In 2019, Pate Williamson is homeless, broke, and out of options. Until a stranger in a Bentley offers him a way out: a year of his life, in exchange for one million dollars, no questions asked. All he has to do is volunteer for a genetic research program in Vienna. He tells himself it's just science.Thirteen years later, in 2032, a twelve-year-old boy named Salim is walking home from an ordinary evening with his parents when three men in black take him from his own front hallway. M...

As a Mere Breath: Short Stories by Markus McDowell is a compelling and thought-provoking collection that delves into the intricate tapestry of human experience, resilience, and redemption. Nine evocative tales offer a unique lens on life's challenges and triumphs. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 39:5, which reflects on the fleeting nature of existence, the book opens with the haunting "Fishhooks," a metaphorical exploration of being ensnared by life's burdens, followed by stories l...

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 outlaw...

Enjoy these six winning short stories from the Riversong Short Story Contest, 2022. Unique, quirky, thought-provoking stories in various contemporary genres.The contest and volume was run and edited by Neela Tudurí-Kłepfisch, editor and writer at Sulis International Press. A panel of six publishers, editors, authors, and book reviewers reviewed more than 30 finalists to choose the six winners."Redemption in the Thorny Thicket" by Sean Anderson."6EQUJ4, Thank...

Jurisprudence: Outlines, Diagrams, and Study Sheets is a collection of outlines and diagrams as an aid to the study of Jurisprudence and Legal Theory. Designed to help you get the big picture of the theories, jurists, and philosophical and historical background of the subject. Use the diagrams to see an overall picture of each subtopic before you begin reading your texts, to organize your notes, and to review and revise. Prepare for your exams by using them to test your knowledge ...

Dive into So Deep in Shadow, a captivating collection of short stories inspired by the multifaceted nature of the word "so." This anthology explores human resilience, chaos, and hope through ten evocative tales.From a mysterious fog engulfing a city in "So Dense" to the chilling debut of the guillotine in "So Humane," and the deceptive kindness in "So Kind," each story delves into the complexities of the human condition. Other narratives, like "So Long," born from a haunti...

A sample collection of previously published short stories that will entertain and perhaps disturb you. Author Markus McDowell explores his favorite themes about of life, death, suffering, and chaos. His characters find themselves in such chaotic situations…how would you respond?

To and Fro Upon the Earth is a hauntingly beautiful debut novel that explores the human spirit's struggle for meaning amidst chaos.Jay, a man released after a decade of confinement, steps into a world both familiar and foreign, grappling with loss and the fragments of a life left behind. His journey unfolds through bus trips to unknown destinations, desolate deserts, a storm-ravaged fishing vessel, and surreal visions that blur the lines between reality and dream. From the...

Embark on an enthralling journey through the Roman Empire with Onesimus, a masterful work of historical fiction rooted in deep research.This novel reimagines the life of Onesimus, a disillusioned slave who steals from his master, Philemon, and seeks a better life for himself beyond slavery. Set against the vivid tapestry of Roman society—spanning the quiet valleys of Colossae to the bustling heart of Rome—McDowell weaves a narrative rich with historical detail, exploring t...

This book examines the prayer texts in the collection of ancient documents known as the Apostolic Fathers, written during the early second century. The book begins with an overview of the Apostolic Fathers and of the prayers found therein. Appendices include every prayer passage in the nine documents. The core of the book explores the function of prayer in the letters of the collection (1 Clement, The Letter of Ignatius, Polycarp to the Philippians, and the Martyrdom of Polycarp). Each let...

This preliminary study explores the concept and practice of prayer found in the writings of six major Stoic philosophers from the ancient world: Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Placing these writers in their context within the evolution of Stoic philosophy, and in their socio-religious and historical context, McDowell then characterizes the nature, purpose, and practices of Stoic prayer.A brief comparison with prayer from the New Testament close...

There are hundreds of passages about prayer in the Bible: teachings about prayer, mentions of prayer, and, of course, actual prayers. These are excellent resources for learning about the types of prayers, styles, content, when and where, and so much more. This series, Praying Through the Bible, examines each instance of a prayer passage, looking at the historical and cultural background and the context, the meaning of the prayer, and then offering a brief idea of how it might be used as a ...