
LATEST BOOK — Historical Fiction in the DesertS OF California
Nuff Sed: A Novel of Desert Steve is a new historical fiction novel by Markus McDowell. Whether you are fascinated by the history of the American West, drawn to stories of pioneering resilience, or simply enjoy reading fiction about extraordinary individuals, this novel offers a profound and entertaining read. McDowell’s portrayal of Desert Steve’s life is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and create lasting change.
Behind the Scenes
Sneak peeks of works in progress, excerpts from books, research tidbits, and musings on life and writing.
- Mapping the Cosmos: Planning The Brightstar Trilogy from Chaos to Hope
- First draft excerpt from upcoming novel, Seven Planets, by Markus McDowell
- Sneak Peek: The Bright Star Trilogy, book 1
Latest Book Reviews
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current WorkS in Progress

As a mere breath: short stories
Coming in early 2025, a collection of short stories, continuing Markus’ interest in the human condition of loss, grief, chaos, and the spirit that leads us to persevere and even triumph…or fail miserably.
- ”Fishhooks”
- ”You Made Your Bed…”
- ”Train Wreck”
- ”Motivation Null”
- ”Non fui, fui, non sum, non curo”
- ”Louison”
- ”Battle-Weary”
Join Team Markus to read first drafts, behind the scenes, book reviews, and more, as a subscriber or supporter.

Coming in 2026
Dr. Elias Vorn, a fallen scientist exiled to a crumbling outpost orbiting Neptune, stumbles upon a cryptic signal pulsing from the edge of the solar system.
What begins as a solitary curiosity ignites a journey across humanity’s fragile colonies—Earth’s crowded orbital hubs, Venus’s sun-scorched platforms, Mars’s dust-choked domes, and Titan’s shadowed tunnels—where shadows of chaos loom. Alongside Dr. Mara Kael, his sharp-witted former ally, Elias races to unravel a mystery that threatens to reshape everything he knows. As the signal’s secrets deepen, the stakes soar, pulling them toward a confrontation beyond the stars.
Seven Planets (Book 1 of the Brightstar Trilogy)—a riveting sci-fi thriller of isolation, discovery, and the unknown.
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