Clay Griffith

Michael Christopher Malone (1942–2022) was an American author and television writer, recognized for his contributions to literature and daytime television. Born in North Carolina, he pursued advanced studies in English before embarking on a writing career. Malone authored fourteen novels throughout his life, with several set in the Piedmont region of North Carolina.

His television writing career included significant work on the ABC soap opera 'One Life to Live,' where he served as head writer and received critical acclaim for his storylines. He also wrote for 'Another World.' Malone's novel 'The Killing Club' was notably integrated into the plot of 'One Life to Live,' with its fictional author appearing as a character within the show.

Malone's personal life was marked by a long marriage to Maureen Quilligan, with whom he had one child. He was also involved in supporting historical preservation efforts. He passed away in Connecticut in 2022 after a prolonged illness.

Michael Malone published fourteen novels during his career. His debut novel, 'Painting the Roses Red,' was released in 1975. A notable work, 'Handling Sin' (1983), reimagined the classic tale of Don Quixote within the American South. 'Foolscap' (1991) centered on a professor tasked with writing a biography of a playwright. His 2001 bestseller, 'First Lady,' depicted a serial killer in a fictional North Carolina town. Many of Malone's narratives, including 'First Lady' and the Justin & Cuddy series, were set in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, reflecting his connection to the area.

Malone gained significant recognition for his work as a television writer, particularly for his tenure as head writer of the ABC daytime drama 'One Life to Live' from 1991 to 1996. He was lauded for developing complex storylines, including the narrative arc of the villain Todd Manning and controversial plotlines involving sensitive social issues. 'Entertainment Weekly' once described 'One Life to Live' during his writing period as "airing some of the most literate drama ever to hit daytime." He also contributed to 'Another World' and briefly returned to 'One Life to Live' in the early 2000s.

A unique aspect of Malone's career was the interwoven nature of his novel 'The Killing Club' with 'One Life to Live.' While Malone was writing for the show, a novel of the same name was presented as being written by a character on the soap opera. The book was subsequently published in 2005, co-credited to the character Marcie Walsh and Michael Malone. The fictional plot of the book was mirrored on the show by a copycat killer, creating a meta-narrative that captivated viewers and critics alike. 'The Killing Club' achieved bestseller status on The New York Times list.