Technology for Authors

“There are three kinds of death in this world. There's heart death, there's brain death, and there's being off the network.” - Guy Almes


You may be wondering why I haven’t blogged lately. I intended to say it’s because I’ve been a bit ‘under the weather.’ However, I decided I don’t really know what that adage means. And I have to wonder if it is even possible to be ‘under the weather’ when you live in sunny southwest Florida—especially at this time of the year. So I’ll just say during the past week or so, I felt the daily task of breathing in and out was about all I could handle. There were days when I didn’t even check my email. But now I’m feeling human again and ready to dive—no, make that—wade, back into writing and blogging.

Before I was ‘struck’ by complete inactivity, I attended the Florida Writers Association Conference on the 14th through the 16th and, as usual, enjoyed it immensely. Mingling with such creative and talented people is invigorating. This year, I concentrated on seminars that addressed the technology writers need to succeed rather than the how-to’s of writing. These sessions included information on what authors can do to improve their web sites to the marketing value of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

Now comes the difficult part of trying to apply what I learned. If my techie guru (also known as my husband, Kim) had gone to these seminars with me, I’m sure my web page and social network sites would have all kinds of new bells and whistles by now. However, since I was the one trying to absorb lectures that included terms like html’s, jpegs and dpi’s, I’m not sure how much practical information I absorbed. I’m hoping I soaked up enough to make enough sense out of my notes and remember the information long enough to tell Kim in a somewhat coherent manner, what I’d like to change/add to my web site. But, I’m not going to hold my breath as I haven’t looked at my notes since returning home.

I also need your help with my web site project. When you go to a web site, what are you hoping to find out about the author or their books? What keeps you going back? What turns you off completely? What information do you find helpful? Do you ever sign guest books or contact the individual by email? Do you respond to contests or other promotions? I’m looking forward to your responses and will keep you posted on any changes I decide to make.

During this holiday season, please keep in mind that books, such as The Ride, make great gifts.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Tags: The Ride, Almes, Florida Writers Association, facebook , twitter, Thanksgiving, holiday season