Episode 81: Patrick Ryan
Wed Jan 28 2026
My chat with "overnight success" and One Story editor-in-chief Patrick Ryan, who published his debut novel for adults, Buckeye, at 60 years old, and it became the runaway hit of last year.
We discussed (1) how novels have the unique ability to present audiences with the grand sweep of time; (2) what was different about Buckeye from the six or seven novels he wrote before it that didn't get published; and (3) his long, twisty journey to literary stardom late in life, a tale full of gratitude and fortitude, one that gives nourishment and hope to any aspiring artist.
Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry.
All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.
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My chat with "overnight success" and One Story editor-in-chief Patrick Ryan, who published his debut novel for adults, Buckeye, at 60 years old, and it became the runaway hit of last year. We discussed (1) how novels have the unique ability to present audiences with the grand sweep of time; (2) what was different about Buckeye from the six or seven novels he wrote before it that didn't get published; and (3) his long, twisty journey to literary stardom late in life, a tale full of gratitude and fortitude, one that gives nourishment and hope to any aspiring artist. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.