You won’t believe how simple and FREE creating an authors website can be!

In the past, an author’s personal website was the holy grail of finding information on our most beloved writers and storytellers. From book tours to correct reading order, to a mailing address where you could send fanatical letters and wail about the death of your favorite characters. Like a brick house we built with our bare hands, they were our personal spaces, our platforms through which we reached our readers. But, with the rise of blogging and social media, the authors website is slowly fading into antiquity. Or is it? Times are constantly changing and with it comes a flux of new technology and social platforms that overwrite the old. If you’re a millennial like me you no doubt witnessed the death of MySpace and the rise of Facebook and Twitter. But, who’s to say that in ten years these popular sites will still be around? Having a Facebook “like” page and a booming twitter account are fine, but in the case that Facebook nosedives at any time in the future, having your own platform that’s controlled solely by you may be your only saving grace. I can already hear you screaming at me, “But websites are expensive! I can’t afford that!” and “I don’t know how to code a website! I can’t be in control of something I know nothing about!” Relax friends and colleagues, I’m here to provide a comprehensive guide on building a simple website that you can operate without entirely on your own. Follow along and in three simple steps, you will have your own FREE platform that no one can take from you, not even the Facebook banning police. I know we’ve all had our run in with those jerks. Here we go!

STEP ONE: Choosing a host website

There are many platforms that allow you to host your website with a custom domain name, which is what we’ll be using here so that you completely “own” your website. The host I think is the best and personally use is Tumblr.com. Tumblr is a blogging website that allows users to create their own blogs and seamlessly share content from millions of users all around the world. This both allows authors to find and interact with new and prospective fans while simultaneously keeping their blog or website fresh with new content. I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume you already have an email address. If not, I highly recommend Gmail for all your emailing needs. Grab your email and navigate to http://www.tumblr.com and create an account. Account creation is extremely simple. Simply enter your email address, password and select a username. I suggest creating a username that in some way correlates to what you’re trying to accomplish.  AuthorJenineHadwick is perfectly fine as apposed to PrincessPonyGlitterBootyShorts. I’m serious, tumblr usernames get pretty rediculous. Now, open up a new tab and get ready for step two.

STEP TWO: Acquiring a domain name

Head over to http://www.dot.tk/. This is your domain provider. A domain provider, in a nutshell, is a computer network server where your website will be hosted 24 hours a day, seven days a week without disruption. Essentially, your personal computer, the one you’re using right now could act as a host for your website. With a few apps and minor HTML and coding knowledge, you really wouldn’t need a domain provider at all. Except for the fact that your computer isn’t turned on and connected to the internet all day every day and your internet connection probably wouldn’t have the strength to support all the people flocking to your website. Domain names usually range in price from $10 a month to over $100 a year for a .com domain. But, with the dot.tk website, you will be
provided with a .tk domain name completely free of charge. Yes, COMPLETELY free. The only catch is that you have to renew your domain name every year. But, for a free website, that doesn’t seem too daunting now does it? Head over to http://www.dot.tk and pick your domain name. Now, this will be the NAME of your website, the name through which users will find you. For example, my website is http://www.acgreenlee.com. I opted to pay for a .com domain name for personal reasons but, notice how simple the web address is. Your domain name could be anything from FamousAuthorHeather.tk to HankHillSellsPropane.tk. Just make sure it’s exactly what you want and something you won’t regret choosing later. After checking that your domain is available, proceed to the signup process.

Configuration:

1. Select Use DNS.
2. For the IP address slots, enter the IP from Tumblr (66.6.44.4) in both slots.
3. Select 12 Months from the drop down menu.
4. Enter the CAPTCHA.
5. Complete registration.

Head back over to tumblr:

1. Click Settings (the gear icon) at the top of your Dashboard.
2. Click the blog you’d like to update on the right side of the page.
3. Click the pencil to the right of the username section and enable “Use a custom domain.”
4. Enter your domain (e.g. mywebsite.tk).
5. Click “Test your domain.”
6. Correct problems if the test finds any, and click “Test your domain” until the test is successful.
7. Hit “Save.”

