Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
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mythicdelirium.bsky.social
Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
@mythicdelirium.bsky.social
840 followers 190 following 440 posts
Writer (Nebula finalist, Shirley Jackson finalist X 2), editor & publisher (World Fantasy Award finalist x 2), poet (Rhysling winner X 3), journalist (VPA winner X 4), devoted husband, obedient cat servant, metalhead \m/ \m/ https://mythicdelirum.com
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mythicdelirium.bsky.social
I don’t want to respond to this bot, but this makes me really angry, as Bud never said any such thing.
November 25, 2025 at 2:33 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
Late in his too-short life, @sfwa.org gave Bud the Service Award for his work on the SFWA Estates Project.

The web page states: the Clarence Howard “Bud” Webster Award was founded in 2018 to recognize outstanding achievements in writing by Virginia authors.

So wow! I am honored, and moved.

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A photo of Bud Webster wearing one of his trademark fezzes.
November 25, 2025 at 3:27 AM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
If you're not familiar with the Webster Awards, they honor the memory of my dear friend (& one time @sfpoetry.bsky.social secretary) Bud Webster, a Roanoke-born Richmond-based writer of humorous science fiction & serious genre history who, yes, often wore fezzes, ’cause he KNEW it was funny.

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The Webster Awards logo, prominently featuring a fez.
November 25, 2025 at 3:27 AM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
SHOCKING NEWS!

At least for me — this weekend the folks behind @ravencon.bsky.social in Richmond let me know that my novel TRAIL OF SHADOWS is a nominee for the 2026 Webster Award! 🏆

Judges pick the winner, but voting also counts, if you're inclined: www.ravencon.com/about-us/the...

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2026 Webster Award Finalists One vote per person, duplicate votes won't be counted. Vote for one of the finalists for the 2026 Webster Awards:* Mike Allen — Trail of Shadows Stephen Starring Grant — Mailman Jason Hansa — A Skulk of Foxes Dennis M. Myers — Secret of the Ombax Bishop O'Connell — Stain of a Nation Copies of my book, with its eerie spiderwoman on the cover, emerge from their layer in delight of the news.
November 25, 2025 at 3:27 AM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
My publisher— @ruadanbooks.bsky.social, that is, publisher of THE BLACK FIRE CONCERTO—is doing this cool thing where 50% of all profits from sales of their books through 12/23 will benefit Greater Boston Food Bank, w/ funds matched by Ruadán founder @rbwood.bsky.social!

Linky: ruadanbooks.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:23 AM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
Dora is dubious.
A cat with a skeptical expression.
November 19, 2025 at 10:58 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
…and if you take advantage of these special offers, pre-orders of Haralambi Markov’s THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES and [U.S. ONLY for paperbacks] *shipping costs* are included in the prices!

Please check it out & spread the word—all found here: bit.ly/BoneSwans10th

[3/3]
MYTHIC DELIRIUM returns in 2026 At least that’s the goal! And the first phase is underway, with the forthcoming publication of Haralambi Markov’s debut collection of horror & Weird fiction, THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES. (Introduction by Ann VanderMeer!) In a celebration of Mythic Delirium-enabled debuts, we’ve made C.S.E. Cooney’s BONE SWANS—which turned 10 years old this year—Barbara Krasnoff’s THE HISTORY OF SOUL 2065, and Yukimi Ogawa’s LIKE SMOKE, LIKE LIGHT available at HUGE discounts [US Only] in e-book AND paperback editions, WITH pre-orders of LANGUAGE OF KNIVES + shipping costs included in the prices! Please check it out & spread the word—all found here: https://bit.ly/BoneSwans10th
November 17, 2025 at 11:16 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
In a celebration of Mythic Delirium debuts, we’ve made @csecooney.bsky.social’s BONE SWANS—which turned 10 years old this year— @barb.bsky.social’s THE HISTORY OF SOUL 2065, and @fluoritewitch.bsky.social’s LIKE SMOKE, LIKE LIGHT available at HUGE discounts in e-book & [US Only] paperback …

