It escaped my notice that the masters of Google were not kidding when they said they would no longer be hosting individuals' websites.
One day my very attractive website disappeared.
I vaguely remember receiving a computerized announcement that users had to save or erase their personal websites. I also think a last-chance date was given, but for whatever reason, I shrugged it off. Also, I had no idea how one would “save” it. It seemed unreasonable to me that such harmless self-promotion would be a problem for anyone. Frankly, I don’t think anyone ever looked at mine, but it was nice to know that given the rare circumstance that someone might ask me if i had a website, I could proudly say, “Why, yes I do; would you like to see it?”
My website was designed by a very nice young man who was recommended to me by the daughter of the founder of the writers group I am in. His name is Ben, and not incidentally he is also a member of the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association (MCFA). Maine’s like that; nobody makes any money here; everyone has two or three jobs. Ben also designs very attractive T-shirts with the MCFA logo on it; I’ve bought them for my son, my stepson, and my husband. They are made from high-quality cotton and are quite expensive. But I don’t care; nothing is too good for my son, my stepson, my husband, and my website designer.
While I am emptying my heart out here, I’d also like to say that I am relieved that no one will be looking up my no-longer available website. I don’t have to feel guilty that I am not busily writing & posting & obsessing on my latest story. I am in the early stages of putting together a book, and with luck, by the time I finish editing and finding suitable illustrations, books will still be an option. (Author disclaimer: I have never looked at a TikTok and I never will.)
This is so timely. Many writers I know are running around without their heads on: posting, websiting, Instagraming, Tik Toking, FBing, ad nauseum. How do they have time to think, marinate, notice...?
Unknowingly, you have been freed! Liberated from the junk of it all.
Your writing is so gorgeous and will summon the publishing gods, simply because the world NEEDS your stories.
I, for one-of-many, am very happy to have multiple places to see and read your work. It is something I look forward to every day. It's exciting to hear you are working on a book and meanwhile keep taking us on walks.
This is so timely. Many writers I know are running around without their heads on: posting, websiting, Instagraming, Tik Toking, FBing, ad nauseum. How do they have time to think, marinate, notice...?
Unknowingly, you have been freed! Liberated from the junk of it all.
Your writing is so gorgeous and will summon the publishing gods, simply because the world NEEDS your stories.
I feel it in my writing bones, old school.
I, for one-of-many, am very happy to have multiple places to see and read your work. It is something I look forward to every day. It's exciting to hear you are working on a book and meanwhile keep taking us on walks.