As with any construction project, it took longer and cost more than my initial plans, pitting a beautiful vision against the reality of time constraints, competing priorities, and hard work. Rebranding myself as a writer was challenging – and a lot of fun.

The project began 18 months ago. I realized I’d soon complete the manuscript of my new book, a novel about a lifelong dream that goes horribly wrong. The story is full of quirky characters with a protagonist who uses humor to cope with her dilemma. My old website, which was totally focused on my memoir, Swimming with Maya, had done its job and needed to be retired.

How it Began

In February of 2016 I talked to my WordPress technical consultant Tony Martin about developing a new site. I wanted a totally new look and feel – clean, modern, more lighthearted and colorful than the old site. Tony sent me links to literally hundreds of WordPress themes; and so, the process began.

WordPress themes have some limitations, and I wanted a custom banner to anchor the site. I turned to my daughter for help. Meghan, a web designer and illustrator, brainstormed with me about my theme choices. Working with Tony, we selected one. She agreed to create the banner, and helped me think through what qualities I wanted to project. My digital and creative support person, Brittni Coleman, began working on navigation and content with me.

Brittni points out, “One thing I learned from this collaboration is the necessity to reinvent yourself and stay fresh. As overwhelming as change can be, it’s imperative to evolve and not stay stuck in the past. Only then can you truly shine!”

My friend Lynn Watson, who did all the photography for the old site, took new photos and cheered me on. Ultimately, Brittni, a make up artist, did my makeup and took my current photo.

An Evolving Process

Meanwhile, Tony researched options for further customization, from a new way to handle photo display to refining the line spacing and headline sizes. Some months, I slacked off and nothing was accomplished. Then, I’d put in a burst of work and we’d move forward. Literally hundreds of emails and many phone calls were exchanged over the months.

I went to Ashland, Oregon in April, partly for fun, but mostly to work with Tony in person on our evolving design. By then, Meghan had a new job and little time, and Tony suggested I consider working with Chris Mole, who is a friend of long standing (once married to my ex-husband Ron Jones). Chris is a talented designer who specializes in working with authors and happens to also live in Ashland.

Once Chris stepped in to provide creative direction and design of the inside pages, the project moved forward quickly. May and June were intense, with many questions to be resolved in short time frames, and Chris and I held several phone meetings. At the same time, Brittni and I began planning to publicize and launch the new site. Tony worked long hours to customize the theme to match the design parameters. So, after our seven-day “countdown” on social media, here it my brand new site. Ta dahhh!

The Creative Team

Chris Mole – has been visually communicating her clients’ products, services, and endeavors for more than 30 years. They include nonprofits, companies, authors, and entrepreneurs. Her long experience in print design, production, and the digital arts make her a knowledgeable and skilled resource. Over the past decade her interest has shifted toward book design and helping authors navigate the challenges of producing, publishing, and marketing their work. Portfolios and more information at: www.booksavvystudio.com and www.chrismoledesign.com

Chris Mole

Tony Martin – works with a variety of clients to develop and manage websites in WordPress, from small sites like mine to e-commerce websites with dozens of pages and complex navigation and security needs. I found out about Tony through my former sister-in-law Beth Jones whose website www.astrologyoflight.com impressed me, and who had worked with Tony for many years. For more information, Tony can be reached at [tony-email]

Tony Martin

Brittni Joy Coleman – Creates music with her husband, Ricky Antonio, and supports clients with her digital and social media expertise, good cheer, and amazing organizational skills. Her main art, however, is makeup and she did mine for the headshot on my new site. She says, “Makeup is not a mask, but a microscope magnifying the unique beauty of each soul.” Find out more at http://www.brittnijcoleman.com/

Brittni Coleman

Meghan Vincent-Jones – At her day job as Marketing & Development Director for a statewide solar advocacy association, she manages marketing and promotional efforts and oversees fundraising events. She has worked in design and marketing for 15 years as a web designer, graphic designer and creative director. Her passion these days is surface pattern design and illustration.  In her limited spare time, Meghan designs patterns for fabrics, cards, and wrapping paper. Find samples at http://www.fancyforeststudio.com/

Meghan Vincent-Jones

Lynn Watson – Lynn is a Bay Area freelance and stock photographer. Although her specialty is nature photography, she has recently expanded her portfolio to include weddings and portraits. She enjoys collaborating with Eleanor on everything from hikes and crossword puzzles to her website photography needs, and says, “I was pleased to work with someone who shares my eye for detail.” Find her work at https://lynnwatsonphotography.smugmug.com/

Lynn Watson