10 Necessary Elements of an Author Website

Thursday, 2 January 2014

Here's one of my agenting secrets: If a query catches my interest and a website link is included in the signature, I will click on the link. There are certain things I expect to see on an author website and other things that add to the experience. Whether you're building a website from scratch or are planning to update a current one, here is a quick checklist of ten necessary elements for an author website.

Professional Photo

The photo on your website should be a step above an Instagram selfie. A first impression is still a first impression - even if it's online. If you don't want to pay a photographer to take professional head shots, it's easy to emulate the process at home. (Check out this blog post for some tips.)

Two Bios

A bio is a crucial part of an author website. Two bios is even better than one. Write a short bio with only the most important information. Then, write an even longer bio for those of us who are too curious for our own good and need to know everything.

Book Information

As an agent, this is the section of your website that I'm most interested in. Make sure you include brief descriptions of your completed manuscripts (and maybe even your work-in-progress). This is an easy way for agents to know what you're working on (especially if you write different genres and/or categories). Having book information on your website is also a great idea to entice potential readers early on. If you're already published, then you'll want to include links to where your book(s) can be purchased.

Contact Information

This is so important and often overlooked. Always include an email address that you check on a regular basis. A contact page is also a great place to include the name and contact information of your literary agent (if you already have one).

Publicity Page

This is where you can link to interviews, guest blog posts, or any other type of publicity you've taken part in. It's an excellent catch-all page to promote your smaller work.

Events Calendar

If you're a social butterfly, let people know what events you'll be attending. Listing conferences and other writing events shows that you are dedicated, willing to learn, and eager to network with others in the industry.

Social Media Links

I think it's safe to assume that one of the reasons you have an author website in the first place is because you want to promote your work. Having easy links to your social media accounts encourages potential readers to follow you whichever way is easiest for them.

Simple Design

Don't let yourself get too wrapped up in the design of your website. Clean and simple is best. Let the content shine through.

Recent Blog Posts

If you're going to have a blog attached to your website, make sure it is updated on a regular basis. There's nothing worse than clicking on a blog link only to see that it hasn't been updated in fourteen months. It's best not to blog at all than to only write a post once a year.

Something For Your Readers

Remember that it won't only be industry folks visiting your website. You get digital bonus points for having something special for your readers. It's up to you to be creative and decide what you have to offer.

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Writing Advice From... Britney Spears

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Say hello to the girl that I am

You're gonna have to see through my perspective

I need to make mistakes just to learn who I am

("Overprotected" from Britney)

It can take a really long time to find your place in the writing world. Most writers excel at one genre or another and sometimes you need to make mistakes - and try out different things - before you discover just what your perspective is.

In one ear and out the other

I don’t need you

Your words don’t stick

I ain’t perfect, but you ain’t either

(“Kill the Lights” from Circus)

Always, always, always ignore negative reviews. Learn how to accept constructive criticism and brush away slander.

Stronger than yesterday

Now it’s nothing but my way

(“Stronger” from Oops!… I Did It Again)

It’s important to take a step away from your work before editing. Forget about the words you wrote and return to your manuscript at a later time. That chapter will certainly be stronger than yesterday.

Your body language says so much

Yeah, I feel it in the way you touch

(“Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know” from Oops!… I Did It Again)

Don’t forget about body language. Dialogue and narration can only carry so much plot. Remember that your characters’ actions can say a lot about personality and motivation.

This ain’t no foolishness or f*ckery

I’m handling my business

(“Hot As Ice” from Blackout)

Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not really a writer. If you write words down on a page, then you have every right to call yourself a writer. You know your ambitions and you know why you do what you do. The amount of money in your pocket is no indication of your worth.

***
Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.

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What is Magical Realism?

Friday, 29 November 2013

Too often I receive queries for science fiction or fantasy manuscripts because of my interest in magical realism. Magical (or magic) realism is not an umbrella term for speculative fiction. The genre is much more specific than the broad definitions of science fiction and fantasy. While elements of scifi or fantasy may be incorporated into the "magical" aspect of a magic realism story, a manuscript rooted in science fiction or fantasy traditions is not a magical realism novel.

Magical

In magical realism, the magic elements are a natural part of the world. The magic in the manuscript is often strange (it doesn't seem to fit in with the world as we know it), but it is accepted in the story. Excellent magic realism uses magic without making you think about it - the magic is seamlessly integrated with the real world.

