Websites For Writers

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Surfing the web for meaningful information can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know where to go in the first place. Once the correct website is located, navigating through all of the mumbo-jumbo, pop-ups, sidebars, and just plain poor engineering can be just as frustrating as the search itself. What can a writer do to make their websites more enjoyable for visitors while keeping their creativity in tact? Simplicity is still the best way to design a website. Simple does not have to be void of information or creativity - not at all. In fact, if designed effectively, a simple website can be packed full of information in an easy to maneuver, uncluttered screen, that allows the user to feel as if they have control over the information they wish to choose from, quickly and with less hassle. Well-designed websites have: 1. Pleasing colors without a lot of activity on the screen (music, bubbles, flying things, floating cursors). 2. Limited sound if any. If you have to have music, make it soothing and low volume, but remember, not everyone has high-speed internet connections and may have difficulties loading wave files and large photo files. 3. Easy navigation tools. Have your links easily seen and clearly identified where they will lead your visitor. Don't make them guess which link to click to get where they want to go. They may end up frustrated and leave your site. 4. Fully functioning links on every page. Test them often and don't forget to update them when you make changes to your web and/or email accounts. Below I have listed some of my favorite websites for writers. These are easy to navigate and provide a plethora of good solid information. A few of them have been highlighted in Writer's Digest and on other writer's websites as terrific resources. I am sure you will find them as valuable I as do. Don't forget to bookmark each one. www.writermag.com - The Writer Magazine is a wonderful publication that has put together a terrific website featuring market listings, writing groups, and agent and publisher information with links. Chock full of information. www.naww.org - The National Association of Women Writers are a great group of women to have behind you. As a member, you are provided access to mentoring programs, access to their new ebook library, are able to participate in regional chapters and events, and seek free industry-related legal advice. www.authorlink.com - This site is ranked by Google as one of the top publishing sites around. www.authorlink.com brings publishers, agents, and serious writers together and offers an impressive database full of valuable information and links for all writers. Don't miss this one! www.stickyourneckout.com - Is an interesting site that is very well done. Its main purpose is to showcase writers and artists of all genres. You'll find humor, opinions, poetry, short stories, up-to-date news headlines, and top stories on the latest in arts and literature. It is very pleasing to the eye and although full of information, very easy to navigate. www.writers-free-reference.com - Whatever you're looking for is there - somewhere. Make sure to click on the A to Z link, which lists everything in alphabetical order. It makes it a lot easier to find what you are looking for. You have to see it to believe it. copyright 2005 Kathy Nesselroad Resource Box-Kathy is a business professional, writer, and published poet – 67 Pieces of My Heart (Dec. 04) and Renderings, Words on Canvas (Aug. 05). She has written several short stories, editorials and essays, and publishes an online newsletter, Dark Iris – Writer's Block, each month from her website Dark Iris Email her at kathy@darkiris.com