Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Inspired By Website Design + Special Giveaway


I’m thrilled to be unveiling my new website and updated blog in conjunction with my Thursday’s Children post.  I’ll tell you, building this website was more inspiring than I’d assumed it would be.  Choosing colors and images made me think long and hard about what connects each my stories to the others, what elements lay at the heart of all my writing, what emotions I want people to feel, what sparks my creativity and much more.  I even ended up tweaking my WIP after finding one of the images.  I almost don’t dare say it because the idea’s a little overwhelming, but designing this website helped me get a clearer idea of my brand.

Okay, I’m not going to ramble on.  But I’d love to have you check out my new website and let it speak for itself.  Here it is!

To celebrate, I’m having a giveaway.

As some of you know, Anie, the main character in my story MOONHILL, grew up dealing antiques with her father. She loves nothing more than getting a good deal on a cool vintage treasure, especially retro clothes and shoes.  In Anie’s honor, I’m giving away a $25.00 gift card to EBay.

Also, I’m giving away a second prize. Since Xuni.com who designed my website also designed Laura Anderson’s new site, I’m giving away a copy of Laura’s book THE BOLEYN KING.  Some of you lost out on my last giveaway for this book, this is your second and last chance to win a copy.

Here’s how it works.

This giveaway is open to everyone: writing friends, new friends, critique partners, relatives, and anyone who likes to read.  I will choose the two winners on July 10th.

To enter, simply join the mailing list on my website and leave a comment here.  Promise, I’ll only be sending out a couple newsletters a year, so your email won’t be barraged with junk.  Best of all, there will more giveaways and special news available only to newsletter subscribers.  All followers of this blog will automatically be giving a second chance to win. 

One last note,  Xuni  Design is amazing and wonderful to work with, not just their skills, but also their passion for website design and the genuine concern they have for their clients. If you’re thinking of upgrading or building a new site, check them out  here 





If you'd like to join the amazing Thursday's Children Blog Hop simply write a blog post about what inspires you and add join the list below.

42 comments:

  1. Anyone can--except my husband and me !

    You're all going to go in a stewpot, then the names will be drawn.

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  2. The new site is awesome, I love it! And I'll happily go into your stewpot. =)

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  3. Congrats on your new site! It's gorgeous! I joined by adding it to my email. I hope that was the right link.

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  4. The link for the newsletter is under "contacts" on the website.

    Thank you for checking it out!

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  5. So pretty! Congratulations, Pat!

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  6. Thanks! The designer did an awesome job of walking me through everything. It certainly doesn't resemble the yucky websites I put together by myself.

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  7. So exciting! I remember feeling those same things when I first designed my website. It really does force you to define your focus and refine your image. I had a blast.

    Also, your website is GORGEOUS!

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  8. I was prepared to look for images with the right tone, but didn't realize how much the emotional core of the stories needed to be reflected. It was a huge learning experience and a blast!

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  9. Lovely and so much fun! Honored that your reveal is part of TC :D

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    1. Go it alone or do it with the support of the TC community? That was an easy decision. Thank you for creating such a warm and welcoming group!

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  10. I think I already told you how I love the new site (awesome!) but thanks for the giveaway and for the great Thursday's Children inspiration of the new design!

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    1. A weird thing is that I was going to do my official photo first, but then I got thinking that doing it second gives me something to show the photographer. So this inspiration hopefully will inspire someone else, too.

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  11. It's a lovely looking site, no wonder you're pleased. :-)

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    1. I couldn't have done it without all the web designer's questions. They really helped me get to the heart of what I wanted and rule out about a million stray ideas.

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  12. I love your website, especially the header with those beautiful pictures. Congratulations! And I'm joining your mailing list...because I want to win something. :)

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    1. Thank you. Hey, and I'm all about winning free goodies!

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  13. Love the new website!!! I think we're attracted to similar color pallets ;)

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    1. P.S. I joined your mailing list... I like me some vintage anything!

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  14. I thought I'd be attracted to jewel tones like a stained-glass window, but every image I chose was from this pallet. And I love it :)

    Vintage anything is pretty much my taste too.

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  15. Thanks. Have to look spiffy for lv#13, right? :)

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  16. Your site is stunning. Love it!

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  17. I'm glad you stopped by, Candilynn. And thanks for checking my website. It's fun to show it off.

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  18. Thank you, Rhonda. I'm so thrilled to finally be sharing it!

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  19. Congrats on the new website! Wishing you good things for 2013!

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  20. Love good wishes--and there's plenty of time left in 2013 for all kinds of wonderful things to happen :)

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  21. The website is beautiful, Pat! I love that your background featured elements of your stories. It's easy to navigate and contains all the necessary information, too. Congrats on the launch! - Dolores @ Federal Internet Marketing

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  22. Thanks for your great information, the contents are quiet interesting.I will be waiting for your next post.


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  23. Its is one of the romantic theme which you have shared over here.I have seen many others but this one is very awesome.


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  24. You got an amazing website, Pat. It’s not overcrowded with its simple design, but also not boring. And aside from that, its dark color scheme makes the site look intriguing; which can tackle your viewer’s curiosity.

    Francis @PriorityMediaSolutions.com

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  25. Thanks for sharing such a great blog. I would like to visit this blog again. Keep Writing
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  26. Your site is really an interesting one, Pat. You don’t have to use any playful designs to attract attention. It already got mine! Haha!

    Shelly @AlignedRightMedia.com

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  27. Your website design looks awesome! The images were creatively put together, enough to raise curiosity and make it appealing to readers. Hope that your website will gain popularity and attract traffic! Good luck.

    -Shaunte Rady @ SEO.KirbyWorks

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  28. As some of you know, Anie, the main character in my story MOONHILL, grew up dealing antiques with her father. She loves nothing more than getting a good deal on a cool vintage treasure, especially retro clothes and shoes. In Anie’s honor, I’m giving away a $25.00 gift card to EBay.
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    ReplyDelete
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