Instititute of Children's Literature

Rx for Writers

Transcripts

"A Writer's Web: Website Design for Authors" with Kelly McClymer.

Thursday, February 28, 2002

Moderator: is Kristi Holl, Web Editor for the Institute's web site. Kristi is author of 24 juvenile novels and 150+ articles and has taught writing at the Institute of Children's Literature for l5 years.

Kelly: is Kelly McClymer, author of four historical romances in the Once Upon a Wedding series for Zebra Ballad. After several years' experience working on her employer's website, she decided to design and maintain her own site as well.

Names color coded in blue are audience members who had questions.

Interviews are scheduled for Thursday evenings: 8 Eastern, 7 Central, 6 Mountain, and 5 Pacific.

Moderator: Good evening, everyone! Welcome to tonight's interview. I'm Kristi Holl, your moderator and the web editor for this site. I have with me Kelly McClymer who will be talking about "A Writer's Web: Website Design for Authors." Many of us--including me--want to put up a personal website, but we're overwhelmed by the idea. Tonight Kelly is going to simplify things for us with some nuts and bolts information on personal website design and maintenance. Welcome, Kelly!

Kelly: Hi!

Moderator: Kelly, how did you get started writing?

Kelly: To be honest, I can't remember when I wasn't writing! As the oldest of four girls, I was writer/director of many of the plays we forced our poor parents to watch.

Moderator: I enjoyed visiting your site at http://www.KellyMcClymer.com and I understand you designed and created it. What prompted you to try this?

Kelly: I had designed and maintained a website for my employer, and I thought it would be fun!

Moderator: What is the purpose for having an author website?

Kelly: There are many purposes. It depends on the author. I wanted to have a way to let readers know what I was up to and to reach those who didn't know about me from the bookstores. Some like to share with their readers. Some authors have so many interests they like to share them with others. Some are instructors at heart and want to teach others about what they write. But the biggest reason is promotion: reaching the readers.

SaraJ: If you're not published, would be it a good idea to use a personal website to show off your work, like an online resume or something?

Kelly: Good question, Sara. I can tell you, from my romance writing history, that some writers have made that editorial connection in such a way, but it is rare. On the other hand, if you have a page that already gets good traffic, you have ready-made buyers for the first book you sell.

Moderator: Does every writer need a personal website?

Kelly: Yes and no. I firmly believe that any presence on the web is a good thing for a writer. So a simple page for someone who doesn't want to get too involved in the intricacies of web design is fine. Those who do can get as elaborate as they have the time (or money). For writers who don't have a lot of shelf space at the bookstore, this is free, or relatively inexpensive, promotion.

SaraJ: If you have your own website, can you do your own newsletter if you want to (for advertising)?

Kelly: Newsletters are actually a separate issue, in my opinion. You can create a newsletter through e-mail or a listserv without having a website (not that I think you shouldn't have a site.)

Moderator: There are several steps involved in having a personal website to promote your writing career. First let's talk about design. How do you design your pages so they meet the goals or purpose you have set?

Kelly: The first thing to decide is who you want to visit your site. Readers? Other writers? People who read what you write? People who might be interested in an interest of yours? Good design actually requires simplicity, something we authors are not always good at. The other design element I found most difficult is limiting the text. On a website, a picture is definitely worth a thousand words, and one header is worth ten thousand. My advice (not always the way I do it, I confess) is to design on paper, and then decide how to transfer to the web. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish (more readers, more reader connection, sales from your site, instruction?), then design your site around your core goals.

Moderator: Are there any simple design rules that everyone should follow?

Kelly: Keep it simple. Don't overload the page, especially your main page (viewers seem to dislike having to scroll). Ensure your graphics are not too big (no one likes to wait for them to load completely). Make sure the most important thing on any page is the first thing a viewer sees. And remember, neatness counts.

Pie: Can you be specific about how much text goes on a page?

Kelly: I can't be specific because it depends on the page. I can give an example: on my opening page, there's a few book covers, my name, and my navigation bar. On my contest page, there's text to explain the contest (and text on the previous winners). On my excerpt pages--well, that's where I go to town.

