Exclusive Interview With James Dashner on THE EYE OF MINDS, Part 2

Attention Dashner Army!  It is November 26 today, which means it’s James’ birthday today!

Happy Birthday James!

You can tweet him your birthday greeting at @jamesdashner, but before you do that, you can read part 2 of the exclusive interview we had with him about his latest book, The Eye of Minds.  We’ve waited to post it to give you readers time to actually read the book, because this part of the interview contains **spoilers**!

With that said, if you haven’t read The Eye of Minds yet, then you might want to skip out on this interview until you have.

James Dashner Tells Us Where He’d Rather Live

So, would James Dashner rather live in the world of The Maze Runner or in the world of The Eye of Minds?  Here’s his answer:

Frankly, as much as I love The Maze Runner series, I don’t think I’d want to live there either!

 

James Dashner’s Essay on THE EYE OF MINDS

Read more about what inspired author James Dashner to write his new book, The Eye of Minds, book one of The Mortality Doctrine.

It’s easy for me to pinpoint the very first glimmer of inspiration I had for The Eye of Minds. I love movies, and there are two movies that easily fall into my Top Ten Movies of All Time list, which is more of a concept than an actual list. (I think it currently has about 20 movies on it and it isn’t written down anywhere other than in my mind.)  Those two movies are Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, and The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis.  These are what I call “event” movies—films that blew me away and stayed with me, still to this day. Some of the concepts presented in those films stuck in my mind, and definitely inspired my thought process as I came up with the story for The Eye of Minds.

To read the rest of the essay, click here.

Now Available: THE EYE OF MINDS

James Dashner’s newest book, THE EYE OF MINDS, is on store shelves now! You can pick up your copy wherever books are sold, including your favorite e-book dealer. You can read an excerpt of the book here.

If you would like a side of special features with your amazing story, copies purchased at Barnes and Noble have a exclusive chapter annotated by James Dashner himself.

Happy reading, Dashner Army!

Exclusive Interview With James Dashner on THE EYE OF MINDS, Part 1

Hello Dashner fans!

I got a chance to read an ARC of James Dashner‘s new book, The Eye of Minds, and posed several questions for him to answer about it.  No worries, there are no spoilers for this part of the interview.

1) Describe The Eye of Minds in 3 words

James Dashner:  Twisty. Fast. Fear.

2) There were some pretty interesting riddles in the story.  Was it difficult to come up with the riddles?

JD:  I’ve always been fascinated with riddles. In fact, every series I’ve ever written has had some type of riddle embedded within it. The funny thing is, I grew up so impressed with authors who did that and it was something about which I had very little confidence in myself. But I keep trying, and it seems to keep working.

3) You said this book was inspired by certain movies.  Were there any video games that also inspired the story?

JD:  The first video game that truly struck me and stayed with me was The Legend of Zelda. That sense of going on a mission and meeting different challenges definitely inspired The Path in my book.

4) You gave almost all your characters from The Maze Runner a first name only.  And it seems you’re keeping that trend for this book as well.  Any reason for that?

JD:  I usually don’t find much point in telling you what someone’s last name is. They rarely come up in casual conversation, especially amongst friends. It just seems info-dumpy. Plus, it makes the character a little more open to your interpretation the less you know specifically.

5) What was the most challenging part about writing this novel?

JD:  Crafting it to build to the end I wanted. I’ve never planned and crafted this much.

6) You have three major characters in this first book of the series, one of them being female.  Will there be any romantic development between any of them, minor or major?

JD:  I’m not a big romance guy, as my readers can attest. If something develops naturally, it will, but it will never be a main aspect of my works.

7) What are your favorite video games to play?

JD:  Skyrim is awesome. But, honestly, I like physical gaming more than video gaming. Everything from Magic to Ticket to Ride!

The Eye of Minds comes out Tuesday, October 8, 2013.  Check out my short, non-spoiler review of The Eye of Minds.

James Dashner’s THE EYE OF MINDS Book Tour

James Dashner will be touring a good many places during October and November for book one of The Mortality Doctrine series, The Eye of Minds.  Check out the places and dates below:

