze Runner and just posted my review of it today: http://chikune.com/blog/?p=1667. I will definitely be recommending it everywhere, and I hope the sales are brilliant!

Frank Cole said...

Congratulations James! I saw the book last night in my stockroom ready to go out today. It's going to be huge. You're a stud and seriously I'm motivated by your ability to work so hard. You earned your success plain and simple. There, I've up and gone all soft. Ah well...

Jena said...

Awesome! Wish I could make it tonight to TKE love that place :( but I will for sure be at B&N on the 19th!

Cluttered Brain said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Are you going to be in Vegas or St. George? ( I live in Mesquite) It would be cool to meet you again. You are so funny. (Met you over lunch at LDS storymakers...Kym was there if you don't remember don't worry about it) That is exactly why I need to meet you again:)))
Enjoy your bestseller!!!!

Aubrey said...

So excited James! It is a wonderful wonderful book! I am excited to get my hands on a hardcover copy of my own! Gosh that's a lot of exclamation points. ;)

See you tonight at TKE!

Bonnie said...

Congratulations Jamie! You are living the dream! This is so exciting!

Brodi Ashton said...

Congratulations, James. I'm glad the countdown has finally reached zero, and we can all get our hands on your book.

See you at the party!

Bryan B. said...

Awesome! I'm going to the bookstore to get it soon...

And come to Oregon!

;)

Laura said...

James- I love the fact that you recognize how wonderful life is. It's easy to tell people to read your books. You're smart, genuine, a hard worker and most of all, a real person. AND your books are awesome. Thanks for showing the world what persistance, talent and hard work can bring. You rock.

James Dashner said...

Meghan, thanks for that AWESOME review!!!

OCB and Bryan B, no Vegas or Oregon this time around. Sorry! Maybe soon...

Everyone else: thank you for such nice words - it really means a lot.

Magenta said...

James... Way to go! That's all I have to say. ^_^ I'm so happy for you!

Oh, and I read your interview on the Latiener Gang site. Really cool!

Hoontah said...

Oo. I'm so excited for you! Congratulations. My copy should be here today. Can't wait to read.

I won't be there in body tonight, but I'll be there in spirit. I'll plug your book in my classes. Perhaps I can get a buzz going down here.

Good Luck on your tour. It's going to be awesome!

Melinda said...

Hooray! The day is finally here! I remember when you started this blog and look at you now. (Wait, did you already say that?)

I'll see you tonight!!! (I'm totally dogging Pack Meeting for you.):-)

Michael Phipps said...

Congratulations on your success, James! I'm actually in Salt Lake right now so I might stop by. I'm dressed in painting clothes, so be forewarned...

J.R. Johansson said...

Yay! Congratulations! :) I'll see you tonight.

tapestry100 said...

Hey James! Congrats on release day!! The book is amazing. I read it this past weekend (yay ARC!) and couldn't put it down. You need to be really proud of this book. Of course, now comes the waiting for book 2...

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Ooh! I'm going to call my Barnes and Nobles right now!!! I'm so totally excited for you, James. You're an incredible guy and totally deserve all the success in the world. Congrats!!!

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Wohoo! The Barnes and Noble here in Overland Park, KS has it. John is on his way over to buy it right now!!! Yeah, James!!! So excited to get my hands on it. BTW - I'm totally bummed. I'm actually going to be in Utah this month & both of your book signings are right before and right after my trip! (the 19th & 27th) If you aren't crazy nuts with your tour and being hounded by the press (LOL!), we should get together.

Jamie said...

Hi James,
I found you through Maprilynne's Livejournal post today. :) Congratulations on your book, The Maze Runner, being published. I'm happy for you and I look forward to reading the book. :) I'm a writer working to get published, I'm happy to see that you made it and that I can too. :) Your book sounds amazing, Congratulations once again. I look forward to reading your blog from now on.

Angela said...

Congrats! It's a fabulous book, you have every reason to be proud & excited! Have a great launch party and tour!

James Dashner said...

My continued thanks, everyone.

Jamie, if I can do it, you can definitely do it. Keep on keepin on.

Danyelle, I'll actually be in AZ and CA in between those. :(

Melinda, are you serious? I'm honored. haha

Michael Phipps? Artist of the Jimmy Fincher Saga? Please come! Long time no see!

Nichole Giles said...

Congrats, James. I'm so, truly, very happy for you. This is an exciting day and you definitely deserve it.

When you're surrounded by screaming Dash-fans and have to call security to protect you so you can run away, I hope you still remember all of us little people who knew you before you were famous. =) Stay safe in your travels so you can come back and tell us all about it.

Song lyrics of the day:
A small town [boy} with big time dreams
but nothing's ever as it seems
A mother waves her [boy] goodbye
Then slowly hangs her head and cries
Hollywood Hills and the big city lights
Outside [his] window they burn bright
Someday the world will praise [his]fame
They'll know [his] face they'll shout [his] name

They'll shout it real loud
He'll make his mama real proud
He'll stand above the crowd
and shout:
I am someone
Look what I've done
Stare into the sun
I am a shooting star
I am something
I am someone
Look what I've done
I am a shooting star

Shooting Star by Poison

Dave said...

Dash,

Congrats! Maze is Here finally!

If anyone wants to read an interview with James Dashner RE: The Maze Runner, feel free to check it out.there is also a link in it for the review as well. Right now, its the featured post.

www.thelateinergangbookreviewspot.blogspot.com

Thanks again for the opportunity James and my hats off to you for an awesome book!

Dave

KT said...

Happy launch day. I can't wait to read it. I wish you were going to make it a bit closer to Kentucky...maybe next time? :)

Anonymous said...

I'm totally going to be there tonight, James! CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm so excited for you!

Peggy said...