SaraJ: Can you just put articles that you've written for magazines up on the website, or do you have to change them first?

Kelly: Sara, excellent question! If your article is under your copyright, then you can do whatever you like. However, if someone else owns the copyright, you must get their permission.

Pie: I just reviewed a friend's web page. Three solid blocks of type. Yuck. [Comment?]

Kelly: I understand her pain! We have so much to say. But on the website, we need to find a way to say it with graphics or headers. Or break it up in small paragraphs with headlines, so that it appeals to the eye and doesn't look like a history lesson in disguise.

Moderator: Does it help to study other people's websites before you design your own? If so, what should you look for?

Kelly: It helps before and after! I always "borrow" ideas from other sites. My philosophy is, if I like it, then I can adapt it to me and others will like it too. But be careful not to take graphics or text from other pages. Just borrow design concepts that you can adapt.

Moderator: How do you design pages that will look good on the various browsers?

Kelly: This question gets more complex with every year. My philosophy is to keep "behind the curve." I don't use the newest, coolest tools, but stick to basic HTML. This can be hard for those who are techie oriented. But we need to remember that many people browse the web using older computers and older browsers, and even older modems that can't handle quick downloads of graphics. One option is to make two pages--a high tech and a low tech--but this requires more time and isn't always equal in quality. One of the things I did in my previous job was look at designing with the idea of usability. My employer worked with people with disabilities and was highly concerned with accessibility. I believe that concept applies to writers too. We don't want to alienate those who read--or might read--our books!

Moderator: There's a place called ANYBROWSER at http://www.anybrowser.com to check your browser compatibility. Use this link http://www.anybrowser.com/siteviewer.html to view your web site through various browsers. Kelly, If you want to use text or images you find elsewhere, how can you make sure the information isn't copyrighted?

Kelly: This is so critical, that I will be emphatic. DO NOT USE ANYTHING YOU DO NOT KNOW IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN!! Many graphics websites have a disclaimer as to how you may use the graphics. Some are free, some cost a fee, some only ask that you obtain permission. Always pay attention to this, don't fudge thinking it doesn't matter. Remember that someone spent time and energy creating that graphic, and be respectful of their wishes. I never borrow text without asking permission. I suspect copyright issues on the web will be heating up soon, and I advise everyone to protect themselves. Always get permission (in writing or e-mail) and keep a copy.

Moderator: Are there places where you can get copy and images that are free from copyright restrictions?

Kelly: It amazes me, the generosity of some artists. There are so many sites with graphics that are free of charge. I tend to do a search when I'm looking for something because the sites change fairly frequently. A good search string is "graphics background free" or something similar (if you're looking for a button or some other specific graphic). I always have a huge bookmark list which is usually outdated by the time I use it again, so I don't recommend specific sites anymore.

Blue Phantom: I've borrowed some graphics that came with my computer. I use the graphics for my stationary. I can't find any copyright and where the graphics came with the computer that I purchased; will I be okay using the symbols for official letterheads and watermarks?

Kelly: The Microsoft graphics, or the ones that come free with programs, are usually free to use, unless you were to do so in a commercial way. A website for your own use would not be a problem. If you were designing as an occupation, you might run into trouble if you charged your clients for the graphics you were getting for free. But, fortunately, when we just use those ourselves (those graphics that come with Microsoft programs, for example), we usually don't have to worry. Always check the graphics program booklet (or CD insert) to see if there are conditions to your use, and you should be fine.

Moderator: How do you convert your text to HTML? (And what is HTML?)

Kelly: HTML is Hypertext Markup Language. Basically, it is a language protocol that enables all browsers to read each other's stuff. My son happens to prefer designing his sites directly in HTML (ugly looking code). Most of the time, however, you can avoid this step by using a program to do it for you transparently. Some are free, like Netscape Composer, others cost quite a bit, like Microsoft FrontPage. Even MS Word and Corel WordPerfect have the ability to change a document into HTML nowadays! So it's an easy language to translate your ideas into. But I find it is good to understand certain basics of the HTML conventions, even with a program that translates for you. That way you can go in and figure out why the program isn't doing what you told it to.