[2/3]
MYTHIC DELIRIUM returns in 2026 At least that’s the goal! And the first phase is underway, with the forthcoming publication of Haralambi Markov’s debut collection of horror & Weird fiction, THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES. (Introduction by Ann VanderMeer!) In a celebration of Mythic Delirium-enabled debuts, we’ve made C.S.E. Cooney’s BONE SWANS—which turned 10 years old this year—Barbara Krasnoff’s THE HISTORY OF SOUL 2065, and Yukimi Ogawa’s LIKE SMOKE, LIKE LIGHT available at HUGE discounts [US Only] in e-book AND paperback editions, WITH pre-orders of LANGUAGE OF KNIVES + shipping costs included in the prices! Please check it out & spread the word—all found here: https://bit.ly/BoneSwans10th MYTHIC DELIRIUM returns in 2026 At least that’s the goal! And the first phase is underway, with the forthcoming publication of Haralambi Markov’s debut collection of horror & Weird fiction, THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES. (Introduction by Ann VanderMeer!) In a celebration of Mythic Delirium-enabled debuts, we’ve made C.S.E. Cooney’s BONE SWANS—which turned 10 years old this year—Barbara Krasnoff’s THE HISTORY OF SOUL 2065, and Yukimi Ogawa’s LIKE SMOKE, LIKE LIGHT available at HUGE discounts [US Only] in e-book AND paperback editions, WITH pre-orders of LANGUAGE OF KNIVES + shipping costs included in the prices! Please check it out & spread the word—all found here: https://bit.ly/BoneSwans10th MYTHIC DELIRIUM returns in 2026 At least that’s the goal! And the first phase is underway, with the forthcoming publication of Haralambi Markov’s debut collection of horror & Weird fiction, THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES. (Introduction by Ann VanderMeer!) In a celebration of Mythic Delirium-enabled debuts, we’ve made C.S.E. Cooney’s BONE SWANS—which turned 10 years old this year—Barbara Krasnoff’s THE HISTORY OF SOUL 2065, and Yukimi Ogawa’s LIKE SMOKE, LIKE LIGHT available at HUGE discounts [US Only] in e-book AND paperback editions, WITH pre-orders of LANGUAGE OF KNIVES + shipping costs included in the prices! Please check it out & spread the word—all found here: https://bit.ly/BoneSwans10th MYTHIC DELIRIUM returns in 2026 At least that’s the goal! And the first phase is underway, with the forthcoming publication of Haralambi Markov’s debut collection of horror & Weird fiction, THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES. (Introduction by Ann VanderMeer!) In a celebration of Mythic Delirium-enabled debuts, we’ve made C.S.E. Cooney’s BONE SWANS—which turned 10 years old this year—Barbara Krasnoff’s THE HISTORY OF SOUL 2065, and Yukimi Ogawa’s LIKE SMOKE, LIKE LIGHT available at HUGE discounts [US Only] in e-book AND paperback editions, WITH pre-orders of LANGUAGE OF KNIVES + shipping costs included in the prices! Please check it out & spread the word—all found here: https://bit.ly/BoneSwans10th
November 17, 2025 at 11:16 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
MYTHIC DELIRIUM returns w/ new books in 2026‼️

The 1st step toward that goal’s underway, w/ the forthcoming publication of Haralambi Markov’s debut collection of horror & Weird fiction THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES. (Introduction by @annvandermeer.bsky.social!)

Sale link here! bit.ly/BoneSwans10th

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MYTHIC DELIRIUM returns in 2026 At least that’s the goal! And the first phase is underway, with the forthcoming publication of Haralambi Markov’s debut collection of horror & Weird fiction, THE LANGUAGE OF KNIVES. (Introduction by Ann VanderMeer!) In a celebration of Mythic Delirium-enabled debuts, we’ve made C.S.E. Cooney’s BONE SWANS—which turned 10 years old this year—Barbara Krasnoff’s THE HISTORY OF SOUL 2065, and Yukimi Ogawa’s LIKE SMOKE, LIKE LIGHT available at HUGE discounts [US Only] in e-book AND paperback editions, WITH pre-orders of LANGUAGE OF KNIVES + shipping costs included in the prices! Please check it out & spread the word—all found here: https://bit.ly/BoneSwans10th
November 17, 2025 at 11:16 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
If you make to the Persiflage Writers sale today at the Salem Museum, Anita & I are all set up. Come see us!
Anita and I at a table in the Salem Museum in Salem, Va., with a bunch of my books!
November 15, 2025 at 5:18 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
Here’s Mom’s obituary as it appeared in The Roanoke Times.

