This author did so many things right, but I'll focus on my favorite writing lessons. (Alert! Read no further if you haven't read this book yet and don't want to know any plot points)
- Reader and main character question the story world together: Thomas, the main character, had no idea where he was or why he was sent there. He didn't know how old he was. He questioned everything because he was curious. I was curious, too.
- If you're using story slang, keep it to a minimum: this story had a few unique words--Greenie, shank, shuck-face, klunk. The author did a good job of repeating these few words without overwhelming the reader.
- Groundhog Day: Thomas' memory had been wiped, yet he kept feeling as if he'd been in the maze before. Most of his new life was new and unfamiliar, but then he saw or felt something and knew it wasn't the first time. I was intrigued, and wondered what the backstory was.
- Mysteries within mysteries: Another kid accused Thomas of being a traitor...of being responsible for their predicament. Was it possible Thomas was a bad guy in disguise? A mystery within a mystery. I wanted to know more!
- Avoid confusion: a girl arrived in "the box," with a note saying she's the last one. At first I thought it meant she was the last girl, but then learned otherwise. A couple of words would've clarified that point.
- Necessary world: with a grand story like this, I'd imagine the author could've gotten carried away with world details. But Dashner did a great job of only sprinkling in necessary details when they were important. By spoon feeding world to the reader, it wasn't overwhelming. It was a great blend of action, world, and dialog.
- End book one with something new: without giving too much away, I know that Book 2 will be in an entirely new setting. It'll include some of the characters I'd come to know, but it'll be infused with new characters who showed up at the end of Book 1. Really smart.
My son was glad to know I'd be moving on to Book Two of the series. I'm sure I'll learn from that book as well! Side benefit: chatting about books with my boys. #win
Have you read this book or the series? What do you think of these writing lessons? And if you write fantasy, dystopian or paranormal, do you sometimes get bogged down in world details? How do you avoid that?
World-building is sooooooo hard. And Dasher does a fabulous job with that. The lingo and setting... and it only just begins when it ends! The story opens up to a whole new world of possibilities. I think it's why I tend to write more Urban Fantasy because there isn't as *much* world building involved. (lol) Loved this book!
ReplyDeleteI'm so curious how the end of book one will lead to the beginning of book 2. My son already knows but I've sworn him to secrecy!
DeleteThis is yet another fabulous read on my TBR list. I totally have to get to this one, and I think my 12 yr old would flip over it. I should push it his direction.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, your 12 yo will LOVE it! My boys aren't usually readers, but this series has kept them riveted.
DeleteHaven't had a chance to read this yet, but it's high on my TBR list! Loved the tips, as always. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, EJ! If you get a chance to read it I hope you love it :)
DeleteI haven't read the series, but I liked what you pulled from it. Sometimes I try to read and learn, but if the story sucks me in, I just read....
ReplyDeleteJulie, I know what you mean about a story sucking you in! Sometimes I don't even pay attention to writing lessons at all.
DeleteI haven't read it. Necessary world - I prefer books that keep it to the minimum. I can fill in the blanks with my imagination. (I also write the same way.)
ReplyDeleteAlex...so cool that you've already masted the world part. Especially important (and difficult, I'd imagine) in your genre.
DeleteI read this book and agree with your lessons from it. I read book 2 awhile ago but I never finished the series. Hope to one of these days.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I'll be curious to see if I make it all the way through. I'm not the most loyal "series" reader!
DeleteI haven't got my copy yet but what you shared are great qualities more books should have.
ReplyDeleteSo true! And now to apply it to my own writing :)
DeleteI've read every book in this series including the prequel. Loved 'em all. The world building had me riveted.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, you were the one who recommended these books to my boys! Garrett has read all of them. Blake is on book 2. Devin only read book 1.
DeleteI liked that book. It was very interesting, although I thought wasn't engaging at time. Still, it was very well imagined. It's a good example of how to do world building right. Everything fit together and made sense. It's what I go for when I write.
ReplyDeleteJE, you're right. Maybe not engaging ALL the time, especially in the beginning. But I was hooked after a few chapters!
DeleteI love reading something my son recommends. (I haven't trusted my daughter since Twilight, but never mind). Sounds like this was a great one! I especially love the 'trickle' of special language--repeat a few, rather than include a bunch or failing to let the reader get used to them.
ReplyDeleteI like the last writing tip on your list about ending a first book with something new. The trick is to tie up the first book, and yet leave a bit of a cliffhanger to tempt the reader to read the sequel. Thanks, Julie!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie, for summarizing such insightful tips. I can relate to sticking with a book the first few chapters then being blown away, not daring to put it down.
ReplyDeleteWhat great lessons learned! I've been wanting to read this book for a while. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome lessons as always, Julie! It moves up on my list. Ashamed I haven't read it yet!
ReplyDeleteSounds pretty neat, although I'd be curious why it takes a few chapters before it gets going, then again all's well that ends well. Cool blog:)
ReplyDeleteI love the first one you mentioned. There's nothing like reading a story, formulating your own curiosity about the tale, and having the MC right along there with you. :D
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