Adventurous Storyteller

Patrick Riley is an emerging voice in contemporary fiction and narrative nonfiction, drawing from his own extraordinary experiences as a US Navy veteran to craft stories that resonate with authenticity, emotional depth, and the complexities of human relationships. Born and raised in Northwest Indiana near Chicago, Patrick's journey took an unexpected turn when he joined the United States Navy as an Electronic Warfare Technician. His nearly six years of service aboard various ships, including the USS Towers (DDG-9), USS Hewitt (DD-966), and the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20). These ships became the foundation for a life rich with adventure, heartbreak, and the profound lessons that can only be learned at sea and in foreign ports. From the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, North Atlantic, and the Caribbean, from the shores of Ireland and Norway to the bustling streets of Tokyo and the Philippines, Patrick's naval service exposed him to diverse cultures and experiences that would later become the lifeblood of his storytelling. After excelling in his Advanced Electronics and Systems training, he earned top honors in his class. Patrick served with distinction, developing a technical aptitude and work ethic that would serve him throughout his life. His time in the Navy wasn't just about professional development; it was a crucible that forged his understanding of loyalty, betrayal, love, and the quiet strength required to stand alone while being part of something larger than oneself. Following his honorable discharge in May 1994, Patrick transitioned to civilian life, leveraging his military experience to secure a position as an electronic technician at a Chicago-area factory. He pursued higher education at Purdue University Calumet (now Purdue Northwest), where he discovered an unexpected talent for mathematics and engineering, subjects that had challenged him in his youth. He made the Dean's List every semester, proving that determination and life experience can unlock abilities once thought impossible. But Patrick's true calling emerged in the years that followed. The stories he carried from his Navy days, tales of friendship tested by deception, love complicated by distance and duty, and the split-second decisions that alter the course of our lives demanded to be told. Patrick began the journey of transforming his experiences into narratives that speak to universal truths about the human condition. Patrick built a life raising two strong sons, creating the family foundation that allows him to reflect on and write about the tumultuous relationships and formative experiences of his youth with both honesty and compassion. His writing is informed not just by what happened, but by the wisdom gained from decades of perspective and fatherhood. Deception Underway, Patrick's debut novel, is described as "a work of fiction based on true events", a designation that captures both the authenticity of the experiences and the artistic license required to craft a compelling narrative. The novel introduces readers to Richard, a character who mirrors Patrick's own journey through the Navy and the complex web of friendship, manipulation, and romantic entanglements that defined his early twenties. It is the first in what promises to be an expanding series that will explore both fictional narratives inspired by his experiences and nonfiction works that delve into the realities of military service, personal growth, and the lessons learned from a life lived with both passion and purpose. Patrick's writing style combines vivid, authentic detail with emotional resonance. He doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths about toxic friendships, the pain of lost love, or the moral ambiguities that arise when loyalty conflicts with honesty. His naval background provides a unique lens through which to explore themes of duty, honor, and the bonds forged under pressure, while his civilian experiences ground these themes in the universal struggles of young adulthood, career building, and finding one's place in the world. As an author committed to both fiction and nonfiction, Patrick plans to expand his literary portfolio with works that draw from the full spectrum of his life experiences. From the technical intricacies of electronic warfare to the emotional landscapes of relationships tested by distance and deception, from the camaraderie of shipmates to the solitude of the Lone Sailor, Patrick's upcoming works promise to offer readers authentic glimpses into worlds they may never experience firsthand but will recognize in their emotional truths. When he's not writing, Patrick continues to honor the memory of fallen friend Tim, his high school buddy and EOD diver who survived eleven tours in Iraq and Afghanistan only to die tragically in southern California, a loss that reminds Patrick of the fragility of life and the importance of telling our stories while we can. Patrick Riley writes from the heart of America, carrying forward the lessons of his Naval service, the love of his family, and an unwavering commitment to honest storytelling. Deception Underway is just the beginning of a literary journey that promises to take readers from the decks of Navy ships to the depths of the human heart. Visit Patrick Riley at www.underwaybooks.com