R. Patrick Gates has been a teacher and writer for over thirty years. He is the author of GRIMM MEMORIALS & GRIMM REAPINGS, (which have achieved cult status and been called 'horror classics' by Rave Reviews) and seven other critically acclaimed adult horror novels and at least ten young adult thrillers. Mr. Gates resides in Massachusetts with his wife and dogs, and dabbles in painting and acting in his spare time.
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On writing Young Adult fiction
“For my entire career, family, friends and fans have asked when I am going to write something their kids could read. (If you’ve read any of my adult novels, you know what they meant—if you haven’t, they will be available soon, right here!)
As a middle school, high school and college teacher, I also felt pressure to produce something for the younger set. In 2005 I got the opportunity in a rather odd way. At the time I was with Kensington Publishing and my editor was Jon Scognamilio.
Due to illness, my writing output was way down and I was incapable of writing very much at all. Jon told me of this German publisher who was looking for American writers to do short young adult paperback thrillers. Considering my condition, these short novels were perfect for me and I started writing them.
As a middle school, high school and college teacher, I also felt pressure to produce something for the younger set. In 2005 I got the opportunity in a rather odd way. At the time I was with Kensington Publishing and my editor was Jon Scognamilio.
Due to illness, my writing output was way down and I was incapable of writing very much at all. Jon told me of this German publisher who was looking for American writers to do short young adult paperback thrillers. Considering my condition, these short novels were perfect for me and I started writing them.
The Germans loved them, and I’ve done a novel a year for them since. (Which is one reason I haven’t published anything in America in a while as well.)
“Unfortunately, American publishers are not interested in short novels (novellas) and I have not been able to find a hard-copy publisher; so I am extremely happy and excited
to start publishing these never-before-seen-in-English thrillers here on Amazon.
I can honestly say that these stories pack the thrilling punch of my adult work, but without the graphic violence or horror. I hope you will enjoy.”
--R. Patrick Gates
“Unfortunately, American publishers are not interested in short novels (novellas) and I have not been able to find a hard-copy publisher; so I am extremely happy and excited
to start publishing these never-before-seen-in-English thrillers here on Amazon.
I can honestly say that these stories pack the thrilling punch of my adult work, but without the graphic violence or horror. I hope you will enjoy.”
--R. Patrick Gates