If you navigate to your username.tumblr.com blog and it tells you that theres a problem, don’t panic, this is a good thing! It means tumblr is pointing correctly to your domain name and all there’s left to do is wait until all the mechanical stuff updates iteslf. Now lets move onto step three, the fun part!

STEP THREE: Customization

The thing I love most about tumblr is how easily customized it is, even if you have no knowledge of coding. After you’ve beaten your website into shape and you have your AuthorsWebsite.tk website set up and tested, head back to tumblr and go Blog Settings and Edit Theme. You can choose from a million free (and paid if you’re about that life) themes to make your website look however you want. By uploading a header image and profile picture, most themes will give you an entirely personalized website at the push of a button. For even more personalization, hit Edit HTML in your blog editor and get ready for your first, simple HTML coding lesson. Head over to any free tumblr theme code site (we’re going with http://kawaiilayouts.com just because I love them) and copy one of their free theme codes. Head back over to the Edit HTML section of your tumblr editor, select the HTML that’s already there, hit paste, update preview and TADA. Completely new website with the click of a button.

With your new website you’ll be able to truly build an authors platform independent of any social media sites personal fate. And, in the case that something happens to tumblr, there are quite literally a million different alternatives to hosting, and your domain provider dot.tk even has its own page builder if you ever want to cut your ties to a host all together. You can have your cake and eat it to by using social media in conjuncture with your personal website, extending your reach and your influence exponentially. Make them work with each other and for each other! Now that you have the foundation laid out for you, what are you still doing here? Go! Go build a website!

If you enjoyed this post or found it useful consider following the author on Facebook. Happy creating!

A.C. Greenlee writes tailor made romance and erotic with real women in mind

Genesis Character Introductions: Meet Elliot Belan

Name: Elliot Belan

Age: 23

Birthdate: June 24th, 1990

Zodiac: Cancer is a mysterious sign, filled with contradictions. They want security and comfort yet seek new adventure. They are very helpful to others yet sometimes can be cranky and indifferent. Cancer has a driving, forceful personality that can be easily hidden beneath a calm, and cool exterior. The crab is Cancer’s ruling animal and it suits them well, they can come out of their shell and fight but they can also hide in their shell of skitter away back into the depths of the ocean. They are very unpredictable. With cancer, there is always something more that meets the eye, for they are always partially hidden behind the shell. They have a deep psyche and intuitive mind that is hidden from the world. Cancer is deeply sensitive and easily hurt, this might be why they have their defense shell in place, to avoid being hurt by others.

They are nurturers so they surround themselves with people, whom after a while can offend or hurt a cancer without even knowing they did so, therefore Cancer’s protective shell keeps them safe from hurt. They are complex, fragile, unpredictable and temperamental and need constant support and encouragement, more then any other astrology signs, Cancer needs to be needed. When cancer gets the support it needs, it has a tremendous amount to offer in return. When cancer gets offended, they tend to sulk instead of confronting the persons face to face. This needlessly prolongs the pain and suffering. Cancer is very possessive, not just with material possessions but with people as well. Cancer will always want to stay in touch with old friends and anyone who has ever been close to them, because it is easier to maintain a friendship then attempt to learn to trust a new person. It is easier this way for them emotionally. If you befriend a Cancer, you will stay friends for a long time. Cancer makes the perfect mother, this is the sign that represents motherhood. They have unconditional love and caring more so then any other astrology sign. Cancer are very intuitive. Most of the psychics of the world are Cancer astrology signs. They have an excellent memory and are very observant and can read people very well. They can usually tell of other people’s intentions are good or not.

Never dupe a Cancer, they can see your motives. Cancer has a lot of emotional issues to deal with but once they overcome this large hump of shyness and insecurity, there is practically nothing they can’t do. With their strong intuition, sensitivity, powers of observation and intelligence, they will have great success in anything they undertake.

