Author James Dashner Talks New ‘Maze Runner’ Prequel and More

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The Maze Runner series was one of the biggest hits of the past decade. Filled with terrific characters, surprising mysteries, action and plenty of spooky moments, the series established author James Dashner as one of the best children’s authors in the business.

the_fever_code_cover2His latest novel is called The Fever Code. It’s a sequel to the Maze Runner series, and fans can’t wait to see what it’s all about. Here’s the official synopsis:

A prequel to the worldwide Maze Runner phenomenon, The Fever Code is the book that holds all the answers. How did WICKED find the Gladers? Who are Group B? And what side are Thomas and Teresa really on? Lies will be exposed. Secrets will be uncovered. Loyalties will be proven. Fans will never see the truth coming. Before there was the Maze, there was The Fever Code.

I had the chance to ask Dashner a few questions about the book and some other topics. Scroll down to see what he had to say.

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What can you tell us about The Fever Code?

This prequel is something I think a lot of my readers have been waiting for. It takes us back in time a little bit to show each and every one of the Gladers back within the confines of WICKED. We see how and why the Maze was built and everything leads up to that moment when Thomas first enters the Glade. Despite being a prequel, and supposedly knowing the ending, there are plenty of surprises along the way!

What drew you back to The Maze Runner saga?

The Fever Code was a book idea I mentioned to Random House (Dashner’s publisher) and my agent a long time ago, even before The Maze Runner was actually published. The original trilogy has so much mystery and intrigue revolving around the characters’ wiped memories that I always felt it lent itself well to a prequel. Thankfully my publisher agreed that writing this book was a swell idea.

What mysteries or secrets can fans expect the book to deal with?

I don’t want to give anything away, not even hint at it! Although I have to admit it’s tempting. But the fun thing about this book is that it’s not so much about the destination, which we all know ends up being the Maze. It’s how they get there, and I promise that’s a journey that people will be surprised by.

The movie adaptations of the books have been a big success. What do you think of them?

I’m absolutely in love with the movies. They’ve been such a thrill for me, like the very epitome of a dream come true. I’m a huge movie buff, so to have films based on something I created is just beyond anything I dared hope for. To have them be of such high quality —in my humble opinion — is some very nice icing on the cake.

What’s your writing process like?

There’s nothing too complicated or ground-breaking about my writing process. I try to do at least a little something every day. I always write the first draft straight through, without any backpedaling or editing. At that point in the process it’s all about the story and the characters and the creative mode. When that’s done I go through it several times to make it as good as I possibly can get it, and then it’s off to my editor. I always write on my little laptop, and I do it anywhere from my home library to coffee shops to bookstores. The world is my office!

What’s up next for you?

I’m trying to do something a little different: a thriller/horror novel, a stand-alone. I’m very excited about it!

What are some of your favorite books for kids?

Well, a lot of the classics I loved as a kid are still around and popular: Charlotte’s Web, James and the Giant Peach, Superfudge, The Hardy Boys, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Mouse and the Motorcycle … etc. I could go on and on!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Oh, man, so many things. Books, movies, musicals, travel, basketball, hiking, snow skiing, anything with my kids. So much to do, so little time!

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