Small Towns and Storytellers: Seven Questions for Dolly Parton and James Patterson, Authors of Run, Rose, Run

By Dolly Parton, James Patterson / March 6, 2022 at 1:30 am

Hardcover $30.00

Run, Rose, Run

By Dolly Parton and James Patterson , Dolly Parton , James Patterson

In Stock Online

Hardcover $30.00

Run Rose Run is a contemporary thriller about a rising singer-songwriter, AnnieLee, on the run. Trying to escape from her past, she settles in Nashville, chasing her dream, but it’s there that her past might end up catching up to her. With an accompanying record of twelve original songs Dolly Parton wrote to complement the book, Dolly fans and James Patterson fans won’t be disappointed by this writing duo’s debut. Dolly Parton and James Patterson were kind enough to talk to us about what inspired this partnership between them, their love of storytelling, and a small town heritage!

How did you two come to write a book together?

Dolly Parton (DP): Well, we got to talking and discovered how much we have in common. We both came from small towns. We both pride ourselves on our storytelling. We both enjoy each other’s work.

James Patterson (JP): And we both thought there was something appealing about a young artist escaping from her small-town past—that it could make a great book.

Dolly, is any part of this book autobiographical? Did you pull from any experiences as a struggling singer/songwriter to help you write this book?

DP: Well, I think there are pieces of me in both AnnieLee and Ruthanna. I related to both of those women very well. As a storyteller, I pull from all of my life experiences to help bring characters and stories to life.

What is your writing process—did you each write a section and share it?

JP: We spent six to eight months hashing out scenes, going back and forth on chapters and notes.

DP: I felt I could best contribute by sticking with my first love, music. I love telling stories through song and felt like it would be a great way to do my part.

JP: And she did!

We are so excited that there’s a correlating album to go with the book! Jim, did you listen to any Dolly albums while you were writing?

JP: When Dolly sent me her good ideas about the first draft of our outline, she also sent me an unbelievable surprise: the lyrics for seven original songs. And, yes, my writing playlist was all of Dolly’s albums, on continuous rotation.

Dolly, can we expect Jim to join you on stage at any upcoming concerts?

DP: I’m going to do my very best to lure him on stage anytime he’s around and I’m performing. We already have surprises in the works—stay tuned.

Will Jim sing?

JP: Let’s hope not.

Jim, what’s your favorite Dolly album?

JP: You mean before Run, Rose, Run? Which really is my favorite now. Well, Coat of Many Colors is Dolly at her down-to-earth, genuine, thoughtful, whip-smart best. Those are qualities that are right up my small-town alley.

Dolly, what’s your favorite Patterson book?

DP: My best friend, Judy, introduced me to his books years ago. She is a huge mystery reader and James has always been her favorite. I think the first book I ever read of his was in the Alex Cross series.