General information: Elliot Belan is the quietly concerned friend who often follows Victoria and Kaizer around like a lost puppy. Known for his signature blonde hair, green eyes and dazzling smile, he is a favorite among the student and faculty of Viking Lake University. On the outside, he looks like the type of man who would never hurt a fly, but he hides his true heritage and intentions behind a kind facade. As for Kaizer, his so called friend, is only standing in the way of finding happiness with Victoria. Extremely calculating despite his boyish good looks, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to have pint-sized heroine by his side.

Personality Type: 

ISTP – The Mechanic

Quiet and reserved, interested in how and why things work. Has excellent skills with mechanical things. A Risk-taker who lives for the moment. Usually interested in and talented at extreme sports. Uncomplicated in their desires. Loyal to their peers and to their internal value systems, but not overly concerned with respecting laws and rules if they get in the way of getting something done. Detached and analytical, they excel at finding solutions to practical problems.

Villain Archetype: The outcast. He’s the lonely outsider, who wants desperately to belong. Tortured and unforgiving, he has been set off from others, and usually for good cause. He craves redemption, but is willing to gain it by sacrificing others. Waste no sympathy on him – he’ll have none for you.

Best strengths: Tolerant, Orderly, Appreciative, Determined.

Worst flaws: Immaturity, Two-faced, “Because I’m good at it”, Cute and Psycho.

Ego flaw: Desperately Craves Affection.

Ambitions: Pleasing his ‘father’. Finding a way into Victoria’s circle by any means necessary.

Motive: Emotional neglect as a child, an extreme need for the affection he never received from his father. The need to belong to something no matter what it is.

Internal conflict: He’s constantly at odds with an innate need to do the right thing and the need to destroy for his own benefit.

Biggest fear: Being alone.

Main Cast List:

Kaizer Dresden – Tao Huang

Victoria Bouchard: Ji Eun Lee

Ezra Dresden- Woo Bin Kim

Zain Dresden – Jae Joong Kim

Dr. Mischa Bartlett- Nana

Axel Mariselle- Soo Hyuk Lee

Elliot – Chan Yeol Park

Genesis Character Introduction: Victoria Bouchard

Next on our list of character introductions is our spunky heroine, Victoria.

Adorable to look at, our heroine is a fiery little number with a potty-mouth and a penchant for getting her way, even if it means resorting to violence. Although she isn’t physically the strongest, she uses her enhanced mental prowess to overcome any obstacle she finds in her way. Now introducing, Victoria Bouchard, Kaizer’s Angel. 

—>Click here for an excerpt!<—

Name: Victoria Bouchard

Played by: Shin Yeong Kim/Ji Eun Lee

Age: 24

Birthdate: September 18th, 1990

Zodiac: Virgo exists in the mind, everything is inside. To the world, Virgo presents a calm and collected exterior, but on the inside, nervous uncontrolled energy resides. They are constantly trying to figure things out, how to improve everything; analyzing and thinking. Virgo can tire itself out without even moving! Virgo has a constant drive to improve and perfect, this can lead to extreme pickiness and finickiness. They are pure, their motives are honest, never malicious and they want to accomplish something.

General information: Since she was a small child, Victoria has always had problems with her sight, a fact which often left her ostracized by her siblings and classmates. A true daddy’s girl, her only friend and confidant growing up was her father Percy Bouchard, who doted on the girl, spending a good portion of his time making sure she felt right at home. During her teenage years, Mr. Bouchard was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and spent the remainder of his life on earth in constant suffering. Victoria blamed herself. After her father’s death, she was sent to Harlan, Iowa to attend college at Viking Lake University, where she met and fell in love with Kaizer Dresden, a brilliant albeit lazy Grim Reaper. She knows his secret, to a certain extent, and he’s forever curious about the strange mental abilities she displays.

Personality Type: ISTJ – The Duty Fulfiller

Serious and quiet, interested in security and peaceful living. Extremely thorough, responsible, and dependable. Well-developed powers of concentration. Usually interested in supporting and promoting traditions and establishments. Well-organized and hard working, they work steadily towards identified goals. They can usually accomplish any task once they have set their minds to it.

