Mark McClure Writes

THE COURIER

I’m looking for a handful of beta readers for my finished novel,

The Courier — literary historical fiction, ~74,000 words, set in post-Civil War Appalachia.

The story: A Confederate deserter and a freedman carrying a land deed are forced into an uneasy alliance, driving toward a recording office in Charleston with a man named Vance Holt closing in behind them. What starts as a simple theft becomes a reckoning with what each man is willing to risk for what he’s carrying — and why.

In the tradition of Cormac McCarthy, Charles Frazier, and Ron Rash: spare prose, hard country, and the weight of what goes unsaid.

What I need from you: A beta reader isn’t a proofreader — I’m not looking for grammar catches. I want your honest reaction as a reader:

* Where did you get pulled in? Where did you drift?
* Did the pacing work, especially through the middle chapters?
* Did the ending land?
* Any characters or scenes that confused you, or that you wanted more of?

No writing background required — just an appetite for this kind of story and a willingness to give me real, specific feedback (a few paragraphs or notes as you go is perfect).

The ask: A read within 3 weeks, plus a short call or written notes after.

DM me if you’re interested — I’ll send the manuscript July 15.

Thanks!

‘Forge Froide’ has won the Canadian Author’s Association Karen Gansel Prize.

Urgel Paradis has endured decades of loss, and his return to community, his work and life is a quiet portrayal of how grief is overcome in due time.

Thank you Canadian Author’s Association!

I’m so proud of Mark Mcclure! Short listed for an amazing short story. I feel sure he will win!

“Forge Froide” is a finalist in the 2026 CAA Karen Gansel Award!!! Winner announced April 19th.

“Forge Froide” is a finalist in the 2026 CAA Karen Gansel Award!!! Winner announced April 19th.