James Patterson talks in Battle Creek after apology over remarks about racism in writing

James Patterson shared personal anecdotes and wisdom from his decades as a bestselling author with a near-capacity crowd at W.K. Kellogg Auditorium in Battle Creek  Tuesday evening.

Hours before taking the stage, the 75-year-old writer issued an apology from his Twitter account following backlash over comments he made to The Sunday Times over the weekend, in which he lamented that white men struggle to find writing jobs in film, theater, TV and publishing industries as "just another form of racism."

James Patterson apologizes for saying white male writers face 'another form of racism'

"I apologize for saying white male writers having trouble finding work is a form of racism," Patterson tweeted. "I absolutely do not believe that racism is practiced against white writers. Please know that I strongly support a diversity of voices being heard — in literature, in Hollywood, everywhere."

Patterson was in Battle Creek for the Michigan stop of his book tour, promoting his newly released memoir, "James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life."

The hour-long presentation focusing on the autobiography of the "world's bestselling author" was free to the public at Willard Library, moderated by community engagement and local digital collection librarian Michael "Mac" McCullough.

Upon taking the stage, Patterson jokingly told the crowd, "If you like the book, tell everybody. If you don't like the book, keep it to yourself."

Patterson, who spent the first 25 years of his career in advertising, said he had visited Battle Creek "a dozen times" while doing ad writing for the Kellogg Co., calling it "a really cool city."

Since 1976, the prolific author has sold more than 400 million copies of his books, including popular series such as "Alex Cross," "Women's Murder Club" and "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life." He has had more than 114 New York Times bestselling novels and holds the Guinness World Record for most New York Times No. 1 bestsellers by a single author with 67.

Of writing, Patterson said, "It's good to understand strengths and weaknesses. I continue to grow."

Patterson recently made the bestseller list for, "Run, Rose, Run," his fiction collaboration with Dolly Parton. He has also co-authored books with former President Bill Clinton.

Saying that he tries not to be political, Patterson received the biggest applause from the audience at W.K. Kellogg Auditorium when — noting that he considers himself an entertainer — he said he didn't "like when entertainers get up and start blabbering." The comment came after he mentioned that he thought it was "good that both sides are talking" about gun control.

At the conclusion of the program, Patterson signed copies of his new book.

Contact reporter Nick Buckley at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: James Patterson apologizes for remarks about racism after backlash