Designing an Author Site to Feel Like Stepping Inside the Story
An author’s website can hold more than books. It can hold the feeling of stepping into another world.
For science fiction, horror, and mystery writer Melissa K. Magner, her heroines are often women who step into their own power, navigating love, loss, and self-discovery in ways that blend the magical with the emotional. My goal for her site was to give potential readers that same richness and depth—before they ever turn a page.
By weaving together layered visuals, multimedia touches, and intentional pacing, the site becomes its own kind of story and a piece of Melissa’s author identity. Visitors discover who she is, why she writes the way she does, and how her life experiences inform her worlds. For readers who crave more than just a plot summary, this connection can be the deciding factor in picking up a book.
The design draws from a moody, feminine color palette, accented with lush floral textures. Botanical elements appear throughout the site, an aesthetic nod to the organic, layered nature of her storytelling. The result is a sensory experience that mirrors the feeling of falling into one of her novels.
Each book receives its own dedicated page. But instead of stopping at the standard synopsis, we extended the experience:
Music as Mood – Melissa’s writing process is deeply influenced by music. Each book page includes an embedded Spotify playlist and a “Signature Songs” list that pairs specific tracks with scenes or characters.
Cinematic Previews – Dramatic teasers give each title a movie-trailer-like presence, offering a taste of tone and atmosphere.
Credibility & Acclaim – Awards and reviews are featured alongside the stories, giving new readers added confidence.
The result is a site that feels personal, immersive, and unmistakably hers—just like her books.
Do you need help designing a website that tells your story with both professionalism and personality?
★★★★★
"Beautiful website! Sarah is responsive, detail-oriented, and knows her craft so well. I couldn't be happier. "
