Dashner Does Houston

By Tamra Norton

My good buddy James Dashner, author of The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters, published by Shadow Mountain came to H-town for a week of school visits and Barnes&Noble events, so of course, I insisted he stay at "Hotel Norton" while he had events in the northern parts of my fair city.

Knowing James was coming and doing his presentation to a bajillion elementary schools, I asked if he wouldn't mind doing his presentation for the homeschoolers and others in my area. After a quick visit with the lovely Rebecca Denham, YA librarian at the awesome Barbara Bush Branch of the Harris County Public Library, the gig was scheduled, and I was psyched. I've seen James in action numerous times--even team taught a few classes with him--so I knew his presentation would be fantastic and get the kids pumped about reading, writing, and "Changing the World"--the theme of his book tour. He did that, and more!

I don't want to give away too much of James' presentation, but if you've ever been curious about what The Dude looks like in tights... Well, I've already said too much. But here are some photos, complements of the incredible and lovely Sunbum.

Me, James and my two youngest kiddos.

Every kid went home with an autographed poster.
And a bookmark!

The maaaahvelous Sunbum (my adopted daughter, if her mom would let me) and her fave author.

"Friends of the Library" not only had books for sale, but a nice spread of cookies, fruit and vegetable trays, punch and even cheese (which James gobbled up before anyone arrived).

What happens when James eats too much cheese!

James and me at Nauvoo Books--the rockin'-est bookstore in Houston!

Come back again, James...but maybe not during hurricane season! :)

James Dashner: Changing the World

I stayed up very late last night...and the night before...and the night before. Why? Because the only reading time I have is at night when the kiddos are in bed, and I couldn't manage to turn pages fast enough as I read an Advance Reader Copy of The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters, scheduled for a March 13, 2008 release by Shadow Mountain Publishing.

With a gift for expression and exposition, James Dashner has created unique characters, compelling conflict, and some downright creepy "bad-guys," and cool gadgets within such a significant story. I won't soon forget "Tick"--Atticus Higginbottom and his desire to stand up and make a difference or Edgar Higginbottom--finally, a father figure to admire in children's literature.

This story was thoroughly entertaining, and so much more--and there will be more! The Journal of Curious Letters is the first book in The 13th Reality Series. Within the first few chapters, Tick may not yet have the confidence he'll need to change the world, but I completely believe that James Dashner and The Journal of Curious Letters are headed for just that!

The Dashner Dude is the Greatest Blog Ever (a.k.a., I'll Do Anything For a Free Book)

Hey Folks,

My buddy James Dashner has launched a new blog called The Dashner Dude. Whether you want to learn how he snagged a NYC agent or landed a pretty schweet deal with a national publisher for his upcoming sure-to-take-the-place-of-Harry-Potter middle-grade fantasy series, The 13th Reality, Book 1:The Journal of Curious Letters (coming March 13th, 2008 to a bookstore near you), PLEASE take a moment and check out his blog.

James isn't a newbie to writing and publishing. Check out his website, if for nothing else, to hear the creepy music. Oh, and if you didn't realize at first glance, James is the constipated looking one in the middle. (I'm the constipated one on the far right). James and I--we're like peas and carrots. :)

Love ya, James. I'll take a ARC next month, 'kay? :)