Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.
Optional Monthly Question: What turns you off when visiting an author’s website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author’s books? Constant mention of books?
For me, it comes down to a lack of information and little to no interaction. If I have to look too hard to find out anything about an author, I’ve moved on. So many authors I’ve interviewed over the years have had this problem. If I hadn’t been doing my due diligence to learn about them ahead of time, I wouldn’t have bothered. When I go to an author’s website, I want to know who they are, what they write, and how to connect with them if I so choose. I hope I’ve done these things on my own site so, please, if I haven’t, halla back! I need to know so I can rectify it.
I’ve also posted this response to my social media accounts. I’d love to see you over at Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.
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I was hoping to announce my grand plans for the quiet release I’m planning for the book I did about my dog, but I’ve had some health issues that put everything on the back burner. I’m giving myself grace and acting with compassion to not beat myself up about this. I think I’d like to do a fun giveaway and invite other authors, bloggers, or even just pet fans to participate. I’m hoping to do something fun and pressure-free where people get to share stories about their pet for a chance to win… something that I have in mind but haven’t decided on yet. Also, I’m hoping to send out some ARC copies, print and digital, to help gain some reviews. Like I said, this is going to be a quiet release- no major promo. I’m mainly just doing this to honor my dog before she crosses the rainbow bridge. So, hopefully, next month I’ll be better prepared with real details.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
Health issues- check.
Server and hosting issues- check.
Time limitations and demands of everyday life- check.
I hope to have more and better updates next month. In the meantime, I did manage to post three vlogs in January. I hope to post the last previously planned vlog this month, along with the others planned for this month, but since I’m already behind schedule, I’m not going to stress it.
Click to see my reading vlog- https://youtu.be/N0g3kHcyrsw
Click to see my food vlog- https://youtu.be/EFZpn4Rh814
Click to see my writing vlog- https://youtu.be/41k6reFNO8E or watch below.
I hope to have the missing lifestyle vlog out soon.
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What turns you off or on about an author’s website/blog?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.
My response time has gotten slower but I’m still making my rounds.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Janet Alcorn,
SE White,
Victoria Marie Lees, and
Cathrina Constantine!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #27).
Did you know you can join my community for FREE over at Patreon to receive a monthly update on the creative projects I’m working on? I tell you the truth, it’s better than a newsletter!
Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.
15 replies on “#IWSG Feb. 2024- Author Website Turn-offs!”
A bio with contact info, social sites, and head shot is a must on an author’s website.
Yes, I agree. It bothers me how many authors don’t have an image of themselves or at least a logo or avatar that represents them.
“I want to know who they are, what they write, and how to connect with them” – sounds like an excellent formula for a solid author website.
I’m sorry you’ve been having health issues. Good for you for giving yourself grace (something many of us should do more of), and I hope you feel better very soon!
Your new book looks wonderful. What a cool way to honor your dog.
Thank you. It took me a long time to do since I’m not a trained illustrator, but I think my lack of skill shows how much a labor of love this project really is.
I can still help with promo if you need it!
Thanks. As soon as I make a full recovery, I’ll be reaching out.
So sorry to hear you are not 100%. Please know that I will pray for you. Giving yourself grace, this is something I need to allow myself once in a while too.
Yes, websites should show whose site it is. A photo is a great idea, but tell visitors who you are and what you do. I enjoyed your video. Stay strong!
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. I’ve had a bit of a relapse but I’m still moving forward.
Excellent checklist on what to do! Having no clue of who an author is or how to connect with them is definitely a turn off to me, too. Good luck with your new release!
Thanks. I hope to start promoting it after I recover from my current ailment.
I like the question this month — I’m learning some great ways to spruce up my blog. I knew I needed some improvements, and now I have some to work on!
And great to see you are also Vlogging — wish I could do that!
Yes, it’s good to get tips from these monthly questions. Vlogging is harder than I expected, but I think it’s the direction I’m heading.
Wow, you’ve gotten a lot done! You can count on me for the release about Margie’s book when you’re ready — you have my email address 🙂 I agree about the things that an author website should have.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Ronel’s Top Ten Indie Publishing Tips
I hope your health issues resolve soon. When I used to book authors for live appearances, it was frustrating to see how few had any information up, so I try to at least update my press kit on my website regularly.
Yes, I try to keep my information up to date as well.