Maxine Paetro | Collaboration

July 17, 2009

Comments

45 comments posted.

Re: Maxine Paetro | Collaboration

I like that. You are following what makes you happy! I've read those stories, they are very good!
(Anne Harris 2:24am July 17, 2009)

Happy for you and Congratulations !!
(Joeelle Jappissont 6:24am July 17, 2009)

Congratulations for following your true dream.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:40am July 17, 2009)

Good morning and thank you,
guys. Writing wasn't a fully
formed dream until I was 38
years old. I scribbled in
journals my whole life, but
when I wrote a book called
"How To Put Your Book Together
and Get a Job in Advertising,"
I was told that I was a
writer; that I had something
called "voice" and "cadence."
That's what made me write my
first magazine story, to see
if I was really a writer. I
say this to anyone who is
having the writer's dream in
mid-life.

And btw, that first little
book was written to help
"kids" get into advertising
and they did. "How To" is
still in print after more than
30 years and is going into a
new edition with a new
publisher next year. :)
(Maxine Paetro 8:23am July 17, 2009)

Hi Maxine! I'm a HUGE fan of yours and
James Pattersons. I'm addicted to the
Women's Murder Club series.
(Bridget Hopper 8:48am July 17, 2009)

Invaluable advice. Follow your dreams, and with the help of someone you admire to make you better at your craft. Hears wishing you continued success in whatever you choose to do!
(Carrie Divine 9:22am July 17, 2009)

Hi, Bridget! Thanks for the
support. "9th Victim" is at
the publishers now, expected
pub date 2010. Three other WMC
books are on the schedule.
Somewhere, Lindsay Boxer is
clapping. :)
(Maxine Paetro 9:23am July 17, 2009)

Carrie, I think Jim is the
only mentor I ever had. And
for a one-mentor life, I sure
got lucky. Oh, yeah and then
there's the part about working
self half to death. :) Can't
understate the working to get
better, raising the bar on
yourself, and working some
more.
(Maxine Paetro 9:26am July 17, 2009)

Carrie, I think Jim is the
only mentor I ever had. And
for a one-mentor life, I sure
got lucky. Oh, yeah and then
there's the part about working
self half to death. :) Can't
overstate the working to get
better, raising the bar on
yourself, and working some
more.
(Maxine Paetro 9:27am July 17, 2009)

I have read so many of the James Patterson books, he is one of my favorites. How great it is a author of your caliber collaborates with him. I love Fresh Fiction, I can't believe the authors that I see blogging on here - I am in heaven. I would love to win a copy of Swimsuit.
(Vikki Parman 9:30am July 17, 2009)

I really enjoy James patterson books and I am on the list to read this one at the library. Can't wait.
(Paula Freeman 9:33am July 17, 2009)

I like Cross, Max, and the Women's Club (and miss it on TV). Thanks for the insite.
(Karin Tillotson 9:42am July 17, 2009)

What a fun thing to do.
Thanks,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 9:50am July 17, 2009)

Thanks for your comments,
everyone. I think Swimsuit is
a terrific read: :) altho a
bit graphic for the squeamish
reader. we go far afield in
this book. Glamorous
locations, European cities and
a very, very creepy killer.
and so smart.
(Maxine Paetro 11:13am July 17, 2009)

What a wonderful story and great memory! It must be very satisfying to look back at a special time in your life!
(LuAnn Morgan 11:25am July 17, 2009)

Wow amazing how you cam full circle with James Patterson. The books are great.
(Annetta Stolpmann 11:46am July 17, 2009)

I guess it's what they say about
going around, coming around...
:)
(Maxine Paetro 11:52am July 17, 2009)

'I started reading the Women\'s Murder Club this past year, but it didn\'t take me long to collect all the books. It\'s one of my favorite mystery series. I enjoy the strength of the female characters and appreciate & envy the show of friendships among the group.
(Wasanaa Smith 12:36pm July 17, 2009)

I enjoy James Patterson's reads!
(Teresa Warner 12:40pm July 17, 2009)

Your story is such an inspiration to some of us. Going out on your own. I'd never have the courage. Have a great day.
(Roberta Harwell 12:40pm July 17, 2009)

