Friday, November 29, 2019

Author Website Design Inspiration 5 Ideas to Build the Perfect Website

Author Website Design Inspiration 5 Ideas to Build the Perfect Website Author Website Design Inspiration: 5 Ideas From Bestselling Authors Author websites are the one place readers get to judge a book by its cover†¦ or in this case, the webpage. We’ve already written an extensive piece with tips for building an effective author website: 10 Tips to Build The Perfect Author Website,  but we thought we could go even further and offer you some actual  inspiration  and ideas to get started on yours.The main goal of your website is to allow you to connect with your readers, and help convert them into loyal customers. It’s obvious that authors are masters of language, but when it comes to the web, some don’t deem it necessary to have a strong internet presence. And that’s exactly where a dedicated reader can be made†¦or lost.  So the author website design inspiration you'll find in this post will be geared towards one main goal: creating loyal readers. Idea  #1: Adding teasers to your author websiteOnce an avid reader has finished a great book, they immediately want to read another; it’s an addiction. So when they make their way to your author website, the first thing they should see on your homepage is a feature on what you’re working on next. Readers want some exclusivity!Nothing is worse than finishing your new favorite book or the first book in a series and going to the author’s website to find out when the next one will be published and there’s absolutely zero information. It’s simply heartbreaking coming from a reader’s eyes and also from a marketing perspective.Case in point? If you're a loyal reader of George R.R. Martin's  A Song of Ice and Fire series (aka  Game of Thrones), you probably want to know when  Winds of Winter is going to be finished. So you head to the author's website, and†¦ you see this.We understand that being a published author means that you’r e extremely busy working on your next book, but creating a separate email account for the sole purpose of receiving feedback from your followers is extremely controlled and feasible. (And if you’re having a bad day, reading a little fan mail should cure that!)Similarly, designing the website so that the "Contact" page is immediately available from the menu is crucial. If people want to get in touch with you, your design should make  it as easy for them as you can.Also, if you’re feeling sociable, make it easy for your readers to find you on social media - Twitter, Instagram, Facebook  - with the help of push buttons. It will be easier to â€Å"like† what they tweet or tag you in and  if they tweet positive feedback, they’re marketing for you!Or you can try Nick Stephenson’s approach to staying in touch: homing pigeons 😉Idea  #4:  Make the best first impressionA reader coming to your website usually wants one thing: to know more about you. The first thing they'll do is click to your "bio" page. We know writers hate writing about themselves (unless you're a memoir writer!), but  you gotta give readers what they want, so feel free to  indulge yourself with  some healthy bragging.But  how do you write the ultimate author bio? The trick is to write more than one. As a writer, rewriting and re-editing comes with the territory. Write multiple versions of your bio blurb until you’ve broken down your shyness barrier and created a bio that truly defines you not only as an author, but also as a person. And continuing our point in idea  #2, continue to keep it fresh by updating it as you move along in your career.Now, since you're here for some inspiration, take a look at  Lindsay Buroker's bio page. It's  a great case in point  for being genuine and true to your  work. She’s honest, witty, and real in her bio blurb.Idea  #5:  The website as  an extension of your bookThere is one question we haven't addressed yet: how do you get  as many  readers as possible to actually go to your website?  The first thing  is to write a really really good book. The better the book, the more the author will want to learn more about you and your other work, and head to your website for that.Then, you need to make sure that you actually link to your website at the beginning and end of all your ebooks. You also need to make sure you pick a simple URL, like "firstnamelastname.com" or "seriesname.com." That way, your website will likely show up as the first result on Google when readers Google you.But the ultimate way to get authors to check out your site is to turn it into an extension of your book, by linking it to one of your characters, or places, or adding more to the story.  Not sure what we mean by that? You'll find some inspiration in ML Banner's story:"I had a character in the book who was a scientist and I thought: it’d be really cool if he had this res earch institute. So I created a persona for him online: a G+ profile, a Twitter account, and a website for the CMER Institute. The key was really to think from my character’s standpoint and see what I would do, in his place, to get the word out about this phenomenon that endangers the world.The beautiful thing about eBooks is the connectivity: you can embed hyperlinks. So I linked to this CMERI website where my character actually offered a free ebook called â€Å"The Apocalypse Survival Guide†. And I actually got over 1,200 downloads of that book. Some people even seem to believe that the CMERI is real, as I got a couple of media inquiries!"You have all the best practices in one: link to the website in the book, social media, free additional content, and a website that truly takes the story to another level. Of course, your author website's design should match the "branding" of your book or series, and ideally  feature  some of the imagery used on the cover. Our b est advice for that is to put  your author website design in the hands of a Reedsy professional.What are your favourite author websites out there? Which ones do you turn to for design inspiration? What other tips would you add to this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Monday, November 25, 2019

