Interview with James Dashner

Best-selling author James Dashner returns to the popular Maze Runner series in September with a prequel book, The Fever Code. We talked to him about his upcoming release, the movies, and writing.

Welcome back to SFFWorld, James. Could you tell us a little about the new book?

Thanks for having me again! I’m really excited about the new book. When I first sold The Maze Runner to Random House, I always told them that the nature of the story lent itself really well to a prequel or two someday. The Fever Code is finally the book I was envisioning when I said that back then. It shows every single character from the original trilogy and everything that transpired up to the very moment Thomas enters the Glade. A lot of questions are answered, and despite being a prequel, there are some big surprises that people won’t be expecting.

The Fever Code is a chance for you to give readers an in-depth look at well-loved characters they’ve met throughout the Maze Runner series. What was it like finally getting to share their backstories?

It was surreal. I think the movies really affected me deeply, and this is the first time I’ve written these characters since the first movie came out. And the films brought everything to life for me on an entirely different level, despite the many changes that came with adapting it. The characters were so true to what I’d envisioned, and those actors ARE my characters now. So that was weird, hard to explain. And I felt a lot of pressure doing this book, because we desperately wanted to end things very strongly. It was fun, it was exciting, and it was scary. Now all I can do is wait and see what people think!

Which character was the hardest to write, and why?

Probably Teresa. She had so many layers to her already, and this book brings out a few more. She is one complicated person and I think her storyline is the one people will be talking about.

And which character comes easiest to you?

Thomas. He’s just me, basically. A much braver version, of course, at least in the original trilogy. But this time we see a lot more of his vulnerabilities and fears, so if anything, he was even easier to write.

You ran a competition where fans entered for a chance to see their name as a character in The Fever Code. Is this the first time you’ve tried something like this? How did it work out?

It’s not the first time, but I think it’s such a great idea. I would’ve sold every one of my siblings for a chance to be in a Judy Blume book when I was a kid. The winners (there were two) were very excited. Authors have to get names from somewhere – might as well make someone’s day!

Do you have more prequels planned for The Maze Runner, or is this a final farewell to your world?

This is a final farewell. Almost probably definitely. Ha. Never say never, I guess.

Last time we chatted to you, the first Maze Runner movie had yet to be launched. Now the third and last movie in the trilogy is in production, scheduled for release in 2018. What has it been like seeing your work on the big screen?

As I hinted at before, it really affected me. Having been a movie buff my whole life, seeing a film bring something I made up to life on the big screen is just indescribable. It’s definitely been the highlight of my career. After I saw the complete film of The Maze Runner for the first time, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I bawled my eyes out. Embarrassing. I still can’t really believe that I have movies, let alone that they did so well worldwide. It’s just so surreal.

Did you have a chance to visit the sets for all three movies?

First two, yes, and planning on the third when it resumes filming. Being on any film set would be cool, but when it’s based on your books… It’s just ridiculous! Impossible to describe.

After the post-apocalyptic intrigue of Maze Runner, you dipped into the cyber world of virtual reality gaming in The Mortality Doctrine. Past work has also touched on time travel, alternate realities, and magic portals. There seems to be a common thread of altered perceptions of reality. Is this a conscious choice? What is it that appeals to you about this type of story?

I like dipping into things that mess with your mind, and I try so hard to make up stuff that’s either completely original or a brand new take on an old idea. But yes, I’m fascinated with the concept of reality. Movies like The Matrix and Inception solidify for me that we can never truly be sure what “reality” even means. Like I always say, if a dream can feel so real sometimes, how can you possibly ever know, 100% for sure, that you’re awake? The same applies to virtual reality if it ever reaches Matrix levels. That stuff is so fun to think about!

Although you’re probably best known for your Young Adult work, you also write Middle Grade books for younger readers. You wrote two recent titles in the multi-author Infinity Ring series, and you have two earlier series, Jimmy Fincher and The 13^th Reality. What are the different challenges when it comes to writing for younger children or for teens?

Honestly? There’s not much difference for me. I just write what comes out naturally and instinctively. I never try to “write down” to my audience. I may adjust some language or violence, but not much. So, either they’re a lot smarter than we give them credit for or I never grew up. Probably both.

You’ve wrapped up The Mortality Doctrine series, and with The Fever Code you’re putting the finishing touches on The Maze Runner. What’s next?

I’m dabbling with a horror novel right now. I always want to do something completely different when time for a new project rolls around. We’ll see how this one goes…

* * * * * * *