Patterson's books have sold over 400 million copies worldwide. He says he often gets ideas for them late at night. His latest, The #1 Dad Book, offers advice for fathers.

One of the best-selling authors of all time sat down with Terry Gross for an onstage interview as WHYY gave him its annual Lifelong Learning Award.

Patterson has co-authored books with Bill Clinton ... I gave my parents presents this year because - or I went to the dentist because of the - you know what I mean? And it's real, and it's honest ...