One of the books currently on my nightstand is The Battle of Blair Mountain by Robert Shogan.
As someone who writes stories rooted in Appalachia, I find myself continually drawn back to the region’s history. Not simply because it provides interesting settings, but because understanding Appalachia means understanding the people who shaped it. The mountains have always been home to remarkable stories of resilience, sacrifice, hardship, and community, and many of those stories deserve to be remembered just as much as they deserve to be retold.
The Battle of Blair Mountain remains one of the defining moments in Appalachian history, yet it is surprisingly unfamiliar to many readers outside the region. Learning about the miners who stood together, the communities they fought for, and the complicated circumstances surrounding the conflict offers valuable perspective on the culture that continues to influence these mountains today.
Reading history has always been part of my writing process. Fiction asks us to imagine, but history reminds us that the most compelling stories often begin with real people facing impossible choices. Even when I’m writing horror or exploring folklore, I want the places, values, and voices to feel authentic. That authenticity begins with reading.
If you’ve read this one before, I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts. And if there’s another book on Appalachian history or culture you think belongs on my shelf, I’d be glad to hear that recommendation as well.
Robert Lee Dugan III
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