37 Comments
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Alex Podlogar's avatar

You've always been one of my favorite writers, Tommy, and I tell people that when they ask me. Wishing you all the best, and frankly, I know I'm excited to get more words from you. Work well.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thanks, Alex. FYI, I love your music recommendations--keep 'em coming!

Vicki's avatar

Thank you, Tommy. I did increase my monthly donation to WFAE and will continue to listen to it. I shared your post too. I will continue to support you and read your post on Substack. Please keep writing and I will continue to read your posts and spread the word. Building a community is one of the best things about Substack.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thank you so much, Vicki ... and WFAE thanks you, too.

Christine Arvidson's avatar

I swear to god I was wondering the other day - what is Tommy going to write next… 💙 we are out here waiting, for sure. Have at it! 💙

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

If you figure out what I'm gonna write next, let me know!

Susan Marquis's avatar

Sometimes, it’s time. And love and care to you as you take this leap. All love and care to our public radio stations. And eager anticipation of what you next bring to us!

Kay Starnes's avatar

You exhibit such grace while navigating everything life throws at us. We are increasing contributions to NPR snd PBS stations and doing everything in our power to help flip the House and Senate in the mid-terms! Keep writing!

Phyllis Johnson's avatar

Southbound is the only podcast I listen to regularly. I will miss it, but I understand your decision. I look forward to all the writing you will get done without your regular WFAE columns and podcasts.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

I'll miss SouthBound too, Phyllis. I have really enjoyed talking to all those amazing people over the years.

Diana Renfro's avatar

Congratulations. Devoting your time to writing is courageous. I’ll bet on big success!!

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thanks for the confidence! I'll take all I can get :)

Mitta Isley's avatar

Congratulations on your new adventure, Tommy! So happy we'll get more of your writing, whatever form it takes.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thank you, Mitta ... and FYI, thank you for the Isbell notebooks. That was such a thoughtful gift. They're on my desk right now!

Andrea's avatar

Tommy, your community will always be with you whatever you do. I, too, will continue to support NPR, and share your work with others. Can’t wait to see what you do next! Onward, Friend. Thankyouthankyouthankyou.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thank YOU, Andrea. I love our little community.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Tommy, your Southbound podcast has been a go-to listen for me whenever I'm on a long drive and want to ease into a story -- you always have such fantastic guests, and there's something about your voice that's soothing, yet also penetrating (in a good way!) in the insights you get to with your guests. Whatever you end up doing with The Shed, I hope audio is a big part of it, because I don't want the end of Southbound to be the end of hearing from you. Best of luck!

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Soothing, yet penetrating--that's the vibe I was going for! Thanks so much, Terrell. I don't know how I'll incorporate audio into whatever's next, but maybe I can figure something out. I really appreciate you listening.

Liz B.'s avatar

Congratulations, Tommy, as you move forward on this new adventure! Looking forward to reading more of your writing. I was introduced to you by reading The Elephant in the Room, and blew through Dogland while my family and I were on vacation in Boston (a fond memory is watching part of the Westminster Dog Show in a historic Boston restaurant/pub at lunch time!). We share a love of so many musicians and bands - what a tiny thrill that you mention being on the same flight as the (hungover) members of Big Audio Dynamite in Elephant in the Room, because I dont know anyone personally who loves that band! I could go on and on, but I'll stop. Wishing you well, and looking forward to the community building here.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Liz--we are the few, the proud, the Big Audio Dynamite fans! Watching Westminster in a pub sounds like a fantastic experience. Thanks for reading all these years...

David Kerman's avatar

Tommy - Congrats and best wishes on taking the next step in your remarkable career! I will be along for the ride, wherever it takes you😄

I also loved The Searcher from Tana French - don’t miss her newer book The Hunter which includes the same cast of characters, with some interesting twists along the way!

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thanks for coming along on the ride, David. And yes, I saw that THE HUNTER has the same characters--I'll be reading that one shortly!

Barbara Yager's avatar

Happy. Sad. Happy. Sad. Always happy for you. We are all waiting for the next installment. Much success on the next adventure! We're waiting! :)

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thank you so much, Barbara. It's a bittersweet time, but bittersweet is one of the better emotions, don't you think?

Gary Green's avatar

Tommy always loved your columns in the Observer and also bought your books. I also just subscribed to your substack annual columns. I appreciate your insights but disagree that government should be using our tax money on supporting public radio and tv! Times have changed and we only have so many resources. We can agree to disagree.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thanks for the kind words, Gary! I understand the arguments against public funding for NPR and PBS ... but I also think the tremendous programming they've created over the years is proof of its value. But absolutely--agree to disagree. I appreciate the support!

Bradley Rhyne's avatar

Wishing you all the best Tommy. You are my favorite writer and you have been such an inspiration to me and so many others. I know the next chapter will be even better, sir.

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thank you so much, Bradley. I'm looking forward to that next chapter...

Debbie Davis's avatar

Best wishes on this exciting next chapter - your talents, insights, warmth and integrity are a gift to us all and we can't wait to see what comes next for you !

Tommy Tomlinson's avatar

Thank you, Debbie! I can't wait either :) Best to you and Ann...