Hi Maxine,
I love that you are collaborating on books with James Patterson. I'm a huge fan and am always checking when the next one is coming out. They are great reads. Keep up the good work and I wish you continued success with your writing. I would love to read Swimsuit as I have not read that one yet. Thank you for the opportunity. Best wishes.
(Donna Leggate 1:15pm July 17, 2009)

I love that story, that you call him Jim and it has a cat! Congrats to you. Would love to dip into swimsuit!
(Julie Holden 1:22pm July 17, 2009)

Have been a long time fan of James Patterson since "Jack & Jill". I did read "your" Women's Club book, Maxine & loved it too. I also read Patterson's non-crime fiction & couldn't believe it was the same writer. I think you are comfortable enough in your own skin to know what works best for you. You set a wonderful example for women everywhere.
(Donna Petrilla 1:33pm July 17, 2009)

It's so amazing to read the story of how you have come so far with James Patterson, it gives hope to those of us just embarking on this journey! Thank you for sharing it.
(Angela Rogers 2:09pm July 17, 2009)

That is a terrific story that goes to show that you never know which people you meet in life will have the biggest effect. Life's funny like that. Anyway, I'm so glad you are working with Mr. Patterson because you are obviously a great team!
(Michelle St. James 2:10pm July 17, 2009)

What an inspirational story...and it is so great that you found what makes you happy in your work. I don't think many people ever do that. Congratulations!
(Ruby Davis 4:00pm July 17, 2009)

Hi, everyone, thanks so much
for the wonderful e-mails.
I've enjoyed reading your
messages to me so much. Jim
has been quite an inspiration
to me. Not to get sloppy here,
:) but he's not just very very
smart, he's funny, too.

Here's a little true story.
About a year ago, I said that
it had gotten to the point
that my name was so linked
with his, that I thought for
sure his name would be in my
tombstone. Maxine Paetro, co-
writer with James Patterson...
lol.
He said, deadpan, "Why would
your name be first?"
I said, "My body?"
He said, "James Patterson
presents..."
I still laugh when I remember
this. :)
(Maxine Paetro 5:23pm July 17, 2009)

How great is turn-about! Glad your happy following your dream - wish I could write! Thanks!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 5:42pm July 17, 2009)

I think that collaborations can be very fruitful, as you've proved with James Patterson. I can imagine that it requires a great deal of mutual respect and tolerance--something like a successful marriage, . I know I could never write alone and that's why I don't.
(Sigrun Schulz 6:13pm July 17, 2009)

I love the Women's Murder Club books. Thanks to both you and Jim for your wonderful collaboration.
(Robin McKay 6:22pm July 17, 2009)

Hi, guys. Sigrun, we don't fight
about anything. He's the boss,
but he likes me to run with the
ball. So, it all works out. :)
(Maxine Paetro 7:06pm July 17, 2009)

These books are new to me. They sound interesting.
(Elaine Carlini-Davis 8:55pm July 17, 2009)

You're life seems very exciting. Not many people have the option to change what they are doing for something new. I love the Woman's murder club series It seems collaborating together was the right fit for both of you. My husband and I can't wait to read Swimsuit.
(Theresa Buckholtz 9:40pm July 17, 2009)

I've enjoyed other James Patterson
collaborations and I look forward to
yours!
(Sue Ahn 10:58pm July 17, 2009)

What an interesting story. Fate has a strange way of making things happen. I love the Women's Murder Club. The characters just pull you in. Congratulations!
(Rosemary Krejsa 11:00pm July 17, 2009)

Hello, again friends,
Thank you for your affirmative
postings. I do feel very lucky
to be doing something I love
to do, to work with a long-
time friend and to be able to
express myself through the
actions of such gutsy
fictitious characters. "The
Ninth Victim" is the next
installment of the Women's
Murder Club. It will be coming
out in 2010 and Jim has shared
plans with me for more WMC
books to come. We are working
on another series -- it's a
secret right now, but I think
those of you who enjoy James
Patterson books will be
delighted with this new
series. Meanwhile, "Swimsuit"
entered the New York Times
best sellers list this past
Sunday at #1. The killer in
this book, Henri Benoit, is
certainly evil, but he is a
very compelling, complex and
haunting bad guy. I hope
you'll have a chance to travel
the world with him and with
his adversary, journalist, Ben
Hawkins. I don't think you
will be bored for a second or
a page! I enjoyed blogging
today, my first blog, ever.
And I'm looking forward to
signing a book to today's
contest winner.
(Maxine Paetro 11:05pm July 17, 2009)

