The Changing Face of Web Design by Margot Justes

I noticed that web site design is forever changing, continuously evolving, colors change, twinkling lights are added, arrows point in many directions, anything to give the website a new look. Something fresh, different to entice visitors as often as possible.

I was told it’s necessary; people don’t want to see the same thing over again. Change is expected. From a personal observation, some of them are so busy and full of detail that I don’t know where to go first-so usually I leave. I want simplicity, easy access-not confusion or an engineering degree to figure out where I need to be.

I, for one love my website, just the way it is, and I believe it does change. The events are updated, book trailer is up, reviews are posted, announcements and new publications are listed; all those things change frequently. But the basic design is permanent. It is perfect, elegant and easy to use. There is not one single iota that I would alter about the design of my site.

I wonder if all the changes on the websites are really that important and effective. I would love to hear from writers-do you really change your site frequently? And readers-does it really matter to you? What do you look for when you visit?

I’m going to add something to the blog-I wrote it last night, but didn’t post it yet-was gone all day. In the meantime I got an e-mail from a friend who suggested I make the website a bit more personal-not change the design, but update it with information on my writing, progress of same or lack there of. I have already e-mailed my web-gal. The timing of my friend’s e-mail couldn’t have been better.

Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com

Missing by Margot Justes

A new anthology from Echelon Press-Missing- is scheduled to debut at Bouchercon in Baltimore, MD next month.

Many wonderful writers, among them our own ACME author Norm Cowie donated a short story. All the stories have a common link-a missing person, and royalties are being donated to charity.

In 2007 they were over 800,000 people who disappeared- are missing-that is a staggering number. Hopefully our efforts will leave a mark-it is a step in the right direction.

The idea came from Amy Alessio, a YA Librarian at the Schaumburg Library in Illinois. She participated in The Heat of the Moment Anthology, and approached Karen Syed of Echelon press at the Love is Murder conference (LIM) and asked if it could be done.

Karen did not hesitate and immediately responded positively; she had authors lined up before the conference was finished.

There is a book signing already scheduled at Centuries & Sleuths. www.centuriesandsleuths.com
November 23 1-3 pm.
7419 W. Madison St. Forest Park, IL
708/771-7243

Among the authors who committed to the signing are Amy Alessio, Robert Goldsborough, Margot Justes, Joe Konrath, Mary Welk, and more to come.

Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
The Heat of the Moment
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com

More Travel Stuff by Margot Justes

I have missed the last couple of weeks-family events and a trip to Decatur, GA for a book festival-pretty much took care of the two weekends.

The good thing about promoting A Hotel in Paris is that I get to travel, so for this blog, I want to get back to travel agencies. When I travel promoting the above mentioned book, I have specific locations already selected. So it’s easy for me to book the hotel and flight all by myself.

However, picking a vacation destination is another matter. Sometimes I do it myself but sometimes not…that is when a good travel agency is essential. This is where a travel agency can either make or break a vacation.

You are going to pay for the service-you can’t get around it-but you might as well pay and get the best service you can, Suburban Travel provides that extra touch.

The vacation will be planned for you, but in addition you will get a bit of history, selected and localized sites-by that I mean-if you are in a specific area, the sites around that area will be outlined for you-to maximize the use of your time-so that you may see as much as possible. The information provided will be current. I do prefer knowing the restaurant is still in business rather than showing up and poof it’s not there...

In essence you will have your own destination notes tailored specifically to your needs and travel plans. Can’t go wrong there…you will also receive tips on restaurants, shopping…you get the idea.

Suburban Travel has been in business more than 25 years and they have truly honed in their approach to travel–thus the client gets the full benefit of their expertise.

I have a travel tip from them-if you happen to be going to Prague check out The Blue Duck restaurant-it is expensive but excellent, and also in Prague (it would seem Prague is a popular destination) the Kolkovna restaurant is not expensive but well worth a visit and a local favorite.

As the business cards states Suburban Travel, Inc – Specialists in the Art of Travel.
Check them out at www.suburbantrvl.com , call 847/729-7730 or 800/237-7730.

Art is always a good thing…

Till next Saturday,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Available on amazon.com
Heat of the Moment
Missing-coming October 2008
www.mjustes.com