After meeting seeing James Dashner at LTUE I find myself being somewhat obsessed with him. The truth of the mater is that I have never met an author whose book(s) I have read before. Now that he has validated my existence by talking to me on Twitter I have decided to dedicate my blogging and reading month to the one and only Mr. Dashner.
So, while I didn’t actually MEET James because I was too shy to actually walk up to him and say anything, I did heckle him a few times by shouting across the room. That was fun. I came away from the experience feel like he is the most dedicated and devoted author I have ever met. (See, that is a really bloated compliment considering how many authors I have ACTUALLY met, but we can just ignore that.) 
James background is in one of the most boring and uncreative fields ever invented and how he came to be a successful writer is really a mystery to me. LTUE panels were filled with English majors and college professors. But James is trained in numbers. Accounting. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Despite this pathetic life choice he always had a passion for reading and now has been able to translate that passion into a full time career.
In an interview with book blogger Steph Su, Dashner shared a bit of insight (or not) into his writing motivations.
SS: You were an accountant before you became a full-time writer.
Has that job influenced the way you approach storytelling, writing, and publicity? If so, how?
JD: Not too much. Mainly in that it gave me a lot of incentive to get published and make it my career!
Yeah, I really hated accounting.
I hope you will come back throughout the month and listen to me ramble about how great James Dashner is and then go to his blog and read it. Cause he like when you do that. Then comment, cause he like that too. Then say how great I am, just so he doesn’t miss out on that fulfillment in life, i.e. knowing how great I am. Who is this post about again?
Also, if you are reading this post, you are great too. Especially if you recognize my brilliance, or have enjoyed one of James’s books.
I haven't read The Maze Runner yet, but I will be soon. Probably this month. ;)
ReplyDeleteNext time: don't be so shy about approaching an author! They're usually extremely friendly and YA authors in particular are very approachable. I'm about as shy as they come, but you'll be so grateful when you do actually get up the nerves to speak to an author. :)
Yay! I have about 100 pages left in Maze Runner. I'm interested in seeing your thoughts/posts!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what else you do this month! I am a huge Maze Runner fan and can't wait to read the next two books. But I'd also like to read more of his writing as well.
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up by the way!
Here's what I don't get... you're not too shy to heckle across the room, BUT you're too shy to go up and say hi!! Too funny! :)
ReplyDeleteSo what are you reading? Are you going to read some 13th Reality? Or are you going way back and trying some Jimmy Fincher?
I am reading every book he has published that I haven't already read!
ReplyDeleteJames told me to library the Fincher series so that will be part of the planned events.
Thanks everyone for your comments. And James likes it when I yell at him across the room, I promise.
I loved The Maze Runner! Can't wait for The Scorch Trials.
ReplyDeleteLoved The Maze Runner - and have become an evangelist for it - passed it on to my dad, my husband, my daughter, and my best friend's husband. We are now all eagerly awaiting The Scorch Trials!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Erika! Authors have signings to meet their fans and whatnot. I know it's awkward at first, but just introduce yourself, say something you like about their work and than say, "Please sign my book X--and can I have a picture with you?" They're usually very gracious. ;)
ReplyDelete