What do you like to see when you visit an author's website?

It's Black History Month, and it's also time to take a look at the Insecure Writer's Support Group. This is a monthly blog fest that I participate in that was started over a decade ago by highly successful Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can sign-up for the blog fest if you follow this link HERE. With that out of the way, I shall now explain a little about what this blog fest is, so you can determine if you want to join (should you find your way to this blog via the internet). 

What is the purpose of the IWSG?: It is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.

When does everyone post?: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. This is when you can post your thoughts on your own blog. Or if you'd like you can talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. You could discuss your struggles and triumphs or offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling.

How do you network with other writers?: You visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog. Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back. Think of it as leaving breadcrumbs in a maze for others to follow.

Is there a motto?: Yes! It is "Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!"

Is the IWSG on "X", the social media platform formerly known as Twitter?: Yes! The X(Twitter) handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag one is encouraged to use is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 7th posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, SE White, Victoria Marie Lees, and Cathrina Constantine!

Every month, the IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt one to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. If you decide to answer, you should include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

But always remember, the question is optional.

February 7th 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?

I think that the number one thing I like when I visit an author's website is content. So, if there's a blog, I'll read it. If there's art to look at, I'll click on those. If there's a recommended reading order for multiple books, I will definitely page through those and often bookmark them. Author websites have been places where I find all of the above. Additionally, it's a good place to go for Kickstarter information and for updates on Kickstarters that have been run in the past. I also like to check to see if authors are making an appearance near me, or if they have something going on in their lives that I feel like I want to know. I checked George R.R. Martin's blog recently and discovered on January 29th he was feeling really depressed about the current state of affairs in the United States and the world. That was worth reading, even if it was a huge debbie downer. You might ask, does anything turn you off? I think just lack of content. Some authors like to have super clean websites kinda like the Google search page. There are no links, there's no blog, there's no news, there's nothing but a list of books. I usually don't ever return to those pages. Why bother, I can find that on Amazon.

And that's about it. Thanks for visiting and participating in the Insecure Writer's Support Group, February 2024 edition. On Friday, I'll talk about Percy Jackson on Disney+ and examine how kids these days seem to want to be latchkey kids as long as all of that alone time is filled with exciting stuff to do. If only that was the reality of actually being a latchkey kid (I was one).