For centuries, the only instruments a writer needed were pen and paper. Then the typewriter came along, then the word processor and computer. These days, many freelance writers say they can't get by without their own Web sites.
But isn't creating a Web site complicated?
Not so, says the Ligonier Valley Writers group. In fact, the organization is sponsoring an all-day workshop on Web site design Saturday at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, Greensburg.
"For writers, Web sites are really an electronic business card," said Mary Ann Mogus, president of the LVW. "They let you display your work for editors (instead of sending clips) and also sell your books, among other things. Linking among writer's groups and members gets everyone in the group noticed."
This is the second time the writer's group has held such a workshop. Judith Gallagher, LVW vice president, said a few years ago the organization invited Pittsburgh-based freelance writer Amanda Lynch to discuss the subject and walk attendees through the components of her Web site.
"She pointed out the advantages of having your clips online for editors to look at, as well as providing links to the magazines and newspapers who publish your work," Gallagher said. "I think one of the reasons Mary Ann (Mogus) suggested devoting an entire day to Web site design is that Amanda's workshop spent only a couple of hours on it, and attendees clamored for more information."
Mogus said she came up with the idea of holding this workshop because at least four people in the Greensburg Writers group have Web sites and said they would like to make them better.
Gallagher added that Ligonier Valley Writers also wanted to hold a workshop that would be relevant for its nonfiction-writing members.
"We try, over the course of the year, to provide something for each of our various audiences," Gallagher said, noting the group held a workshop last November on dialogue and point of view for fiction writers.
This year's presenters are Teena Masters and Steve Glasstetter.
Masters, who will teach the morning session, was a graphic designer and marketing consultant in the Pittsburgh area for more than 25 years. In 2003 she sold her design/marketing firm in Greensburg to focus on eCommerce, small-business development, and Web design and hosting.
Masters will discuss why businesses today need to be on the Internet if they want to be competitive. She also will present material on general Web site content and give an overview of her turnkey Web site solution for small to medium-sized businesses. Using her online software, Masters will demonstrate how to build a Web site and cover some of the tools that site owners can use to modify and maintain their sites without a webmaster.
Glasstetter, a professional writer and information designer based in Ligonier who has been a freelance Web designer for more than five years, will present during the afternoon session.
Glasstetter will approach Web site design from a user's perspective by providing lay Internet users and first-time Web site makers with a solid background in basic design concepts and their applications. His class will include an overview of the process required to bring a Web site to life, and address topics such as common terms and software, as well as reputable online sources for domain registration, hosting, design templates and search engine registration.
Writers can seek assistance from Glasstetter on assessing their online needs and creating a conceptual framework for creating a Web site that showcases their work effectively.
"We are hoping to give participants an idea of what sort of Web site setups are out there from the turnkey to the individual approach," Mogus said. "Not everyone is a programmer or wants to handle every aspect of their site. We are also hoping to give participants an idea of what makes a good Web site; what to have, what to avoid and so on."
"I'm guessing we'll have both people who are computer-savvy but just need some specific how-to information and those who don't go much beyond writing and e-mail on their computers but suspect it may be time to take the plunge," Gallagher added, noting that the less technically inclined should not be discouraged from attending. "We'll create a reassuring atmosphere for the latter group."
