We’re so quick to label something into a certain category, because that’s how we distinguish things from other things. The same goes with books. YA, Sci-Fi, Romance, Mystery, etc. But author James Dashner puts it in simpler terms when asked about writing dystopian fiction and whether he’s ever write something more “realistic”.
I honestly think people love good stories and good characters, and the setting behind all of that doesn’t matter as much as people think. Fantasy comes and goes, dystopia, vampires, whatever. But a good story is a good story. What appeals to me about dark futures is that it feels otherworldly, but it has that added effect of, “Oh, man, this could actually happen.”
It makes sense. James’s current trilogy, The Mortality Doctrine, is already out with its second book, The Rule of Thoughts, and even though it’s more sci-fi than dystopian, it has some realistic elements in it. Things that could happen. So, in other words, James doesn’t really try to label himself into one category. Some authors like writing in one category, some don’t.
In regards to the reality of having his books –The Maze Runner trilogy – made into movies, he says this:
I’ve always dreamed of a movie, even before I wrote my first full novel. Movies are my first love, and seeing it happen — especially one that I feel so good about — is easily the highlight of my career. I’m a very lucky dude, and I never take it for granted. I’m very thankful to all my readers for making this life possible.
You’re welcome, James.
The Scorch Trials movie, the sequel to The Maze Runner, is currently in production and is set to be released in theaters on September 18, 2015.
