Five Minutes with James Patterson

Posted on 9 November 2015

James Patterson is one of the world’s bestselling authors, with over 100 books to his name – his latest, Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck , is out now – and he still found time to answer these questions for us. Not only is he a prolific writer for adults and children, he’s also a champion for books and reading. Through his scholarships, book donation programmes and more, his goal is to pass on his passion for reading to children everywhere. Find out what his favourite book is, why he became a writer and what helps him write.

What kind of books did you enjoy when you were growing up?

Actually, comic books got me to be fairly proficient as a reader. I liked Superman, Scrooge McDuck and Donald Duck. I enjoyed Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. As a child, I was always on the hunt for buried treasure. It gave me the idea for my series Treasure Hunters!

What’s your favourite book of all time?

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. My favourite kids’ book is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, but that’s not for all kids: it’s a dark and tough book.

What made you want to be a writer?

Books were what convinced me to write in the first place. I worked my way through college working the night shift at a hospital. During these late nights, I started scribbling, started reading good books. The only thing that got me through were these books, my new writing habit and coffee.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

I write in the office in my house, it has great views and is very peaceful.

What helps you write?

I write in pencil and don’t use a computer. I write, I erase, I write some more. I drink a fair amount of orange soda and I find myself chewing bubble gum at least once a day. I love telling stories so I look forward to getting up every morning to work, to tell stories.

Do you have any writing tips for any aspiring writers out there?

The key to writing is outline. Outline, outline – everything will be easier. An outline isn’t something to be scared of, it’s just a chapter-by-chapter description of the scenes that, lined-up together, make your book. And practice, practice, practice.

James Patterson’s new book, Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck , is out now. Buy your copy today!