Question of the Day
Pet Peeves
How do you feel about people who are chronically late?
If you've spent any time on this site, you've probably already figured out a few things about me:
My name is Dan McGinnis, and I'm the creator behind Dan McGinnis Creative LLC—a growing collection of books, journals, stories, and ideas designed to entertain, inspire, and occasionally make you laugh out loud when you weren't expecting to.

Life isn't one-dimensional, and creativity shouldn't be either.
From historical works like my first novel, Edgewood Oaks, to the rich, layered storytelling of Indian Outlaw, my goal is always the same: create something that stays with you long after the final page.
Not the kind that sit on a shelf looking pretty. The kind that get opened, written in, lived in. Whether it's a guided journal, a themed notebook, or something practical like a check register, I design each one with real people in mind.
Some are serious. Some are funny. Some are a little bit of both. Every one of them designed, created, and published from conversations and interactions with the people I encounter in my everyday life.
I didn't just wake up one day and decide to become a writer.
Well… actually like most writers, I kind of did.
But the truth is, storytelling has always been part of who I am. Whether it was through conversations, business ventures, political discussions, or creative projects, I've always been drawn to ideas—how they're formed, how they evolve, and how they connect people, places, and memories.
Over the years, I've worn a lot of hats. Entrepreneur. Political Strategist. Creative risk-taker. Restaurant manager. (And, if we're being honest, occasional professional overthinker.) But writing became the one place where all of those experiences came together.
Here's the honest answer: because creating something from nothing never gets old.
There's something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea, or a simple thought, and turning it into something real. A book. A journal. A story someone connects with. And maybe, just maybe, something that makes someone's day a little better. That's what keeps me going.
Now let's be clear—this isn't some polished, picture-perfect creative life.
Most days, I'm sitting at my laptop with a cup of coffee (or two), probably a Van Holten's dill pickle within arm's reach, and if it's evening, there's a good chance a brownie and a glass of milk have entered the situation. It's not glamorous. But it works—and if you don't understand the reference to pickles and brownies…well, maybe it's time to read a few of my blogs.
I also have a love for history, storytelling, travel, and yes… I still enjoy talking about politics, even if these days I sometimes need a deep breath—or a stiff drink—afterward.
And then there's Bayleigh—my spoiled, four-legged furry companion—who reminds me daily that no matter how serious life gets, there's always time to step outside, take a break, and enjoy the moment.
This website isn't just a storefront. It's a reflection of everything I'm building—and everything I'm still becoming.
You'll find books and journals available for purchase, new releases and upcoming projects, blog posts (some thoughtful, some humorous, some a little of both), and a glimpse into the creative process behind the work.
And if I'm doing this right, you'll also find a little bit of yourself somewhere in it.
I don't claim to have everything figured out.
But I do believe in showing up, doing the work, and creating things that matter—whether that's a novel that transports you somewhere else, or a simple notebook that helps you organize your thoughts.
If you've made it this far, I appreciate you being here.
Now grab a cup of coffee…
(or a pickle, no judgment)…
and take a look around.
