Gabrielle Charbonnet

It’s been a while since I’ve published any children’s books under my name, so I imagine if you’re at this website, it’s probably because of James Patterson’s new book, Sundays at Tiffany’s, which also has my name on the cover. If you’re a JP fan, then you’re no doubt familiar with his other works and the fact that he often uses cowriters. Not every prolific writer collaborates, the way Jim does, but some of them do. Jim is one of the few people who gives his cowriters credit, which is very gutsy and generous. 

Being a cowriter is, in some ways, like being a surrogate mother. You’re necessary, you’re definitely providing your own crucial value, but in the end, the baby isn’t yours. Sundays was Jim’s idea, his premise, his characters. I know I filled out some things, added work of value to it, and when I read it and recognize “me” on the page, it’s a big thrill. If either Jim or I had written the whole thing 100% by ourselves, it would be quite different, and I think, not as strong. As a writer, I’m very good at certain things–dialogue, character, description, emotional arcs. And Jim is very good at certain things, like story line, plot, tension, and drama. So together we make a good team.

People have asked me about working with Jim, and I’ve tried to answer:

1) What is Jim like?

He’s very nice.

2) No, really, what’s he like?

He’s actually very nice. Very, very smart, very savvy. Has read all the latest books and seen all the latest movies. He understands himself and his career with an unusual clarity. He has a wry sense of humor and is very down to earth.

3) How does the collaboration work?

Jim provides a detailed outline, every chapter, scene by scene, as well as backstory and commentary. And we talk about it. Then I write a rough draft and send it to him in chunks. He reads it and gives me feedback. He’s very clear about what’s working and what’s not working. He’s generous with praise and constructive with his criticism.

4) What’s the most annoying thing about working with Jim?

All the times when I’m sure of how to do something and he gently disagrees and I do it my way anyway and it doesn’t work and then in exasperation I go ahead and do it the way he wanted which I’m sure won’t work but then I read it and it totally works. I hate that. 

5) What’s the best thing about working with Jim?

Besides the thrill of the shared glory, the fact that I’m learning so much. I write the way I write, and it works well for me. Jim writes very, very differently, and it forces me way out of my comfort zone. But I’ve learned a great deal. I’ve really stretched and grown as a writer, which is very satisfying. That, and the ice cream he sends at Christmas. That’s huge.

6) Will you do more projects together?

I hope so. His dance card is pretty full.