Writers and Websites: 10 Neat “Extras”

I recently updated my website. I added excerpts, a glossary, new FAQs, and discussion questions for Fiery Edge of Steel. I’m still doing my own thing through WordPress (which I love, despite its limitations), so it wasn’t a huge overhaul. I debated changing the theme and header picture, but decided to keep them for now. The project got me thinking. What sort of neat “extras” do other writers offer on their websites? Here are 10 creative extras offered by other authors:

1. Character wallpaper: Faith Hunter offers free Jane Yellowrock wallpaper

2. Short stories: Nalini Singh offers free short stories

3. Beloved pets: Yasmine Galenorn has a page devoted to her cats

4. Cool, interactive maps: Jennifer Estep has a map of her Library of Antiquities

5. Interactive world guides: Rachel Vincent has The Netherworld Survival Guide

6. Art cards: Seanan McGuire has a gallery of her own art cards

7. Bibliographies: Chloe Neill has a bibliography of books on Chicago

8. Walking tours: Kat Richardson has a walking tour of Harper Blaine’s neighborhood in Pioneer Square

9. Playlists: Jaye Wells offers soundtracks for her books

10. Quizes: Brent Weeks has a “What Color is Your Magic Quiz”

My favorite thing about looking through everyone’s websites was how personal they were. All of them had the basic information:

• Home page
• Bio or About page
• Books or Novels page
• Way to contact or follow
• News, events, and appearances page

And most of them had an FAQ and blog page too, but the rest of their sites were unique to them and the worlds they write in. Fun stuff. Perfect for weekend perusing. Enjoy!

Readers, what extras do you like to see on a writer’s website? Do you have a favorite extras page that wasn’t listed here?

Writers, what extras do you offer? Feel free to leave your website link in the comments so we can check them out!