by Paul Lisicky
First published 2025
Joni Mitchell became Paul Lisicky's artistic compass from the moment he first heard her music in New Jersey. The celebrated novelist and memoirist chronicles how Mitchell's introspective songwriting and musical innovation guided him through decades of creative growth. Lisicky began as a young songwriter who studied Mitchell's mysteries and unconventional approaches. He later abandoned his guitar for prose, eventually attending the Iowa Writers' Workshop and building a career in literature. Through love, heartbreak, creative struggles, and professional challenges, Lisicky returned repeatedly to Mitchell's songs for both comfort and artistic instruction. This intimate memoir weaves together personal coming-of-age moments with deep appreciation for Mitchell's influence on multiple generations of artists. Lisicky presents his own creative journey as evidence of how powerful songwriting and authentic artistic vision can sustain and inspire. The book serves as memoir, biography, and tribute, offering guidance for Joni Mitchell fans, emerging writers, and creative people across disciplines.
Genres: biography, literary-fiction, coming-of-age, autobiography, memoir, music
Vibes: contemplative, inspirational, intimate, lyrical, reflective, thought-provoking
Tropes: artistic-mentorship, coming-of-age, self-discovery, tribute
Setting: New Jersey, Iowa Writers' Workshop
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
272 pages · Paperback · HarperOne