My Writing Journey

In the third grade I entered a contest to write and illustrate a picture book. My little 12-page book about a wild horse named Freedom won third place. My favorite authors were Judy Blume, C.S. Lewis, Carolyn Keene, and Jean Craighead George. From elementary through adulthood, I wrote every chance I could. Poems, short stories of all genres, to full manuscripts that I never felt quite confident enough to share.

RED PRAIRIE

And then in 2017 I was chosen as one of three finalists, out of five-thousands entries, for an opportunity to co-author a book with New York Times best-selling author James Patterson. The amazing author Tucker Axum won the contest, and for me the experience proved a pivotal moment in my writing dream. Book One in the Wild Grace Series is RED PRAIRIE and debuting this summer 2026. Book Two in the Wild Grace Series is titled BLUE MESA and projected for spring of 2027.

MasterClass With James Patterson

James Patterson’s 2017 Co-Author Semifinalists

Posted on April 6, 2017 MasterClass James Patterson

Once again, we were blown away by the quality of submissions for James Patterson’s second co-author competition! As the enthusiasm within the student community grows, we are thrilled to make this opportunity possible for a second time.

After careful review and consideration of every submission, we’re excited to announce the following top 10 semifinalists. These 10 semifinalists will receive a prize valued at $1,000. Then, three will move on to the final round where they will receive a prize of $2,500 value and submit an outline for a chance to become James’ co-author.

Top 10 Semifinalists (listed in alphabetical order)

Blake Northcott
Jack Mathers
Javier Sanchez
Jessica Goeken
Jule P Miller III
MaryBeth Yates
Matthew J. Trafford
Michael Jaoui
Tammy Vaughter
Tucker Edward Axum III

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the competition and congratulations to our semifinalists! Remember to check back next week, as we will be announcing the top 3 finalists on April 13th

APRIL 13TH

We are thrilled to announce the 3 finalists who are one step closer to becoming James Patterson’s co-author. The following finalists will receive a prize valued at $2,500 and will submit outlines for their book ideas. James will review their submissions and select one grand prize winner to be his co-author.

Tammy Vaughter

Tucker Axum

Mari Yates

Tammy what’s the most important thing you’ve learned from James’s class so far?

OUTLINING!! I had always felt challenged with the daunting task of a writing structure that had always felt more like a list of rules than creatively writing. But Mr. Patterson’s approach to outlining clicked with me and helped set an arrow toward specific plots and goals and once I allowed myself permission to modify or deviate from the outline I'd mapped, the less resistance I felt and open to trusting my intuition.

What drives you to write?

Creating realistic, three-dimensional characters, with real life desires, dreams, challenges and goals in an imagined world. Developing scenes and watching lives change as arcs unfold. This drives me to write. My faith has a huge part in my drive to create story's that resonate with readers in hopeful and encouraging ways.
My parents shielded my siblings and I from television and influences they felt may steal our innocence and hamper our spiritual growth. I think this approach allowed me the opportunity to use my creativity, imagination and permission to write dangerously.

Who has been the most supportive in your writing? How do they help you?

My family has been the most supportive, my children, parents, my uncle Gary who is one of the most important father figures in my life. My dear friend Michelle who has supported my dream of writing since we were just young teens. And especially TJ my husband of over forty years. TJ reads anything I put in front of him, and he offers honest criticism and suggestions. I trust and value his opinion.

Tammy Vaughter Nebraska, USA