And here it is on the Oakey’s website: bit.ly/ShonnaAllen
Shonna Lee Allen, 83, of Roanoke County, died Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 after a fall at her home. Born in 1942, Shonna grew up in a small house by the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids, Minn. She and her lifelong friend Sue Isernhagen walked to school together every weekday. They shared a love of horses, ice skating, and reading. Part of her school's chess club and marching band-she played cornet-Shonna graduated from Grand Rapids High School at the top of her class in 1960 and left home to study chemistry at the University of Minnesota. In college, she first met a young man named Ted Allen when he helped open her locker. Later, they were lab partners, and still later, reunited by surprise through a blind date. Head-over-heels, they married in 1964. Although Shonna earned a Master of Science degree in microbiology in 1970, she stayed home with her children as Ted's jobs, first in academics, subsequently computer programming, took the family to Guam, Lake Forest, Illinois, and Wise, Virginia. In 1983 they landed in Roanoke, where they stayed. Shonna once suggested, tongue-in-cheek, that her epitaph should be, "She wore out her cookbooks." However excellent her cooking, her interests ranged wider. She imparted to her sons a love of all things science fiction-she loved attending local sci-fi conventions such as RoVaCon and MystiCon. The boys also grew up hearing tales of the 1918 forest fire that almost destroyed her parents' hometown of Cloquet, Minn. She attended every high school reunion she could, renewing old friendships and making new ones. She compiled detailed genealogies of her family and Ted's, and regularly sent Christmas cards and letters to relatives and classmates. Above all, she retained a love of music, from hymns to Beatles hits. Wherever the family lived, she sang alto in the church choir. At Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Christmas concerts conducted by music director Richard Rudolph were the highlight of her year.
November 3, 2025 at 5:23 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
Thanks from me, Anita, and Ed to everyone who’s offered condolences over Mom’s passing. I’ve not had the bandwidth to respond to every one of them, but we see and appreciate all of your kind words.
Thanks from me, Anita, and Ed to everyone who’s offered condolences over Mom’s passing. I’ve not had the bandwidth to respond to every one of them, but we see and appreciate all of your kind words.
November 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
HALLOWEEN IS HERE!

My #10daysofHalloween series ends w/ my Rhysling Award-winner THE STRIP SEARCH, first released 20 years ago this month (!!!) in @strangehorizons.bsky.social!

You can find all 10 poems in SLOW BURN: bit.ly/SlowBurnOrder and AFTERMATH OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT bit.ly/GetAftermath
October 31, 2025 at 5:27 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
DAY TWO—10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

Until Halloween, I’m posting a creepy poem from my catalog, illustrated by quick & dirty “visualizer” videos.

THE SACRIFICES appeared in SYCORAX JOURNAL #2, Feb. 2019

Collected in SLOW BURN: bit.ly/SlowBurnOrder

#10daysofHalloween

@sfpoetry.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 3:43 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
DAY THREE—10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

Each day till Halloween, I’m posting a creepy poem from my catalog.

This rage-fueled poem feels even more relevant now.

THE FIFTH HORSEMAN first appeared in SPECTRAL REALMS 12, Winter 2020

Collected in SLOW BURN: bit.ly/SlowBurnOrder

#10daysofHalloween
October 29, 2025 at 5:10 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
For the few who might be wondering, my #10daysofHalloween poem/video posts will keep going, as they were scheduled before Mom’s passing. (Mom, who was never a horror fan, would’ve reacted with a shrug 🥲😏)
On a dark background with bats and pumpkins: For the few who might be wondering, my #10daysofHalloween poem/video posts will keep going, as they were scheduled before Mom’s passing. (Mom, who was never a horror fan, would’ve reacted with a shrug 🥲😏)
October 28, 2025 at 5:25 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
DAY FOUR—10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

This one ventures into folk horror. Anita & I concluded that it needs: TRIGGER WARNING—DEPICTIONS OF SUICIDE.

THE SHADOW TRAIN first appeared in SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY MAGAZINE 6, Aug. 2011.

