Pop-Culturalist.com

Generations have been enthralled by the immersive world that James Dashner created when he wrote his New York Times bestselling series Maze Runner. From escaping the maze to finding the cure, James has taken readers on a wicked fun ride, and it’s not over yet!

Last fall, the prolific writer released Crank Palace, a novel told from the perspective of one of the series’ most beloved characters, Newt. Set during the latter events of The Death Cure, Crank Palace, tells the story of Newt like never before, from inside his own mind, as he searches for meaning in a life gone horribly wrong.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with James about his illustrious career as a storyteller, the inspiration behind Crank Palace, and an exciting new project he has in the works!

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
James: I’ve been a lover of storytelling since the very, very beginning. I read everything I could get my hands on, and that soon developed into writing my own tales. I have quite a few short stories from when I was a kid, and they were terrible, without exception! But I caught the bug and I’ve been doing it ever since. Consuming stories is just as big a part of my life as telling them, whether it’s books, movies, theater, whatever. I don’t know what I would do without being able to escape into stories.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
James: I’d say that Stephen King has probably been the biggest influence on my writing career. I fell in love with his books around middle school and it made me want to become an author more than anything. He also heavily affected my style of writing and taught me the importance of character development. He’s just the best.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
James: I’m so thankful for the success I’ve had and I can’t imagine ever taking it for granted because it just means so much to me. It might help that I was an accountant for ten years before I could write full-time! A moment that really stands out to me is when I sold the very first book of The Maze Runner to Random House. I had just picked up my mom from the airport for a visit and we were at dinner with my wife and kids. My agent called me and told me that we had sold the book and I was able to share that joy in person with all those people I cared so much about. It was something I’ll never forget.

PC: You’ve got a new book out now. Tell us about Crank Palace and what fans can expect from the book?
James: I’m so excited about Crank Palace. One of the most pleasant surprises of my career is how much my readers latched onto the character of Newt. It’s just crazy how many people out there talk about him and love him and revere him. So Crank Palace was a little gift to them, showing Newt’s perspective during the events of The Death Cure in which we don’t know what happened to him. Also, every penny of my advance and royalties for that book is going to a couple of charities chosen by my followers on Twitter. It’s just been a special experience in a lot of ways.

PC: Given the success that you’ve had with the Maze Runner franchise, is there a different weight/pressure as you continue to build on this universe?
James: Yes, I definitely feel the pressure a lot more than I used to. It comes from a sincere desire to never disappoint my readers, which is almost impossible considering everyone has different tastes. But I do my best!

PC: You decided early on that all the proceeds from Crank Palace would be donated to causes that you’re passionate about. Can you tell us a bit about the organization that you’ve partnered with?
James: With the help of my Twitter followers, we chose two charities: the NAACP to reflect a lot of the social injustice we’ve seen come to the forefront in the last few years and the Trevor Project to show our great love for the LGBTQ+ community. These are both important to me on a personal level as well, so I’m really happy about it.

PC: Besides Crank Palace, what’s next for you?
James: I’ve got a few fun things in the works! My first novel for the adult market, a thriller based on a serial killer from the ’60s, will be coming out late this year. Also, I’m not done with the Maze Runner world. I have a new book coming out this fall that takes place about 70 years after the events of the original trilogy. I’m really excited about it because the world and the virus have changed in some very interesting and unexpected ways.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
James: Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
James: Lord of the Rings.

PC: Favorite book?
James: The Stand by Stephen King.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
James: Les Misérables.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
James: Harry Styles.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
James: Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

To keep up with James, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up Crank Palace today.