DATE	TIME	LOCATION
10/8/2013	7:00pm	Official launch party, sponsored by The King’s English Rowland Fall High School 843 Lincoln St. SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84102
10/9/2013	7:00pm	TATTERED COVER BOOKSTORE 9315 DORCHESTER ST HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80129-2521
10/10/2013	6:30pm	BOULDER BOOKSTORE 1107 PEARL ST BOULDER, CO 80302-5103
10/11/2013	7:00pm	Ramsey County Library 2180 Hamline Ave N Roseville, MN 55113
10/12/2013	1:00pm	WILD RUMPUS 2720 W 43RD ST MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55410-1643
10/12/2013	7:00pm	BARNES & NOBLE #2967 3940 DIVISION ST SAINT CLOUD, MN 56301-3790
10/21/2013	7:00pm	ANDERSON BOOK SHOP 123 W JEFFERSON AVE NAPERVILLE, IL 60540-5310
10/22/2013	7:00pm	BARNES & NOBLE #2622 55 OLD ORCHARD CENTER SKOKIE, IL 60077
10/23/2013	6:00pm	SCHULER BOOKS INC 2820 TOWNE CENTRE BLVD LANSING, MI 48912-5614
10/24/2013	6:30pm	NICOLA’S BOOKS 2513 JACKSON AVE ANN ARBOR, MI 48103-3818
10/25/2013	6:30pm	BARNES & NOBLE #2701 1701 MALLORY LN BRENTWOOD, TN 37027-2800
10/26/2013	2:00pm	PARNASSUS BOOKS, LLC. 3900 HILLSBORO PIKE NASHVILLE, TN 37215-2724
10/27/2013	2:00pm	BOOKS-A-MILLION #530 8507 KINGSTON PIKE KNOXVILLE, TN 37919-5354
11/5/2013	7:00pm	BARNES & NOBLE #2647 760 SE MAYNARD RD CARY, NC 27511-5720
11/6/2013	7:00pm	QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS 3522 WADE AVE RALEIGH, NC 27607-4048
11/7/2013	5:00pm	Bethesda Library 7400 Arlington Rd Bethesda, MD 20814
11/8/2013	7:00pm	BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE 2516 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-3710
11/9/2013	2:00pm	BOOKS-A-MILLION #378 137 SPOTSYLVANIA MALL FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407-1126
11/16/2013	3:30pm	92nd Street Y 1395 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10128
11/17/2013	4:00pm	R.J. JULIA BOOKSELLERS LTD. 768 BOSTON POST RD MADISON, CT 06443-3047
11/18/2013	6:00pm	OBLONG BOOKS & MUSIC 6420 MONTGOMERY ST RHINEBECK, NY 12572-1356
11/19/2013	7:00pm	BARNES & NOBLE #2216 91 OLD COUNTRY RD CARLE PLACE, NY 11514-1812
11/20/2013	7:00pm	THE DOYLESTOWN BOOKSHOP 16 S MAIN ST DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901-4698
11/21/2013	7:00pm	CHILDREN’S BOOK WORLD X103136 17 HAVERFORD STATION RD HAVERFORD, PA 19041-1506
11/22/2013	7:00pm	Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 4400 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Check on the links to confirm the date and time and if possible tickets are needed.

James Dashner Interview with MTV Geek on THE EYE OF MINDS

We’re still anticipating the release of a trailer for The Maze Runner movie, but in the meantime, check out this interview with James Dashner on his upcoming book, The Eye of Minds.

MTV Geek: I must admit, I was really surprised at some of the twists and turns this story took.  I’d seen it publicized as a virtual reality/cyberpunk thriller, but it seems like you used the premise as a launchpad to spin off in all kinds of directions, and break down barriers between genres.  Was that your original intent, or did that evolve as the story developed?

James Dashner: My main intent from the start was to do something that felt different from Maze Runner. Other than that, I just wanted to take my readers on a trip that would constantly surprise them while having a good time along the way. It was a lot of fun for me to have the backdrop of a virtual reality world because the possibilities are endless. The challenge was to keep it grounded in reality somehow, where the real terror can come to life.

Geek: Did this story come about as a reaction to the wide-open feel of your Maze Runner series, where tech didn’t play as much of a part in the story?

Dashner: I specifically wanted to avoid this book being called a dystopian or post-apocalyptic tale, even though it was set in the future. It was important to me for the new series to feel different. And yes, it was liberating to be in an entirely different world where I could flex those creative muscles like crazy. I had way too much fun writing this book.

Geek: Given that this new book envisions all sorts of advanced tech, where do you go for information and inspiration on that front? Are you a gamer yourself? Do you keep up with Wired/BoingBoing/tech journals/etc?

Dashner: I’m the type of person who stays very dialed-in with the latest advancements in gaming and technology because it fascinates me. If you’d shown me as a kid what we have today, I would’ve died of shock and excitement. That’s why I think the world of the VirtNet is not even remotely implausible. I think it’s 20 to 30 years away at most.

Geek: This is the first of a planned series of novels…  Do you have a specific end in mind, or are you just seeing where the characters take you, and leaving it open-ended?

Dashner: I’ve already mapped this particular story arc as a trilogy, and not just because that’s a popular length for a series. It just really worked out well for what I want to happen overall. I do think this series would have a better chance of having a sequel than The Maze Runner did. That trilogy pretty much had an end with no story left to tell (except for prequels).

Geek: And as a motion picture adaptation of Maze Runner is now in production, has there been similar interest in this new series?  It certainly seems that there’s pretty great cinematic potential…

Dashner: There’s definitely been interest, but nothing is a done deal as of yet. But when I write, I always envision my scenes cinematically before they hit the page, so I really would love to see this one on the big screen some day.

The Eye of Minds will be released on Tuesday, October 8, 2013.

Read the full interview at MTV Geek.