Abortion & Thomson essays

Abortion & Thomson essays When it comes to Thomsons theory of abortion, I completely agree with her in many ways. In the case of rape, the woman did not willingly try to get pregnant. She did not ask to be. It is the womans right to be able to have the ability to get an abortion. To say that she can not have one is just plain wrong. Some might ask well, what if the womans life is at stake and having the child will kill her? This again should be the womans choice in to have or not have an abortion. Thomson uses the violin player as an example to this by saying that after finding out that you were plugged in to this famous person to save his life that in one month you would die because it was putting additional strain on your kidneys. Most in this case would not sacrifice their life for this person that they do not know. So therefore, there should be no difference in being able to do the same in the whole abortion case. The third case in which she says that it is ok to have an abortion is if the woman has ta ken reasonable precautions not to get pregnant. Once again I agree with her in this case. Lets take for an example a older couple who do not want children. They take all the precautions not to get pregnant such as using birth control. They end up getting pregnant and want to have an abortion. It is not right for us to say that they can not have one because they did not ask/want to get pregnant. Some might say well they can give the child up for abortion. But in saying that should you make the woman carry this child around for 9 months and go through all the pain that comes with this when she did not want the child and did precautions not to get pregnant. It should be her right to be able to say that she wants to get rid of it. Thomson makes another good point too. She states that abortion is wrong if it is done just for the sake of convenience. Lets use an example on this one also. A woman who is seven months...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Support a side on health care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Support a side on health care - Essay Example The law seems to be more of a starting point than a destination for health care reform. Essentially, the liberal minded Democrats want a single payer, universal healthcare system instituted which covers all Americans. A similar all inclusive and much more streamlined system than is still the case in the U.S. system is utilized by Canada, Britain, Japan, Brazil, Russia all western European countries and several other nations. Essentially every civilized, industrialized nation but the U.S. employs some type of universal health delivery. The conservative Republican solution is essentially to do nothing much as was done during the Bush Presidency. Giving tax cuts to the wealthy and tax incentives to businesses and individuals in addition to allowing the free market to operate unabated and unregulated is the repeated rhetoric Republicans offer as a solution to the very complex issue of health care. The Republican answers do not address the problem however which is reducing overall costs w hile covering all persons, a very complex issue requiring more then simple slogan-worthy answers. This paper will examine the Democrat position regarding health care reform while offering the Republican viewpoint as rebuttal. The PPACA is expected to reduce the deficit $143 billion during the first decade and $1.5 Trillion the second decade, 2020-2030. (Holohan, 2010) Included in the new law is a Patient’s Bill of Rights which effectively ends some of the most egregious health insurance company practices. People cannot be denied insurance for pre-existing conditions and cannot have their insurance expire due to lifetime limits of the policy. Children of policy holders can stay on it until the age 26, patients are given an appeals process for coverage decisions by the insurer and other benefits to be phased in over the next few years. The PPACA will also

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Spa Design History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Spa Design History - Essay Example Spa is considered to be the place of relaxation, treatment of various diseases, through different water therapies and of course the mean to be pampered. It can be broadly defined as the treatment or therapies (with water) through the regulated usage of time, place and the method of bathing, washing, showering etc. The origin dates back to the roman era, where the soldiers after long wars used to relax, treated as well by natural medication, which is water. History of Spa culture The concept of spa is derived from the practice used by the ancient warriors, where they used the techniques of practicing water therapy for different medication purpose, for the treatment of the wounds and for rejuvenating after a long war. These were considered to be the best treatment for wounded and tired muscles or body part. SPA- The full form is Sanus Per Aquam or Sanitus Per Aquam, both emphasized the importance and the usefulness of water for health and more importantly treatment. There are different beliefs and understanding relating to the spa culture. The most popular directs to the time of the Roman Empire, where they invented the way to use thermal water to get rid of their ailments. They made the springs and took hot water treatment in it. SPA is derived form that practice, which means by or through water. In this period a town named SPA was founded in Belgium also, which gave the common man a chance to avail the services and the utility of spa. The concept of spa and its popularity reached its peak during this time. Some history dates back to 3100—300 BCE where the Egyptians used water therapy and herbal treatments , in the era 700-200 BCE, the Greeks used cold water for the Spartans, in 200 BCE, Hebrews used the purification practice by immersing in the sea.

