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Marcus Lopés

LGTBQIA2S+ Author, Blogger, Runner

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amwriting

Persuasion

September 7, 2022 by Marcus 1 Comment

persuasion

‘Persuasion’ is a continuation of ‘Traitor, Traitor‘.

The two-kilometre perimeter around the convention centre was in place, with roadblocks set up at all nearby intersections and manned by city police officers. Michael’s earlier feeling, that something was of, still nagged at him. Had Findlay intentionally left his phone behind? And unlocked? Michael snapped his fingers. “Of course,” he mumbled. “He wanted to send a message. And he did.”

“Agent Reid…”

Michael, conferring with Brian, spun around to see Superintendent Daniels approaching.

“There’s something you need to see,” Daniels said solemnly.

Michael glanced at Brian, then they followed Daniels and another officer to one of the convention centre’s service entrances, located on the east side of the building.

“The bomb squad…” Daniels pointed at the open garage door. “They found this when they were clearing this section.” [Read more…] about Persuasion

Filed Under: Short Stories Tagged With: amwriting, fiction, gay fiction, short story

Whatever It Takes

September 8, 2021 by Marcus 3 Comments

Whatever It Takes

This is a continuation of ‘Never Leave a Man Behind‘

“What are you saying exactly?” Brian asked.

Michael, holding Brian’s hands, applied a little pressure. “What you did hurt me, Brian, and I’m still angry. I’ll get over it. Maybe not completely, but I…” He bit his lip. “When it comes to our marriage, until certain events … it seemed like we were always on our honeymoon.”

“Does that mean you still —”

“Yes, silly. I still love you.”

“You can understand, though, why I’m asking, right?” [Read more…] about Whatever It Takes

Filed Under: Short Stories Tagged With: amwriting, gay fiction, short story, story, thriller

Are You Ready for the Truth?

June 2, 2021 by Marcus 3 Comments

are you ready for the truthA continuation of “The Game Changer”

“I don’t…” Brian swallowed hard. “I don’t understand what’s going on here.”

“Adam Clarke isn’t your real father,” Julia said ruefully. “Your mother had you a year before she met Adam. When they married, he adopted you and changed your name. But your mother never told him who your real father was.”

Michael placed his hand on Brian’s thigh. “What does this have to do with Excelsior?”

“It has more to do with the people involved with Excelsior.” Julia sipped her wine. “In Brian’s case, one person. James Coburg. You’ve heard of him, right?” [Read more…] about Are You Ready for the Truth?

Filed Under: Short Stories Tagged With: amwriting, gay fiction, short story, thriller

Father Daughter … Son

January 24, 2021 by Marcus 2 Comments

“Why am I here?” Ian glanced at his watch. “It’s been a goddamn waste of time.”

Karen swatted her brother’s arm. “Language. You’re in church, not on Third Street turning a trick.”

Ian bristled. “I haven’t turned a trick in nine years. And for the record, we’re in the refectory.” When his sister’s mouth dropped open, he added, “God, you’re gullible.”

“You know…” Karen stepped in front of Ian and blocked him from moving away. “This is an important day, and it would be nice to get through it without any drama. So, behave…and watch your language.”

“Bite me!” Ian turned slightly away and surveyed the room. Why was he here? Why had he stayed? Now was the time to cut and run until he saw the woman wearing an obnoxious, wide brim black hat coming towards them. [Read more…] about Father Daughter … Son

Filed Under: Short Stories Tagged With: amwriting, family drama, father and son, short story

Push Yourself to Go Higher

February 20, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Every day is an opportunity to become the best version of ourselves, to push yourself to go higher. If I’m at home in Toronto, that means getting out for a long run — as long as it’s not -20°C or colder, and I’m not fighting a cold. That means, on the days I don’t ‘feel like’ writing, I show up anyway and do the work. That means that if I’m the recipient of rudeness, intolerance or impatience, I act with love and acceptance towards that person and, still, wish them goodwill.

Every day — with grace, patience and courage — I push myself to go higher.

Don’t Let Fear Stop You

push yourself to go higherLast summer, I attended a weekly workout group called Move Strong Toronto. The Monday evening sessions began with a warm-up run, followed by a 45-minute bodyweight workout, then a post-workout run. Although I’m a runner, I have no core body strength to speak of, and zero flexibility. So, midway through the sessions, I wanted to cry. I couldn’t do it, couldn’t keep up. I’d failed.

Then one Monday last November, following my crazy morning routine at the time, I was out of bed that morning at 3:30, at my desk writing a few minutes later, then out the door for a run at 5:30. By 9:00, it was decided: I wasn’t going to the Move Strong Toronto workout that evening, which started at 18:45. As a morning person, I’ve always struggled with late-afternoon or evening exercise. Not being able to attend the session regularly either, due to my work schedule, I didn’t know the other participants and felt awkward around them. Why not just stay home and watch TV? The excuses not to go kept piling up.

Maybe it was all the noise the plumber made working to clear the kitchen sink’s blocked drain, but around 16:30 something snapped. I had to go. Why? Sometimes you know you must step out of your comfort zone to push yourself to go higher. For me, this was one of those times.

Arriving at RYU Apparel, Move Strong Toronto’s winter meet-up location, I was the oldest person in the room. As the workout began, it became oh so clear just how much I struggled. It was hard not to be intimidated by the younger, firmer, more flexible athletes in the room. They made it look so easy. I had to rest while everyone else continued, or when my arms and legs felt weak. And yet, when I didn’t think I could do it … I pushed on. There I was a beginner. But if I showed up and kept putting in the time, I’d get better.

That’s how you push yourself to go higher.

Let it be Your Mantra

I’m a writer. Maybe you’re a dancer, an entrepreneur, a social worker. It doesn’t matter. Push yourself to go higher is about being bold enough, daring enough, to do more and to be better. Every day. It gives us an opportunity to hone our skills and develop new ones.

More importantly, it allows us to not miss the present moment and become who we really are.

Do you push yourself to go higher? How has it changed your life? Click Reply or leave a comment in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.

Filed Under: Writing Life Tagged With: amwriting, focus, procrastination, writer's block, writing, writing life

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