Seeing James Patterson

The Conversations Breakfast was James Patterson was fascinating. I was so starry-eyed throughout his talk. He was funny and informative and relatable. Matt was worried he would be bored, but even he admitted to being interested and entertained. Mr. Patterson was so down-to-earth and someone who, you could just tell, doesn't take himself too seriously.

There are two things he shared that really stuck out to me. 1.) 30 plus publishers turned down his first novel. It later went on to be a best seller. And 2.) At his first book signing, there were 400 of his books piled up behind him, ready to be signed, and not one person showed up. He said his girlfriend at the time was with him, and he just kept signing her book over and over. Listening to him really was a lesson in persistence and following your dreams. Someone whom 30-something publishers turned down has since generated $2 billion in book sales. Just incredible.

Since there were lots of people in attendance, we weren't able to really visit with him one on one, but I did get to say hello and that it was an honor to meet him. He was very gracious. I was able to have two books signed... one for me and one for my Aunt Shirley who has read a ton of his books. It was a great morning, and I am so thankful that my sweet husband made it happen.