ON THE ROAD THIS SPRING!
Hello friends—
Last fall I had a slightly ridiculous idea:
to write a multi-media science fiction novel—90,000+ words—with 100 pen and ink illustrations and an audio world woven through it.
A full immersive experience.
Why didn’t I just write a book of haikus? With pencil drawings?
Because… well, Everest.
What’s interesting about climbing a foothill? There’s no real risk. No turning back. Nothing that tests your limits—or your love of the craft. No danger. No frostbite.
That’s the kind of challenge I wanted.
And now—somehow—the first draft is done.
Seven months.
Forty chapters.
And a whole lot of time away from songwriting. 
Now comes the real work:
—A line-by-line edit
—100+ illustrations
—Sixteen songs to write and record
That’s my creative year 2026 ahead. FINISHING! What a party that will be!
If you want to be part of that journey, I’d love to have you along!
I’ve started sharing early chapters, artwork, and soon the music over on Patreon. It truly helps sustain this kind of long-form project—because while a book might be a year (or more) away, the work is happening right now.
I am doing a livestream show, and will share songs and stories about the book this Sunday, May 3rd, 8pm ET. on Facebook, Youtube, or Patreon where you can support the art. Support the artist. patreon.com/ellispaul
We’re heading into summer, and I’m getting back out on the road.
These shows—small rooms, listening ears, shared space—are where the songs really live. Stories land a little deeper when we’re all in it together. We would like to add shows, if you would like a songwriter in your living room let us know!
Come out. Bring a friend. I promise to send you home feeling better about the world.
MAY
May 3 LIVESTREAM SHOW ON FB, YOUTUBE, PATREON 8pm ET
May 8 – Millis, MA – Niagara Coffee Haus
May 9 – Norwood, MA – The Fallout Shelter
May 12 – Cambridge, MA – Matt Smith Celebration @ Arrow St Arts
May 16 – Great Barrington, MA – Guthrie Center
May 17 – Havertown, PA – Kelly Center
May 21 – Novato, CA – HopMonk Tavern
May 24 – Santa Monica, CA – McCabe’s Guitar Shop
JUNE
June 12 – Shirley, MA – Bull Run Restaurant
June 13 – Exeter, NH – The Word Barn
June 14 – Waterbury Center, VT – Zenbarn
June 18 – Nashville, TN – The Bluebird Cafe
June 20 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
JULY
July 8–10 – Okemah, OK – Woody Guthrie Folk Festival
July 11 – Guthrie, OK – Magnolia Moon
July 18 – Towson, MD – The Recher (Benefit for Terry Irons)
July 24 – Black Mountain, NC – White Horse Tavern
July 26–31 – Swannanoa Gathering
AUGUST
Aug 7 – Lincoln, MA – The Cordova Museum
Aug 16 – Melrose, MA – The Sanctuary
THE NEW ENGLAND SONGWRITERS RETREAT!!Two sessions this year in Chester, CT:
Aug 28 – Sep 1
Sep 4 – Sep 8
Join me at NESR along with Seth Glier, James Keelaghan, Garrison Starr, Laurie MacAllister, and Dan Bern for a few days of deep creative work and inspiration.
Details and ticket information at www.ellispaul.com/calendar
If you’re interested in hosting a house concert, private show, or would like me to write you a custom song, or sit with me one on one for creative consulting/song work, or want to join the retreat—reach out.
Let’s make something meaningful together.
Bring your stories.
I’ll bring the songs.
--Ellis