What is the title of your latest release?
A CAMPUS ON FIRE
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
When a shocking death rocks the exclusive writing program at a prestigious university, student journalist Tess Azar embarks on a quest for truth. As rumors swirl about the program's cult-like atmosphere and a rising right-wing student group, Tess finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and danger, challenging her beliefs and testing her resolve.
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
While I didn't pinpoint a specific location, I've always been fascinated by universities as microcosms of society. Their unique blend of tradition, intellectual fervor, and youthful energy makes them the perfect backdrop to explore broader societal issues.
Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
At the beginning? Absolutely. Tess's curiosity and determination would make for engaging company. By the end? Well, you’ll have to read to find out! I will say, I’d have a lot of fun trying to unwind the mystery with her.
What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Ambitious, insecure, curious.
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I delved into historical student uprisings and explored Greek mythology as research for this novel. More profoundly, the writing process affirmed my passion for storytelling. Each day at the keyboard was a joy and assured me this was my calling.
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I prefer to complete the entire draft before diving into edits. Initially, editing felt daunting and disruptive to my creative flow. Ironically, I've grown to cherish the editing phase, relishing the opportunity to refine the narrative and weave intricate connections once the entire story is laid out.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I'm passionate about cooking and take pride in what I make. I like to experiment and love nothing more than making something for my partner, Cassie, and my family. However, I have to say that very little beats a grilled cheeseburger. I go all out and make the buns from scratch and a signature sauce, but even without that, there’s something unparalleled about the simplicity of charred meat and melted cheese.
Describe your writing space/office!
My office is a personal sanctuary. Adorned with a bookshelf housing a balanced mix of history and fiction, it reflects my passions. The walls feature full-sized movie posters, showcasing my love for film, and a political cartoon of Teddy Roosevelt adds a touch of inspiration. I have a minimalist desk—a simple wooden plank on legs—which provides an uncluttered space that fosters creativity. For me, that room is heaven.
Who is an author you admire?
Patricia Highsmith. Her seamless blend of artistic depth and accessibility, coupled with her mastery of suspense and tension, is something I deeply admire. I aspire for my novels to evoke the same resonance as hers.
Is there a book that changed your life?
The Road by Cormac McCarthy profoundly impacted me. Its stark prose and haunting narrative delved deep into my psyche, offering a glimmer of hope amidst desolation. I read it at a difficult point in my life, and something about it stuck with me. It solidified my conviction to pursue writing, revealing the power of storytelling in its rawest form.
Tell us about when you got “the call.”
It's a day I'll never forget. I was living in an apartment with my partner, Cassie. It wasn’t a large space, and she was in the bedroom, working, as I pretended to write in our dining room. I vividly recall the moment the email arrived. My hands trembled as I clicked on it. After nearly two years of querying, waiting, and constant rejection, the fear of another disappointment would’ve been challenging to handle. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I read that they wanted to publish A Campus on Fire. I only managed to read the acceptance before my vision gave out. Then I stood and shouted as loud as I ever have. Cassie rushed in, and we embraced. I started to cry. That feeling is etched in my memory forever.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
I have a penchant for genre fiction, particularly elevated crime thrillers and noir. These narratives, rich in moral complexities and atmospheric tension, captivate me. I also balance my reading with non-fiction, especially historical works that provide context and depth to contemporary issues.
What’s your favorite movie?
The Third Man is perfection to me. I don’t believe it’s possible to make a better film. Its intricate plot, atmospheric tension, innovative camera work, and the iconic zither score encapsulate the essence of film noir, offering an intellectually stimulating and artistically profound narrative. The backdrop of divided Vienna tickles the historian in me, and the performances are pitch-perfect. I couldn’t say how many times I’ve watched it, but it never gets old.
What is your favorite season?
Autumn. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and a sense of renewal and introspection it brings align perfectly with my creative rhythms, often inspiring reflection and new ideas. I also like that you can wear a coat or a sweater, but the weather isn’t so harsh as to keep you inside.
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
I’m not big on birthdays, but I like to go to the movies, if possible, with Cassie and then maybe dinner.
What’s a recent TV show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I highly recommend La Chimera, directed by Alice Rohrwacher. The film follows Arthur, a British archaeologist turned tomb raider, portrayed by Josh O'Connor, as he navigates the complexities of looting Etruscan tombs in 1980s Italy. The narrative weaves themes of loss, cultural heritage, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of rural Italy. The film's unique storytelling and atmospheric depth left a lasting impression on me.
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
While my culinary preferences vary with my mood, I’d have to lean toward Italian. My mom always made it for special occasions, and it was a staple of our weekly Sunday dinners with my cousins. It feels like home.
What do you do when you have free time?
I like watching movies, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
What can readers expect from you next?
A lot more! I have three novels ready to go. All are forms of elevated genre fiction that deal with themes as varied as AI, religion, and the real estate market.
When a shocking death rocks the exclusive writing program at a prestigious campus, a student journalist, Tess Azar, sets out to discover the truth. Rumors abound of the writing program's cultish atmosphere and its zealous members, who will stop at nothing to ensure the sanctity of their own secrets. As an extreme right-wing student group swells in numbers, Tess finds herself in the crosshairs, dangerously at the center of the growing chaos. Simmering with tension, this provocative novel portrays the nation's current-charged political climate, highlighting the immovable structures of our society and the dangers of navigating a post-truth world.
Thriller [Regal House Publishing, On Sale: April 29, 2025, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9781646035298 / eISBN: 9781646035304]
Patrick O'Dowd’s work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Quagmire Literary Magazine, The Write Launch, and Sequoia Speaks, where he served as fiction editor. Born and raised in New Jersey, he studied at Montclair State University.
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