Comments for Sharon Maria Bidwell

Comment on The time is up! by Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:36:32 +0000

Some publishers may still want that release letter, but really AMP wouldn’t have a legal leg to stand on. Still if an old book went up it could require a bit of chasing on the author or publisher’s part and so some may not be happy about that, but I’m pleased to say there are a fair few more than willing to offer contracts up to the stranded authors. I have plans for my work and new projects — it’s going to be a very busy 2012.

Comment on Website update by Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:33:06 +0000

Thanks. There does seem to be those who want to know everything about a person, and those who want to know only the writing side, and then those who want to know nothing. I don’t need to know anything about a writer to love their work — in fact I’ve found things out about all sorts of celebrities whose work I have liked and it has put me off the person. That’s not to say I won’t read the occasional biography, but then that’s a conscious choice. I hope there’s nothing about me particularly off putting to anyone. I have rather simple values, and believe live and let live as long as it’s not hurting anyone or anything else. I am not going to discuss all of my beliefs in public. They say one shouldn’t discuss religion, sex and politics…and where my personal life is concerned I certainly won’t. It’s irrelevant to anything I do (although I’m sure there are those who will always make assumptions), but I agree — if I wanted to do that regularly, I would have another blog or a separate page for that purpose. I’m much more ‘chatty’ on Facebook, so if someone wants to hear me ‘moan’ they can say hi there and even then I’m not going to tell anyone what colour underwear I chose today. Who really wants to know the mundane? It’s partly why I’ve so far resisted Twitter. LOL. Privacy…I always say people can ask me anything — I will decide whether or not I answer.

Comment on The time is up! by cs

cs — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:04:18 +0000

Excellent news for those authors who where still waiting. Hopefully they can get some peace of mind and when the time is right do what they need to with those books

Comment on Website update by cs

cs — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:01:47 +0000

It’s not my place to say to an author how they should handle their blogs. It’s their space and they can say what they want. But, I rather as a reader/customer that authors can separate personal entries from book entries. I only read author blogs when it has something to do with their books, publishing, anything in that regards. I also don’t want to know too much about an author, because from personal experience I have been put off a few – and I rather have that wall blocked off between reader and author. So you’re spot on for wanting that privacy as well.

I read your blog because you’re always talking about either publishing, writing or your books. Even books you’ve read, so it’s a good place to come. If you wrote about your garden, what you ate that night or how you take your bubble baths – well I personally wouldn’t be reading. I don’t know. I know some authors do both, and some authors just talk about their writing.

But yes, I think personally you’ve got a great balance here!

Comment on Website update by Sharon

Sharon — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:15:56 +0000

There can be too much on page full-stop and I have to remember that no matter the design. I find it too easy to get carried away and I try to remember that when I go to a site myself I want the info I’m looking easy to find. Pictures…well, let those that want to see it know where they are. They don’t have to be on the front page or every page. I know I should blog more, but I’d probably end up putting too much effort into it. I kind of think, does someone want to read my blog or read another book? I also like privacy, although I’m quite open at the same time. I have decided to move my few posts about writing here in the early part of next year.

Comment on Website update by cs

cs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:44:33 +0000

Hey, an author pays for that space and they can decorate it anyway they want. I have to say though, I think it makes a website look tacky. I see a lot of authors are going down a more clean-cut website. Forget about nekkid men/women. I don’t think loads of pictures all over your website it attractive. Colour scheme and cleanliness of a website is important to be as a reader and customer. I want to be able to read your website easily.

I understand maintaining a website it hard work, but keeping it tidy and up-to-date is a must. I think leaving off the frills is for the best

Comment on Website update by Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:51:01 +0000

Glad you approve and hmm…Some aren’t even covers on some sites. I must say (before someone takes what I said the wrong way), I’m not implying pictures of nudity are why some authors are popular, but just like a blurb, obviously such pictures are used to attract an audience. If that’s what your audience likes and the writer can carry it off, each to their own. It just doesn’t suit my personality and I’d probably look as if I was trying too hard. Maybe some would like me to promote myself a different way, but it’s just not ‘me’.

Comment on Website update by cs

cs — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:07:18 +0000

I for one appreciate the lack of headless torsos all over your website. Book covers it’s fine and listed under your books tabs. I, however would like to visit authors websites without being accosted with images of naked men.

I visited an authors website, and on the front page was her new book. Unfortunately the woman’s backside was the main feature of her new book, and she was naked. I’m not a prude, duh. But come on.

Comment on Website update by Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:20:31 +0000

Oooh, thanks. A couple of friends voted for it. It was this or one other and I couldn’t decide as both are quite nice. I’m guessing my site won’t be as popular as some of the romance writers as you won’t see too many half naked men, except maybe on my covers. LOL. Nothing wrong with it, just not my style, plus I have to think about the other genres I write in. Glad to know the hours I spent over the weekend paid off. I need to tidy some pages but will do that as and when.

Comment on Website update by cs

cs — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:45:48 +0000

Looking good, and I like the colour scheme