Heroine Archetype: The SPUNKY KID – Gutsy and true, she is loyal to the end. She is a favorite of many writers, and for good reason. You can’t help but root for her. She’s the girl with moxie. She’s not looking to be at the top of the heap; she just wants to be in her own little niche. She’s the team player, the one who is always ready to lend a hand.

Best strengths: Intellection, Learner, badass adorable, little miss badass, badass adorable.

Worst flaws: Cannot spit it out, Anti-Hero, Innocently Insensitive.

Ego flaw: Stubbornness.

Ambitions: To graduate at the top of her class and later, help find the psychopath who’s making sashimi out of all her friends and classmates.

Internal conflict: She seems composed on the outside, but inside she struggles with the potential to do great evil in the world instead of good.

External conflict: She’s self-deprecating when it comes to her love for Kaizer. She can’t help but believe that she isn’t good enough for him.

Biggest fear: Failing. Whether it’s in life or a board game. She can’t stand to lose. Being blind, losing her sight and being ineffective…these are the fears that haunt Victoria Bouchard.

Bio: Victoria was born in Norfolk Virginia. As a child she always dreamed of attending Harvard, or generally any Ivy League school, but quickly realized that her dream would be far from possible with her parent’s limited income. Victoria was cursed with poor eyesight as well as seemingly limitless mental abilities. She soaks up information like a human sponge, processes data like a super computer and can sometimes even hear the thoughts of the people around her.

Main Cast List:

Kaizer Dresden – Tao Huang

Victoria Bouchard: Ji Eun Lee

Ezra Dresden- Woo Bin Kim

Zain Dresden – Jae Joong Kim

Dr. Mischa Bartlett- Nana

Axel Mariselle- Soo Hyuk Lee

Elliot – Chan Yeol Park

We’ll continue our list of characters tomorrow with Mr. Ezra Dresden, the Grim Reaper Führer himself. The epitome of a powerful ‘badass’ he’s quite literally every woman’s wet dream. I think you’ll enjoy him~! Until next time!

Genesis Character Introduction: Kaizer Dresden

I promised you character introductions and who better to start with than the hero of our story himself? You’ll find a list of the main cast at the end of the post, as well as the actors/actresses portraying them. For the extended plot line and an excerpt from Genesis, follow the link below. Enjoy~!

—>Click here for an excerpt!<—

Name: Kaizer Dresden

Race: Grim Reaper

Played by: Tao Huang

Age: 24 (Appearance) 72 (Actual Age)

Birthdate: October 25th

Zodiac: Scorpios are very deep, intense people, there is always more than meets the eye. They present a cool, detached and unemotional air to the world, yet lying underneath is tremendous power, extreme strength, intense passion, a strong will and a persistent drive.

General information: The youngest son of the Guardian Realm’s prestigious Dresden family. He was exiled to Harlan Iowa after blacking out and going on a rampage that resulted in the murder of several mortals before their time was up. Since then, he has taken up communications at Viking Lake University to pass the time and has developed a deep relationship with the mortal woman Victoria Bouchard.

Personality Type: ENTJ – The Executive Assertive and outspoken – they are driven to lead. Excellent ability to understand difficult organizational problems and create solid solutions. Intelligent and well-informed, they usually excel at public speaking. They value knowledge and competence, and usually have little patience with inefficiency or disorganization.

Hero Archetype: The BAD BOY- Dangerous to know, he walks on the wild side. This is the rebel, or the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s bitter and volatile, a crushed idealist, but he’s also charismatic and street smart.

Best strength: Strong, Reliable, Protective

Worst flaws: The Tease, Yandere, The Berserker, Brilliant but Lazy.

Ego flaw: Impatience.

Ambitions: To get back into his family’s good graces, to prove to his eldest brother Ezra that he’s competent and capable of handling business. Finding a way out of his ‘relationship’ with Victoria without hurting her (*Good luck). Later, to stop the psychotic killer trudging through Harlan murdering all the humans, his friends included.

