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Shelf Life

James Patterson launches a new novel format he’s calling "BookShots"

Kai Ryssdal Jun 7, 2016
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Shelf Life

James Patterson launches a new novel format he’s calling "BookShots"

Kai Ryssdal Jun 7, 2016
HTML EMBED:
COPY

James Patterson is concerned we’re not reading enough and he thinks he has a plan to change that.

Patterson is the author or co-author of more than 150 books and regularly finds himself on best seller lists. His new series is called BookShots and includes familiar characters like Alex Cross. But BookShots titles will be much shorter than the usual novel — around 150 pages. Patterson said they’re “all thriller, no filler” and are meant to be read quickly.  

“I think it fits a lot of people’s lives now,” said Patterson.

Bookshots will be available at bookstores and Patterson also hopes to see them at grocery store checkout lines. If readers enjoy the shorter style format, Patterson thinks maybe they’ll start reading more books and longer books. But if they don’t — he’s fine with that too. “There’s nothing sacred about 450 page books.”

Click the audio player above to listen to the interview. 

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