REVIEW: Turtle Soup is Enough — College Essays from a Writer Suffering Grief and Loss
A review of a book of essays by Margaret O’Connor on life, suffering, loss, and faith. Review by Dr. Markus McDowell.
Behind the Scenes: the difficulties (and joys) of writing a historical fiction novel
Markus McDowell reveals some of the behind-the-scenes work and difficulties in writing this historical fiction novel about Desert Steve Ragsdale and the history of Desert Center, California.
Book Review: Babel, a literary and etymological masterpiece
Book review of Babel, by R.F. Kuang, an alternative history filled with language, etymologies, and magic, set in 19th century Oxford. Review by Dr. Markus McDowell.
Sneak Peak: a scene from Mortals As They Walk – delerium
An excerpt from the speculative fiction book about a man, woman, and child caught up in a genetic engineering project. Mortals As They Walk by Markus McDowell.
Exploring a desert ghost town for my historical fiction novel about Desert Steve, Pt 2
Markus McDowell describes his adventure and exploration of the land surrounding the ghost town, Desert Center, part of his research for a forthcoming historical fiction novel about Desert Steve Ragsdale, the founder of Desert Center.
Book review: Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold
A review of Book review: Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold, a space opera. Review by Dr. Markus McDowell
Exploring a desert ghost town for my historical fiction novel about Desert Steve, Pt 1
Markus McDowell describes his adventure and exploration of the land surrounding the ghost town, Desert Center, part of his research for a forthcoming historical fiction novel about Desert Steve Ragsdale, the founder of Desert Center.
Review of Mountains of Mourning, a Vorkosigan novella
A book review of The Mountains of Mourning, a novella in the Vorkosigan science fiction series by Lois McMaster Bujold. Review by Markus McDowell.
An interview with author Markus McDowell
Markus McDowell, a multigenre author and editor, was recently interviewed by Atmosphere Press about his upcoming historical fiction novel, centered around pioneer Desert Steve Ragsdale in early 1900s Southern California. The interview covers the book’s inspiration, title creation, and desired reader takeaways, as well as McDowell’s general writing process and inspirations. With a diverse academic background and a passion for exploring life’s chaos, McDowell’s upcoming novel promises an intriguing perspective.
Pandemic, Godzilla, and the Multiverse: a review of Kaiju Preservation Society
Review of Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi, a clever novel that combines concepts of Godzilla and the multiverse. Review by Dr. Markus McDowell.