If you are reading this, you have found my new website. Over the last several years I've tried various ways to have one, and this is the latest iteration. So far this one is the easiest.
Part of the motivation for a new site was the inclusion of a newsletter. I don't know if I need one, but I know I'm supposed to have one, so I can procrasticate no longer. I'm not sure how long it will take me to get it out there, but know that it's coming.
I would be lying if I didn't mention as another motivation the unsolicited review of my former website by an outfit I'd never heard of, probably hoping I'd hire them to make my life better in the eyes of readers. They, whoever they are, sent me a list of my website weaknesses: no newsletter (the very first one), no clear platform, too academic looking, no pizzaz or romance in the story, no group blog (so?), and poor sales (I sold nothing from the site). Depressing but accurate. Except that I really liked the photos I posted, and that was partly why I had that site. Nevertheless, I hung onto the review, considered its value, and here I am.
In 1985 my husband brought home a Compaq computer (anyone remember those?). I had just signed my first book contract and had lots of material to type into a manuscript. The home computer was new, and it was so complicated to turn on (boot up) that I had to call my husband at work and ask him what to do. He walked me through it—every morning. I grew so frustrated with the machine that I finally "threw" it off my desk and went back to typing the book. And now here I am, along with millions of other low-tech folk, setting up and managing my own website.
If the Universe is kind and fair (I like to think), this will be the first in a new series of posts and a more active website. As I often say, more to come.