Because I don’t have anything else to do….

Here’s a question for you lovely readers – I’m having a debate with myself. (This is far more involved than you may think. lol)

I’m not in love with my blog header/website design. I’m thinking about redoing it. Weebly has some great layouts, and I can modify to my heart’s content. But I’m trying to decide whether to go dark, or light. And what exactly to put on that main page.

Right now I can’t afford a true website with design and everything. Someday, when I win the lottery or hit the book sale win, maybe. But for now, I love the weebly site. I just want a change.

So which do you think?

What things do you LOVE in author websites? Wish they had?

What things make you CRAZY? (I can promise you, there will never be an autoplay sound bite. I HATE those things!)

What will make you automatically love them/take a look at their work?

Thanks for the help, everyone I do appreciate it. Spread the word, too. Even if you’ve never read my work, I still want to know what you think of author websites in general.

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About Vanessa

I am a middle grade and young adult author, represented by Jennifer Mishler and Frances Black of Literary Counsel. I teach high school technology education in rural Virginia and am the slave to one cat, Molly. I spend all my free time writing. I am actively involved in the YA Fiction Fanatics critique group, which is dedicated to helping its members produce the best MG and YA novels they can write. I’m also a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). When not writing, I’m reading, and an avid movie fan. I also love long walks on the beach discussing Shakespeare while sipping large fruity drinks with little umbrellas.

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3 Responses to Because I don’t have anything else to do….

karcherry says:

January 18, 2013 at 7:18 pm

Good questions! (Ones I still haven’t answered for myself…) But in an author website I think I like to see a bio, maybe an interview, of course a list of your work… I hate the dreaded sound file when you load the page too! As far as paying for a website and all that… I wonder if you can do a free site but upload some of your own graphics to personalize it and make it your own? Maybe you’ve got a flair with Photoshop or know a gifted student who could put together some stuff? Or some favorite photos you’ve taken that could be cropped just right, for a creative look? You probably thought of all that…Just thinking out loud, I’m a bad one to talk when I procrastinate about these things myself. Good luck Vanessa!

- Vanessa says:
  
  January 20, 2013 at 2:20 pm
  
  I appreciate the suggestions. I can upload my own photos… but I’m having trouble deciding which ones! Hopefully I’ll decide on something this week. But thanks for the suggestions – I definitely can use them!
  
tracikenworth says:

January 24, 2013 at 2:10 am

I had the dark on my website and switched to lighter. My readers love it better. It’s easier to read and looks much more organized. But have fun with it, it’s all about you and your style. Good luck!!