J.R. Patterson was born in Manitoba in 1989 and raised on a beef and grain farm on the Canadian prairies. His experiences as a farm labourer, factory worker, and musician inform much of his writing. 

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His work has been longlisted for the CBC Short Story Prize, shortlisted for the Geist Postcard Contest, and received Honorable Mention in the 2019 Bradt Emerging Travel Writers Competition.

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When not writing, he enjoys flying single-engine planes, paddling his folding kayak, and drinking wine.

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Together with his partner Francisca, he divides his time between Canada, Scotland, and Portugal.