Michael Claybourn

Michael Claybourn knows what it’s like to be at arm's length with darkness. A storyteller at heart, Michael channels his struggles with mental health and intrusive thoughts into gripping fiction, creating evocative stories that don’t just entertain but really resonate with his readers on a deeper level. His hope is that other readers who feel lost in their own darkness might find a flicker of light between these pages.

Living in a small town in Illinois, Michael is an adamant believer that creativity isn’t confined to degrees or systematic study—it’s born from life experience, struggle, and an inextinguishable desire to be. His stories never shy away from the darker side of life. Rather, they face it head-on, offering a mirror to anyone who has ever felt alone in their battles. Because no matter how deep the shadows stretch, there’s always a reason to turn the page.

His debut novella, S.O.L.O- Contract Three: Andrew Simmons, is the outset of a thirteen-part series exploring the full spectrum of the human experience—raw, unfiltered, and painfully relatable. To connect with Michael and get updates on his latest releases, follow him on Instagram or TikTok.