“I have a saying,” Patterson told [the interviewer]. “If you want to write for yourself, get a diary. If you want to write for a few friends, get a blog. But if you want to write for a lot of people, think about them a little bit. What do they like? What are their needs? A lot of people in this country go through their days numb. They need to be entertained. They need to feel something.”
I know James Patterson has as many detractors and critics as he does fans. Well, maybe not quite as many detractors as fans. :)
You can say what you like about his writing (or that of the co-authors he hires to write for and with him), but the man sells some books. And I do respect sales. You really can’t argue with money as an indicator of reader popularity.
According to the New York Times article from Sunday (which I’ve taken the block quote from, above), Nielson’s Bookscan reported that Stephen King, John Grisham and Dan Brown’s sales combined in recent years don’t match Patterson’s sales or income.
He has 51 New York Times bestsellers. Thirty-five of those books went all the way to the top spot.
So we’ve established that he’s an extremely popular and successful author. He gets repeat business from readers—some read everything that he puts out.
How does he do it? And—do we want to do it?
I’ll admit that I’m not a Patterson reader. My son reads his YA books, but his other lines are just too graphic for me (I’m a sensitive soul.) I’ve read probably one or two of his books, and it was a while back.
I read the New York Times article with a lot of interest. Several times in the story, it referenced Patterson’s populist appeal—an appeal he carefully planned. He thinks of himself as both an entertainer and a proponent of reading…reading for the masses. He aims to write books that will even pull in non-readers.
The Times says this about his style:
His books all share stylistic similarities. They are light on atmospherics and heavy on action, conveyed by simple, colloquial sentences. “I don’t believe in showing off,” Patterson says of his writing. “Showing off can get in the way of a good story.”
And this:
“…his books are accessible and engaging. “A brand is just a connection between something and a bunch of people,” Patterson told me. “Crest toothpaste: I always used it, it tastes O.K., so I don’t have any particular reason to switch. Here the connection is that James Patterson writes books that bubble along with heroes I can get interested in. That’s it.”
Basically, Patterson analyzes what readers want. What pulls them into a story? What makes them buy books? What makes them repeat readers?
He’s decided that his readers want a fast-paced book with short chapters, lots of action, and less setting and description. This formula is definitely working for him.
There’s no way that I could write books like James Patterson. But I found his approach very interesting—he writes what his readers want.
As a genre writer (low-to-midlist), I definitely want to tap in to what readers want. My editors want me to write what readers want, too—that is, after all, what sells books. Most often, what cozy mystery readers like to read is what I like to read: quirky, interesting characters, a twisty plot, a few red herrings chucked in.
But this article made me really sit down and assess—am I delivering what readers want?
I know there are many writers who write primarily to please themselves and they hope that their novel will please readers, too. There are some who probably wouldn’t want to sacrifice their vision for a book in favor of a populist appeal….they may even view that as selling out. This is likely the case with most literary fiction.
Unfortunately, it’s harder for books to get to the shelves if readership is uncertain.
The last thing the world needs is a bunch of James Patterson wannabes on the shelves.
But each genre has its avid readers. What do readers in your genre want? Is delivering their wants a priority of yours? Should it be…or is it too much of a sacrifice?
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Hope y’all will drop by tomorrow..my guest will be Terry Odell , kicking us off my series on the writing process with her post, titled “Plotting? Moi?”
And…feel like some corn pudding? It’s Simple Southern Side day at the Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen!
I have never read anything he has written, but he must be doing something right. :)
Elizabeth – I think we really do have to ask ourselves whom we’re writing for. That can help us make sure our plots are clear, our characters interesting and our stories engaging. On the other hand, I think we write better when we write what comes from us naturally. For instance, I have to say that I don’t write gore. I honestly think it wouldn’t matter to me if people wanted to read about gore; I wouldn’t write it.
I think I write stuff I’d like to read myself. Luckily, I’m a “populist” reader, I guess.
I like James Patterson (Along Came A Spider and Kiss The Girls were top-notch thrillers), although I haven’t read most of his later stuff.
And he does sell a few books!
Have to say that I tried his Murder Club series. Liked the first one OK, but they went downhill when he partnered with whoever handled them first (a male, who couldn’t do the female POV). They’re better now, but all I can think while I read them is what a waste of trees. Two or 3 page chapters and all that white space. The books are probably only half as long as the page count.
But he has his devoted followers, which is really all an author can ask for. We write to tell our stories, but we’d sure like to make a few bucks doing it, right?