We never know when we meet
someone, what the future will hold for
us. Who would have guessed when
you interviewed him so many years
ago that he would achieve the writing
success he has and you would be his
co-writer. I love your little story about
your tombstone. It is nice that you are
doing what you like and being
successful at it. That you are happy
and enjoying it is a bonus.
(Patricia Barraclough 11:07pm July 17, 2009)

Lol, Patricia,
Naturally, I hope I won't
have to be sharing credit with
Jim on my tombstone anytime
soon! Having way too much fun.
:) Jim tells a story in an
essay he wrote for my book
called "How to Put Your Book
Together and Get a Job in
Advertising."
He wrote:
"When I was a boy, in the
summers, I used to spend every
Tuesday riding with my
grandfather on his delivery
route.
"My grandfather had a truly
awful voice and he used to
sing every morning at 5:30
a.m. as he drove over the
Storm King Mountains in
upstate New York.
"He told me he really
didn't care what I became when
I grew up -- the President, a
ditch-digger -- the only
important thing was that I
sang a happy song as I went to
work every morning.
"And I do."
I certainly didn't know
that Jim would turn out to be
the success he became -- but,
I know that he is pretty
fearless, can multi-task like
no one else I know, and loves
to tell a great story.
Next time I talk to him,
I've gotta remember to ask him
to sing. :)
(Maxine Paetro 11:33pm July 17, 2009)

Great post.

Thanks!!!
(Donna Simmonds 1:57am July 18, 2009)

the Women\'s Murder Club this past year, but it didn\'t take me long to collect all the books. It\'s one of my favorite mystery series.
I wish they would bring it back to TV as enjoyed it when it was on. I Appreciate & envy the show of friendships among the Women's Murder Mystery Club Group.
(Shirley Sego 11:46am July 18, 2009)

That is cool you met James Patterson, and are doing well on your own.
(Robert Cunningham 2:03pm July 18, 2009)

hi Maxine, have you wrote any books in your own name,???
loved " swimsuit, " i thought the sex in it really spiced it up, more so from a womens point of view, just as well my wife was away, hahaha but i am 69 now, so maybe wishful thinking, more please, frank
(Frank Hughes 1:29am August 2, 2009)

Hi, all, forgot to check in on
my blog. :) Frank, glad you
enjoyed the book. Jim and I
are working on a new Women's
Murder Club book now. It's
shaping up very well and it's
cool to be working with him to
make an idea into a fully
realized story. Enjoy your
summer, everyone.
(Maxine Paetro 3:36pm August 9, 2009)

I have read Patterson since day one and love his books. When it comes to the WMC series, I see a huge drop in quality writing, sentence flow and overall paragraph structure. I am currently reading The 8th confession and this has so many confusing, miscombulated aspects I am very disapointed as to why he would feel sorry enough for you to continue to put his name with yours. He has written with other authors and none of them are as bad as you are.
Incoherent thought patterns that arent explained yet written in this book leave readers wondering just what you are talking about. In this one I am reading now.8th Confession: Last para: chapter 49 "I hear hoofbeats coming down the road Sarah Darlin, I,m thinkin horse, you are a definite zebra."

I see Mr Patterson feeling sorry for you and letting you ride on his well-credentialed reputation, but you are only fooling yourself if you think you are some kind of great writer. THAT is the reason you aren't writing on your own.
(Dan M 5:20pm February 2, 2011)

Just read "Confessions" (Sept. 2012) and couldn't put it down. Love your style on this one (and your others). Please keep them coming. Thanks for a great read.
(Lynn Addington 11:39pm December 1, 2012)

Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!