According to Duane Scott’s instructions for “Pleasantly Disturbed Thursdays,” blog posts are supposed to be about random thoughts that may or may not connect. Since I’ve been up since two a.m., I’m not guaranteeing a connection.
I don’t know why I got up at two, other than the fact that my brain kicked in. I woke up worried that I won’t be able to sell my novel when it comes out because I’m not sure I can market it effectively, and I may as well quit writing because if I can’t market my books, I’m wasting my time–and money. I’ve spent quite a bit on a new computer and printer, two ACFW trips (one of which I didn’t get to go on and the other hasn’t happened yet), and how-to books–tons of writing-related stuff that may as well sit on the shelf because according to my groggy brain, I won’t be able to market my book.
Besides I like editing better. Or so I told myself as the clock registered 2:30. But that thought reminded me that I have two editing jobs, three submissions, and one critique that I’m behind on becauseĀ my head can’t decide whether I need to quit writing, and I’ve spent the past three days trying to get back into my WIP, which is driving me nuts because it’s a wonderful idea that stalled and I can’t kick it back into gear. It’s been that way for months, so really, why don’t I just go ahead and hit the delete button and sell the ol’ junker for scrap metal?
See how my mind works in the wee hours of the morning? Fast, furious, nonsensical, and negative thoughts rammed together in run-on sentences. And I call myself a professional. Hmph!
Have you ever watched Chopped on the Food Network? It’s a contest among four chefs in which each round holds a mystery basket of ingredients they’re supposed to make into an appetizer, an entree, or a dessert. After each round, one of the chefs gets “chopped” if his food doesn’t please a panel of judges. The mystery basket holds some of the most bizarre ingredients known to man. One time, the chefs had to make an entree out of octopus, duck, and animal crackers.
Ew.
But Chopped shows how my mind is when I wake up some ridiculous time during the night. A mystery basket that opens on its own and reveals a series of thoughts that just don’t go well together–and if dwelt upon for long would cause indigestion.
I must be waking up a bit, because my random thoughts are making a connection.
Several years into it, and this blog still refuses to be categorized. It's eclectic and includes everything from writing posts to snippets from my ordinary life. 
Linda W. Yezak 
Ha! Too funny. My mind does that past about 11 pm. I am such a morning person. I would rather be up at 3 am and writing than any other time of day. I just think better then.
Good luck with the book. You are going to do great marketing it.
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Me too, Chris. I’d rather get up at one and start writing than stay up writing until one. Of course, the hazard is that I’m forever falling asleep before I find out “whodunit” or whether the “Chopped” contestant I liked won!
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Ugh. Lying awake in bed and two in the morning doesn’t sound like much fun. Better take a nap today, girlfriend! As for writing vs. editing, you *are* a fantastic editor. But, as long as you can still find enjoyment in writing, don’t give it up!
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A nap sounds like heaven, and I just might follow your advice. Thanks for the vote of confidence in my editing abilities. You’re a gem!!!
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Octopus, duck and animal crackers? Was it for dessert too? No I really AM disturbed!
Grat addition to the fun today!
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Hey, Firefly! I just read your blog about cinnamon toast for breakfast, but for some reason, Blogger won’t let me post a comment. I’ll try again, though.
Fortunately, the basket was just for the entree–I couldn’t imagine octopus for dessert!!!
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And I thought I was the only one with thoughts that sound like they went through a food processor!
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LOL, Jay! Your comment is so appropriate to this post! And, no, you’re definitely not the only one . . .
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I swear, I did not read this before I had my early morning dream of you with a chop knife! Scary.
Speaking of chopping–looks like you chopped me out of your CW blogroll. š
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Your new blog is on the blogroll, but it should be in with the devotional blogs. Are you a member of the Blog Chain? I need to put you there if you are!
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I fixed it–you’re with the devotional blogs now. š
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