Aegelis's Blog, page 2

Where did my author name Aegelis come from?

Aegelis was a character I had made on EverQuest in the early 2000s as a result of shifting around letters and considering words like Angel, Eagle, Aegean, and Aegis. I always liked the ae combo and use wherever possible.

Pronunciation is
A (like the first letter of the alphabet)
Jee (like jeep)
Liss (like list without the t)

My pronunciation can be heard on my YouTube videos and was a fun topic of discussion on the interview for X (Captain Ruik's Adventure).

My nom de plume came about after publishing when a friend could not find books under a simplified version of my name as Tony Cook. I double-backed, trying to find something more unique and unused. Having found the character name, I made transition which seems to be successful for all parties.

Ramwords: My Divisive Writing Style

What is 'Ramwords'?
Compounding of 'Ram' and 'words', ramwording is an invented term I use describing reducing articles (the, a, an) and rephrasing prepositions (at, to, of, for, etc.). If there's an opportunity to remove 'and', 'or', 'that', 'this', 'which' while still being understood, then, by all means, do so.

Why Ramword?
Reason is to create more interesting undiluted text, cut down overused words (how many times have we read the word "the" unnecessarily?), and value readers' time as well as ability to comprehend language.

Where does Ramwording come from?
I did not invent the style of writing, but I found I was mistaken in thinking this style was from an early elementary school assignment when a teacher took off points for excessive articles. Rather, while revising procedure worksheets at my job, I was curious to run Grammarly to see just how accurate our science documents were, and guess what? Up popped a lot of articles suggested by Grammarly, which were intentionally omitted for efficiency. I've been so used to reading process non-fiction for seventeen years resulting in my own fiction looking 'wrong' with excessive articles and started cutting. I'll even rephrase, reducing apparent redundancies as well as clarifying pronouns. For my eyes along with my opinion, this change is for the better.

Can you provide examples?
Typical sentence: She drove the car to the hospital to see the patients.
Ramworded sentence: She drove car to hospital for patient visits.

Typical: I went to the store, post office, and supermarket, and then home.
Ramworded: I went to store, post office, supermarket, then home.

Is there a difference between driving 'a' car or 'the' car? In British, one would never say 'the hospital' because there is more than one hospital in existence.

What do readers think?
I have received three responses from ramwording: 1.) Backlash in reviews both textually and docked ratings 2.) Indifference, some readers don't care or see no problem 3.) Some readers find writings to be more dynamic.

So what is this writer to do?
Accommodate reader requests as best as I can (conceding on how hyphens should function), but when style is involved (even if arguably 'wrong'), then I'm going to side with less particular folk. Apologies if I offend some eyes, and you're welcome to those who appreciate the uncommon diction.

Feel free to toss in your thoughts by commenting.

City Archangel Clara

Fiddling around with a character in a game and a.i. art, I was surprised at a rendition that's a good launching point for a story. Gonna put a stake in the ground for this title while considering developing more of the concept. I'll toss the image into the art section for those who would like to see.

Still have Derek Barley, Definitive Nobody and Spy Life: Rear-View Mirror books to work on first, at the very least.

What method do you use, plotting or writing by the seat of your pants, pantser? Could you share why you like your method, why it helps your work?

In between, it's a dynamic relationship process for me. I initiate the beginning (setting, main character, starting point), but the ending tends to come into focus a bit later. Characters show up and do their thing, often going 'off script' which is fun to watch. There are a few points that must be covered, some that might be covered and a lot of details show up as they happen. I have notes, most will likely be used one way or another and have to keep moving around the order, tossing or including.

Thanks, Amarilys Rassler for posing the question!

Steps of Eternity: A Gaming Sci-Fi Short Story, now available!

Steps of Eternity: A Gaming Sci-Fi Short Story, only $0.99! Now available on Amazon.com. Whether reading separately or as part of Specks or Shadows, Flecks of Light, I would very much appreciate a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

Enchanted by a fantastic digital realm, a seventeen year old boy finds a passion for gaming that appears to remain strong over the years as both he and the game grows. Full of amazing places and fun with friends, life goes on until confronted by a shocking, unsettling discovery.

Slip into his visions of electronic dreams and startling reality.

https://a.co/d/fduACjk

Steps of Eternity: A Gaming Sci-Fi Short Story

No time for books? How about a short story for only $0.99?

Enchanted by a fantastic digital realm, a seventeen year old boy finds a passion for gaming that appears to remain strong over the years as both he and the game grows. Full of amazing places and fun with friends, life goes on until confronted by a shocking, unsettling discovery.

Slip into his visions of electronic dreams and startling reality.

Releases 03/08, pre-order available!

*Story included in Specks of Shadows, Flecks of Light

https://a.co/d/06mOnJa

Tornado of Emotions

Releasing a book is a tornado of emotions each and every time, as I'm sure a lot of authors will agree. Usually, this torrent spins up over one question, "What if everybody thinks the book sucks?"

A valid concern, as candidly many books do fall short in truly connecting in the eyes of various readers (myself included). But, an art is an art, so I would applaud an author's earnest attempt at a new creation.

Some may think all authors are looking to become best-sellers or are deep down seeking acceptance. Well, I think I've disproven the point by now, but if not, may I present to you my offerings? :D

Acceptance and best-sellers would be nice, surely, but the heart of motivation is the heart of motivation. To clarify, a person's passionate spirit provides joy for a work regardless of outcome. Writing is no different than anything else we place our efforts into, just has a more visible results and invites judgment because books are a form of entertainment or teaching.

My friends, be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you, so that in all your labours, your work is pleasing in His eyes, a joy for you yourself to behold, and accepted by those who ultimately accept you.

Specks of Shadows, Flecks of Light now available for e-book pre-order!

Specks of Shadows, Flecks of Light now available for e-book pre-order! As a special, 5% off l until Thursday's release:
☀️🌒⭐️🐿🦜🌳❤️
"Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing world of flash fiction, poetry and short stories, where boundaries between reality and fantasy dissolve, leaving behind an intoxicating fusion of raw emotions and fantastical imaginings. Prepare to be captivated by an anthology praised as a tapestry of beauty, and brilliance, brimming with pithy wit, and atomic bursts of creativity. Delve into the depths where heavy shadows intertwine with gleeful light, exploring profoundness beneath the surface."
☀️🌒⭐️🐿🦜🌳❤️
Paperback and hard cover will be available February 22nd.

https://a.co/d/iLJezAJ

Secret Order of Tri-Sigma at Infamous Horse

Secret Order of Tri-Sigma will be meeting at Infamous Horse every Monday night at 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Live jazz music and the finest treats.

(Fictional group based on the book Psycho Author by Aegelis found at https://a.co/d/1ZgqGSO )

Directions to the club are here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/88658...

Hope to see you there!

Let's Chat on Facebook! Aegelis Story Discussions

Discussion group to ask & answer questions, share insights & ideas, provide comments, or recommend corrections. Topics do not need to be related to the author or works, but as a moderated forum, courtesy and decorum is a must.

Please keep posts related to a story discussion of some sort and family-friendly for approval.

Link is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16214...

or search, "Aegelis Story Discussions"