Pie: Do you know HTML yourself, or do you use packaged software?

Kelly: I learned Pascal in college and have used BASIC and visual BASIC, so I actually learned to do web pages in HTML, but I don't recommend doing it that way. I use DreamWeaver at home. However, I have used FrontPage and Netscape Composer, and I think that the WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) environment is much better for creative freedom than HTML! I do recommend understanding basic HTML commands, though, for when there are glitches and there are a few, though not many...even with the expensive, sophisticated programs like DreamWeaver and FrontPage.

SaraJ: Someone said you can learn basic HTML from tutorials online. Is that true?

Kelly: Yes. My son (he's 15 right now) did (at 9).

Moderator: Do I almost need to have a computer programmer's skills to design my own website?

Kelly: You absolutely do not need to be a programmer. The one skill I find useful from my programming experience is the simple understanding that the program will only do what I tell it (not what I thought I told it). I learned this in long sessions with PASCAL in college. With that language, if you forgot a comma, nothing worked right. With HTML, if you forget an open or closed arrow, you'll see some ugly HTML command right in the middle of your page, but the rest of the page will appear as you meant it to. The WYSIWYG programs are like using a sophisticated word processor such as Word or WordPerfect. It's really that easy. Until you start getting really fancy. Which I think the programs sometimes tempt you to do.

Moderator: Why do you need to include links in the design of your pages?

Kelly: Links keep you from having to overload your main page with tons of information. The most important links to have on EVERY page are the ones to your other pages. For example, an excerpt page should have links to your home page, other excerpts pages, your contest page, almost a mini navigation bar, although it can be textual and not graphical. Links are the most beautiful element in web page design. For example, if I have a contest, I can have multiple links for a visitor to click on. I can have a contest link graphic on my navigation bar. And I can have them on any other pages I created where someone might want to enter the contest while they're reading an excerpt, or an update on my life. If you visit someone's page and follow to an excerpt, and there is no link back to home, you might not go back.

Moderator: What kinds of links might you insert on your home page, for example?

Kelly: If you think of your home page as the trunk of a tree. You want links to each major branch. For an author that might be a personal bio, upcoming releases, excerpts, a contest, favorite links or articles the author has written and thinks a visitor might find useful, upcoming signings or appearances. You don't want too many "branches." Seven to ten would be enough. And those branches could have links to other pages on the site (all pages should link back to home). Most pages have a links page as well for those sites the author finds useful and thinks others will, too (I often bookmark these pages). Linking is easy, and used effectively, makes the site easy and fun to navigate.

Moderator: I see so many web pages with misspellings and typos and wrong information. How can you make sure that doesn't happen on your own website?

Kelly: Sigh. It would be nice to have a typo-free site. I enlist the aid of friends and relatives to help where the Spell Check leaves off. In my latest book, I've been using a new computer and new keyboard, and I discovered that I had an awful typo issue--I kept typing he for the. Spell Check didn't catch it. So it took me and two readers. The one good thing about websites is that they shouldn't have much text. So it is relatively easy to double-double check it.

Blue Phantom: How useful is a website in helping editors decide if they might like your material?

Kelly: You'd have to ask an editor that question! I like it though. I guess I'd have to say that editors go by the printed material they are sent, not the website, because it is the story/book/writing that counts to them.

ClaraRose: What can be done to protect ourselves from hackers?

Kelly: Hackers are bored (usually teenage) individuals who go into someone's computer or website and cause trouble! Computer users in general should worry about hackers. There are programs that put up firewalls for protection. But one thing authors have to be aware of and guard against are those individuals who will steal text (plagiarism). It's an ugly fact. I would never recommend putting up an entire story or book on a site. Some visitors don't even realize they are doing something illegal when they take what you write and appropriate it as theirs. This is a problem that is going to be wrestled with for some time to come. All I can recommend is protecting yourself by putting as little of your own creative work out there to be "lifted" as possible.

