Patrick Ryan is an American author known for his vivid portrayals of life in central Florida. His short story collections include "The Dream Life of Astronauts," which was named a best book of the year by NPR and The Washington Post, and "Send Me," which explores themes of longing and connection. His novel "Buckeye" follows a young gay man navigating family secrets and personal identity in 1980s Ohio. Ryan's fiction has appeared in numerous literary magazines including The Paris Review and Granta. He serves as editor of the literary magazine One Story and teaches creative writing.