I am so very happy and excited for you, James!

Alyssa said...

I really look forward to reading your new book James! Not to mention it's my little sister's birthday. (I'd give her Maze Runner if I could, but I highly doubt she'd get the concept and hasn't read any of your books, but you can't blame her, she's only in second grade)

Christy said...

Congrats! Too bad you aren't coming up to the Layton B&N.:) It's inspiring to see authors get their books out there-way to go!

MARY IN SCOTLAND said...

wow! Congrats! Heard about your book through Aprilynne's Blog. She says HG has nothing on your book so I must read it!!

Wish I still lived in Utah so I could come to an event. You need to come to the UK, as I am now there. If I can't find your book, I'll get it on Amazon! I'll pass it around Scotland for you!

Vanessa M. said...

James, I'm so excited for you! I wish I had the money to buy it but I promise I will when you come on the 19th! Have fun and tell us who brings down the Dashner Dude on your tour, because you are now going to be swarmed with fans! And now you have to cut off my finger because I put in so many exclamation points like you said several posts ago!

Oh and Nichole, thanks for remembering the lyrics of the day. James seemed to forget in his happiness.

Q said...

I blogged about TMR and another book, Ice, which also comes out today.

Dave said...

Dash,

Random House did not change YOUR life, you changed THEIRS! You gave them a best selling (fingers crossed) hit that they were very lucky to get! Im Sure they all love you and Maze very much there.

Panda Queen said...

Uncle Jamie!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the Maze Runner! Best b-day present EVER! I'm nearly halfway done, and it's SOOO good! You are an awesome writer!!

:D

Amanda

hidden reader said...

James, I'm so sad that I can't be there tonight, but I have to watch my siblings and I have limited resources as to getting place. :(

Vanessa M. said...

James, you know how I said that I don't at the moment have the money for the book? Well I noticed on the Maze Runner website I can read some of it. It is AWESOME. You are one cool Duder. I will by it and make you sign the book on the ninteenth.

So there. :)

numberonedashnerfan said...

Hey James.
Thanks for signing the arc...Wish we could of got there sooner but it took my dad an Hour to get home to pick me up and then that took another 45 min or so to get there... Oh well at least I got too talk to you For two min before you had to leave.... I'll hopefully be at your next signing in utah.... I was going to invite you to my orchastra concert but you will be in New York.... ConGrats on Maze Runner... Umm this is a little random and hopefully its ok with James I'm posting a link to my blog post that is about this week being Bully Awareness Week and Stop Cyberbulling Month http://numberonedashnerfan.blogspot.com/2009/10/bully-awareness.html
........TIKI TIKI DUDE YOUR AMAZING...

Unknown said...

Congrats! It was great to see the book on promotion on the bookfloor at my store! Now, since the book is offically out, is there a place where we can discuss theories with you without spoiling everyone else? Cause I do have a question for you, and everyone else that has read the book, are just as puzzled as I.

Also, I saw that you'll be visiting Borders in Fairfax, VA on 10.17. Do you think you'll have time to go down the street to stop by my Barnes and Noble store for a surprise visit? Just a thought, if you have time.

Unknown said...

Congratulations James!!!!!!

I cannot wait to read The Maze Runner now that it is out, I'll have to go to some book store in my neighboring city.

Hey James, make sure you post about the party, tomorrow, I wish i was there:( I hope you brought a camera!

KA said...

Congratulations! I ordered the book, but it's not here yet, so I will have to do my very best to wait patiently and avoid spoilers.

James Dashner said...

Rachel: Yeah, you should start a spoiler topic over on www.randombuzzers.com which is now my official forum. I'd be happy to participate.

Also, I'll do my very best to stop by that B&N!

Thanks to everyone for the awesome comments. I really love reading them and I appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I think it's great what you've accomplished! You certainly deserve it!

Have fun on your tour!

Wendy Toliver said...

So exciting, James! Sorry we were late to your party. Directionally impaired is just one of my adorable flaws. Anyway, it was nice to see you and I'm bummed we missed your wife's treats. Grrr. Have a wonderful, safe book tour!

Magenta said...

Hi James! Congratulations! (I bet you've heard that from a bunch of people already, but I'm saying it anyway. ^_~)

I just posted all the questions I asked that you answered on Random Buzzers, and put it into an interview format! Here's the link below!

http://bettinasbooks2009.blogspot.com/2009/10/james-dashner-interview.html

I hope you check it out and tell me what you think about it! Is it okay with you? ^_^

I had a lot of fun with those chats. It meant the world to me!

Erin G. said...

Woohoo! Just bought The Maze Runner at Deseret Book in Ogden! I can't wait to read it! :D

Melony said...

It was great to be a small part of your excitement at the release party yesterday. My oldest is reading the book and really enjoying it! I'm in line next and then it will pass down to two younger daughters. Not sure how young I think should read it but I'll know after I get a hold of it! Congrats James!

Gavin Chatterley said...

I couldn't actually come to your party, but i was there in spirit. I'll be at the West Jordan signing on the 19th, though. I've liked your books since the first Jimmy Fincher, and judging from how excited Random House is, Maze sounds even better.

Cranberryfries said...

It's been fun following you around on twitter. Curious to see what today brings and if it can match the mummys.

Sharon said...

I wish you could come to Idaho. I'm such a HUGE FAN! Though i keep mostly to myself.

anyway finished the Maze runner! I can't fin any other words to describe it. I LOVE IT! can't wait for the next one. Oh! and when does the third book for 13th Reality come out? do you know yet?

~Shay

Alexander Bird said...

Absolutely an amazing read. Can't wait to read book 2

Anonymous said...

Mister James, I totally totally look up to you. You are so humble and nice and I adore you. Keep up the good work and I love your books- aida