Picture a storyteller who weaves raw emotion, queer identity, and lyrical prose into unforgettable narratives—meet Paul Lisicky! Born in 1959, this American author has carved a unique space in contemporary literature with his novels, memoirs, and short prose. From the sun-soaked lawns of South Florida to the AIDS-ravaged haven of Provincetown, Lisicky’s work captures the messy, beautiful intersections of love, loss, and belonging with humor and heart.
With a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts award, and a teaching gig at Rutgers University-Camden, Lisicky is both a celebrated writer and a mentor shaping the next generation. His latest memoir, Song So Wild and Blue: A Life with the Music of Joni Mitchell, is a love letter to creativity and resilience, proving he’s still got stories to tell.
The Making of Paul Lisicky
Born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Paul Lisicky grew up in a world of suburban dreams and quiet ambition. His early love for music—think composing tunes for The Partridge Family in his head—hinted at the creative spark that would later define his writing. After earning a BA from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, an MA from Rutgers-Camden, and an MFA from the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Lisicky honed his craft with a poet’s ear and a novelist’s eye. Teaching at Cornell, NYU, and Sarah Lawrence, he brought his introspective style to classrooms, all while building a body of work that feels like a conversation with the soul.
Paul Lisicky’s Unforgettable Stories
Lisicky’s bibliography is a tapestry of genres, each work pulsing with vivid settings and emotional depth. His debut novel, Lawnboy (1999), follows Evan, a queer teenager navigating desire and betrayal in sultry South Florida. It’s a coming-of-age tale that’s as lush as it is heartbreaking. The Narrow Door (2016), a memoir, intertwines Lisicky’s friendship with novelist Denise Gess and the unraveling of his marriage, set against global and personal tragedies. Critics called it a “tender and beautiful book of compassion,” earning it a spot as a New York Times Editors’ Choice.
Later: My Life at the Edge of the World (2020) transports readers to Provincetown in the early 1990s, a queer utopia reeling from the AIDS crisis. Lisicky’s prose—lyrical yet unflinching—captures a community’s joy and grief. His latest, Song So Wild and Blue (2025), blends memoir and biography, exploring how Joni Mitchell’s music shaped his life and artistry. Lisicky’s style, often described as “sumptuous” and “attentive,” marries poetic cadence with raw honesty, making every page feel like a melody.
From short prose in Unbuilt Projects to the novel The Burning House, Lisicky’s work dances between humor and sorrow, always rooted in human connection. His settings—whether New Jersey suburbs or coastal enclaves—become characters, vivid and alive, reflecting his belief that place shapes story.
Why Paul Lisicky Matters
Paul Lisicky’s impact lies in his fearless exploration of identity and resilience. His work amplifies queer voices, offering nuanced portrayals of love and loss that resonate across communities. During the AIDS crisis, he documented a pivotal era in Later, preserving a history that might otherwise fade. His memoirs, blending personal and cultural reflection, invite readers to confront their own vulnerabilities. As a professor and editor of StoryQuarterly, Lisicky nurtures emerging writers, ensuring his influence ripples forward.
Critics and readers alike praise his ability to make the personal universal. From NPR’s Best Books to Kirkus Reviews’ Most Anticipated lists, Lisicky’s work continues to captivate, proving that stories of the heart never go out of style.
About Paul Lisicky
- Born: July 9, 1959, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
- Key Works: Lawnboy, The Narrow Door, Later, Song So Wild and Blue
- Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts, Fine Arts Work Center Fellowships
- Current Role: Professor, Rutgers University-Camden MFA Program
Ready to dive into a world of lyrical prose and heartfelt stories? Grab Later or Song So Wild and Blue and let Paul Lisicky’s words sweep you away!