| Name | James Patterson (Full name - James Brendan Patterson) |
| Pen Name | NA |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | March 22, 1947, in Newburgh, New York |
| Died | NA |
| Occupation | • Was a Junior Copywriter, Creative Leader, and CEO of an advertising agency.
• Writer
• Producer |
| Education | • B.A. in English from Manhattan College, Bronx.
• Higher studies from Vanderbilt University (Dropped out after a year) |
| Genre | • Crime fiction
• Supernatural romance
• Historical non-fiction
• Family drama
• Science fiction
• Children's books |
| Notable works | • Along Came A Spider
• Women's Murder Club series
• Michael Bennett series
• Witch and Wizard
• The President Is Missing |
| Notable awards | • Edgar Allan Poe Award
• Children's Choice Book Award
• International Thriller of the Year award |
| Height | 6' 0" |
| Spouse and Children | • Susan Patterson (Wife)
• Jack Patterson (Son)
|
| Official Website | jamespatterson.com |
James Patterson (Full name – James Brendan Patterson) was born on March 22, 1947, in Newburgh, New York. James’ mother’s name was Isabelle Patterson, and she was a schoolteacher. His father’s name was Charles Patterson, and he was an insurance broker. Later their family moved to Boston.
James belonged to a middle-class family and completed his studies at Manhattan College, Bronx. While doing B.A. in English, his interest in reading and writing developed. He worked night shifts in a hospital to pay his college tuition.
Later he enrolled at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee to pursue higher education but dropped out after a year.
At the beginning of the 1970s, he joined a leading advertising agency ‘J. Walter Thompson (JWT),’ as a Junior Copywriter. Later he became CEO of one of its branches.
In 1976, his first book, “The Thomas Berryman Number,” was rejected 31 times before publishing. Little, Brown and Company published this book. James was awarded the ‘Edgar Allan Poe Award’ for this novel.
James Patterson’s career started as a Junior Copywriter in a leading advertising agency, and he later became the CEO. In between his job, James published his first novel “The Thomas Berryman Number,” in 1976, receiving Edgar Allan Poe Award.
He wrote many novels after that, such as Season of the Machete, See How They Run, Virgin, etc. However, these books didn’t get much recognition.
In 1993, his novel, “Along Came A Spider,” was a big hit. The story was of a detective named Alex Cross, and the book was on the best-selling list. One of the reasons for the success of this novel was James’ idea to create a Tv commercial for promotion. This got the attention of many in the publishing industry.
James quit the advertising organization in the year 1996 to focus on his writing career. His Alex Cross novels were adapted as films after their popularity. Patterson’s other crime novels are, ‘Michael Bennett series,’ ‘Private series,’ ‘NYPD Red series,’ and ‘Women’s Murder Club series.’
Many of his novels were on the best-selling list and gained immense love from readers. Along with writing books, he used to work in his factory, where he managed the designs of the book covers, strategized promotional campaigns for his books, and performed other important tasks. James also used to collaborate with other authors to co-write books.
He was a versatile writer who has written in varied genres such as crime fiction, supernatural romance, historical non-fiction, family drama, etc.
Later he also tried his hands on science fiction to target young adults and teenagers. In 2005, he wrote his first science fiction series, “Maximum Ride,” which was a success. Writing science fiction, fantasy, and books for children, he successfully sold 325 million copies.
James has a fast-paced writing style. He has a lot of short stories with less than 150 pages for readers. His other books targeting young readers are ‘Daniel X,’ ‘Middle School,’ ‘Treasure Hunters,’ ‘Witch and Wizard,’ ‘Confessions,’ ‘I Funny,’ ‘House of Robots.’ Some of them were also adapted as graphic novels.
The co-authored book, “The President Is Missing,” was a big success hitting the best-selling list with a huge sales margin.
James Patterson’s career is still on the top, and he is a celebrated author of all time. Starting from small and achieving recognition as one of the best authors, he has come a long way and inspires many.
Writing Style And Approach
Patterson’s approach to writing is unique compared to others. His fast-paced writing style helps to write books within a certain time frame. James’ writing style is Colloquial. He has a diversified collection of short stories, standalone novels, and book series. James has written more than 200 novels.
James believes while writing, the focus should be on the idea, not the style. The writing must involve interesting characters and an engaging storyline to grip the reader’s mind. He has been criticized for his writing style by Stephen King. But his book sales count says a lot about him as a writer.
James is an all-rounder with a collection of books in different genres. His preferred genres are crime fiction, romance, science fiction, etc. With versatility, a simple writing motto with small chapters, and a strategized advertising approach, he has become one of the most famous authors.
He collaborates with various authors to write books. He has a group of co-authors who work together to finish a book, hence the reason behind the fast-paced release of books.
Despite all the controversies about his writing style, he has published a sufficient number of books and has been remarkably popular throughout his career. Whatever the criticisms are, his book ranking and sales number say otherwise.
With his different writing style and short, crisp approach, James’ books explore the following themes:
- Sexual sadism
- Sociopathic killers
- Dark
- Love
- Suspense/Mystery
- Family drama
- Justice, Injustice
- Truth
- Race
- Sociological matters
- Trust
- Politics
- Science
Every person is inspired by another person. An idol they look up to. Most writers are influenced by other writers or famous people because their art requires inspiration, creativity, motivation, and ideas. It’s very rare to see a writer who is not influenced by anyone.
The writer’s community is very supportive of each other. They support, take ideas, and learn from their peers. James was influenced by quite a few people, but some of the tops are:
Evan S. Connell
Evan Shelby Connell Jr. was a novelist, short story writer, and historical classic writer. James was inspired by this author because of their similar love for short stories. He was influenced by his debut novel Mrs. Bridge by Evan S. Connell.
James Joyce
James Joyce was an Irish Novelist and is famous for his work, Ulysses. Patterson was highly influenced by James Joyce’s books and admitted that his works were the reason for his interest in reading and writing.
Henry Ford
James admired Ford as a great businessman and also as a writer. Being the CEO of an advertising agency, Henry’s works inspired him.
James’ favorite book is “One hundred years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez.
In 2005, James Patterson established the “James Patterson PageTurner Awards.” Its mission was to fund schools, companies, educators, and institutions that spread the love and excitement of reading and learning through books.
James is an avid social worker who always donates books and wealth willingly. Over the course of time, he has donated millions of books to various schools, universities, soldiers, and youths. Apart from books, he donates money to libraries, bookstores, universities, etc.
James has also established 400 “Teacher Education Scholarships” in various schools and colleges. In 2015, Patterson also launched a children’s book imprint that focuses on turning kids into lifelong readers. This program also serves teachers, parents, and booksellers by providing resources, strategies, etc.
James is the founder of ReadKiddoRead.com, which focuses on assisting parents and teachers in developing reading habits in children. It helps in finding the best books to read.
The writer has been recognized and awarded for many of his works. The best-selling and one of the renowned authors, with immense love and support, has reached the top-listed author list.
James has received many awards throughout his career. He has the Guinness World Record for being listed in the New York Times bestselling authors list for the maximum number of times.
Few of his awards include:
- BCA Mystery Guild’s Thriller of the Year
- Edgar Allan Poe Award
- Children’s Choice Book Award
- International Thriller of the Year award
- Literarian Award
Apart from the awards and accomplishments, James is loved by many people. He is still teaching his readers through his works and beliefs.
Here are some quotes by James Patterson, a renowned author known for his gripping suspense and thriller novels:
Among the ample number of books written by James Patterson, few have been adapted as movies. His fans have the privilege of watching the books turned into films, a visual approach to their imagination.
With varied genres, this author’s books and movies are both enjoyable and engaging.
