My current work in progress is a historical fiction novel, schedule for release next year.
Desert. Sun. Sand. And no humans within 50 miles in either direction. The perfect place to found a town? That’s what Steve thought. So he bundled up his family into the old truck, bought a local well dug by a prospector, and built a gas station, repair garage, post office, and café. He advertised: “Free food on days the sun doesn’t shine” and “No drunks, no dogs—we prefer dogs.”
Based on a true story, this is the story of a quirky and bold man who founded a town in the middle of a desert, wrote bad poetry, and found ways to survive when many would have packed in it.
From the publisher’s description
A captivating historical fiction saga that traces the indomitable spirit of “Desert” Steve Ragsdale, a man who helped shape the American West.
In 1921, after losing his Kansas cotton farm to an inability to pay the taxes, Steve ventures into California’s desert with a bold vision. Defying a harsh land and no roads except ruts in the sands, he founds the town of Desert Center—a beacon of resilience amid heat and hardship. From his early days in Coffeyville, Kansas, confronting outlaws, to navigating the Great Depression, World War II, and the rise of Eagle Mountain Mine, Steve’s journey is one of grit, humor, and unwavering conviction. His motto, “Nuff sed,” encapsulates a life of action over words, as he battles the harsh environment, builds communities, and leaves a legacy etched in desert lore.
Blending historical events with vivid storytelling, McDowell explores themes of perseverance, family, and the human condition, drawing readers into a world where one man’s dream transforms a wasteland. With meticulously researched details—from Gruendike’s Well to the Colorado Aqueduct—this novel immerses you in the 20th-century West.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction and Western epics, Nuff Sed is a testament to the enduring power of determination. Join Desert Steve’s extraordinary adventure and discover why his story still resonates today.
Discover more from Markus McDowell, author
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