Monday, January 11, 2010

Updates and Weber State

Good morning, world. Before we get to the updates, I want to tell you guys about an event coming up this Wednesday (the 13th).

I'll be a guest at Weber State University, doing a lecture for students at 12:30 and then speaking at 6:30 that evening (which is open to the public). Please note the use of the word "lecture." That was their word, not mine. And I think it's pretty cool. I'd like for all of you to call me Professor Dashner from now on.

Details: The event takes place in Ballroom C of the Union Building. And it's free (I just heard a lot of people perk up). Here is a link to the campus map if you're interested: CLICK HERE.

I promise I won't bore you. There'll be plenty of funny pictures and lame jokes. And you'll get to hear the magnificently fascinating story of how I got published and how I write books (wait, I just heard a lot of people perk down! Stop that!). Please feel free to bring my books if you have them and I'm sure I can sign afterward. Hope to see some of you!

Now, on to updates.....

1. I'm starting to feel the rhythm of THE DEATH CURE (Book 3 of THE MAZE RUNNER). I've only written about 2,000 words, but I've done a lot of thinking and brainstorming. It's been basically mapped out for a long time, and my agent and editor have really helped refine and improve the story. We want to make sure you guys aren't disappointed after investing time and money in a whole trilogy!!!

2. SEMI SPOILER ALERT: I don't know what the trilogy will be known by in the long run, but you never see the maze again after Book 1. Although, I guess it makes sense that Thomas is and always will be a maze runner. He never gets demoted. :) END OF SEMI SPOILER ALERT

3. I hope very soon I'll be able to show you the covers for THE SCORCH TRIALS (Book 2 of MAZE, Oct 2010) and THE BLADE OF SHATTERED HOPE (Book 3 of THE 13TH REALITY, April 2010).

4. If you're new here and confused by the fact I have two series going on at once, please read the last few posts and I think you'll get caught up. But I hope you guys will go check out the recently released paperback of Book 1, THE JOURNAL OF CURIOUS LETTERS. You'll like it, I promise! CLICK HERE.

5. My family is going to San Diego in three days, planning to hit Sea World and Lego Land, other stuff. Any suggestions? My kids are so ridiculously excited, I fear they're going to suffer major anticlimacticicism. Hope not. If they do, I'll just beat them over the head with my many-kids-in-the-world-are-far-less-fortunate-than-you speech.

6. Did anyone catch that Cardinals-Packers game? Holy cow. Glad I did.

7. My friend and fellow author and agent sibling recently put up an interview with me on her blog. Joelle Anthony's book, RESTORING HARMONY, comes out this spring from Putnam. To read the interview and enter a chance to win my book, CLICK HERE. Thanks, Joelle!

8. I've seen lots of blog giveaways of MAZE out there. To find them, go follow me on Twitter - I always try to retweet when I see them. CLICK HERE to follow me. I'm really sick of all my author friends having more followers than me, so please help a guy out! I'm not that great at Twitter, but I try. Oh I try!

9. My friend Bree Despain's book is officially out and about now: THE DARK DIVINE!!! It's getting rave reviews and has started off very strongly. I'm going to do my very own giveaway of her book, signed, sometime next week, so now you have a heads up.....

10. I've really enjoyed the comments and the nice words about my book lately. Also, we've received some great questions. I'm collecting them and will do a big Q&A soon. Keep them coming!

11. Let's see how many of you actually made it this far: please leave a comment telling us which book or movie you are most excited about in 2010 (excluding my stuff. haha). Mine: ummmm, too hard. IRONMAN 2 for sure. Ummmmm, third book in HUNGER GAMES. And third book in the SHADOWMARCH series by Tad Williams.

Thanks and have a great day!!!

59 comments:

Stacey said...

Hooray for a blog from Professor Dashner.

Um about San Diego, if your kids like zoos, then the San Diego Zoo is fantastic. Also you have to go to the beach. La Jolla is great! Have so much fun in my home state!

I made it! I too am excited for Scorch Trials, the third Hunger Games, and um...well a book I can't talk about (not my own, I WISH!). Movies? Man, um...lots. :)

Jennifer said...

San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Air and Space Museum (very fun for kids), Star of India, the Beach (especially in the evening with a bon fire, hot dogs and marshmallows), Old Town and the Mormon Battalion Visiters Center

Kenny said...