Monday, November 18, 2019

The food industry in the United State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The food industry in the United State - Essay Example Moreover, the rest of the world has already recognized the need to put labels on all products that contain genetically modified organisms and implemented the corresponding legislations. Subsequently, there is a sufficient ground to consider the lack of GMO labels as a serious problem of the modern food industry that demands immediate and effective solutions to preserve safety and rights of the general population. To start with, the issue of GMO labelling should be viewed as a national concern since it touches upon all Americans rather than some particular group. For instance, since the massive production of GMO foods was launched in 90s, they gradually took the great share of the market and, today, constitute the prevailing majority of all the available products. Namely, near 70 percent of all processed food that are sold on the territory of the United States contain genetically engineered ingredients as well as the majority of the crops sold throughout the country are genetically modified. (Dahl 359-361) According to Louise Chu, more than â€Å"88 percent of all corn and 94 percent of soybeans† are genetically modified. (Chu) It follows that people are left without any option apart from consuming products remaining unaware of what they are actually paying for. Subsequently, it seems irrelevant that people are not given the opportunity to learn about the genetically engineered ingredi ents that were added to the product together with all the rest information put on a label. As a result, it is possible to regard the absence of GMO labelling laws as a direct violation of people’s rights to know what they are buying and consuming. Moreover, the seriousness of the discussed problem is reinforced by the fact that GMO products are potentially harmful for the health of people. Firstly, the overall range of possible effects

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Westernization in Present Day: Globalisation in Singapore

