Review of 2024 by Writer and Editor Markus McDowell

Regardless of the work we do, I think it is helpful to do a periodic recap. While it is never a good idea to live in the past, assessing it and learning lesson from it is essential to growth. Then, after that, let it go!

Books Published in 2024

I published one novel in 2024, my most ambitious to date. I spent five years researching, outline, and writing this historical fiction novel. It may be my best work, in my opinion.

It is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.

Right now, you can get it for a 15% discount from the publisher, using the code “NUFFSED” at checkout.

My best-selling book in 2024 was Onesimus: A Novel of Christianity in the Roman Empire. This was a bit of a surprise for me, as it was the first novel I wrote (second published, however.) It is another historical fiction novel, about a runaway slave in the Roman Empire of the first century. It was closely followed by Nuff Sed, The Sky Over Chaos (short stories), and To and Fro Upon the Earth: A Novel.

I made significant progress on a third collection of short stories, which should be out later this year.

I also finished the basic research and began outlining the first volume of a trilogy, entitled Seven Planets.

Articles and Posts

I wrote 27 “Behind the Scenes” posts last year, consisting of excerpts from published and unpublished works, ideas on writing, and other related topics.

Twenty-one book reviews were published, as requests by authors, publishers, or readers. (If you are an author or publisher and would like a book reviewed, visit this page.
(If you would like a free book notice publisher, click here.)

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Editing & Ghostwriting

I completed two multiyear ghostwriting projects in 2024, and editing 8 books for other authors.
If you have a project that you’d like to discuss with me, visit here.

Reading

I read 27 books this year, a combination of fiction and nonfiction. Each year, I read all the winners and most runners-up of the Pulitzer Prize Novels, Hugo Awards, and Nebula Awards.

Travels

As my followers know, I do travel a good bit. I enjoy the change of scenery, exploring new lands, and meeting new people. All of this inspires and informs my writing. In 2024, I took eleven trips (ranging from one week to four weeks), in thirteen different cities and towns. I spent 137 days on the road and stayed 134 nights in hotels or resorts.

2025 is shaping up to be even more productive. Thank you to editors and publisher, and my fellow writers and readers.

Join my newsletter or become part of Team Markus for more in 2025