James Dashner is the author of the 13th Reality series and the Maze Runner series. His latest book, “A Mutiny in Time,” is the first book in the muli-author, mulit-platform Infinity Ring series. Below is a complete transcript of his interview with Cracking the Cover.
How did you become involved in the Infinity Ring project?
Scholastic approached my agent and asked if I’d be interested in being the “architect” of the series and writing the first and last books. I’ve never had such a no-brainer decision in my life.
Why did it appeal to you?
The series appealed to me on so many levels. First of all, I’ve been a history dork all of my life, so the chance to play “what if” with the past and write about historical figures was exciting to me. Also, having grown up with Scholastic as such a big part of my reading life, it was surreal to be involved with them. And it was just such an amazing opportunity for my career.
Explain the process
The process has been very collaborative and a lot of fun. I worked with the Scholastic team on an outline for the series and then the other authors were brought in. From that point we’ve all worked together to come up with the best books possible. Add the online game and historical guides created in-house at Scholastic and you have quite the immersive experience.
How will all the authors maintain the tone/voice across the series?
I’m really pleased with the authors Scholastic chose for the series. I think each book will have its own unique flavor, yet maintain a style and tone that is familiar to the readers. I think everyone will just work hard and follow their instincts and succeed. As well as helping each other out.
How many books have been completed so far?
Three books are complete (mine, Carrie Ryan’s, and Lisa McMann’s) and Matt de la Pena is working on the fourth book.
As the author of the first and last books, it’s up to you to set the tone and tie everything together. What have been the challenges?
The thing that’s most daunting to me is writing the seventh and last book. I had a blast with the first one, but I also didn’t have the pressure of wrapping anything up or tying all the loose ends. I’ll have that with the seventh. As well as the pressure of making a solid, exciting, satisfying ending. But I’m up to the task!
History and science play large roles in Infinity Ring. How much research was involved?
A lot of research was involved, but it was all fun. It doesn’t feel like work when you enjoy it so much.
Was it difficult switching gears from the Maze Runner to Infinity Ring?
It wasn’t difficult at all. When I sit down to write a book, I just follow my instincts and write the best possible story. I don’t even think about my audience all that much, so it doesn’t feel that different. The audiences are different, and I take that into account, but I don’t feel like my writing changes that much.
This is the first time your writing will be accompanied by a strong online component. Has the online game always been a part of the project?
Yes, the online game was something we talked about on the very first day. Scholastic wanted to take what they’d accomplished with The 39 Clues and build something even bigger and better. It was one of the reasons I was so excited to be a part of it, and they certainly have lived up to their goals! The game demos have blown me away.
How are you involved with the online part of the project?
I’m involved only in the sense that I’ve helped create the world that serves as the backdrop, the characters, the storyline, etc.
What sets Infinity Ring apart from other books of its genre?
I think it’s more immersive than anything done before with a book series for this age. I really feel like the kids will love the books and the guides, get sucked into the game, and learn a lot of things along the way.
You’ve now written quite a bit of YA and middle-grade books. How does writing for different ages differ? Is it hard to transition from one to the other? Is there one where you feel more comfortable?
Like I said earlier, it doesn’t feel all that different to me. The most important thing is to write a good story with characters that seem real and are cared about. I feel like the middle grade books are more whimsical, have a little more humor and not get so deep, but I approach them the same way, basically. It’s exciting to be writing for the younger kids again, though.
What are you working on now?
I have a new young adult series that will be announced very soon by Random House.