About Lane Patten

Author

My Story

Writing has become a part of me, the way breathing and sleeping are, some days easy, some days hard, but always necessary. I first started writing as a elementary schooler, wandering stories with no substantial plot but with thousands of characters-Ivy, Christina, Miranda, Melinda, Jennifer, Amy. Exotic and mundane. 

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, I first graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in chemistry and minors in both psychology and Native American Studies.  I then went on to Medical School at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities.  First deciding to pursue a career in general surgery, I packed up my house, my husband quit his job, and we moved to Houston so I could train at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX through the Baylor College of Medicine.

Although I loved the idea of surgery, and the training program was amazing, I quickly realized that I wasn’t in love with surgery.  After having a daughter, I knew that surgery was not my calling. Lots of soul searching and hours of discussion with my saint of a husband, I decided to follow my heart into Emergency Medicine.  We packed up the house again, moving back to St. Paul so I could train at Regions Hospital.  I thrived on the energy and passion of my colleagues, and the medical climate in the Twin Cities.  It was also fabulous moving closer to family.

After completing a residency in Emergency Medicine, I joined a talented group of emergency physicians at a Level 1 Trauma Center in town.  Now a board certified Emergency Medicine Physician since 2008, I both live and work near Minneapolis.  Adding a second child to the mix, not to mention a sweet Chocolate Lab, our family is now complete.

I’ve now seen one child off to college (Northwestern in Evanston, IL) and the second child is in middle school.  My days of keeping them alive are turning into days of really getting to know them and their own interests.  They teach me daily, and every time they pick up a book, write a paper, or write a story, I know I’ve had an impact.

But as any good female physician will tell you, the stresses are high and outlets are a necessity.     

Along the way, I have reignited my passion for writing, both fiction and nonfiction.  I have blogged about food while teaching myself how to cook (residency does not leave one much time for developing other skills!).  I have taken many classes at the Loft Literary Center and joined writing groups led by Georgia Clark and Camille Pagan, started bookclubs (the Minnesota Women Physicians’ Book Club now has over 300 members), and have met many amazing authors.  I’ve been so grateful to assimilate some of their tips and tricks. I’ve joined a critique group through the Women Fiction Writer’s Association (Sophie, Theresa, and Nurin-you have kept me sane on this author journey for that I will always be grateful!)  Lastly I’ve also started gardening in order to produce fresh vegetables for my cooking, and growing flowers to spark joy (for some reason growing things also sparks more creativity for me-win win!).

Above all, I have developed a great love affair with books of all genres. I am at my happiest when reading books, discussing books, and most recently writing books.  I’ve developed this site to help me showcase what I’m writing, whether published or not.  Hopefully it will also serve to inspire someone else to pick up the pen, or open up the book!  Just promise me if you do become a writer or a reader, come back to discuss, as there is nothing that makes me happier! 

XOXO

-Lane