Monday, October 12, 2009

Maze Runner Tour Update

Well hi there. I know I've been relatively quiet on the blog, but I've tried my hardest to give regular updates over on twitter, so CLICK HERE to catch up if you missed it. You can actually read my posts without signing up if you want.

I thought I'd just hit a couple of highlights. For all the wonderful students, teachers, librarians, bookstore folks, escorts, etc. I've had the privilege of meeting - THANK YOU. I wish there were time to mention everyone.

Sidenote: Diane, Lili, Bill - I love you guys!

One of the greatest events of my author career occurred at Brookhaven Middle School, sponsored by Copperfield's bookstore. I first had lunch with this high school reading group, all of whom had read Maze beforehand. It just blew me away to hear them talk about the book - they really and genuinely seemed to love it. Which made me feel skippy.

Then I spoke and answered questions with the middle schoolers - at least 100 of them, all of whom stayed after school to hear me. That, too, was an incredible skippifying experience. Thanks to Shari - if every student in America had a teacher like her, we could forget about all those nasty world problems like violence, stupidity and hunger.

The other amazing event I experienced was speaking at the annual NCIBA (Northern California Independent Booksellers Association) breakfast. I got to go first as the rookie, which was great because then I could actually sit back and relax as Nancy Farmer and Berkely Breathed spoke. I absolutely loved every millisecond of their speeches.

I was brave and did my usual Top Ten list - and there were plenty of laughs, though I'll never know if they were real because I had strategically planted several courtesy laugh primers in the audience. Genius, I know. Then I basically got down on my knees (figuratively of course) and thanked those people on behalf of all children everywhere for enduring and prevailing in these tough book market times.

That couple of hours really proved to be a major never-forget in my life. Just a bunch of really awesome people.

So... what else?

The book's been out for one full week now. I really have no idea how it's doing yet, but since I'm so new on the national scene, I think it will take time to build an audience. But based on the reaction so far, I hope word of mouth will build. And this week the books are coming out in some of the major retail chains like Target and Walmart. So its distribution is vast - now we just have to hope people are willing to part with a few bucks.

I'd love to hear from you guys in the comments about... well, about anything! I love reading them even though I don't get to respond very much while on tour. I'll get better at that and replying to tweets once I get back.

I'm in Chicago, then New York, then Washington DC this week. Salt Lake, Phoenix, and LA next week. For the full schedule, please CLICK HERE. Come see me!

One event in particular I want to mention again, because *I think* you'll be able to watch it online: the post-apocalyptic panel at the Manhattan Barnes and Noble with me, Scott Westerfeld, Carrie Ryan, and Michael Grant. For details, CLICK HERE.

So, yeah, I know that was kind of a laundry list type post, but there you have it. If you're new to the Dashner Dude, a very big welcome to you! I promise to be much more lively, responsive, and consistent once the tour is over.

Leave me comments to keep my company while travelling about, okay? Don't make me beg!

Lyrics of the Day:

And so there's a change
In your emotions
And all these memories come rushing
Like feral waves to your mind...
You just have to see her
You just have to see her
You just have to see her
You just have to see her
You just have to see her
You know that she'll break you in two

Sometime Around Midnight - The Airborne Toxic Event

23 comments:

Brodi Ashton said...

Since you begged:

Congrats on the tour. I can only imagine how it must've felt to talk with kids who'd already read your book, and the ones who voluntarily stayed after school. No higher honor, really.

The writer peeps checked out Target the other day, and we were bugged not to see Maze Runner, so I'm glad to hear it will be there soon.

As for B&N's, I see it everywhere.

Here's to word of mouth, and continued success, James!

Erin G. said...

James!!!! Ah!!!! I'm in the middle of Maze Runner at the moment. It's really intense and I have to tell you that I love it. I'm gonna get my dad and all my friends to read it. I'll even refuse to let them borrow it so they'll have to buy it! Muwahaha! :D

Also, I am following you on twitter even though I am not officially a "twitterer" or whatever. I'm living vicariously through you, checking the blog and updates obsessively every hour or so. Your adventure is keeping me entertained during work and those classes that are really boring.

As for the Barnes and Noble thing, do you know where I go to watch it? I followed that link on here and I didn't see anything about watching it online.

Anway, that's enough of my rambling about your brilliance and how much I love you and Maze Runner. But you asked for comments, so I'm just being a dutiful duder. Have fun the rest of your tour! :D

P.S. You need to come up to Northern Utah again really, really soon. :)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nichole Giles said...

So...I finally wrestled my copy back from my son. He finished it in record time and said, "Mom, you've got to read this, it's awesome! When does the next one come out?"

