Author Ann Patchett served as the guest of honor and keynote speaker for the Ogden School Foundation’s 30th annual Fall Author Event on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. In a report published Oct. 5, 2026, Patchett shared insights regarding her career as a novelist and her experience as a bookstore owner.
Patchett, who has written 10 fiction novels, described her first novel, The Patron Saint of Liars, published in 1992, as the happiest milestone of her professional life. She noted that the writing process has changed significantly over three decades due to the rise of the internet and increased daily distractions. While she originally intended to be a poet, she shifted to writing fiction during her second year of college.
Beyond writing, Patchett co-founded and currently owns Parnassus Books of Nashville, an independent bookstore celebrating 15 years in business this November. She observed that despite claims of declining literacy, her store frequently sees lines of customers. Patchett noted significant shifts in genre popularity, highlighting the rise of romance and 'romantasy' from a single shelf to a major driving force in the industry.
The Fall Author Event Gala featured a replica of Parnassus Books at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. While Patchett was unable to meet with student essay winners due to scheduling conflicts, she expressed admiration for the quality of the essays recognized at the gala.
In addressing students from the Ogden School District, Patchett emphasized the importance of learning to express oneself articulately. She advised students not to rely on artificial intelligence to do their thinking or write their papers, stating that individuals must hold on to their own unique voices.
