Patrick Lenton

Patrick Lenton is the author of the book of short stories A Man Made Entirely of Bats (2015), the book of comedic essays Uncle Hercules and Other Lies (2019), and the full length short story collection Sexy Tales of Paleontology (2021).

His debut novel, a rom-com called In Spite of You, was published August 2025. This is part of a two-book deal with Pantera Press.

Sexy Tales of Paleontology was shortlisted for the SPN Book of the Year Award 2022 and shortlisted for The Russell Prize for Humour Writing. His fiction and memoir writing has appeared in The Best Australian Stories, The Best Australian Comedy Writing, Growing Up Queer In Australia, Meanjin, The Lifted Brow, Going Down Swinging, The Canary Press, Scum Mag, Voiceworks and more.

Patrick works at Australia’s oldest LGBTQIA+ publication, Star Observer, as a journalist and digital editor. He is also a freelance writer and editor. 

Previously he has worked as a reporter for ABC Everyday, and was the Deputy Editor, Arts + Culture at The Conversation, where he was also a Walkley Awards finalist. Previously he was the Editor of pop-culture and entertainment publication Junkee. He is also a freelance journalist, with regular bylines in The Guardian, SMH/ The Age, ABC Everyday, Junkee, The Shot, VICE, and more.

He is a regular arts and culture commentator in the media, having appeared on The Project, ABC’s The Mix, ABC Breakfast and more.