The Artist Spoke won the Maincrest Media Award in Literary Fiction. “The blend of literature, technology, life and death prove to be an interesting combination. Overall, this book has one of the most original plots that readers may ever come across. A thoroughly engaging read.” — Judge’s Statement

The novel also placed third in the Feathered Quill Book Awards (Adult Fiction). “The author tells an amazing story with characters that are fresh and passionate. . . . The author is a master when it comes to literary fiction, drawing the reader in and making them care a great deal about the characters and their relationships.” — Judge’s Statement

The novel was also a Finalist for the Global Book Award in Contemporary Fiction.

The Artist Spoke is available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions. The hardcover includes six color photographs by me — my “Chicago series” from January 2019 — plus the cover image (they are in black and white in the paperback edition). Read the online Preface. And access the novel’s sell sheet.

Listen to the 42 Minutes podcast in which I talk about The Artist Spoke, among other topics.

“A beautifully imagined premise with complex character dynamics and layers of human drama . . . Throughout, Morrissey offers reflective and insightful depictions of love, the uncertainty of life, friendship, dreams, desires, passions, the love of books and reading, and the choices that define our lives. The accompanied color photographs beautifully compliment the story. A gorgeous experiment in literature, worldbuilding, and character, the novel makes for a must-read for morally serious aficionados of literature.” — The Prairies Book Review

“I must say, many readers will love this book, but if you’re a writer or a true literary junkie (as am I), you’ll definitely be able to get with the characters and understand the intense feelings they have. . . . [Morrissey’s style is] introspective, concise, warm and delightful.” — Amy Lignor, Reader Views

“Ted Morrissey’s novel The Artist Spoke is a mysterious, mesmerizing examination of the contrary aspects of the writing life, and the fragility of relationships. . . . The narrative maintains an intimate, internalized style. . . . [The novel] is an exciting literary mystery.” — Peter Dabbene, Foreword Reviews

“The book is a literary love letter. . . . Morrissey’s supple sentences are a mini-tutorial on craft, pulling a world of emotion from the smallest image. . . . Those who revel in how closely observed detail and powerful language can infuse the most mundane experiences with beauty and tenderness will relish this novel.” — BlueInk Review

“The story revels in a background debate about fame versus talent . . . It’s all approached very warmly, this desire devotees [of the author Elizabeth Winters] have for a mystery, breaking news, and to feel a part of something grand. Strongly written with some light moments, the tale delivers an up-in-the-air premise that nicely amplifies its introspective tone. An inventive, reflective story about cultural phenomena and personal connections to literature.” — Kirkus Reviews

“As I neared the end of the book and reflected on how everything played out, I realized that I actually loved the story. I found myself wanting to do deep analyses of the various aspects of the story. . . . I especially found the concept of the new “Dark Ages” that the characters discuss to be particularly interesting. This is the idea that in today’s society there is an intense lack of interest in reading and literature in general while the world is simultaneously over-saturated with mass-produced books.” — Becca, The Online Book Club (4 out of 4 stars)