Author Markus McDowell

An interview with author Markus McDowell

ByMarkus McDowell January 3, 2024January 3, 2024

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.

Desert Steve Novel | SNEAK PEAKS

General George Patton, a tank, and a Sheriff of Riverside County

ByMarkus McDowell December 6, 2023December 6, 2023

Read this background story about General Patton and his air training field in the California desert. This is part of the forthcoming historical fiction novel about the founding of Desert Center, and Desert Steve Ragsdale by Markus McDowell.

EXPLORATIONS | SNEAK PEAKS

Beach Walks: Life, Chaos, and the Order of the Universe

ByMarkus McDowell November 8, 2023November 8, 2023

Markus McDowell muses about beachside walks, demonstrating the chaos and order of the universe and life…and inspire his writings.

Desert Steve Novel | SNEAK PEAKS

Read a rough draft scene from my upcoming Desert Steve novel

ByMarkus McDowell November 1, 2023November 1, 2023

A rough first draft of a scene from a novel about “Desert Steve” Ragsdale, written by Markus McDowell. Ragsdale founded Desert Center in the middle of the California desert, when the only road consisted of ruts in the sand.

Desert Steve Novel | SNEAK PEAKS

How to stop researching & write – Desert Steve Novel

ByMarkus McDowell October 18, 2023October 29, 2023

Markus McDowell explores the need for detailed research when writing a historical fiction novel, and when to stop researching and start writing.

Mortals As They Walk | SNEAK PEAKS

Bio-engineering run amok – Mortals As They Walk excerpt

ByMarkus McDowell October 4, 2023October 29, 2023

Here is a brief excerpt from a scene from my speculative fiction novel. A man, a woman, and a child, are innocently caught up in a scientific research project that draws attention from governments, big pharma, science research institutes, the military, and black markets.

SNEAK PEAKS

I still miss my father 10 years later…

ByMarkus McDowell September 30, 2023October 1, 2023

My father passed away 10 years ago today, and I still miss him terribly. This is my tribute to him after a decade of loss.

Desert Steve Novel | SNEAK PEAKS

Who were the Desert Rats of the California desert?

ByMarkus McDowell September 20, 2023October 25, 2023

A little behind-the-scenes look at Markus McDowell’s forthcoming novel about “Desert Steve” Ragsdale, and the “Desert Rats” he lived with in the colorado desert of California.

Desert Steve Novel | SNEAK PEAKS

SNEAK PEEK: Desert Steve Novel (early draft)

ByMarkus McDowell September 6, 2023October 25, 2023

Here is an early draft of the first scene of the upcoming novel from Markus McDowell, about Desert Steve Ragsdale, the man who founded a town in he middle of the desert in the 1920s.

SNEAK PEAKS

Life and a Dead Sea Lion

ByMarkus McDowell July 26, 2023September 23, 2023

Dr. Markus reflects on life and death, prompted by coming across a dead sea lion on a walk by the ocean. how do we respond to death, and why do we respond like we do? Is there a better way, as suggested by so many philosophers and theologians?