Collected in SLOW BURN: bit.ly/SlowBurnOrder

#10daysofHalloween
October 28, 2025 at 4:23 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
DAY FIVE—10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

Every day till Halloween, I’m posting a a spooky video poem 👻🎃💀👹😈

Today’s poem was originally written for the stage—THE DREAM EATERS appeared in STRANGE WISDOMS OF THE DEAD, 2006

Collected in SLOW BURN: bit.ly/SlowBurnOrder

#10daysofhalloween
October 27, 2025 at 6:50 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
DAY SIX—10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

Every day till Halloween, I’m reposting a spooky video poem.

Today’s takes inspiration from Lovecraft & Clark Ashton Smith.

EDIFICE first appeared in @sfpoetry.bsky.social’s STAR*LINE,k 2021.

Collected in SLOW BURN: bit.ly/SlowBurnOrder

#10daysofHalloween
October 26, 2025 at 9:14 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
DAY SEVEN—10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

A poem every day till Halloween, w/ video‼️

Today’s poem provides my take on a traditional haunted house.

THE WINDOWS BREATHE first appeared in DREAMS & NIGHTMARES, 2004

Collected in SLOW BURN: bit.ly/SlowBurnOrder

Tomorrow: EDIFICE #10daysofHalloween
October 25, 2025 at 5:42 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
DAY EIGHT—10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

Today’s poem goes darker & comes with a TRIGGER WARNING—PHYSICAL ABUSE

SAD WISPS OF EMPTY SMOKE 1st appeared in VAN GOGH’S EAR, 2015

written in response to a @csecooney.bsky.social prompt!

Collected in this book: bit.ly/GetAftermath

#10daysofhalloween
October 24, 2025 at 2:49 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN—DAY NINE!

My “visualized poetry” project continues (and gets darker) with a ghost story in verse form.

THE PAPER BOY first appeared in STRANGE HORIZONS, February 2014

Collected in AFTERMATH OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT: bit.ly/GetAftermath

#10daysofhalloween
October 23, 2025 at 2:13 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
10 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN! #10daysofhalloween

Starting today, all the way through Halloween, I’ll put out a creepy poem of mine once a day, read by me, illustrated by quick & dirty “visualizer” videos.

SIX WAKING NIGHTMARES POE GAVE ME IN THIRD GRADE appeared in WEIRD TALES in Fall 2009.
October 22, 2025 at 6:22 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
How neat that this happened!

My new novel from @slgable.bsky.social’s Broken Eye Books made news!

wfirnews.com/news/trial-o...
“Trail of Shadows” a tale of spirit beings, serial killers, and supernatural horrors Denise Membreno October 14, 2025 1 min read A Roanoke novelist has a new book on the shelves. Mike Allen’s second novel uses the Appalachian Trail as a backdrop for this supernatural thriller. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more. PLEASE NOTE: Bull & Bones Brewhaus in Blacksburg (not Christiansburg) will be hosting the Grave Matters event this Friday. Roanoke Science Fiction and Fantasy Author, Mike Allen has another novel on stores shelves. “Trail of Shadows” dips into the supernatural and a journey of selfdiscovery for the protagonist. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.
October 17, 2025 at 3:50 AM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
I hope what these cool folks have to say entices you to invite this avatar of spectral weirdness to crawl into your TBR pile, just in time for Halloween! ➡️ bit.ly/SpiderBookor...

And if you live near me, I hope you'll see me Friday at Grave Matters in Blacksburg: bit.ly/MikesGrave

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“Mike Allen’s Trail of Shadows, set in the communities that dot the Appalachian Trail, is interlaced with strands of folk horror, high fantasy, and the just plain weird, that coalesce into a singular and fascinating milieu. Reminiscent of Manly Wade Wellman’s Silver John stories, this pivotal novel firmly establishes Allen’s launching pad for future literary endeavors that readers of Weird Fiction, YA Fantasy, and Speculative Fiction in general are sure to devour.” (Pete Rawlik, author of Reanimatrix) “Allen creates a vast, intricate, and darkly imaginative world that is a chilling joy to immerse yourself in.” (A. T. Sayre, author of The Last Days of Good People) Spooky … Recent college dropout Nathan decided to through-hike the Appalachian Trail, hoping to outrun the ghastly creatures that seemed to be trailing him on his college campus. But the hike proves no escape. …Horror fans will find some decidedly creepy scenes. — Publishers Weekly
October 15, 2025 at 3:05 AM