itsmichaelok

Third teaser for 1411,1001. This one’s cute. Coming June 26, 2026.

Second teaser for 1411,1001. Coming June 26, 2026.

A few days ago, someone asked me why so many of my book covers are just cars. I don't know what they are talking about...

1411,1001 follows the story of a narrator and driver, as the two travel in an unmarked vehicle capable of ultra warp-speeds and transmogrification. Together, they tear through altered realities, active volcanoes, tropical jungles, vast canyons, shattered realms, forbidden fortresses, vortex-holes and several other fantastical locales. In the author's own words, "This is a tale about post-earth exploration by way of land vehicle. Humans suspended in a digital soup of ambient decay and abject horror. Basically, a time when everything, really, should be dead! Nothing is supposed to still be alive." The text is a surreal and psychedelic car-romp through an imagined future-landscape, blending elements of soft science fiction and alternate mysticism. Through a repeated use of poetic language and unconventional formatting, Mike Kleine creates a dissonant dreamlike atmosphere that eschews traditional storytelling, fully embracing the murky haze of abstract poetry, in turn, challenging the very concept of linear progression and comprehension. Expected publication date is June 26, 2026. If you search on Goodreads right now, you can add it to your pile of books to read!

First teaser for 1411,1001. Coming June 26, 2026.

I'm doing my own thing again, with: 1411,1001. Last time I did something like this (private release) was December 2022, with agbogbloshie. I wasn't sure if there would be any interest in a private/limited release from an author. It turns out there actually is! So much, that the book sold out during the pre-order phase (in just 2.5 days). It's also during this time that I discovered that there are so many people, outside of the United States, reading my books! Look. I'm always talking about how I have all these ideas for how a book should be a book, that I want to try/do. All of this takes time. I'm always reading what other indie writers are releasing and I'm constantly keeping an eye on new/innovative/cool writing ideas and concepts. I've dedicated the last handful of years to talking almost exclusively to printers, publishers and writers about books, paper, ink, printing, typography, etc. I've been buying and consuming weird/outré releases from people I've never even heard of. And let me tell you, there is so much cool stuff happening out there! Figuring out how I can turn my writing into the sort of physical objects I have always imagined in my head has been an absolute blast. And I have finally arrived to a place where I am able to share my latest idea/creation/concept. The last limited/do-it-myself release, agbogbloshie, was limited to 50 copies. This one is much larger in scope. Actually, exactly 5x. Am I making a mistake and will I regret this? I dunno. It's all part of the experience. If you know me, when I do my own things like this... you aren't JUST going to be getting a book. You're going to be getting a ton of other accoutrements and pairings that come with (and are integral to) the book. Truly, a big part of why I do this is because I want to try and curate/create the experience I always want to be able to offer to readers. I have addressed all of the limitations I have experienced in the past, and believe to have finally found a solution to all of them! Which is also why it has taken so long to get to this point. I hope this is exciting for you. I know I am excited. Cannot wait to reveal more, very soon!!! As always, thank you for reading.

We go to this warehouse where we end up voguing—for most of the night. We meet up w/ this guy, Rasheed, and he tells us we can all go back to the penthouse he’s staying at. The sun is coming up and the inside of the car—the dusted-out earth tone(s) leather—is finally cool to the touch. I think about [the] summer and how I enjoy sweating when it is hot out, because I believe it releases the toxins trapped inside the body. I think about winter and ask myself, where do they all go, then—the toxins? We end up at Tariq’s place and he’s got the 1987 edition of "Soft Pack" by Jon Leon. I’m screaming. Tariq is all like, what’s up. And I say, you’ve got "Soft Pack" 1987 edition. Tariq laughs and I laugh. But we both know how big of a deal this really is. So we keep laughing. I dream it never stops.

Summer Sale!!! Use code BLKMGKS10 for 10% off your entire order. Lonely Men Club and Third World Magicks both currently at a reduced price! (Cheapest you'll find, anywhere on the net!) Thank you for your continued support. 💫 (Link is in my bio, blargh blargh blargh.)

🚨HALLOWEEN SPECIAL🚨 ALL BOOKS ARE NOW BACK IN STOCK. 31% OFF ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!!! USE SALE CODE: MIKEYS31CODE 10/29/24 THRU 10/31/24 (ENDS AT MIDNIGHT CT). LINK IS IN THE BIO.

Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on @mike.corrao on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on Mike on @thefancymike on Mike. Photo credit: the very talented @rubyhoglund

Sometime yesterday afternoon, agbogbloshie sold out completely. Thank u to everyone who purchased a copy. This release has helped me realise that the possibilities are endless RE: presenting the "book as object". I <3 u all and cannot wait until the next project. ❤️🙏🥳😁👋❤️

agbogbloshie is out now, December 02 2022. It’s available privately (aka not thru a press). I’ve always had these ideas of doing interesting things with packaging and the “release” of a book—especially in such a small space like the indie lit. community. I decided to go ahead and do my own thing with this project. It was a lot of work and there were a ton of intense nights, but we’ve finally arrived to the finished product and I am 100% happy with how everything turned out. I 100% hope it is an experience for all who decide to “dive in”. There’s only limited quantities and I dunno that I’ll be printing a second edition. Link is in the bio. (Please excuse any typos. I’m no good at this phone typing stuff.)