***Checkout Mig's Blog & Previews***
Mike “Mig” Gallagher has been scribbling thoughts, ideas, and imagination in a variety of media since he was a kid. While deployed to Iraq in 2008, he published a series of feature articles in Johnstown’s Tribune-Democrat. The paper's editor opined, "I've been proud to have your columns grace our pages." The editorial page editor wrote, “I can attest to the fact that what he wrote truly came from his heart… Mike’s knack for writing is special. He’s as good as many of our national columnists."
"Mig's slice of fiction draws you in, and his attention to characters and history keeps you reading"
- Ellen Dedman, Educator

"I had planned to take 'Killer Angels' on vacation, but 
​took 'California Blood' instead and was not disappointed."
- M.H.D., College Professor

"Mike's knack for writing is special"
- Bruce Wissinger, Editor, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

"...the book has a lot of insight to offer
and fulfills much of its promise..."
- Jim Lee, Author, wordpress book review, August 2022

LATEST NOVEL 

History, Friendship, Romance & War​

The story of two boys that grow into soldiers and leaders during the Civil War. Their stories began in different worlds, different cultures. One is an Irish immigrant, son of a failed potato farmer. The other is an Mexican wanderlust, descendant of a conquistador. Would a friendship forged in peacetime survive the tests of the battlefield?
The pair meet in California where they are employed by one of the west coast’s leading politicians, Edward Baker—a close friend of Abraham Lincoln. The protagonists help Baker form the Union’s 1st California Regiment, which will fight in some of the Civil War’s key battles in the Eastern Theater: from the embarrassing defeat at Ball’s Bluff to the costly victory at Gettysburg. Although the protagonists, antagonist, and their closest associates are pure fiction, many of the other characters are actual historical figures. Beyond the battlefields, the protagonists learn lessons on romance, pride, sacrifice, fidelity, bigotry, kindness, and leadership.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Available for presentations, book signings and readings between Tampa and Ft Myers, Florida
​

"Ball's Bluff" Presentation (private) -
(coming) Fall, 2023 - Venice, FL

Title: Californians at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, Virginia—Comrades, Calamity, and Congress.

​This insightful presentation introduces one of the oft overlooked battles of the Civil War—the Battle of Ball’s Bluff (October 21, 1861). Come hear about how this particular battle deeply affected Abraham Lincoln and highlighted the ineptness of the Union Army.  Ultimately a scapegoat was imprisoned in a New York island fortress and Congress created a growling hound that would dog Lincoln throughout the War. 
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Presentation: "9/11 - Edge: One Family's Story." Venice, FL, September 18, 2023.  Discussion of that tragic day with a focus on my experience in the Pentagon.
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Presentation: "Californians at the Battle of Ball's Bluff, Virginia--Comrades, Calamity, and Congress."
Gran Paradiso Community, June 19, 2023, Venice, FL
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Book Signing "Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such fine sight to see," May 24, 2023
An international "fan" and others purchased Mig's first novel:
California Blood at Gettysburg..

            "Ball's Bluff" Presentation - October 11, 2022 - Nokomis, FL
Mig Gallagher discusses the political pivotal Battle of Ball's Bluff (October 21, 1861) with community residents. Ball's Bluff was featured in Mig's first novel, California Blood at Gettysburg.
- Where'd the bodies floating in the Potomac come from? 
​- How did Congress react?
- Were "Californians" involved? 
- What happened to Colonel Baker?
​- General Stone?​
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​                              Book Signing - August 13, 2022 - Windber, PA
Meet Mig Gallagher in the Windber Library on August 13, 11 AM to 1 PM.  He will be signing and reading from his first novel, California Blood at Gettysburg.  For those that are interested, he will provide a sneak preview of the sequel. 
Go Ramblers!  See you there!
​                                   Book Signing - August 12, 2022 - Johnstown, PA​
Join Mig Gallagher at a book signing on August 12, 10 AM to 2 PM, at the ​Chameleon Bookstore, 144 Gazebo Park.  Mig will be signing copies and discussing his novel California Blood at Gettysburg.  The Farmers Market will be in full swing in Gazebo Park so plan on chatting with a neighbor or two, ​and seeing many local products. 
​The picture presents the view of Johnstown from the top of the Incline Plane.
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BookTok Podcast Fathers Day Promotion - June 19, 2022
Katie and Erica read a section of a novel every week and discuss it on their podcast.
Their thoughtful banter is informative and entertaining.
Checkout their mention of California Blood or better yet, listen to an episode here.
Annual Battle of Ball's Bluff Remembrance Dinner - May 1, 2022
Sadly, I will not be able to attend this worthwhile fundraiser in Northern Virginia (Sunday, May 1, 5:30-9:00 p.m.).  I have donated three signed copies of California Blood at Gettysburg to the Friends of the Ball’s Bluff Battlefield to be used at the dinner.  
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​Book signing -
Bellacina Community Center
​January 25, 2022 ​

COMING in 2023 





The draft manuscript is done and is being edited.  Yay!
​
California Rifles: the Major, the Marshal, and la Mujer, is a historic novel that follows two men investigating stolen Enfield rifles during the American Civil War.  They encounter a mysterious woman that complicates their investigation.

Previews of drafts of the initial chapters are available on the Mig's Blog & Previews page.
Don't forget to checkout Mig's Blog & Previews. 
I post short articles on the American Civil War, other military matters, and previews of my next publication.  --Mig