Jessie: In New Hampshire where the apples are ripe and the nights are chilly.
Recently I posed a question on social media asking what readers look for in author websites. Or if they looked at author websites at all. The response was surprisingly generous and specific. Commenters mentioned looking for lists of book series in order. They want to know about research. They are interested in upcoming releases. They mentioned behind the scenes looks at the writing process and the writing life. They said, in normal times, that they check aiuthor websites for events and appearances.
It was fascintating and a little intimidating. You see, I asked the question because I am in the process of working with a web designer to overhaul my own website and I wanted to know what it was that would be of benefit to those people who go looking for what I put out into the world wide web.
Armed with reader suggestions and a questionnaire from the web designer I began thinking about all the things to include as well as what to leave out. I am not at all sure I am anywhere near done. Between the content for each page, the links, reviews, book covers and art choices for the overall look there is a lot to consider. It is fun to plan but it is also a decently sized undertaking and I want to be sure to have it satisfy and last for some time to come. Because as much as I try to enjoy anything I set out to do, I really am eager to get back to my latest novel-in-progress!
So readers, do you visit author websites? If so, what are you hoping to encounter if you do? I have one ARC for the next Beryl and Edwina mystery, Murder Comes to Call, for a randomly chosen commenter.