Motive: At one point he is ruled by power and familial duty, but as the story unfolds, he realizes through the help of his brother Zain, that his loyalty to the woman he loves is ultimately more important.

Internal conflict: He’s constantly torn between wanting to do something great, and wanting to do absolutely nothing at all.

External conflict: He’s having a hard time balancing his love for Victoria with his fear of losing her.

Biggest fear: Losing someone close to him, most importantly, Victoria.

Bio: Being the youngest of fifteen, he’s spent his life being overlooked in favor of his powerful elder siblings, so naturally he’s learned not to ask for much. He’s lazy, and would much rather spend his time watching horror movies on Netflix and binge eating pizza than saving the world. He was exiled to the mortal realm as punishment and currently resides there, still ‘grounded’. At the end of the day, Kaizer just wants someplace–and someone–he can call his own, without fear of losing it to his family or the Guardian’s who rule his home world.

Main Cast List:

Kaizer Dresden – Tao Huang

Victoria Bouchard: Ji Eun Lee

Ezra Dresden- Woo Bin Kim

Zain Dresden – Jae Joong Kim

Dr. Mischa Bartlett- Nana

Axel Mariselle- Soo Hyuk Lee

Elliot – Chan Yeol Park

Up next, we’ll meet Victoria Bouchard, our lovely heroine! See you soon!

Updates and a New Book?!?!

Hey guys! I know its been a while since I’ve updated here–feel free to hurl rotten tomatoes if you like. I’ve been busy with school, graduating and re-enrolling among other things, but most importantly, I finally finished the manuscript I’ve been hinting at for the last two years. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Genesis is complete and undergoing its first round of edits!

Cue the confetti!

Though I can’t say much about the project, in the weeks to come, I will be providing you with character pics, bios and full profiles in order to whet your appetite for the novel itself. And while, an actual release date is a little further down the line than I’d like, I’ll do my best to keep you posted on the final stages of its creation. Until then, I’ll unveil two promotional posters, the plot, and an excerpt just because I adore you guys!

Plotline: A dastardly serial killer is unleashed on the small town of Harlan, Iowa and he’s quickly making his way towards Viking Lake, a rural university that just so happens to be the home of Grim Reaper Kaizer Dresden, grounded to earth to serve a 150 year sentence after wrongfully reaping a soul. Though he is loathe to admit it, he has found the love of a young woman who’s interesting psionic abilities keep him on his toes and, at times, bring about more trouble than they’re worth. Together, Kaizer and Victoria team up to stop this impending threat, only to find that a mortal serial killer may be the very least of their worries. Genesis is a unique mix of Urban Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance and Science Fiction that will have you gripping the edge of your seats on a roller coaster ride into hell and back–Literally!

Excerpt:      

Victoria pulled back to stare at the dark storm clouds that gathered overhead, the crew falling silent around them

“Is it going to rain?” She asked, watching the Captain step forward, his face worried.      

“Those aren’t storm clouds, lass.” Kaizer pushed Victoria off his lap and onto the platform as he climbed to his feet, frowning at the droplets of water that spattered against his face, the clouds bursting above their heads. He reached up to wipe the drops away, only to draw back fingertips stained red, the sound of thunder accompanying a bloody downpour.      

“What the fuck is going on?” He asked, his spine tingling as lightning fissured across the sky. Before he could blink something sharp whizzed past his face, embedding itself in the floor just inches from where Victoria sat. They stared in awe at the gleaming spear, its shaft vibrating violently as it dislodged itself from the wood and clattered to the ground.      

