Marcus Lopés

LGTBQIA2S+ Author, Blogger, Runner

writing life

It Really Does Begin with WHY

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why

Since 23 January 2023, I’ve been [more] intentional about how I start my day, intentional about the things I do and don’t do. My frustration with the lack of progress in certain areas of my life had been palpable for months. Still, I found it hard to change some habits that were, undoubtedly, the source of that frustration. I’d been wasting too much time streaming movies and TV shows, and on certain—not all—social media apps that didn’t provide value. All because I had lost sight of my why. [Read more…] about It Really Does Begin with WHY

The 15-Letter Expletive

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 15-letter expletive

It happens to us all. We tell ourselves we’re going to sit down and start the book we’ve always wanted to write. Or we’re going to organize our receipts ahead of filing our taxes so that we’re not doing it at the last minute. Or maybe we’re determined to cut out those sugary after-dinner treats, but devour half a bag of Oreos instead and say, “I’ll start tomorrow.” Those are, my dear friends, a few examples that stem from a 15-letter expletive I want us to—as much as humanly possible—learn to manage than try to eliminate altogether: procrastination. [Read more…] about The 15-Letter Expletive

What’s Wrong with Me?

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what's wrong with me

What’s wrong with me? The question itself raises enough red flags that I already know people will be reaching out to ask if I’m okay. Let me reassure you all, first and foremost, that I’m fine. But in this post-pandemic world, I’m curious to know if others—especially introverts—might be experiencing the same thing: greater resistance to participating in social activities. [Read more…] about What’s Wrong with Me?

It’s All About Action

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actions speak louder than words

As the saying goes: actions speak louder than words.

How many times do thoughts pass through your head, but you never take any action? I need to write my book marketing plan. But the thought stays in your mental to-do list. Or, Tonight I’ll write this week’s blog post. Instead, you spend the evening scrolling through social media or streaming a series you’ve already watched five times. Or, Tomorrow morning I’m going to work out. Yet, you either hit the snooze but or decide to start the new workout regimen on Monday. [Read more…] about It’s All About Action

Panster, Plotter, or…?

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panster

Panster. Plotter. Democrat. Republican. Night owl. Morning person. Vegan. Pescatarian. It’s funny (or maybe not?) how we like to put labels on everything. Maybe it’s because labels let us fit in and feel like we’re part of a group. I’m not saying labels are a bad thing, but maybe our penchant to make sure everyone fits nicely into some box—whatever that box is—is. Growing up, and usually the only Black kid in the class, I certainly didn’t fit in. And I also didn’t belong to any group. Yet I digress…

As I started writing and found my voice, I still didn’t feel like I fitted in because it seemed like my writing didn’t fit squeaky clean into a specific genre. And while a lot of people find a ‘tribe,’ I’m still looking.

And if I had to label my writing style, am I a panster or a plotter? Hmm… [Read more…] about Panster, Plotter, or…?