Goodness that Starts with B

Birthday Goodness:

E just turned three and we celebrated with my parents and sister with Thomas the Train inspired goodies. It was so much fun! He loved blowing out the candles, eating his cake with a spoon and his ice cream with a fork (simultaneously), opening his presents, and playing with his Thomas balloons and party hat.  Little A had fun with the party hats and balloons too!

Blogging Goodness:

I spent about two hours finally getting around to what I've been wanting to do with the blog since March.  Check out the side bar and the first person to comment with the difference wins one of these virtual cupcakes, in honor of the b-day festitivies.  Don't worry, this kind won't go straight to your thighs. ;)

Bible Study Goodness:

I have officially put my YA manuscript aside for a while.  It needs a lot more revision which I don't have time for right now.  But I can't put my writing completely aside: I'm writing a Bible study on spiritual victory that I'm very excited about.  Whenever I put it aside for too long, I run across someone else in my life that tells me something they're struggling with.  They have no idea I'm writing a Bible study that addresses the very theme they're sharing with me, and it reminds me this is a message that needs to be written.  So, I'm currently working on it once or twice a week and loving every minute of it.

Life is good.  Busy, stressful at times, but oh so very good.

Totally Random Post

Plotting or Pantsing?
I've read many a post and article on this subject.  I'm normally a pantser. I have no idea where this blog post is going from here, I'm just typing and hoping it'll make sense.  That's what I did with my manuscript, and I think that's why it took me 3 years to write.  I spent two years just revising and editing because I'd realize I was going in the wrong direction or had huge plot holes.  And the reason it took me a whole year to write is simply because I'd get writer's block.  A lot.

So, I've decided maybe I should write my next manuscript with an outline in mind.  But the question is, what tools do you recommend for doing that?  Books?  Websites?  I've heard people rave about The Snowflake Method.  Anyone got any advice for a non-plotter like me?

Best way to print a manuscript?
In other news, I got a request from an agent to read my manuscript!  Whoo hoo!  She's requested a mailed copy.  The hubster is thinking I should get it printed at Kinkos since our ink isn't exactly cheap and we don't want to have to worry about the wear and tear on our printer.  But I'm thinking that will cost me a good $30 and a trip with a toddler and a pregnant belly, in addition to a trip to the post office.  So, what do you recommend is the best way to print a manuscript?  Do you use your own printer or another source for printing 206 pages?

Cool news:
And I just thought I'd share the latest update with my blogging friends.  Baby number two is another boy!  So excited my little monkey will have a playmate to share his toys and clothes with. :)


So anyway, I told you this post was random.  Maybe that's the problem with pantsing.  In case you can't tell, I can really use your advice! :)