A Diamond, Not So Rough - Sara Nelson - Blog on Publishers Weekly

Sara Nelson

Blog

Sara Nelson

« The Bitter with the Sweet... | Main | Mama Always Said There Would B... »

Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (9)

Sara Nelson

A Diamond, Not So Rough
May 1, 2008

It’s not easy being James Patterson. Sure, he’s got a big-house publisher (Hachette), a hot-shot agent (Bob Barnett, who is now going to be mad at me because, as he’s told me many times, he’s an attorney, not an agent) and a slew of super-bestselling books. But, somehow, it seems, something is lacking. Even as he spoke at a party in his honor at Tiffany’s for his umpteenth book, Sundays at Tiffany’s, even as he stood surrounded by handlers and fans and lots and lots of bling, Patterson seemed, well. . . a little bit sad.

What’s he got to be sad about? As every journalist who has ever covered him knows, Patterson is thin-skinned. (I bet that first paragraph has him upset already. Sorry, Jim) He doesn’t like it when you tease him about his success, or suggest that many of his books are written by assistants (they’re not, he insists: he deals with absolutely every plot twist and detail, even if he doesn’t write every word) or say anything even a soupcon less than praiseful about him and his work. In the eyes of many, James Patterson has it all -- but he doesn't often enough feel the love.

So I'll try to show him some: The Patterson party at Tiffany’s – guests included Liz Smith, Joni Evans, among many others – was perfect. The drinks were plentiful, the food was good, the crowd was happy – and Patterson’s speech (“I like Tiffany’s, but my wife LOVES Tiffany’s”) was affable enough. In fact, it was just about what you’d expect from someone who cut his teeth – and made his first fortune – in the advertising business. On stage and on page, the guy can work the room, be it at tony Tiffany's or at Wal-Mart, where millions of Patterson books are sold.

Posted by Sara Nelson on May 1, 2008 | Comments (9)

April 30, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
Jocelyn Kelley commented:

It seems that everyone wants to tear Patterson down, but you have to hand it to him, the man has staying power and (most importantly) selling power. He writes for men. He writes for women. He launches careers. He is a literary lion...and it's sort of endearing that he has a thin skin.

May 1, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
Katie commented:

"he deals with absolutely every plot twist and detail, even if he doesn’t write every word." Well, isn't that special. Call me crazy, but I prefer authors who DO write every word.

May 1, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
mo money mo money commented:

By the end of this year, Patterson will have published 14 novels during 2007 & 2008. At this rate, he'll soon be gaining on Louis L'Amour (who published 86 novels and 14 short story collections during his lifetime). Lets just crown him the male Barbara Cartland (who published 723 novels in her lifetime) and give him the respect that title deserves. (Although even SHE dictated all her novels and never had co-authors.)

May 1, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
mo money mo money commented:

May 1, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
Charles commented:

I've never read any of his books, but the impression I get is best conveyed by the word "hack" - so many co-authors, so many books, so many short chapters. Not interested - so many terrific writers out there to bother with this guy.

May 1, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
Charles commented:

May 2, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
Debbie commented:

I've read the majority of Patterson's books and find them very entertaining. I really don't care how they are written or who writes them. I just know I enjoy them and they never disappoint me. I love his short chapters because you feel like you're flying through the book! Keep 'em coming Jim!!!

May 2, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
Michael commented:

I've read the prologues and/or first chapters of many of his novels in order to see how he hooks so many readers. Most of his stories open with a good twist or two, sometimes a little humor, and always with tension. Critics who write "better" material but somehow can't seem to get anyone to buy it should do themselves a favor and study Patterson's techniques. :)

May 2, 2008
In response to: A Diamond, Not So Rough
Malone commented:

I've encountered Patterson at writer conferences and frankly, he's rude and arrogant. He's a former Advertising man working the product to death and hasn't written in ages. To the point, it was a running joke who would be the next 'assistant' to Patterson and earn some good royalty.