And thanks for the reminder — things have been SO crazy around here that I’d forgotten I was going to be visiting you tomorrow. I’ll be here!
I liked all the early Patterson books and I still like the ones he writes by himself. Except the Murder Club series. I don’t like those at all.
Interesting about what readers want. I’m writing the denouement today and I’ll be done with first draft. I’m still so undecided about what they want that I’m writing two versions. I’ll decide later.
I’ve read two of his books, and he definitely has the art of action down. I respect that he caters to his readers.
Two questions I’m asking myself daily as I write:
Who is my audience?
How can I thrill them?
I pray I can serve them well!
I have not read many of his books, but his loyal fan base is impressive.
If a writer is an avid reader, then it is easier to know what kinds of stories entertain and engage.
But, writers should write books they would like to read.
I’ve read a few James Patterson books and have always found them ‘all plot, no character’. Obviously, this is what many people want and more power to them, but this type of books drives me a little crazed.
Kudos to him for hitting a market right on target, but I’ll stick to writing more character-driven plots. I’d rather write (and read) something multi-layered.
That is a really good question!
I see three categories – writing what we want so we stay true to our values, writing what has appeal to others without compromising, and writing strictly what will sell whether it compromises or not.
I think of my own fiction. Was there a need for uplifting and non-salacious YA? Yes. Was it a big need? Heck no! Unfortunately, it’s a small niche. But I refuse to insert a bunch of sex and dirty words or vampires just to sell my books. Urban fantasy is at its height right now, but I have no interest in writing it.
But you know what? I can live with that.
Kudos to Patterson. His style isn’t to my liking, but I respect him as an author.
I do write for myself. But I also think about what will speak to people at a particular point in their life. I write for the young adult/new adult age range. I know when I was there, I was seriously searching, had terrible self esteem and wanted out, out, OUT! It’s that experience that I use to drive my fiction. It all takes place in fantasy worlds that parallel our own, but the struggles are those of any young adult may face. That’s who I write for and why. I don’t think I could change it for sales.
Happy Thursday,
Jen
Food for thought!
I’ve read a couple of his books – they’re good, just not my genre of choice.
Elizabeth, be sure to stop by today…I have something for you!
I haven’t read Patterson (although “Along Came A Spider sounds intriguing), but I second Simon: I, too,want to make my work interesting and at least interesting, if not arresting for the reader. AND at the same time enjoy writing :). I don’t think it’s all about the money, not at this stage I’m on anyway. Maybe later…
My husband’s more of a Patterson reader than I am. Of the few I’ve read, they are fast-paced, short chapters, and action-packed. He has a loyal audience. They know what his books will be like and that’s what they want to read.
Helen
Straight From Hel
You can’t deny sales and success like that as not having a formula that works, hmm? I was astounded to read he outsold all three of those best selling authors! Good grief!
Marvin D Wilson
I confess, I’m writing to please myself, but I’ve always got in the back of my mind the imperative to make my work interesting and arresting for another reader. If I succeed, it’s the best of both worlds, isn’t it?
I would have never guessed that Patterson outsold King, especially combined with the others. Haven’t read that many of his books, but they are interesting.
Teresa–He knows how to sell! And apparently, he got his start in advertising (he wrote the Toys R Us jingle–I’m a Toys R Us Kid.)
Margot–Very good point. I’d do an awful job of writing gritty stuff–it’s just not me. So the scene would read very plastic-y, I think. But I do want to think about what *cozy* readers want–what’s selling in cozies? Food related? Craft related? What can I do to make my books more interesting to my readers?
Alan –At this point I think he could put “Alex Cross” on just about any kind of product and sell it like crazy.
Diane–And following the market, in that respect, is risky. Because who knows how long vampires are going to be hot? But if we look at our individual genres and see what readers really like to read in YA or mystery, or whatever…that might be worth a little thought.
Terry –Well, I wrote to please myself for years…but I’d like to make a career out of the gig, so I’m looking for tips! I’ll take his tips, even though I won’t take the exact approach he’s taken. I’m excited about your post tomorrow!
Alex–Me either. But they’re obviously somebody’s! :)
Carol–Now that’s a cool way to do it–write 2 versions and see which one reads better. Are you going to let it rest for a few days, then come back and read it?
Crystal–Why thank you, Miss Crystal!
Tamika–Good phrasing there–he *does* cater to them. I think I put my readers first, too. I write less to please myself than to please others (or hope to please others.)
