Daniel Aegan's Blog, page 6
July 8, 2019
Daniel’s Journal #46 – I’m Just Ducky. Thanks for Asking
Today is just… meh.
Allow me to elaborate.
I saw a coworker in the breakroom. I was having my coffee and doing a bit of writing. I had the same brainless swill that constitutes a workplace conversation I always fake my way through. When asked “how are you?” this particular coworker replied he was “just ducky”.
What the fuck does that even mean… “just ducky”? I’ve heard it before, but I’ve never given it much thought if at all. Is he saying he feels like a rubber bath toy shaped like a duck, floating around a tub of warm water while some kid splashes around and pisses in his or her own bathwater? Why even share such a sentiment?
Or maybe he means it more literal than that. Maybe he feels like he’s covered in feathers, floating on a pond, eating breadcrumbs retirees toss him from a park bench. He shakes his tail feathers, trying off his ass, getting ready to fly to another pond or wherever ducks go. Again, I ask why tell me this particular feeling? Might as well admit to being a furry.
Maybe he meant the definition of “ducky”, charming or delightful. I’ve never known this guy to be either, so it figures his comment was oozing with sarcasm. Or maybe I just felt like an asshole and wrote a few paragraphs about this ducky motherfucker just to amuse myself.
Still… In my head, this guy’s a fuckin duck.
And that’s all I got.
-Daniel Aegan
7/8/19
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Feeling ducky enough to read more? Check out my first self-published book!
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You can also read my latest short story Happily Ever Raptor in the latest issue of Prismatica Magazine!
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June 25, 2019
Daniel’s Journal #45 – Not Another #WIPWednesday
Good morning, blog fans. I’m back! OK… So I didn’t really go anywhere. It’s just been a while since I updated you guys or came up with a decent blog topic.
So here’s one!
Has anything ever gotten its claws in you so hard it won’t let go? No, I’m not talking about your aunt’s parakeet. I’m talking about my Muse. She got me, alright. She hit me out of nowhere with this idea that just needed to be spewed out of me. Before I had time to stop and assess, I was coming up on 50k words.
That’s the golden number, right? If the Nanowrimoites (not a real term) have taught me anything, it’s that you don’t have a book until your story is at least 50k words.
So this book… I did a minor graphic…
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That’s not necessarily the cover if I ever publish the bastard, but it’s some half-decent concept art.
This is one of those stories that mutates as you write it. I keep adding to the outline, finding new ways to torture my characters, and the ending was rewritten three times now. Even at 50k, I’m nowhere near wrapping this thing up.
The Unholy Mother of the Demonic Child is a boarding school that teaches Cassandraism as well as academics. I created a new religion for this story too. It’s a great one, and part of me hope it takes off (even if it’s highly unlikely).
The story focuses on twelve thirteen-year-old students in their second year attending Unholy Mother. They have their ups. They have their downs. Some may die. Some may not. That’s school for you!
The format and style were heavily influenced by the Dune series. If you’ve read it, you know what I mean. I really enjoyed the subtlety of Herbert’s world building and storytelling.
Once this one’s done, I want to dive back into the Blood Drive sequel. That one was at 33k when I put it down to beta-read for a friend, write a couple of short stories, and start this new one. I need to quit sleep and focus on these books!
So that’s it. There’s your update. I need to work my real job to pay bills and whatnot.
Keep reading, writing, and creating!
-Daniel Aegan
6/25/19
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Want something I’ve actually finished and published?
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You can also read my latest short story Happily Ever Raptor in the latest issue of Prismatica Magazine!
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June 11, 2019
Daniel’s Journal #44 – It’s Been a Spell…
It’s been over two weeks since I’ve updated here. I’ve been tweeting, but that’s about it. If the last few blog entries I did post were any indicators, then you could probably guess why I’ve been quiet.
Anyway, I’m back.
Not that I went away. I just haven’t had anything longform to say (he says while writing two novels at once). You know what I mean. It’s good to let that gloom out of yourself, but even venting to an audience who may or may not give a shit gets exhausting.
And that’s how I’ve been: exhausted. In one way or another, I’m tired, so very tired. I’m waiting for the manic upswing, but it’s taking its time. I know it’ll be here soon, but all I can do for now is wait.
Life moves on, whether you’re ready or not. I’m ready. My bags are all packed. I’ve forwarded my mail. So come pick me up. I’ll be sitting on this stump in the bottom of a ditch.
That’s symbolism. Google it.
-Daniel Aegan
6/11/19
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Want more? Check out Blood Drive by Daniel Aegan. Out now in paperback or Kindle ebook.
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