Patrick Swenson edited Talebones magazine for 14 years, and still runs Fairwood Press, a book line, which began in 2000. A graduate of Clarion West, he sold stories to LIKE WATER FOR QUARKS, MZB’s FANTASY MAGAZINE, FIGMENT, and others. He edited THE BEST OF TALEBONES and co-edited IMAGINATION FULLY DILATED: SCIENCE FICTION with Bob Kruger. Patrick runs the Rainforest Writers Village retreat at Lake Quinault, Washington. Patrick has been a high school teacher for 28 years.
The Ultra Thin Man by Patrick Swenson
I have to admit that sometimes I hate reviewing first-time novels. Not those first-time novels where you can't believe this was a first foray into novel writing and not the product of an experienced author using a pen name. And not those first-time novels where you can't believe no one — an editor, a reading group, a spouse — suggested that perhaps the book wasn't quite ready for prime time (or late, late night even). And certainly not those first novels that are so painfully, obviously trying to cash in on an ongoing publishing trend. No, I hate reviewing those first-time novels where the author is utterly sincere and earnest, has a good idea, has created some interesting characters, and shows some real promise for the future, but just isn't quite there yet. When every criticism feels like an undeserved punch in the gut to some nice-seeming stranger you just passed on the street. So apologies ahead of t... Read More
