Writing Off the Grid

The 15-Letter Expletive

February 23, 2023 by Marcus Leave a Comment

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

It’s All About Action

February 9, 2023 by Marcus Leave a Comment

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…?

February 2, 2023 by Marcus Leave a Comment

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…?

The Inner Circle

February 1, 2023 by Marcus 1 Comment

inner circle

This is a continuation of ‘Surrender‘

At the knock on his office door, Michael looked up from the folder on is desk. “Yes, Derrick?”

Derrick adjusted his silver-framed glasses on his conical nose. “Mr. Warren is here.”

“Please, send him in.” Michael closed the folder and moved from behind his desk, greeting the man in the navy suit in the middle of the room. “Thanks for coming, Josh,” he said as they shook hands. After the door to his office closed, he gestured Josh to sit. “Would you like a coffee or a water?”

“I’d love a coffee,” Josh said, unbuttoning his suit jacket as he dropped onto the cozy black leather sofa.

Michael crossed to the coffeemaker on the credenza behind his desk and poured two cups. He then made himself comfortable on the matching sofa opposite Josh, handing him the other mug. “You didn’t have to dress up.”

“I thought meeting the new Agency director merited a suit.” Josh simulated a toast as he brought the mug to his pinkish lips. “I hear you’re the youngest person to hold the position.” [Read more…] about The Inner Circle