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Andrew Gross | What I Learned From Working With James Patterson
Readers may know, years back, I cut my teeth co-authoring several thrillers with
James Patterson. Judge and Jury, Lifeguard, the Jester, and the early Womenโs
Murder Cub series. I always refer to it as a combination MFA/MBA in Thriller
Management.
That was many books ago. I just published my eighth solo thriller, Everything
to Lose, the story of a determined mother who is lured to do something
wrong, indeed criminal, to protect her challenged son, who has Aspergerโs
syndrome, and then her world caves in.
I never set out to write Patterson-clones. What I have always wanted to do was
to keep the pages turning. And to write twisty, plot-centric thrillers with lots
of reversals and surprises, but about recognizable, every day heros and families
with emotionally resonant endings. My first book, The Blue Zone,
was probably pretty Pattersonian at that. With a hundred chapters, lots
of unexpected twists and turns; lots of italics and exclamations. Then I was
pushed to write frenetic thrillers like 15 Seconds and No Way
Back, putting likeable people in situations that spiral out of control from
the opening pages. This book I just took my time and let the reader live in my
lead character, Hilary, as her situation deepens, and when she is trapped in a
split-second decision to protect her son, I want every reader, every parent, to
face the same difficult choice. It took me eight books to finally write the kind
of book I like to read.
But even now, there are elements of my own work I can still trace back to my
time with Patterson. Clearly, the first is Pace. To keep the pages moving.
Stories should move along. Pace is created many ways, and short, linking
chapters that leave you on a dramatic ledge are one wayโnot quite as short as
Pattersonโs, I admit-- but enough to create that insidious rhythm that keeps
readers chasing whatโs just ahead.
Then thereโs Point of View. First Person for the hero, which allows you to
create the most immediate bond with the reader and a voice you like living in.
Third Person, for the victims and bad guys, so that their voices, just as
pivotal, are heard too.
Most crucially, I learned the importance of investing my reader in my heroโs
plight right from the opening pages. To create a likeable and sympathetic
figure, someone to root for, a lens through which we see ourselves, and then
when their put in peril the reader will never let go. What better way to keep
pages turning and ratchet up the suspense, than when what happens to your
protagonist really matters? Ultimately the best books create a nexus of plot and
character, so that they are almost indistinguishable. In some books I went for
plot. In others, I did my best to create unforgettable characters. Itโs taken me
a while though, through different styles and voices, to completely capture the two.
Comments
14 comments posted.
Re: Andrew Gross | What I Learned From Working With James Patterson
Sounds very good. I have not read his books yet.
(Sue Brandes 10:20am May 19, 2014)
This sounds like a book I would enjoy reading. Thanks for the sweepstakes.
(Anna Speed 12:19pm May 19, 2014)
Good luck on your new release. You are in good company with James Patterson.
(Susan Coster 12:55pm May 19, 2014)
You are a new author to me but I love James Patterson so I am
going to give you a try.
(Denise Austin 3:54pm May 19, 2014)
working with James Patterson must have been enlightening. Good luck to you and can not wait to read you book.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 4:03pm May 19, 2014)
Really enjoyed 15 Seconds! Hope to win!
(Diane Pollock 7:16pm May 19, 2014)
James Patterson is a good writer so your books will be good reading
(Ron Frampton 7:52am May 20, 2014)
Working with Patterson has to have been a great experience.
(Pam Howell 10:25am May 20, 2014)
You couldn't have started out with a better mentor, and I'm
looking forward to reading your book. It sounds like the
plot is going to be a real page-turner, and I'm looking
forward to having a good book to read to usher in Spring
with!! Congratulations on your latest book, and good luck
with your future writing!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:57am May 20, 2014)
How fortunate. Your book would be enthralling. best wishes.
(Sharon Berger 11:06am May 20, 2014)
Ohhhh.....sounds good!!
What a list of people you have worked with! Wow!
(Lisa Hutson 3:24pm May 20, 2014)
One moment, one decision, that can change your life forever...now that's a story. Would love to read this book.
(Brenda Rumsey 7:23pm May 20, 2014)
Hi Andrew. I've loved your books ever since The Jester!
(MaryAnne Banks 10:22pm May 20, 2014)
Andrew, I'm glad you have found your own voice. Judging
from No Way Back, which I just started, I was concerned
about the Patterson-clone issue. But luckily, I read
Button Man, Saboteur, and The One Man earlier, three great
stories, and checked dates of publication. So, you are not
a clone. Andrew, tell a unique story. That brings out the
best in you.
(Robert Rader 6:20pm July 8, 2020)
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