Back in the 1970's, Baxter's grandparents and their friends created a secret society of storytellers deep within the Appalachian mountains. Based loosely on the exploits of Mary and Percy Shelley, these folklorists would recruit only the most capable writers and performers who'd hone and teach their craft around a lit campfire. Whether or not they were a local treasure or a group of elitists depends on who around town you ask, but their performance skills among the older generation of townspeople were considered legendary.
In 2025, their grandchildren have revived the movement. Several times— to middling success. Times have been tough, and they're all adults now who have their own plans and struggles. But their mutual love for horror keeps bringing them back together, one way or another.
Or... Is it something else?
18 Mile Hike is an anthology of short stories celebrating the different kinds of horror within the broad genre. Each story will take on a different character's perspective, and present a different kind of story from the many diverse subgenres of horror.