Of course my reply was, "Not for a while, but be patient. It's coming."

Now I get to read it. Finally.

Glad to hear you're having a memorable time. Very cool. Good luck on the B&N panel.

Nichole

numberonedashnerfan said...

Yay, sounds like your having tons of fun....Be carefull visting the schools you dont want to get pig flu...lol.....Just dont let all this fame get to your head and make you forget us little peeps....even if you do forget us I shall always be your #1fan.....

Unknown said...

I've done all I can to drive them sales, James...I hope you made the list! :-)

T.J. said...

James,

I had a little time at work and looked up The Maze Runner on Amazon. Here are some current rankings.

#2 in Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Boys & Men > Fiction
#29 in Books > Children's Books > Issues > Friendship > Fiction
#58 in Books > Teens > Social Issues

Congrats on the tour and the success.
-T.J.

I Will Stand said...

Uh, I don't see Kuna Idaho on your tour! Whats with that???
Colleen

Taffy said...

I was wondering if I should just wait for all 3 books to come out before I start 'Maze Runner'? Just asking...

It's so moving when you get see anyone turned on to reading. I love when my children say, "just one more chapter!"

I read 'Leviathan' by Westerfeld. I liked 'Uglies' better- probably because there was sappy love triangle-ish-ness in it :) But the world he built in 'Leviathan' was intresting.

Good luck on your amazing tour, dude! Sounds fun and busy and cool and other words my tired brain can't spew out right now.
Have anytime to catch a movie? No? Let me review one for you...JK.

Diva Donna said...

Yo, James! Happy Canadian Thanksgiving and Colombus Day here in the US. It's a holiday for everyone but the hard working author on Tour. Sounds A-Mazing!! Keep running you'll get there.

Diva Donna said...

Dashnog= unfoutsy (I'm not kidding that is the word.) it is the name for bad karma or bad luck.
Usage= Dude, leaving your copy of Maze Runner on the bus is totally unfoutsy.

Suey said...

I read it. I loved it. I blogged it. I'm hooked.

Bree Biesinger Despain said...

I bet it's a lot of fun to talk to kids who've actually read the book. Then you get to talk about all the fun details and answer questions about your story choices without spoiling anything for anyone. Very cool! Good luck with the rest of the tour.

Cranberryfries said...

All these school visits you're doing really make me wish I had a cooler school that had authors come to chat. I had a great teacher my junior year that really helped me enjoy reading although once I hit college that spark was gone for another few years. Hearing from the great YA authors around Utah makes me want to share the love of reading with all the kids around. It's just such a great great thing. Glad your experiences so far have been great. (Except for the smelly driver guy.)

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you're having a blast! I can well see you getting on your knees and thanking people. You're just awesome like that.

Juliana said...

Hey James! I'm looking forward to reading "The Maze Runner" but I think I'll wait until you come to the Orem BN to buy my copy. Good luck building momentum! If I like it, you can bet I'll be sharing my love with my family and friends. :) Enjoy the rest of the tour!

Heather Moore said...

I emailed some friends in Naperville, we'll see if they show up!

Karen Pellett said...

I'm so excited for the release of Maze Runner and have ordered it and am waiting for it to arrive via mail.

In the meantime, to help promote the Maze Runner and your other amazing books, my friend and I are hosting a giveaway on our book review website fabulousreads.com where we will be giving away a copy of the first book in the 13th Reality series that you so graciously signed for me at the Provo Children's book festival (thanks so much).

So if there is anyone following this blog that hasn't read The Journal of Curious Letters yet or would really like to have a personally autographed copy of it, then please send them our way.

Thanks and have a blast on your tour. You deserve it.

Unknown said...

chocolate is good except on: Raisins, pasta, large chunks of cement among other things but otherwise I enjoy it.


(You asked. lol)

Dave said...

2 more days until Dash time! Can't wait...AND that Barnes & Noble in NYC is HUGE! Its gonna be an swesome night. I hope there is a huge turn out!
Dave

Dave said...

When do we get a count on books sold? Just curious how long it takes.

David said...

So I know how busy you are and all off touring the world, and are paying attention to things... but I want you to know that I am.

Went to my local library tonight, curious if it had arrived. Why yes! They have 33 copies in circulation... and ALL of them are checked OUT.

I am currently number EIGHTY-THREE on the waiting list... and in the time I requested it, 3 more were added! Holy wow, BatDashnerMan!

Dave said...

Thursday a.m.- Wall St Journal in hand...big paper, small print...anyone know where Dash's article is? Thans to you Dash, I get to leave work early. Don't wanna be late for tonight!