Spells by Aprilynne Pike.

:-P

Of course your stuff. Hunger Games, meh, Katniss' father will probably come back from the dead or something and the whole series will jump the shark. Some good stuff in 2010, but I'm not really chomping at the bit for many books or movies. But I am very excited for the finale of LOST, and I'm very excited to play Mass Effect 2.

Carolyn V. said...

Hey, I just got back from a week trip to San Diego with the fam. It was beautiful, even in the winter! Suggestions, plan more than one day at Lego land/Sea world. There is a ton to do. And visit Oceanside. It was incredible.

As for movies. Yes, Ironman II and Alice in Wonderland 3d. I'm hoping Tim won't disappoint. hope, hope, hope.

Shari said...

I don't know what movies are coming out this year. But, I'm looking forward to Karen Hoover's book THE SAPPHIRE FLUTE. It comes out in March.

Robin Armstrong said...

I don't care what you said; I'm looking forward to Scorch Trials! And the third Hunger Games book, of course. Yeah, and Iron Man 2. And (I'm not sure if it counts if it's coming in 2011) Smurfs! :)

I've only been to San Diego once, and didn't get to see ANYTHING (except a quick trip to an obscure beach; don't even know it's name). So, anything is better than nothing, yes?

Unknown said...

Most excited for the book... um... HARRY POTTER 8. Oh, wait...

Movie? Harry Potter 7 (Part 1). Lol.

Professor Dashner sounds weird.

Erin G. said...

YES!!!! How long have I been begging you to come up to Weber State? And now you're coming! I will definitely be there, Professor Dashner. :D

So, they had an article about you and this lecture at WSU in the Standard Examiner paper yesterday. It mentioned 20th Century Fox bought the movie deal rights for Maze Runner. Is that true? If so, congratulations!

Let's see, book I'm most looking forward to in 2010 . . . Golden Spiral, Scorch Trials . . . I can't think of anymore. Haha. I'm looking forward to being done with reading textbooks.

Well, professor, I'll see you Wednesday! :D

Sarah Mayfield said...

What I'm most excited for in 2010:

Well, for one, I'm very excited to see where you take Thomas and friends in book 2 of The Maze Runner! I'm also really excited for the final book of The Hunger Games series. I'm also interested in seeing how Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland comes out!

Oh, by the way, Sea World is incredibly fun as well as the zoo!

I hope you make it to Oregon sometime! I'd love to hear your dumb jokes and see your silly pictures. :)

J.N. Future Author said...

You keep travelling that path to greatness! ^.^ I'll keep cheering for yah! I'm so excited for Scorch, Death Cure, and Shattered Hope!

So keep it up Superman!

Laura said...

Prof. Dash- I'm actually reading the "Dark Divine" right now. Good stuff.

There is a cool place to take a breather in San Diego. It has little shops and borders the port where ocean liners park. We accidently found it last time and had fun just hanging out and eating treats. But, there's always the big Disneyland- which I totally recommend. And, don't leave before you at least see the most beautiful temple there in San Diego.

2010- Yeah, I'm really looking forward to your books! And, I'm a sucker for Hunger Games too.

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to the third hunger games book too, although I'll be sad with the end of the series.

I can't wait to see Tim Burton's Alice and Wonderland.

I am also looking forward to the second Bran Hambric book.

Q said...

Perhaps the WICKED Trilogy?

(WICKED is good!)

Anonymous said...

Soooo many good books coming out this year, Professor:
OCTOBER "The Scorch Trials"!!!!!
Hunger Games 3, new Cassandra Clare series Infernal Devices in August, new Rick Riordan series The Red Pyramid in May, Linger by Maggie Stiefvater in July, have you read Alexander Gordon Smith's Lockdown: Escape from Furnace?...might be right up your alley.
Erin from Texas

Megan said...

I received The Maze Runner from a student and (even though I didn't finish yet, I peaked at the last page) I'm both excited and bummed about it being more than one book long. I'm loving the heck out of the book (and will definately recommend it to my students) and am bummed that it's going to be a while until I can finish reading the set!

And, as I did get to that last bit about what am I excited about in 2010 I'd have to say, easily, more of The Maze Runner series, the next in The Hunger Games set, the The Lightening Thief movie, and the (first and - hopefully - second part of) final Harry Potter movie.

numberonedashnerfan said...