Helen–I think that’s a big part of it…the readers know what they’re going to get. It’s not like they’re going to pick up a Patterson book and get chick-lit. They have certain expectations.
Marvin–Isn’t that crazy? I had to read that part of the article 3 or 4 times. After all the hoopla over Dan Brown lately…but Patterson WAY outsold him.
Simon–So you want it all! I do too. Of course, it would be nice to have one really successful series that’s totally for the fans (maybe under a pen name?) and then one that’s totally to please ourselves (artsy…am I right? That artsy stuff doesn’t sell, but I like it too.)
Marisa–You’re so right. Really, a trip to the library or bookstore is a great way to see what publishers think readers want–as evidenced by what’s on the shelves in the genre we write.
Elspeth–Yeah, I’d rather read something a little more complex, too. But….
Maybe I can sign up to be one of his ghost-writers. :) Only for YA. The other stuff is too gritty.
If we want to be published, we must know what the public wants to read. Otherwise no one is going to sign us on!
I think, for me, that I am my audience in a sense. I enjoy reading the genre I’m writing, so I have a pretty good idea what at least some of my potential readers would enjoy :)
I love James Patterson, my high school students love James Patterson, and my mom loves James Patterson. That’s three generations, all equally enthusiastic about the same author. He’s doing a lot of somethings right! :-)
That is an amazing quote. I think it’s true, think what your readers want. He obviously has. I haven’t read his books but maybe someday…
ann
Right now, I’m writing a fantasy, and I’ve read lots of fantasy. I know what I like, and I’m trying to put that in my book. That’s got to make it appeal to readers, right? As long as they’re like me, I suppose.
But I see where Patterson is coming from when he talks about hooking non-readers. I have friends who don’t like to read anything but magazines, because novels are too long for them. They lose interest, and they’re not the strongest readers. I think that’s where action filled books with colloquialisms and less showy vocabulary comes in: its accessible to people who normally find reading a struggle. I think what Patterson is doing is great–the more people reading the better–and I even enjoy some books like his (though I haven’t read Patterson. I should give it a try.).
The Husband enjoys Patterson. Not my cup of tea, but that’s not to say one thing against him.
I won’t argue with success. No way.
I’ve read one or two of his books, mostly on flights.
I write because I love to, but I try to write what my audience will want to read. James is right – you need to think about your reader.
Jen–And you’ve picked a great niche. YA readers are really devoted…my son is a very loyal series reader.
Christine–I’m kind of half and half…I want to write what I love, but I want readers to love what I write!
Shannon–And you’re loyal readers who keep reading his books…that’s what we all want!
Ann–He put it very succinctly, didn’t he?
Elizabeth–Me either!
Mason–Who’d have thought? But then, he puts out so MANY books that I think that may be key to the numbers there.
Carolyn–I bet they’d make good flight books. He does make some good points.
Jemi–So true. So if we want to share our book with many readers, we need to figure out how best to get it in their hands…and pegging what readers want definitely helps!
Lorel–I like his idea for drawing in non-readers. The short chapter length is important, too…and the way he ends his chapters on an exciting note. He’s really working on YA readers and getting them interested in reading. Kudos to him for that! :)
Is delivering their wants a priority of yours? Should it be…or is it too much of a sacrifice?
Oh, this post is even better than usual!
I have never read anything by James Patterson and probably never shall. But even though I know that I really want to sell my manuscripts, there are several things I won´t do:
I won´t add more sex and graphic violence just because some modern readers may enjoy it.
I could probably write faster if I didn´t care about language and vocabulary (some readers seem willing to read anything as long as it is just exciting).
I don´t want just to kill off a bunch of people to keep up the suspense unless I can still claim my plot is reasonably realistic.
Happily I can provide for myself by teaching so I don´t have to sell my soul. And who knows, perhaps I can find a publisher who shares my taste.
Dorte–Thanks! :) I’m with you…it’s not worth it to me to write something that I *know* I wouldn’t be good at.
I was intrigued by Alex Cross in Patterson’s early books. But I think the author gave up on characterization when he found a formula that worked. I think it’s easy for him to say NOW that he writes what works and sells, but I think, once upon a time, he wrote what he wanted and has since given in to the easy money. You can see the decline in the books ans the profits have gone the other way.
Elizabeth, I much prefer your kind of writing. Not necessarily your genre. I don’t mean that in a negative way–I read many different genres. I just mean I prefer an author who writes because she/he loves to write and is truly careful in the words he/she puts on paper.
Fantastic post.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries