Over Sleeping and a Moment of Panic

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways." — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

So... Dakota woke me at 2:45 a.m. -- pretty typical. I took her out, and then we both flopped onto the couch for some more zzzz's. I figured the coffee pot would wake me up when it went off at 4:30 a.m.

I woke up a little while later, awake but lazy. Didn't feel like getting off the couch. I vegged. I patted the cat, who was asleep on my chest, I scritched the dog and waited for the coffee pot to start.

And waited. And waited.

And... I thought--it can't be that early. I wonder what time it is? I finally got my lazy self off the couch and looked at the oven clock.

5:30!!!

ACK!!!

I raced around, turned on the coffee (I'd forgotten to put it on timer last night, DUH), fed the pets, stoked the wood stove and worked on getting pages up (LATE!!!) for The Long and the Short of It.

Then, I had to do some other website business.

Then I came here.

Sorry I'm late.

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Jen and I are challenging each other to complete our respective mystery novels. We're both at about the same number of words, and both think we can get the first draft done by the end of February. So, I'll post my word count ticker on the sidebar, and you can watch it grow (it had BETTER grow!).

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I realized this morning, in a panic, that it's nearly February. I *think* "One Love For Liv" is coming out in Feb. With all the cover bru-ha-ha, I'm not sure, and I haven't gotten a firm release date from my editor (note to self: email editor). But GAH! That's so soon. I'm NOT READY.

So... I want to set up a virtual tour on the internet. Thirty fun-filled days of promoting my book. Who wants to have me on their blog or website for a day? I can confirm dates once I get my release date... I will do my best to say something witty. Or, even better, YOU can ask ME questions!! Short of politics and religion, there is very little I won't talk about.

Either leave me a comment or send me an email to marianne(AT)mariannearkins(DOT)com.

Thanks!!!

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Today's random quiz:

You Have Your Sarcastic Moments

While you're not sarcastic at all times, you definitely have a cynical edge. In your opinion, not all people are annoying. Some are dead! And although you do have your genuine moments, you can't help getting your zingers in. Some people might be a little hurt by your sarcasm, but it's more likely they think you're hilarious.

How Sarcastic Are You?