Hello prof. dashner,
anywho.....The book im waiting and waiting for im not sure if you have heard of it but its book 3 in a series called the thirteenth reality by james dashner....you should read his books....lol...im switching out of Ap euro.....sorry i havent commented in forever.... i've had no time hence, me switching out of ap euro...... Cali um I've been there once we went to san deigo zoo, disneyland, universal studios, sea world, the beach, and shoping...lol....um I wanted to go to legoland, im sure ur kids will like it....are you going to franks book signing/ realse party today... if so mazze runner is waiting to be signed.....if not i may try to go to your "lecture"....um another book im excited to come out is um um uh k well i'll get back to you for that one.........Tiki Tiki
From,
Your offical number one fan
(numberonedashnerfan)

The Writer said...

Movies: Iron Man 2, Harry Potter 7, Narnia 3

Books: Both of yours (of course), definately Hunger Games 3, and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Vanessa M. said...

Hey Professor, do any of the silly pictures embarassing? :)

Books...yours and.....uh... the 39 clues book uh... 7 is it?

movies, well, don't really know any movies.... oh Harry Potter 7.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Prof. Dashman! I was getting hungry for another post from you.

So you listed some great movies and books. Don't know that I can top them, really. (Aside from yours, of course.) Karen Hoover's 1st novel comes out in March so that's exciting! You're too right about Ironman 2 because let's face it, it looks rockin' awesome and if it has the same character development as in the first one, it's a winner in my book already!

Unknown said...

Professor Dashner, the Books I am most exited about for 2010 is: Rangers Apprentice book 7, Hunger Games book three (of course), and of course, your stuff (including the stuff I have not gotten my hands on yet). The movies: Avatar, Iron man, and are they bringing out a Marvel Avengers movie? They ought to make a movie for Thor as well...

Anonymous said...

Professor Dashner. . . it has a nice ring to it. :)

I'm really looking forward most to Percy Jackson, Alice in Wonderland, Prince of Persia, Iron Man 2, and the third Narnia.

Concerning books it'd be the Scorch Trials, third Hunger Games, Spells, Lies (Gone series :]), the fifth Fablehaven, the fourth Farworld, Princess of Glass, Bran Hambric The Specter Key!!!, Geth and the Return of the Lithens (hope it comes out this year hope hope), Knightley Academy, and Erak's Ransom. Yep thats it.

Anonymous said...

***** Oops I meant the third Farworld the fourth would be next year *****

Jack Porter said...

Professor Dashner,
I'm most excited for, Iron Man 2, Percy Jackson, Alice and Wonderland, Toy Story 3, and Prince of Persia. For books, hmm... lets see:
Definitely Hunger Games 3, Lord Sunday, FableHaven 5, 13th reality 3, Eragon 4 (hopefully) The Horn of Moran, Last Night World, Scorch Trials, and my book, Vampire Dreams.
Good luck at Weber State and good luck with your covers.
See you later professor.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Dashner,
I tried to e-mail you at the address in the back of your book "A Door In The Woods" but it must not be a valid address anymore. Two years ago you visited our school for a literacy night and my students had read "A Door In The Woods" and "The Gift of Ice" and made books about them. Since then I have read that series to my students each year and they love them. Since my students this year will not get to meet you, could you take the time to send them an e-mail? They would be quite excited to hear from Mr. Dashner, whose books they enjoy so much. Thank you.
Rose
3rd grade teacher

Unknown said...

James,

As for advice on Sea World, buy the giant refillable drinks while you're there. It's worth the money in the long run if you stay the entire day. Have fun!!!!

Unknown said...

I'm definitely stoked for the third Hunger Games. Iron Man 2 looks good but for some reason I keep thinking there's a better movie coming out. Dunno which though.

Chay said...

Mr. Dashner, rather, Professor Dashner,

I just finished reading The Maze Runners and I must say that October can't get here fast enough! I finished it in a mere three sittings and enjoyed every page of it.

As for movies, Alice in Wonderland. I'm not that well-versed in the movie realm of things, but that's one that I can't wait to watch!

Best of luck to you and your dual series-slinging mind. Meanwhile, I shall content myself here with the first of your 13th Reality series~

Amy said...