Westernization in Present Day: Globalisation in Singapore Globalization can be described as an ongoing process where resources, believes, ideas and technology from different cultures are integrated to each other and promote new ways of thinking and practices among the society. As a continuing progression, globalization aroused from the influences of other cultures, which has been adapted with the local cultural conditions and modified to fit in the context of social behaviour. The external influences will directly override some local particularities, and the culture itself will be altered, or maybe damaged, or even enhanced, according to the perspective of society life. Therefore, the expression of culture itself will be interpreted and analysed in different way which encouraged the people to think, act, and learn the new disciplines in every aspect of life. These processes, hence, have an outcome of a cultural diversity, in which introducing the local values in global culture. In other words, it offered a global and local linkage of social changes that happened in the nation. Looking through the contemporary social life, globalization has become a major issue all over the world. Many countries have developed new approaches in most of the living aspects, and transformed peoples lifestyle in order to follow the major flow that happened globally. In todays modern days, globalization can act as a tool to open the opportunities of influence by other countries, and expand the cross-cultural interaction that may build up the cohesion among the nation. Globalization, however, implies to westernization in present days. The nature of western countries seems to appear as a science based tradition and the world is highly developed towards that tradition, as a sense of control. These global forces appear to superficially standardized and homogenized cultures, and equivalent to westernization. Majority of cultures are converging to the western standards, local identities have been replaced with global culture, and western values have become significant trends in this modern world.   Looking at Singapore, a cosmopolitan city, where variety of cultures merges together, is one of a good example of a country that embraces globalization. Besides accepting the westernization, Singapore has been spanning borders through other cultures, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Caucasian. These four interwoven cultures has created a genuine blending of traditions, believes, and ideas. A fusion of cultures in which Singapore brought in, has created a multi-disciplinary notions and practices, rooted in many cultural traditions. This synthesis has altered and transforms the peoples way of life according to the local context. On the other hand, not only western value that the world, including Singapore, has been developing on, but also majority of the countries have welcoming influences from Asian culture. Japan has brought a significant shift in the worlds globalization. Beside westernization, it has been become a popular culture among the world. Japanese culture has generated a different approach in global trends. Its tradition does not rest on science based technology and for them technology is a choice, not a necessity. Japan has greatly developed their long standing traditions towards something that instinctive rather than rationalistic way of thinking, like what the western do. Japan has its own original characteristic, which has a capacity to adapt and integrate new forms and function. Hence, there is no doubt that Japanese influence has an impact on the worlds culture, such as, in space, design, architecture, style, and even food culture. There is no large city in the world in which a Japanese restaurant cannot be found. Far from being a passing fad, Japanese cuisine is an establishment item in restaurants all over the world. The popularity of Japanese food is in part due to its reputation as a healthy alternative and also the curiosity and willingness to constantly introducing new tastes in their daily meals. Japanese way of dining, since the olden days, has put emphasized on food arrangement as a piece of art. For the Japanese, food must be enjoyed visually and pleasing to the eyes. They have developed the aesthetic sense to design exquisite harmony between colours, texture and shape throughout the food arrangement. This visual pleasure is an essential prelude and accompaniment to the savoury pleasure that follow. The influence of Japanese cuisine has been successfully creating a new atmosphere in Singapore food culture. It is proven that Singapore people accepted the taste and ambience of Japanese food by looking to the increasing number of sushi chain restaurant, such as Sushi Tei, Sakae Sushi; numerous traditional and contemporary Japanese restaurant, and also Japanese themed food court such as Ishimura and Manpuku. The diversity of food which has been influenced by Japanese cuisine, has become an inspiration for the designers to introduce innovative and exciting solutions to design dining spaces, through the essential aspect of Japanese dining and design in new ways that suit todays restaurant-goers. Recognizing the context of social behaviour in Singapore, innovation is the key elements for Singaporean. In terms of food culture, people like an excitement and it is a challenge for them to try something fresh and different, both in food and also ambience of dining space. Experience is another strong point, another extra ordinary atmosphere can attract people to get in and try a new restaurant. Besides the tendency to look for new things, the image of Singapore as a fast paced country gave an impact to the society. The time-oriented and multi-tasking people have built a busy working environment and hectic lifestyle in this metropolis city. Consequently, they are likely dont have time to have the luxury of enjoying social fellowship during the weekdays. This could be why it seems that forms of entertainment in Singapore tend to be designed to fit peoples activity on weekends. The big leisure activity that Singapore offers is shopping. There are numerous numbers of malls and shopping centres have been build or even renovated to drag people in the shopping as an attraction. Other than shopping; casinos, theme parks, nature reserves, are the other forms of leisure that Singapore provided. Despite the fact that all those type of facilities can serve as a very relaxing and stress relieving activity, people need to spend their time on weekend to do these activities.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Irony, Images, and Illusions in Dover Beach :: Arnold Dover Beach Essays

Irony, Images, and Illusions in Dover Beach In the poem "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold there is a lot of irony, appeal to the auditory and visual sense, and illusions. The tone in this poem is very sad and dismal, but he shows us how to keep faith and hope in spite of that and how important being honest, true, and faithful to one another, really is. Throughout this poem, Arnold mentions all of these traits and ties them all together. The irony in this poem is the main plot of the poem. A man has taken a woman to a beautiful beach in France. There they look over the cliffs at the beautiful ocean, the moon is full and bright, and the night-air is calm and peaceful. She thinks that she is going to this romantic place to be wooed by this man. Instead he turns to her and talks to her about Sophocles. She, not understanding what exactly is going on, later realizes that he was getting to the point of having each other and always being there for one another. The poet uses visual and auditory images to mainly help the romantic, fantasy-like place. â€Å"The sea is calm, the tide is full† and â€Å"Of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,† is an example of images that appeal to the visual sense. While â€Å" Where the sea meets the moon-blanched land† and â€Å"With tremulous cadence slow, and bring...† uses an auditory sense. â€Å"Come to the window, sweet is the night air,† can apply to both senses. Sweet can mean angelic or precious to qualify to be an visual image, or it can mean almost like a melodious tune. Illusions are used in this poem as deception for the girl that the man is trying to hold a non-romantic conversation with. A theory is portrayed in this poem by Plato, the world is an illusion. In many case this that falls true. In the first stanza of the poem , the surrounds of the two people is discussed. Words like calm, tranquil, sweet, and eternal, are used which seem to foreshadow a lovely romantic evening. As the poem continues on, the evening is spent talking about anything but love. The final topic of discussion goes much deeper than just love. They end up talking about how the world is sometimes so