I love this analogy. This is exactly why I have been sharing your insights with my students who are beginning writers — I know there are some out there who are born to do it, but they just aren’t sure how. Your work and writing are truly inspiring. Thanks for doing what you do!
I'm so happy you're writing another novel! I've read and reread Great Glorious Goddamn more times than I can count. I have about three hundred books, but Great Glorious Goddamn is on a special shelf with a handful of other favorites and a little glass-and-porcelain lighthouse. Beacons, all.
Wow...I can't believe you wrote about the Ecstasy of St.Teresa! It also happens to be my husband's favorite Bernini work. Probably because my name is Theresa...LOL. But he is totally obsessed with it and we have to revisit it every time we are in Rome. Great discussion of how we only see the finished work of artists, not their blood, sweat and tears.
The description in the Santa Maria della Vittoria church is..."interesting", to say the least. LOL: "Beside me, on the left, appeared an angel in bodily form…. He was not tall but short, and very beautiful; and his face was so aflame that he appeared to be one of the highest rank of angels, who seem to be all on fire…. In his hands I saw a great golden spear, and at the iron tip there appeared to be a point of fire. This he plunged into my heart several times so that it penetrated to my entrails. When he pulled it out I felt that he took them with it, and left me utterly consumed by the great love of God. The pain was so severe that it made me utter several moans. The sweetness caused by this intense pain is so extreme that one cannot possibly wish it to cease, nor is one’s soul content with anything but God. This is not a physical but a spiritual pain, though the body has some share in it—even a considerable share.
Teresa of Ávila, The Life of Teresa of Jesus (1562–65)"
If the new novel does not contain a “Some Somewhere Part 2”… is there still time to add it? Haven’t been able to get that song out of my head, and it’s been years since I’ve listened to the audiobook.
Really love this, thank you! Makes me think about going back to an abandoned novel draft of mine. Also, I’ve really been enjoying reading your Substack posts and getting to know your voice through a medium other than songs (though I love those, too). I am realizing anew that I am overdue to read one of your novels! Thanks for all you share with the world.
In the interim between great glorious and this new one, I’ve written three first drafts of other novels. They’re in my ‘desk,’ and they’re not forgotten about, just resting!
Thank you for sharing. So many of us appreciate every single word you share even when we are too shy, or feel inadequate to do anything about our appreciation. Pleased know you are loved and honored by many and you do no wrong in our eyes. Any awkwardness you exude gives us all permission to be awkward and real. Thank you so much! Apologies for any typos, I am slightly buzzed.
I marvel at your energy and always feel less than in my own life. You are a talented musician, writer and artist. I just retired this month. 30 plus years in education. This me era is super scary. Looking forward to your next book. I used your other two with your music to teach international students English! Thanks for being a constant companion since I first streamed Hello Starling illegally in my office at Parkland High School, Allentown!
I love this analogy. This is exactly why I have been sharing your insights with my students who are beginning writers — I know there are some out there who are born to do it, but they just aren’t sure how. Your work and writing are truly inspiring. Thanks for doing what you do!
We’re all just trying to figure out ‘how’, and if I was to talk to a student, I’d probably spend half the time asking them for tips how to do it, too!
I'm so happy you're writing another novel! I've read and reread Great Glorious Goddamn more times than I can count. I have about three hundred books, but Great Glorious Goddamn is on a special shelf with a handful of other favorites and a little glass-and-porcelain lighthouse. Beacons, all.
This is enormous praise. Thank you, Mia.
Wow...I can't believe you wrote about the Ecstasy of St.Teresa! It also happens to be my husband's favorite Bernini work. Probably because my name is Theresa...LOL. But he is totally obsessed with it and we have to revisit it every time we are in Rome. Great discussion of how we only see the finished work of artists, not their blood, sweat and tears.
That statue deserves alllllll the visits. I dream of seeing it someday in person.
The description in the Santa Maria della Vittoria church is..."interesting", to say the least. LOL: "Beside me, on the left, appeared an angel in bodily form…. He was not tall but short, and very beautiful; and his face was so aflame that he appeared to be one of the highest rank of angels, who seem to be all on fire…. In his hands I saw a great golden spear, and at the iron tip there appeared to be a point of fire. This he plunged into my heart several times so that it penetrated to my entrails. When he pulled it out I felt that he took them with it, and left me utterly consumed by the great love of God. The pain was so severe that it made me utter several moans. The sweetness caused by this intense pain is so extreme that one cannot possibly wish it to cease, nor is one’s soul content with anything but God. This is not a physical but a spiritual pain, though the body has some share in it—even a considerable share.
Teresa of Ávila, The Life of Teresa of Jesus (1562–65)"
I am thrilled to hear there’s another novel in the works. Great Glorious is the absolute best novel I’ve read in a decade. ❤️ Thank you!
Why thank you!!!!! I’m so proud of it and even more proud of the new one coming!
Whoop! Josh Ritter’s carvin’ rocks!! 🥰
This couldn’t have been better timed, as I sit trying to figure out creative next steps, so intimidated by the blank canvas. Love to you Josh ❤️
You got this, Verity!
You rock!
I learned by watching you, Herman!
I love hearing that you're working a new novel; looking forward to reading more of you.
Thanks, Josh!🌹
Thank you, Jese! Same here!
If the new novel does not contain a “Some Somewhere Part 2”… is there still time to add it? Haven’t been able to get that song out of my head, and it’s been years since I’ve listened to the audiobook.
Now you’ve given it back to me! Stuck!
Really love this, thank you! Makes me think about going back to an abandoned novel draft of mine. Also, I’ve really been enjoying reading your Substack posts and getting to know your voice through a medium other than songs (though I love those, too). I am realizing anew that I am overdue to read one of your novels! Thanks for all you share with the world.
In the interim between great glorious and this new one, I’ve written three first drafts of other novels. They’re in my ‘desk,’ and they’re not forgotten about, just resting!
Thank you for sharing. So many of us appreciate every single word you share even when we are too shy, or feel inadequate to do anything about our appreciation. Pleased know you are loved and honored by many and you do no wrong in our eyes. Any awkwardness you exude gives us all permission to be awkward and real. Thank you so much! Apologies for any typos, I am slightly buzzed.
Very excited to hear you're writing another story
Thanks for this, Josh! And thanks for coming up to Canada. Safe travels home. Keep chiselling away!
I marvel at your energy and always feel less than in my own life. You are a talented musician, writer and artist. I just retired this month. 30 plus years in education. This me era is super scary. Looking forward to your next book. I used your other two with your music to teach international students English! Thanks for being a constant companion since I first streamed Hello Starling illegally in my office at Parkland High School, Allentown!
I needed to hear this today! Thank you! 💕
Great encouragement. Thanks Josh!
Congrats on the draft, sir!
And here's to the exciting labor of editing! Hope it treats you well.