I just finished The Maze Runner and loved it and am looking forward to the sequel in the fall. I am also excited about the 3rd Hunger Games. As for San Diego, the Midway is cool (aircraft carrier turned museum) and I am partial to The Wild Animal Park. For great views of the city the national cemetary on Pt. Loma looks over the submarine base and downtown, beautiful. Also, the bar at the top of The Hyatt (downtown) offers gorgeous views as well. You should also drive over the Coronado Bridge, so neat. Enjoy your stay in our wonderful city.

Amy said...

Course I made it to the end, James :) I loved Maze Runner and am planning on reading 13th Reality when I have spare time...somehow! Oooh, fun stuff. I live close to San Diego, so as people have already suggested, Old Town, Fashion Valley (if you feel the mood for shopping), the Zoo, etc.

Movie: I couldn't decide! So Ironman 2, Alice in Wonderland, & The Last Airbender. Tehe.

Book: THE SCORCH TRIALS, obviously! Hunger Games book 3 and Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken.

Lyssa(: said...

Hey Professor James,

I hope you and your family have a good time on your trip.

And to answer your question. I think I am most excited about the Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting Thief movie coming out February 12, 2010. Because I just love the series. Which is why it was hard for me to vote against a series I love so much in the Maze Runner vs. Percy Jackson poll. LOL!

And I am the most excited about your book The Scorch Trails for 2010. Who isn't?! Losers that who!! Jk, jk. I just love The Maze Runner so very very much. I'm reading it to my little sister right now.

Anyway, good luck with your other books!

With love,
Alyssa

XxkATiELuVsYoUxX said...

Hey...the Hunger Games will always be my favorite book...but i think the Maze Runner just made #2 :D

ShelfLife said...

Just in case you missed my tweet at you, I posted a glowing review for The Maze Runner at www.shelflifereviews.com today - I gave it 5 stars (which puts it on my "top shelf" page). Can't wait for more of this promising trilogy!

Heather Moore said...

My 4 year old LOVED the Shamu Show at Sea World. Still talks about it over a year later. Be sure to sit in the splash zone :-)

Jan von Harz said...

I am definitely hungry for book 2 in your trilogy, and book 3 of the Hunger Games series. Both are definitely high on my list of must read. I will also be suggesting strongly that The Maze Runner be on the St Louis'Book Battle List for 2010-2011. This is an area wide battle held every year in May with over 30 participating schools. As a committee member and co-founder I get to nominate books the middle school students will read for the competition. The Maze Runner is a shoe in.

Aubrey said...

Yay! She updated her blog with the news, I can now tell you I'm excited for MATCHED by Allyson Condie! ;)

And someone else mentioned Narnia 3! Me too! Kindof have a bit of celebrity crush on Ben Barnes. ;)

Makes me think...do you have any celebrity crushes?

Becky said...

Hey James,
It's Becky James who use to work with you. I have some questions for you about becoming a famous author. Could you email me? beckyljames(at)gmail(dot)com.
Congratulations on everything.
-Becky

MARY IN SCOTLAND said...

Hey James! I'm giving away a copy of your book over at my book review blog!

Karen said...

James, I arrived at San Diego after dark. My daughter took me to see seals at the beach. It was the coolest thing. Moonlight shining on the water, seals down below. Ask someone where to find them if you want to go. It's been so many years I don't remember but I understand they're there every night.

Unknown said...

Dear Mr. Dashner,

I have to tell you that I just finished reading The Maze Runner and it is one of the best books that I have read recently. I loved every moment of it. Anyway I am so excited for the next two books. I have been letting everyone I know that they need to get into the series. Anyway I wanted to thank you for the excellent story. Also I was wondering if there was anyway that I could get your autograph? It would be really awesome if you could. Thanks for your time and I cannot wait to read more!

J Decker said...

Professor Dashner, I attended your lecture at Weber State and really enjoyed it. Thank you for your time. I'm working on a story of my own and could use all the help I can get. I've only ever seen one book trailer before today, but I saw the book trailer for The Maze Runner twice earlier today. I have yet to obtain and read it, but I'm very interested. You said at the lecture that Ender's Game probably influenced your writing more than any other book. I thought that was insane because that was the same book that inspired me to become a writer. I'd always thought I'd do it, but that book pushed me over the threshold. And Lord of the Flies is great too. So that The Maze Runner is like those two combined thoroughly excites me.

