Dennis R. Mackulin is not a beluga whale in spectacles, though he writes from Homer, Alaska,

a fishing town that may or may not exist, depending on which cosmic fish you ask.

He  writes absurdist fantasy in the tradition of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams,

allegorical fiction following John Bunyan's footsteps, and the occasional murder mystery

when the universe (his wife) demands it. His work features planetary-sized flatfish,

argumentative King Crabs, and scholars who have invented thousands of words

but made zero progress toward understanding anything.

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The Long Route to Writing Cosmic Fish

Before Dennis discovered that the meaning of life involved halibut, he took the scenic route.

He jumped out of perfectly good airplanes in the 1980s (skydiving, highly overrated, would not recommend).

He spent over 30 years studying martial arts, earning a black belt in Kenpo and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (the universe, it turns out, is easier to grapple with than most opponents). He worked as a professional photographer and graphic designer in Cleveland, Ohio, capturing faces and creating visual worlds before turning to words.

For 14 years, he was a correctional officer at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska, a job that taught him more about human nature than any philosophy book could. It also convinced him that reality is far stranger and more dangerous than fiction, which is why his fiction doesn't try too hard to make sense.

Along the way, he mastered fine art portraiture, oil painting, airbrush, and pastels.

He turned his granddaughter Mirabel's story into a real published book (Nugget and Fry: The First Day of School) and is currently working on another one.

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What He Writes & Why

THE HALIVERSE
Absurdist fantasy for people who think Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy needed more theology and less hitchhiking. Features the Great Halibut (a cosmic fish of questionable divinity), the Fishlosophers Guild (scholars who have debated the meaning of existence for millennia without reaching consensus), and Homer, Alaska (which definitely exists, probably).

Start here if you like: Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, existential questions wrapped in ridiculous packages.

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ALLEGORICAL WORKS
Retellings of John Bunyan's classics, Pilgrim's Progress and The Holy War, reimagined for readers who want spiritual depth in the King's English. These aren't your grandfather's allegories (unless your grandfather was very cool and very weird).

Start here if you like: C.S. Lewis, thoughtful journeys, metaphors that actually mean something.

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TOM MITCHELL MYSTERIES

Detective fiction featuring an MIT-educated investigator who solves cases through unconventional methods. Because sometimes the universe demands crime-solving instead of cosmic fish.

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THE TIMESTONE OF SHIVERVOLT
Fantasy set in The Underside, where anthropomorphic creatures dwell on the light side of the Halibut. The planned second book in the Haliverse.

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The Life Between the Lines

Dennis lives in Homer, Alaska with his wife of 40+ years, several secured teacups, and a toaster that knows more than it lets on.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why cosmic fish?
A: Why not? The universe is absurd, theology is profound, and fish are both. It made sense at 3 AM.

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Q: Are you really in Homer, Alaska?
A: Yes. It's real. Probably. The King Crabs swear it exists, and they're usually reliable.

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Q: What's with the walrus thing?
A: There are persistent rumors. They are entirely unfounded. I have neither tusks nor spectacles.

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Q: Should I read the Haliverse books or the allegorical works first?
A: Depends. Do you want cosmic absurdity with philosophical undertones (Haliverse) or spiritual journeys with depth and heart (allegories)? Both are good. The Great Halibut approves of all reading choices.

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Q: Will there be more books?
A: The Great Halibut has plans. So do the King Crabs. And my granddaughter has very specific ideas about Nugget and Fry's adventures. So yes. Many more.