“C-Captain! Avast!” One of the crewmen shouted as something shot out of the clouds, its enormous black wings stirring up a maelstrom that rocked the ship beneath their feet. The crew struggled to hold on, to stay oriented in the storm as the creature landed in a flurry, folding one of the sailors to the ground as piercing shrieks filled the air around them. The man’s panicked screams sent fear rocketing through them as Charon appeared at his side. Lifting his arm in an arc, he sent a wave of energy at whatever attacked his mate, only to be blown backwards as the creature lifted its head to screech at him, the power of its voice alone enough to send the man toppling over backwards. Its face was pale and gaunt, it’s feminine body clothed in gleaming silver armor as bright blue eyes stared out at them menacingly from beneath it’s winged helmet. In place of feet the creature sported gigantic birdlike talons, barely hidden by its metal shin guards. It dipped its head again, wrapping it’s pointed, beak-like jaws around the man’s jugular, his screams ending in a painful gurgle as a fountain of blood mingled with the pouring rain. Charon hobbled to his feet with the support of his crew, unable to believe the sight before him.      

“Harpies!” He shouted in warning as they were swarmed by the screaming, winged creatures. The ship erupted into chaos. The deck was flooded, motivating the crew to take action as they brandished swords and shields to protect themselves from the attack, their grunts of pain and cries of terror forming a fortissimo of sound that drowned out the violent thunder rumbling in the distance. The creatures attacked with swords and spears, driving the men onto their heels as their blades clashed, breaking shields and bone with unbridled power.       

“Victoria, move!” Kaizer yelled as he dove for her, snatching her out of her seat as she narrowly dodged the harpy that dropped onto the platform mere centimeters from where she sat.      

“Kaizer!” She called as he cradled her against his chest and made a mad dash for the Captains cabin, leaping over unfortunate sailors who fell, slain by the beasts.      

“Hold on!” He shouted as something slammed against his ankles, tripping him up and dropping them hard against the deck. His arms went about her waist as he rolled to avoid crushing her, just narrowly dodging the spear that would have impaled them both as the harpy shrieked and stabbed at them. He rolled right and lashed out, kicking her left knee hard enough to break it. She fell backwards screaming, giving him the opening he needed to roll again and leap to his feet. “Get inside Victoria!” He pushed her towards the cabin, cursing as he was once again sent sprawling to the floor, the shrieking woman clawing up his body, her blue eyes spitting flames of cerulean as she reached for his face. His fingertips blazed with green energy as a sickle appeared in both hands, their blades singing as he hooked them around the creature’s neck and pulled, sending her head rolling across the floor. Her body dropped, lifeless against him as he screwed his eyes shut to avoid the putrid spray of blood that covered him. Shoving the corpse away, he jumped to his feet and turned to survey the carnage. The sailors were completely overwhelmed as the creatures continuously dropped out of the sky, the disorienting rain soaking them to the bone. Captain Charon was holding his own as was Zain, who stood perched on the railing, spinning his glowing scythe expertly as he felled his attackers with very little energy. If he didn’t know any better, he’d swear the man’s eyes were closed. Kai cursed, once again reminded of his limitations. As usual, he’d just have to make due with what he had. “This is not going to be pretty!” He growled. Damning his luck, he ran blindly into the fray and planted his foot into the back of a sailor doubled over in pain. Using him as leverage he sailed right into a ring of harpies who’d subdued a sailor, their expert blades slicing and stabbing at his body until he’d gone completely still. Kaizer hit the ground hard, startling them into flight as he flipped his sickles over his hands and sliced through the air, hooking the blades in the flesh of their wings to cut through tendon and bone before they hit the deck screaming in pain…

That’s all I can share for now. Be on the lookout for updates on Genesis as well as more promotional posters, excerpts, teasers and all things Grim Reaper in the weeks to come. Until next time! Want immediate updates on Genesis as well as other projects? Follow my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BooksbyACGreenlee Want Character Profiles now? Follow the links below!

Main Cast List:

Kaizer Dresden – Tao Huang

Victoria Bouchard: Ji Eun Lee

Ezra Dresden- Woo Bin Kim

Zain Dresden – Jae Joong Kim

Dr. Mischa Bartlett- Kumiko Koda

Axel Mariselle- Soo Hyuk Lee

Elliot – Chan Yeol Park