James Patterson Teaches Writing - MasterClass

James Patterson gives a Masterclass on writing through MasterClass online training. He starts the 22 lessons (3 hours and 31 minute course) like this:

“Hi I’m Stephen King. Actually I’m not Stephen King. But the purpose of my saying that is that’s the first line in our story. And first lines are hugely important. And what I do in those four words is I’m letting you know that this is going to be irreverent, and fun. and it’s going to be a bit jokey at times, and I know who writers like Stephen King are.“

His books have sold more that 425 million copies. He was first person to sell 1 million eBooks. He has made more than $750,000,000 in earnings from his writing.

He has published two hundred and sixty Times best-sellers, and Publishers Weekly has determined that he is the best-selling author of the past seventeen years. (as of a June 2022 article.)

Bio

James Patterson, born on March 22, 1947, in Newburgh, New York, is a highly accomplished and prolific American author. Raised in a small town, Patterson developed an early love for literature and storytelling. He attended Manhattan College and later earned a master's degree in English from Vanderbilt University.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Patterson had a successful career in advertising. It was in the late 1970s that he decided to pursue his passion for writing. His early works, like "The Thomas Berryman Number" (1976), gained attention, but it was in the 1990s that Patterson truly rose to literary stardom.

Patterson is perhaps best known for his suspenseful thrillers, particularly the Alex Cross detective series, which began with "Along Came a Spider" in 1993. The character of Alex Cross, a brilliant detective and psychologist, became a central figure in many of Patterson's subsequent novels.

What sets Patterson apart is his incredible work ethic and versatility. He is known for his prolific output, often releasing multiple books in a single year. Patterson has ventured into various genres, including crime fiction, romance, science fiction, and young adult literature. His ability to engage readers with gripping plots and diverse characters has contributed to his immense popularity.

In addition to his solo works, Patterson is recognized for collaborating with other authors on numerous projects, showcasing his willingness to experiment with different writing styles and ideas.

Beyond his contributions to literature, Patterson has been active in philanthropy, supporting initiatives to promote literacy and reading. He is also known for his innovative marketing strategies, utilizing new approaches to connect with readers and broaden the appeal of his books.

Here are a few of James Patterson's best-selling books:

• "Along Came a Spider" (1993): This is the first book in the Alex Cross series, featuring the character Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist. The gripping story revolves around the kidnapping of two children.

• "Kiss the Girls" (1995): Another hit from the Alex Cross series, where Cross investigates a serial kidnapper and killer. The suspenseful plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

• "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" (2001): A departure from his usual thriller genre, this novel is a heartwarming love story and family drama. It explores themes of love, loss, and the power of relationships.

• "The Jester" (2003): Co-written with Andrew Gross, this historical thriller is set in the 12th century and follows a man's quest for justice and revenge during the Crusades.

• "Maximum Ride" series (2005-2015): A popular young adult series featuring genetically enhanced kids with wings who escape from a secret lab. The series includes titles like "The Angel Experiment" and "School's Out—Forever."

• "Women's Murder Club" series (2001-present): Patterson co-authored this series with various writers. It follows a group of women, including a detective, a medical examiner, a reporter, and an attorney, as they solve crimes in San Francisco.

• "The 5th Horseman" (2006): Another installment in the Women's Murder Club series, known for its fast-paced and suspenseful narrative.

These are just a few examples of James Patterson's extensive bibliography. A large list can be found at Wikipedia.

His impact on the literary world is evident not only in his impressive book sales but also in the way he has captivated readers across generations and genres. Some genres he explores are Mystery, Young Adult Fiction, Thriller, Comedy, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Science fiction and Fantasy.

His dedication to storytelling and his ability to adapt to evolving literary landscapes continue to solidify his legacy as one of the most successful and influential authors of our time.

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More:

New Yorker: “How James Patterson Became the World’s Best-Selling Author: His new autobiography adds another title to his enormous stack, but does it deepen the plot?” By Laura Miller on June 13, 2022

GQ: “Here's How Author James Patterson Writes 31 Books at the Same Time”
By Clay Skipper on January 3, 2023

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