Realism

Magical realism stories take place in a realistic setting. This usually means that the book is based in the "real world" rather than a fantasy land. Aside from the magical element, the plot is realistic and believable. The characters in magic realism stories are also very realistic and deal with everyday issues.

Magical realism is very much so an aesthetic style. There's a poetic nature to the prose. Not only is there a magical element in the plot, but there's also a magical element to the writing. The definition I like most to explain magical realism stories is: a literary genre in which realistic narrative is combined with surreal elements. This simple definition, taking into consideration the explanations of "magical" and "realism" above, are a good starting point when deciding if a story in fact belongs to this genre.

Even with this definition, everyone has his/her own opinion on what novels are considered magical realism or speculative fiction. There's a very fine line separating stories from magical realism and the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Some novels that can be considered magical realism are: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen, Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer, Big Fish by Daniel Wallace, Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan, The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

Share your magical realism book recommendations in the comments!

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Writing Advice From... Taylor Swift

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

It's 2 am and I'm cursing your name
So in love that you act insane
("The Way I Loved You" from Fearless)

A writer needs to have a tumultuous relationship with a manuscript. If you don't occasionally yell at your characters or threaten to throw your laptop across the room, then you're probably not as passionate about your work as you should be.

We're happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time
It's miserable and magical
Tonight's the night when we forget about the deadlines
("22" from Red)

Sometimes you need to take a break. If there are deadlines looming and, like Taylor Swift, you can't figure out what emotion you're feeling then take a step back. Buy a bottle of wine. Watch your favourite movie. Spend a night out on the town ( I'm pretty sure that's what the cool kids say these days...). Do anything but work on your story and it's pretty much guaranteed that your writing will be a lot better the next day.

The stakes are high
The water's rough
("Ours" from Speak Now)

Writing ain't easy. Know what you're getting into before you truly commit. Whether you dream of traditional publishing or self publishing, be honest with yourself about what those paths require from you. There are a lot of books out there.

I remember when we broke up (the first time)
Saying this is it, I've had enough
("We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" from Red)

If you've abandoned a work-in-progress, make sure you evaluate why you stopped writing it in the first place before you start working on it again. Some ideas aren't meant to be books - and that's okay.

They never saw it coming
You hit the ground running
And now you're on to something
("Sweeter Than Fiction" from the One Chance soundtrack)

Writers like to socialize. Usually on social media, from the comfort of home, because writing is a solitary thing. Be really careful about what you blog or tweet or share with other writers. You don't want to give away all your secrets or share everything about your journey from struggling query writer to published author. Surprise the world with your talent.

***

Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.

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Writing Advice From... Queen

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies

Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity

("Don't Stop Me Now" from Jazz)

A writer needs to have confidence. You don't have to be extroverted or comfortable with being the center of attention. However, you do have to be confident in your work. You need to love your story in order for other people to love your story.

I've been with you such a long time

You're my sunshine

And I want you to know

My feelings are true

I really love you

("You're My Best Friend" from A Night at the Opera)

If this is how you feel about your book, then take a step back. Not because you're crazy, but because you need to be able to edit those words you love so much. You need to make cuts. You need to tear it apart. And also, you're probably crazy.

Is this the real life?

Is this just fantasy?

("Bohemian Rhapsody" from A Night at the Opera)

You need to absolutely know your genre. If you think you're writing a fantasy novel, then make sure it really is a fantasy novel. The best way to know your genre? Read other books in that genre. Not only will knowing your genre help tremendously when you're ready to submit your novel to agents and/or publishers, but it will also help you decide what is really important to your story. 

Each morning I get up

I die a little

Can barely stand on my feet

("Somebody to Love" from A Day at the Races)

Writing takes a lot of dedication. You'll be tired. You'll want to give up. Be prepared for your social life to disappear (especially when you put yourself on a deadline) and be prepared to make very little money as you spend countless hours in a coffee shop trying to write that one perfect sentence. Hemingway lived off of a diet of wine, so you'll probably want to stock up on ramen noodles. 

We are the champions, my friend

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end

("We Are the Champions" from News of the World)

Remember that you can't give up. As difficult as things may be (see the previous lyrics), there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your book. Even though people like to think differently, not everyone can write a book. If you've written a sentence a chapter, or - go you - an entire novel, you have so much to be proud of. 

***
Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.

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