Patty: Can you talk about legal questions regarding kids visiting your site? I've heard you can't even have a hit log that identifies what domain the visitor came from. Is that correct?

Kelly: I use a free web counter (thecounter.com). That does offer the ability to track by visitor domain. But that wouldn't let you know if a child had visited. For myself, I would simply not put anything up that I thought would be too much for a child who accidentally arrived at my page. But I guess I think that issue is up to the parents (there are many programs that monitor child usage). My own sons use the Internet and I make a point to know where they've been every time they are online.

Patty: I guess I was wondering about privacy issues. Aren't there rules about newsletters, e-mail and such with regard to children?

Kelly: The problem with the Internet is that you cannot know if someone is a child. For a newsletter with inappropriate content for children, you could safeguard the access. There are many ways to do so--subscription list where the subscribers must attest to a certain age, a password-only page with a similar requirement. Again, I would recommend avoiding the issue entirely by only putting up appropriate information.

mrspigglewiggle: How often, or do you, change your site?

Kelly: Ideally (I am never ideal, sadly), you should do so on a regular basis, weekly or monthly, so that visitors will come again, but the changes don't have to be major. I know one author who puts up a new recipe each month. Many run contests every so often and some people (I envy them) add new sites to visit and new interesting tidbits every week. That's something authors needs to decide before putting up their site.

ClaraRose: How do you register a domain name -- are all the registration companies legit? How can we tell?

Kelly: Good question! I had the same one when I registered my domain name for the first time! I knew that Network Solutions had the best reputation, but I saw an offer for GoDaddy at $8.95 a year. Compared to Network Solutions, this was a marvelous bargain, but it rang warning bells. I did a little research and found that domain name providers must be certified and the certification seal must be displayed on their site. This made me comfortable enough to go with the good deal. Although I confess the skeptic in me was prepared to be disappointed, and I thought the price worthwhile, even if it turned out to be less legitimate than it appeared. Always do your research on something like this. The Internet makes it easy.

Breazenda: To some extent the web is considered public domain, right?

Kelly: To some extent, yes. Creative work is still protected. If I put one of my books online, it would not become public domain work legally. And graphics are not always free to be used without some cost--either an attribution as to who created it, or a fee.

Moderator: How much should it cost to create a website? (A do-it-yourself cost, and hiring it done?)

Kelly: The cost of a website can be from free to several thousand dollars. If it is free, then you'd be using a free site provider, who puts ads on the site, and a free program to create the site, such as Netscape Composer, and you wouldn't pay for a domain name. If you pay for someone else to design the site, make certain to find out exactly what they're offering, and compare several web design/provider services. The deals and quality vary greatly, and those who do this service go into and out of business quickly. For writers, sometimes it is worthwhile to go with an author's site, like www.writerspace.com. This is not an endorsement of this site, it's just the one several of my friends have gone with, and I happen to know it's name!

Moderator: How much time does it take to CREATE a website?

Kelly: Too much. Always more than you think it will. And there's always a little bit more than needs doing. I would suggest, for a simple site (2 or 3 pages), to allot ten hours. The more complex the page, the more sophisticated the program, the more time it takes. As I said, I use DreamWeaver from Macromedia, and typically I go to the Macromedia site to check on updates, graphics and freebies before I do any major changes. When you first design your site, you most likely won't know your program well, which means learning the quirks of creating, editing, and uploading the page to your server. My recommendation would be to give it as much time as it requires for the outcome will be worth it, if you design it the way you want it the first time.

Moderator: How much time does it (should it) take to MAINTAIN a personal website? (And what is involved in maintaining a web site?)

Kelly: Again, from ten minutes to twenty hours a month. Maintaining a site involves checking for broken links (from your site and from other sites), adding new content, etc. You can use LINK SCAN at http://www.elsop.com/linkscan/quickcheck.html to check for broken links. Or go to the WEBSITE GARAGE DEADLINK CHECK at http://websitegarage.netscape.com/O=wsg/tuneup_plus/index.html for a free check, plus a monthly newsletter.

