Marcus Lopés

LGTBQIA2S+ Author, Blogger, Runner

Writing Life

These are Crazy Times

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these are crazy times

These are crazy times. Yes, crazy because of how the COVID-19 pandemic upended lives, and in some ways is still wreaking havoc. Crazy because politics are more divisive, and ugly; and politicians more willing to divide than unite to win re-election. Crazy because, in 2022, you can still walk into a school or grocery store and kill randomly, and those in positions of power who can enact measures aimed at curbing gun violence still do nothing. Crazy, yes, because a madman wages an illegal war against Ukraine…and what is the world really doing to stop it?

And it doesn’t stop there. [Read more…] about These are Crazy Times

Reset: Cleaning Up My Inbox

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reset cleaning up my inbox

As a writer, I recognize the value and importance of a mailing list. It’s a great tool, when used effectively, that helps creators build an audience and engage with their followers. And I enjoy reading and responding to the messages I receive. Some people tell me that they liked one of my books or a character or ask about a sequel. Others share what’s happening in their lives. It’s great building those connections.

But over the years, I’ve found myself signing up for numerous mailing lists — to receive a free download on the latest marketing trends for creators, or when registering for a webinar, or to be notified of upcoming book deals.

Next thing I knew, my inbox was exploding every day. More and more new messages arriving, and staying there for days (more like weeks) unread. I’d tell myself I’d eventually read them, but I only ever ended up deleting them.

About a month ago, in conjunction with my ‘purging’ of social media, I decided to cleanup my mailing list subscriptions. What’s the point of being on a mailing list if, deep down, I have no intention of reading the content or engaging with it? [Read more…] about Reset: Cleaning Up My Inbox

Stepping Back (Again) from Social Media

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It takes discipline not to let social media steal your time.
— Alex Ohanian

As a writer with a day job — and getting older — I am thinking more about how I spend my time. Writing a book isn’t easy, and it involves a huge time commitment. For me, it means getting up in the middle of the night to write before heading to work. That generally means that in the evening I’m too mentally exhausted to write.

A few weeks ago, I spent a couple of weeks monitoring my daily screen time. I was flabbergasted by what I learned about myself. Some days I’d watch a show/movie on Prime Video, play a game, check in on social media, and/or catch up on news headlines (especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine). There were weeks when my screen time averaged 9 hours (or, sadly, more) a day. During that period, I had one utterly unfocused, unproductive day when I spent more than 14 hours using my phone. Scary! [Read more…] about Stepping Back (Again) from Social Media

Is this all there is to life?

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Digital minimalism definitively does not reject the innovations of the internet age, but instead rejects the way so many people currently engage with these tools.” — Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism 

It’s not new. I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with social media. Perhaps it is because, by nature, I’m an introvert. Social interactions—with people I care deeply about, yet even more so with those I don’t—leave me drained.

Over the past four to five years, I’ve tried to find a ‘balanced approach’ to social media. But I haven’t succeeded. At times I go all in, posting regularly and consistently as the experts tell us we should to build an audience. Other times, I withdraw for a few weeks…or a few months. Whether I’m online or offline, both states create a feeling that I’m ‘missing’ something. [Read more…] about Is this all there is to life?

Days 8-15 Recap: 30-Day Deep Work Challenge

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Two words: Utter fail.

The intention was there, but not the actions to back it up.

Something was off. I was off. And I’m struggling to fix it.

But I’m determined to get this right, so I’m starting again.

When you see the break down of my screen time below (the days I just gave up and embraced procrastination), you’ll understand why tomorrow will be Day 1 again. [Read more…] about Days 8-15 Recap: 30-Day Deep Work Challenge