Written by Elisha Frazer
American author James Patterson presented his keynote address at the Trustees Theater to capture the essence of the 2013 Savannah Book Festival last Friday.
Patterson entertained guests with his humorous and heartfelt tales about making it in the writing industry, while stressing the importance of reading in our community.
While he is widely known for his accomplishments as the author of “Along Came a Spider” and the “Maximum Ride” series, Patterson ensured his audience that his achievements as a writer are not as fulfilling as the journey he embarked on to get where he is today.
He explained that there is no better story than the stories we create everyday: the story of life. We have stories about our family, friends, successes and failures that shape us into the people that we become. With that said, he spoke of his friend and colleague, Tyler Perry, and how he went from being homeless to being a writer and director.
Patterson faced a similar path. Being brought up in a poor household in New York, he didn’t let that stop him from striving to be a writer.
“Passion is what drives people to work every day,” said Patterson, “not money, not fame, passion.”
As he narrated the path he took to become a writer, he highlighted a time where a professor advised him not to be a fiction writer in the future and how that advice was “taken into consideration.” He then told everyone about a time when he was nominated for “Author of the Year” in children’s literature, and his own son was convinced he wouldn’t win.
Patterson’s love for writing and learning provided him with the drive to continue to write for his fans. He shared that he particularly loves to write children’s novels. He believes it is his mission to get kids reading more.
Concluding his address, Patterson talked to the parents of Savannah about how important it is to encourage their children to read.
“I had [my son] read four books one summer, and he actually liked three of them!” Patterson said. He believes that if parents really want to get their kids to read more at home, “they have to lay down the law,” and tell them to put down the electronics and pick up a novel.
Patterson not only inspired his audience to strive for a fulfilling life; he also made it his duty to promote the mission of the Savannah Book Festival.