Moderator: How do I put the photos and graphics on the web page?

Kelly: If you are using a program to create web pages, follow the directions of that program. It's usually as simple as inserting or dragging an already completed graphic into place. Which I guess I should remember to mention--web creation programs don't tend to have graphic creation capability. As a rule, if you're going to create your own, you need to do so in another program, such as PhotoShop and then import/drag/place the graphic in your web document.

Moderator: After I have designed my web pages, then what? How do they appear on the Internet?

Kelly: There are many ways to get your created page to the Internet. If you have a computer with a dedicated connection (you are on the Internet directly all the time) you can set up your computer as a server and let users access the site right from there. This opens you to more danger from those hackers we mentioned, though. The most common way is to find a website host. Someone who you pay to store your created pages so that anyone with the URL can visit. Once you've set up the hosting site, and they've given you space on their server, you then upload the files. Most web creation programs have their own upload command, but some sites require a separate method. My son has used many free sites and so I have some idea of the different methods of uploading. I'd recommend anyone going for a free site to make sure that the site allows FTP transfer sitewide, instead of file by file. In order to upload, you need the information from your web host (generally this will be a URL, a password, and a protocol method). It sounds more complicated than it is. Any host, even the free ones, will provide ample instructions, so don't worry that it will be too daunting.

Moderator: Where can you find web servers? (Talk about the pros and cons of using a free one versus paying a server)

Kelly: As I said, my son has used his share of free servers. The downside to these is that they require ads to be displayed on your site. These ads can be graphic intensive and add to the loading time of your site, as well as being downright ugly. But if your budget is tight, they are definitely worth considering. I have used my local ISP (Internet Service Provider), which offers 10 megs of space for a site. Recently, I found a great deal for a server (in Australia!) and put my site up there. There are local, regional, and national providers of web site space. Some only provide space, others provide support, and still others (like www.writerspace) provide design and promotion opportunities as well. The prices really vary, so this is another area to be heavily researched. A typical cost for a no-frills site (no ads, too) is $20-$35 a month, which includes e-mail addresses as well. Nowadays, your domain name can be easily switched from site to site, too, so if you find a better deal, don't hesitate to go for it. That reminds me--domain name costs are separate from server space costs. For example, I have space on my ISP, with a nasty URL with bits of my name and several letters that mean something to the ISP but not me. Since I bought a domain name, I can link that name to my ugly Provider's URL and no one ever needs to remember it, including me.

PaulPlqn: Is there a listing of server sites we can access?

Kelly: There is a website where you compare various web hosts and costs. Go to http://www.hostcompare.com/testtools.htm I'd also suggest a search on the Internet, as well as a look through your local yellow pages. Sometimes, depending on your needs, a local server option will be the best deal because you can get server space, Internet connection, and e-mail addresses through one provider. As with most of these issues, nothing is absolute, all your needs must be taken into consideration in order to make the best decision for you.

Moderator: How do I get people to visit my site in the first place? How do they know it is there?

Kelly: If you want people to visit, you need to advertise. Your e-mail signature is a good place for a little free advertising. Asking sites you like to link to yours is also a good way to get some visitors. A newsletter or a business card should always have your website address on it. Listing with search engines is useful. You can do this for free, or pay to have it done.

Moderator: I'm sorry to interrupt here, but we're out of time, even though I know we've only scratched the surface of what we want to ask you! Kelly, thank you so much for coming tonight and sharing your expertise with us! I feel encouraged to finally give this a try myself!

Kelly: Thank you all. You've asked great questions! Good-bye.

Moderator: Do come back in two weeks on March 14 when author Patricia Curtis Pfitsch will be talking about revision. Patty is the author of two juvenile novels, KEEPER OF THE LIGHT and THE DEEPER SONG, and numerous articles and short stories. A new novel, RIDING THE FLUME, will be released in the fall. She talked with writers and editors about revision for the 2002 Children's Writer Guide and revises extensively in her own writing process. And now, good night, everyone!

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