James Patterson seems like a lovely, charming guy. And based on this very watchable interview with Seth Meyers, he’s got a nice collection of self-deprecating anecdotes (befitting one of the highest paid writers of all time). Despite his renown, though, he no longer introduces himself to people reading his books. Why? The last time he did, poolside, the man reading his book very succinctly described it as “shit.” (Look, it doesn’t matter how rich you are as a writer, that is going to hurt.) Also, can you guess which very dead powerhouse thriller writer he was recently confused for? Watch below to find out.

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Jonny Diamond

Jonny Diamond

Jonny Diamond is the Editor in Chief of Literary Hub. He lives in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains with his wife and two sons, and is currently writing a cultural history of the axe for W.W. Norton. @JonnyDiamondJonnyDiamond.me