Mike Mallow's Blog

March 10, 2026

10 Must-Read Books That Capture the Spirit of West Virginia and Appalachia

West Virginia’s rugged mountains, rich history, and close-knit communities have inspired many authors to set their stories in this unique state. The books that emerge from or focus on West Virginia often reveal the strength, struggles, and beauty of its people and landscape. Whether you are a local looking to deepen your connection to home or a reader curious about Appalachian life, these ten books offer vivid portraits of West Virginia’s spirit. A winding mountain road in West Virginia...
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Published on March 10, 2026 18:35

January 16, 2026

To 2026

A book I am no longer planning to write, though the cover would have been phenomenal. Hello all! I haven't had much to say since the release of A GHOST CHASES THE HORIZON. It was a stumble across the finish line rather than the triumphant, arms spread wide, breaking of the tape that I would have hoped. Still, we crossed the line, hit the goals set forth, but I laid on the track, exhausted, as the world continued to move without us. Indeed, I have experienced true burnout. For the first time...
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Published on January 16, 2026 09:03

October 1, 2025

Where to find A Ghost Chases the Horizon

Here's a one-stop place for all your purchasing options for A Ghost Chases the Horizon, available on October 3. As always, support your...
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Published on October 01, 2025 16:10

Spooky Season Marketing

Do you know what love doing for people? Marketing Do you know what I am good at doing for people? Marketing Do you know what I hate doing...
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Published on October 01, 2025 15:33

August 31, 2025

IN THE COUNTRY DARK at 5

The original book cover concept. March 2017. In November of 2016, I sat down to write HEXGRID, the first book in what would become the...
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Published on August 31, 2025 13:20

July 22, 2025

PROLOGUE - A Ghost Chases the Horizon

The Kirkbride Rested   It was 1905 when the state of West Virginia took Henrietta Tidewater’s ovaries. The twenty-year-old pleasured in...
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Published on July 22, 2025 10:49

July 3, 2025

The Cost of Self-Publishing

If it had been my intent to self-publish A Ghost Chases the Horizon , this endeavor may have been cheaper, though it still would not have...
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Published on July 03, 2025 12:28

June 22, 2025

West Virginia Week

At New River Gorge Bridge on West Virginia Day For the third-straight year, I got to spend West Virginia Day in West Virginia. This year,...
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Published on June 22, 2025 15:35

May 28, 2025

The Mad Hustle & Other Travels

Introducing a West Virginia Kirkbride to a Minnesota Kirkbride. It has been an eventful few months, which is why little of it has been...
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Published on May 28, 2025 11:26

April 21, 2025

Lemon: In the Country Dark

"LEMON" Chapter title meaning: A lemon theme runs throughout the story as a physical manifestation of bitterness. The old adage, "When...
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Published on April 21, 2025 12:02