1100: James Patterson | Building the Architecture of Addictive Fiction

33 snips

Jan 7, 2025

James Patterson, a prolific author with over 400 million books sold, shares his remarkable journey from advertising executive to America's storyteller. He emphasizes his disciplined writing routine, outlining process, and love for storytelling that keeps readers engaged. Patterson discusses overcoming writer's block, the art of adapting his work into films, and the significance of creativity in everyday life. He even connects these themes to inspiring lessons in 'thinkeracy' for children, blending humor with profound insights.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Wrong Side of the Highway

Patterson realized he was "on the wrong side of the highway" while stuck in traffic.
This realization led him to quit advertising and pursue writing full-time.

ADVICE

Engaging the Reader

Write as if speaking to one person to keep them engaged.
Respect the reader's time and make them want to finish the story.

INSIGHT

Elmore Leonard's Writing Tip

Elmore Leonard's advice: Omit parts people skip.
Focus on compelling content to maintain reader interest.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

From advertising exec to America's storyteller-in-chief: prolific author James Patterson shares his blueprint for turning creative chaos into literary gold.

What We Discuss with James Patterson:

Highly prolific author James Patterson maintains success through daily consistency — writing 350-365 days per year, getting up at 5:30 a.m., and viewing his work as "playing" rather than working. This dedication has led to over 400 million books sold.
James' creative process involves extensive outlining (60-80 pages) but staying flexible within that structure. He keeps multiple projects (around 30) going simultaneously and moves between them if he gets stuck on one.
James' breakthrough moment came when he realized he was "on the wrong side of the highway" — stuck in advertising traffic heading to a job he didn't want, while watching others freely driving in the opposite direction. This led him to leave his successful advertising career to write full-time.
James' writing philosophy focuses on respecting the reader's time by following Leonard Elmore's advice to "leave out the parts people skip" and ensuring each chapter compels readers to turn the page. He emphasizes storytelling over showing off literary prowess.
Anyone can improve their writing and creativity by breaking tasks into manageable pieces: if you're stuck, skip to another section and come back later; don't get too attached to any particular piece of writing; and remember that first drafts don't need to be perfect — you can always revise and refine your work as you go along.
And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1100

And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!

Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.