Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
LightNews LightNews
banner
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
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚) @mythicdelirium.bsky.social · Oct 22
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.
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
Thank you, S.P.! 🙏🏻
November 25, 2025 at 12:52 PM
mythicdelirium.bsky.social
Aww, thank you! 🙏🏻
November 25, 2025 at 3:28 AM
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.

[3/3]
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.

[2/3]
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...

[1/3]
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
Thank you, Kate! 🙏🏻
November 18, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Reposted by Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
csecooney.bsky.social
Anniversaries! Debuts! Celebrations Galore!
mythicdelirium.bsky.social Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚) @mythicdelirium.bsky.social · 7d
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 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Reposted by Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
annvandermeer.bsky.social
I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this project. Haralambi Markov's work is transformative and powerful. This collection will blow you away.
mythicdelirium.bsky.social Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚) @mythicdelirium.bsky.social · 7d
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

[1/3]
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 11:27 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

[1/3]
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
Reposted by Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
gwendolynkiste.bsky.social
A girl & her ARC 🖤

So thrilled that we're less than five months away from the release of my next collection!

Pre-order, cover art, and full TOC reveal at my blog today!

www.gwendolynkiste.com/Blog/cover-a...
November 17, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Reposted by Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
matthewkressel.net
Here are Ellen's, Mercurio's, and my photos from this month's Fantastic Fiction at KGB readings, with guests @larazontally.bsky.social & @sentencebender.bsky.social. A fun night! @datlow.bsky.social @mercuriodrivera.bsky.social @maryrobinettekowal.com

www.flickr.com/photos/35025...
KGB November 12, 2025
Lara Elena Donnelly and Sam J. Miller read from their work to a great audience. Sam pinch hit for Mary Robinette Kowall, who had to cancel at the lats minute because her travel plans were screwed up.
www.flickr.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:15 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
Couldn’t agree more!
November 7, 2025 at 2:39 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
Also a famous Mae West quip, for what that’s worth.
November 3, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Reposted by Mike Allen (Mythic Delirium Books📚)
lcvonhessen.bsky.social
Halloween may be technically over, but horror is perennial and my book is currently absurdly cheap over on the Bezos site for some reason and length of time I have no control over. Now is a good time to grab it, just sayin'
Screenshot of the Amazon page for Spiritus Ex Machina: Dark Tales of Creation by LC von Hessen. The price has dropped to a meagre $4.13
November 1, 2025 at 2:05 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
Delighted that @wvpublic.bsky.social’s #InsideAppalachia last night broadcast an encore of their 2023 Halloween interviews with me & Anita! 🎃 With an update mentioning my books SLOW BURN, THE BLACK FIRE CONCERTO and TRAIL OF SHADOWS! ✊🏻

wvpublic.org/wvpb-podcast...
Encore: Halloween, Inside Appalachia - West Virginia Public Broadcasting
This week, just in time for Halloween, a suite of spooky tales to make your skin crawl. Also, tales of the supernatural. And, ghost stories galore.
wvpublic.org
November 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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