The Mission Mountains

Okay, I admit it: I’ve become horribly spoiled since moving to Missoula from Chicago. This scene, which I filmed yesterday is a mere 40 minutes from my town home in the South Hills.

Missions - alternate

This is unprecedented for me. Sure, I’m used to camping for weeks at a time in the Rockies, but to actually live there, wake up one morning and decide to visit a place like this is simply not possible in Chicagoland.

The Mission Mountains are perhaps the most majestic range in the Rockies. While not the tallest mountains (McDonald Peak tops out at 9,820 feet), the valley-to-peak ratio is almost 7,000 feet…and no foothills. Few ranges in the lower 48 can compete with this.

Not only are the Missions stunning, but they boast a rich tapestry of megafauna like grizzly bears, wolverine, and lynx (although trappers are doing their best to hammer the wolverine and lynx populations).

I did not want to leave this scene. At all. However, I was comforted by the fact that yeah, I now live here. I guess, deep inside, this has always been my home. But now my body rises and sleeps beneath the peaks.

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Stay tuned for a writing update. It’s a big one.

The King is Rising

As my readers know, occasionally I’ll post wildlife photos here since much of my work contains animals. My debut novel THE PULLER features moose, in a rather creepy way (the poor buggers).

This gigantic moose was filmed in Glacier National Park. He did not have to worry about a stealth creature, only a pesky photographer.

The usually calm lake was choppy, almost like an ocean. I had to position myself flat on my stomach on the rocky shore, with the wind in my face.

The moose was looking right at me.

I was freezing. He didn’t care at all.

Moose Rising

Also, be sure to check out my Facebook fan page, which will also contain the latest news as we approach the release date for THE PULLER.

Geiter – Perihelion Science Fiction

I’m happy to report that my latest short story, “Geiter” has been picked up by Perihelion Science Fiction. “Geiter” features a misunderstood hybrid bear, and explores how herd mentality can cloud judgement.

To be honest, I’ve stopped writing short stories this year in order to focus entirely on novels, but I’m pleased to be back on board with Perihelion, a magazine I truly enjoy.

Also, there will be THE PULLER news soon. The big kind.

The Puller pre-order and release date

I’ve been getting emails and IMs from people on Facebook asking about THE PULLER release dates.

THE PULLER will be out relatively soon, with a pre-order around the corner.

That said, there is other news concerning the novel, news that I can’t reveal in any specificity right now, but interesting news nonetheless. You’ll know soon enough.

I’ve been blown away by early reader feedback so far, and other events triggered by the novel. THE PULLER has always been my baby, and I’m glad it will be released soon.

Best,

-Michael