Chris Todd Miller said...

I went to Bree's launch at TKE, she's a great inspiration. With fond memories from my childhood, I'm looking forward to the remake of Clash of the Titans!

Nikki L said...

Oh, I really want to see the Scorch Trials cover!!!
The thing I'm most excited about (besides the Maze Runner sequel?) The Hunger Games: Book 3!!! August 24th, 220 days!!

Enna Isilee said...

JAMES!!!!! I just saw a commercial for THE MAZE RUNNER on TV!!!!!!!! That's the coolest thing ever!!!

Paul said...

Seeing you up at Weber State was Awesome. Thanks for inspiring me. Can't wait to see you at the Life universe and everything down in Provo.

Anonymous said...

For #11, definitely the third Hunger Games (after the Scorch Trials, of course !)

Cozette said...

i just want to say that the wait for the scorch trials is going to be UNBERABLE! have fun in san diago!

buttercup said...

aside from your books, of course, The 3rd Hunger Games Book is one I am dying to read. Can it please come out sooner?

emily said...

Wait, you were at Weber State, as in Utah? Because if so, I am so disappointed Amazon delivered my book on Wednesday and I didn't get addicted until Friday....otherwise I would have found a way to Weber State.

Anyways, I am super excited for the third book in The Hunger Games, how can one not be?! And, after just finishing The Maze Runner a mere five minutes ago, The Scorch Trials. Seriously, why all the waiting? But at the same time, I don't want these amazing series' to end. I really need some suggestions on books to hold me over til those beautiful days in August and.....October?

Unknown said...

LOVED The Maze! I picked this book for my boys and I for two reasons. My maiden name is DASHNER and it was recommended on the Hunger Games page. My boys said it reminded them of Ender's Game.
Any relatives in Maryland?

Noone said...

I made a Maze Runner website! www.themazerunner.webs.com

Taffy said...

I posted a review of Dark Infinity. I'll post one of Maze Runner soon.

http://sweeterthantaffy.blogspot.com/2010/01/plot-twists-crazy-realities-hunt-for.html

Matt Hayes said...

uhhhh...The Blade of Shattered Hope, The Scorch Trials, The Red Pyramid, the Lightning Thief movie, The Black Prism, Bartimaeus 4, Daniel X 3, Daniel X movie, Maximum Ride 6, Maximum Ride movie, Leven Thumps movie, Indiana Jones 5, Ironman 2, Ghost Rider 2, Wolverine 2, Paranormal Activity 2, Strongbow 4, Ranger's Apprentice 10.

Tina Lynn said...

Clash of the Titans! I'm so super excited. I mean...Clash of the Titans! I am also excited for the third HG. However, I am still getting over my anger at her shameless cliffhanger ending. I mean, dude, she called it that herself. She knew the torture she was inflicting on other humans. Ugh! Spells. Waiting for Spells. Aprilynne is awesome:)

kanishk said...

It's been so many years I don't remember but I understand they're there every night.

Work from home India

Anonymous said...

can't wait to see the cover of the 13th reality book three. sea world is the best place ever, especialy the shamu show. keep on writing.

Max said...

mr. dashner -

i just want to tell you that your book the maze runner has pinpointed my interests exactly . not that im interested in killing kids or being exceptionally cruel to them; just the whole concept of a dystopian society combined with science fiction and suspenseful thematics that has excited my brain. i cant wait for the next book, october seems so far away.
i hope to write books of the same type as i get older.

thanks for writing, its truly fascinating.

Max, age 15

Smalls said...

I just found out that you were at weber! and I missed it :( I will check up more. Hopefully you will be able to come back to the area and I will get wind of it in time. Also I left a question for you in the Q&A's hopefully I did it right.

Jack Porter said...

I finally got my nana to read the Maze Runner. She's so obsessed now. My cousin, who doesn't like reading, read your book in a day and a half. He's obsessed with it. My mom is finally reading it and she can't wait until she finishes it. And now my papa read it in 6 days, and he's never read a fiction book in his life. We absoloutely love your series and I'll be at midnight for the next one....

Anonymous said...

When are you supposed to be showing the covers for the 13th Reality book 3? I can't wait until the lightning thief come to theaters. I'm going to see it with my cousin.