Josh James Riebock

Josh was raised near Chicago, in a loving home that also featured alcoholism, hoarding, and a buffet of other peccadilloes. After college hopping for five years, Josh took a job at a church, where he worked for three years as a youth pastor. It was there that he became reacquainted with his childhood love for telling stories— Speaking of love, it’s also during that time that he got married to Kristen, a girl that he grew up just a few houses away from.

Hungry for something a bit different—and certainly a warmer climate—the two of them moved to Austin, where Josh joined another church staff. The following year would be one of the most eventful of his life. It began with Kristen and Josh adopting their dog/son, Ditka, whom they became instantly obsessed with. Then, after nearly six years of working in churches, Josh decided that it was time to chase his long dormant dream of becoming a writer. So he quit his church job. But before he could really enjoy his newfound pursuit, both of his parents died only weeks apart. And while this was, and remains, the most difficult time in his life, it has also played a crucial role in making him into who he is today, shaping the way he writes, speaks, and interacts with the world.

In 2009, Baker Publishing Group released his first book, My Generation. His newest book, Heroes and Monsters, was released in the spring of 2012. Josh maintains a busy travel schedule, speaking around the country at conferences, colleges, and churches. And yes, he really enjoys it very, very much.

If he isn’t writing or speaking, he’s probably in Austin, Texas, spending time with Kristen and Ditka, or reading, fiction probably, maybe something by Daniel Wallace or Dave Eggers, or he might be watching an 80's movie, or talking about football with his friends.