September’s DashnerChat Highlights

Check out the highlight tweets from the final month of #DashnerChat with author James Dashner.

12 days until The Eye of Minds and TMR box set. Oct 8. #DashnerArmy

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 26, 2013

Okay, I honestly have no new information about the movie trailer. I promise you that your patience will be rewarded. #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

If I had to choose, I'd definitely live in the world of The Eye of Minds! Endless possibilities. #dashnerchat @TakeABreathee

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I'm extremely happy with @dylanobrien as Thomas and the rest of the cast. Very, very happy. #dashnerchat @javi_THG_99

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

The soundtrack for Maze Runner is going to be epic, orchestral, and amazing. #dashnerchat @carohdez

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

The name of EOM's sequel (which is already written) is THE RULE OF THOUGHTS. #dashnerchat @youshuckfaced

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

The scene I'm most excited about is the first appearance of the Grievers. #dashnerchat @yeahglader

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

Chuck called Thomas ugly, but we don't know that. Typical response from a 12 year old. Dylan IS Thomas. #dashnerchat @bucketofantlers

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

Yes, EOM is a trilogy, already outlined in detail, first two books done. #dashnerchat @MazeRunnerQuote

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

Mexico, Utah, New Mexico, or Arizona would be good for The Scorch Trials film. #dashnerchat @raemckenzie

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

On the official Maze Runner movie page on Facebook, there's a list of all the international release dates. Most in Feb. #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

My bet with @brandsanderson: whoever has lower week 1 sales has to change pic on FB and Twitter to the Biebs. I'm the underdog #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I don't know about start dates for Scorch Trials. We have to make sure movie #1 is successful! #dashnerchat @CuatroYSeis

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

My fave character is Minho. #dashnerchat @javi_THG_99

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

Two very big inspirations for Eye of Minds: The Matrix and Inception. #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

The Kill Order (TMR prequel) will come out in paperback in USA in January. #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

If I beat @brandsanderson, I'll do something very special for the #DashnerArmy. Like, really special. Do I sound desperate? #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I've thought of more prequels for Maze Runner, but I can't imagine a sequel that would make much sense. #dashnerchat @LaCarballo_

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I never planned on TMR getting this big, but I sure hoped it!!! #dashnerchat @_WithoutWings

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I always feel bad when a character dies. Always. Especially… you know who. #dashnerchat @xHeyMissMurder

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I got to visit the set twice and meet all the cast and crew and it was life changing. #dashnerchat @tmrdaily @AmlAmeen

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I don't know who should play Brenda. What do you guys think? #dashnerchat @devynlovesbooks

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

But for now, my life and soul are focused on EOM (The Mortality Doctrine series). I can't wait for everyone to read it. #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I think it was pretty evident that @dylanobrien and @DexterDarden were the funniest people on set. @MellarkIsOnFire

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

And @followblakecoop was the one you'd most like to hug. @MellarkIsOnFire

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I'd much rather die in the Glade because at least I created that. #dashnerchat @LilyBlack102

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into writing The Eye of Minds. I hope every #Dashnerd will give it a shot. Oct 8. #dashnerchat

— jamesdashner (@jamesdashner) September 27, 2013

To enter for a chance to win an ARC of The Eye of Minds, go here!

Enter for a chance to win an ARC of James Dashner’s Latest Novel, THE EYE OF MINDS

Here’s your chance to win an Advance Reader’s Copy of The Eye of Minds, the first book of James Dashner‘s next series, The Mortality Doctrine.

Michael is a gamer. And like most gamers, he almost spends more time on the VirtNet than in the actual world. The VirtNet offers total mind and body immersion, and it’s addictive. Thanks to technology, anyone with enough money can experience fantasy worlds, risk their life without the chance of death, or just hang around with Virt-friends. And the more hacking skills you have, the more fun. Why bother following the rules when most of them are dumb, anyway?

But some rules were made for a reason. Some technology is too dangerous to fool with. And recent reports claim that one gamer is going beyond what any gamer has done before: he’s holding players hostage inside the VirtNet. The effects are horrific—the hostages have all been declared brain-dead. Yet the gamer’s motives are a mystery.

The government knows that to catch a hacker, you need a hacker.
And they’ve been watching Michael. They want him on their team.
But the risk is enormous. If he accepts their challenge, Michael will need to go off the VirtNet grid. There are back alleys and corners in the system human eyes have never seen and predators he can’t even fathom—and there’s the possibility that the line between game and reality will be blurred forever.

James Dashner has built another exciting and terrifying world for us to delve ourselves into with The Eye of Minds.  Do you want to read it for free?  Enter by clicking on the image or link below!  U.S. Residents only, please.

Enter here for The Eye of Minds giveaway

Hurry!  The cutoff to enter is October 2, 2013 midnight Eastern Time! 

 

THE MAZE RUNNER Author James Dashner’s New Book Series Has a Trailer

James Dashner‘s newest book, The Eye of Minds, comes out October 8, 2013, and we have the book trailer for you!

Still want to know more? You can read my review of the book here.