Mike McElhaney was born in Florida in the 70s and moved up the coast with his family until settling in his adoptive home state of Maine. The state's rich geography, cultural tapestry, and inspirational setting transfixed his imagination throughout his formative years providing fertile soil for dreams to coalesce into written stories. To this day many of his works take recognizable cues from favored childhood stomping grounds around Portland, Lewiston, Wells, and York as well as into seacoast New Hampshire, metropolitan Boston, and beyond.

Mike grew up in the 1980s immersed in contemporary literature as well as the music, television, and film culture of the time. His debut novel, “Shine Through Night”, manifests this both in terms of its richly drawn milieu as well as persistent optimism. If there is a recurring theme in Mike's writing it is hope in the face of darkness.

A swing dancer, roller skating maniac, and sometimes hobby farmer he presently lives in New Hampshire with his wife and children.