In Patinas of Life, author Patrick Wood invites readers to consider the reflections of our bodies and souls not as flaws, but as the uniquely beautiful textures shaped by time, trial, and transformation. The surface, after all, is only the beginning.
Patrick Wood is no stranger to capturing the subtleties of the human experience. Patinas of Life marks his fourth literary work, following the success of Tapestry of Love and Loss, Dear Reader, and Reflections. As CEO of Multi Media Channels (MMC) and a serial entrepreneur, he has crossed paths with individuals from countless backgrounds—each interaction adding to his understanding of what it means to live with depth and purpose. His writing blends memoir, reflection, and philosophy, offering readers a thoughtful guide through the universal experiences that shape us all.
In this interview with Teaching Press Marketing Director Tori Urness, Patrick shares the inspirations behind Patinas of Life, the role of his long-running newspaper columns, and what he hopes readers will carry with them long after the final page.
Who do you see as your target audience?
The audience is quite broad—essentially anyone who can read and is open to exploring various perspectives on different aspects of life. The themes are universal enough to resonate with diverse readers.
How did your published columns impact your writing process?
Writing as a weekly columnist created a natural rhythm and discipline. The columns were published in newspapers and on digital platforms, reaching approximately half a million readers each week consistently over time. This regular readership provided immediate connection with an audience, which kept me engaged and motivated to continue capturing these perspectives on life.
How long did it take you to write Patinas of Life?
The book evolved organically over time through my weekly column writing. Rather than sitting down to write a book from start to finish, I developed each piece individually as a column, and once I had accumulated enough material, I compiled them into book form. The columns themselves were written week by week as life unfolded and ideas came to me.
What was the inspiration to write this book?
I’d describe it as bursts of inspiration rather than one singular moment. Each column tells its own story and carries its own message. Whenever inspiration struck—whether from observing life as it happened or from reflections that came to mind—I would simply write and shape those thoughts into a short column. The book is really a collection of these individual moments of inspiration.
What excites you most about the release of this book?
What excites me is the extended life and reach this format provides. In their original form, the columns appeared weekly in newspapers and digital sites—read and then potentially discarded or deleted shortly after. In book form, these messages can reach a broader audience and have a more lasting presence. The ideas and perspectives can continue to resonate beyond that immediate weekly publication and dissemination cycle.
Patinas of Life ultimately offers readers a chance to pause, reflect, and embrace the beautiful imperfections that make a life fully lived. Just as copper deepens in color or marble smoothes under countless steps, we, too, are shaped by time. And as Patrick Wood reminds us, these marks aren’t blemishes—they are proof of our becoming.