Support for Indie Authors discussion

Okay, I posted in the wrong place...so here's my new thread and the basis of what's going on at the moment. I launched my blog yesterday hoping to gain traction for the release of my debut novel this fall (2015). I need thoughts, I want the blog to be authentic and open. As a bonus for anyone reading it I added the introduction to my debut novel. To each of you I'd ask, take a look and tell me what you think. Thanks!

I just checked out your website and blog and I'm really liking them both! The site is eye-catching and PRETTY!

:)

Thank you Kiarra for looking at the website and giving your feedback. My husband has spent the last month building the website in his spare time. The blog is meant to be friendly, unintimidating as the novel covers some serious "life issues" and I'm guessing as we get moving there will be more intense discussion.

I read it as well, and I think your writings will inspire many. Also, the site is appealing to the eye. Well done.

perfect JM, and you really do have a nice site.

Hi Aleasha! Thanks for your positive feedback. My husband saw it and smiled big saying, "Oh I'm getting compliments too!" :-)

Thanks, Riley! Sorry about earlier and thanks for the redirect!

Very nice site!

This is just my opinion, but for the type of fiction you are writing, I personally prefer it when the "about the author" page is in the first person. I think it's less formal and makes it a little easier to connect with the author. (Assuming that's what you want to present.)

Thanks, Owen! That has been a bit of a debate for us as well. Honestly, that's why I'm trying to make the blog more personal. We'll take a look at it in the 1st person though and keep everyone posted. :-)

Awesome. ^_^

J.M. wrote: "Thanks, Owen! That has been a bit of a debate for us as well. Honestly, that's why I'm trying to make the blog more personal. We'll take a look at it in the 1st person though and keep everyone post..."

Thanks. Just to mention a contrast, our readers don't seem to want much connection with us as authors. They like some distance and pretty much just want the books. So a 1st-person bio might be a bit off-putting to them.

As with anything, it's all about knowing who you are trying to reach.

Totally a two-sided coin. I'm open minded about it and figure that the books will really speak for themselves. Certainly people are going to love and hate everything...can't win them all. I do like having a more formal approach on the bio (About Me) simply because of the boundaries issue. I don't want to ever give the impression that my entire life is up for grabs.

That's a pretty good-looking blog. Have you considered adding more pictures? It might help.

More pictures are coming! Thanks, R.