Website Building & Other Excellent Ways to Avoid Writing
How I Built a Website Instead of Finishing My Novel
Spoiler alert: The book isn’t done.
But this shiny new website? Oh, she’s thriving.
When I first set out to create my author website, it was supposed to be a quick task. Just a little landing page, a place to say “Hi, I write things, please love them.” But somewhere between picking a pastel color palette and selecting the perfect image, I found myself neck-deep in what I can only describe as a full-blown side quest.
And honestly? I regret nothing.
The Art of the Authorly Side Quest
If you’re a writer, you probably know the type:
You sit down to write… and suddenly redesign your entire website.
You open your manuscript… and end up making a business card. (Yes, I have a business card now, too!)
You brainstorm a plot twist… and decide today’s the day you reorganize your bookshelves by trope.
Side quests are magical like that. They feel productive, and to be fair, they often are. But they’re also usually just elaborate forms of running away from The Big Scary Project You’re Emotionally Avoiding™.
In my case? These projects have several names, all in draft form, glaring at me from the corner of my desktop like abandoned pets.
Website: The Unexpected Hero
The thing is, I loved making this website.
I got to:
Design something that felt like me
Find dreamy cherry blossom imagery that made my soul sigh
Write copy that didn’t feel like pulling teeth (unlike certain chapters I could name)
Pretend I had my life together for a few glorious moments
Have something tangible, to prove I’m not totally winging this ‘author’ thing
And through it all, I realized something important:
This site is part of the story too.
It’s the place where I invite you into the worlds I’m still building.
It’s where I get to be a little messy, a little magical, and completely human.
And sometimes, the best way forward is sideways.
What I’ve Actually Learned
Creating a website doesn’t mean you’re not writing.
You’re shaping your voice, your presence, your world.Side quests aren’t always detours.
Sometimes they refill the creative well. Sometimes they’re just a safe space to breathe. And they give you character XP to evolve your character. (for you gamers out there)It’s okay to pause.
As long as you return to the work that matters, eventually.
Are You Side Questing Too?
Are you also designing bookmarks, building playlists, or deep-cleaning your kitchen to avoid writing? Come sit with me. There’s tea, there are blossoms, and there’s absolutely no judgment.
And if you're curious about how I made this site (or want to use it as your next side quest), I can share some tips soon.
Until then:
Be kind to your projects, even if you’re not speaking right now.
They will be there when you’re ready. Promise.
With love, forever side questing,
Eleanor