Jolene's Links for Readers and Fellow Authors
- Author and Artist Barbara Comfort (1917 to 2012). Jolene's also found this mystery writer sometime in the 1990s. She enjoys cozy mysteries so much she tries to visit every single author's website and the few that do not have any she creates fansites for. Ms. Comfort started her writing career very late in life. She was an artist most of her life and was featured in a couple of galleries. Although the author has passed away in her 90s, her Vermont mystery series deserves to be remembered.
- Dorothy Gilman Butters was one of Jolene's favorite writers all through her childhood and adult life. When she could not find a website for her and her work she created one herself. The author did get to see the early versions of the fansite and even sent Jolene an autographed copy of the last book she published. The author has since passed away but Jolene keeps the site updated for all of her many fans around the world.
- First Coast Romance Writers is a non-profit organization for both published and unpublished writers, as well as any individuals involved in the writing/publishing industry. The membership includes writers of all levels, from those working on their first manuscripts to award-winning authors The chapter is dedicated to promoting excellence in romantic fiction through monthly meetings and workshops in a comfortable forum where published and unpublished writers share knowledge about the constantly evolving publishing industry. FCRW strives to help writers become published and establish careers with innovative programs, networking opportunities and pertinent information on effective marketing techniques for members’ novels.
- he Florida Writers Association embraces the diversity of its membership and faculty from across the State of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word. Founded in 2001, the Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) serving writers of all genres and all levels. FWA provides a professional atmosphere, a vast networking system, and valuable tools to succeed in today's publishing industry. Our motto, “Writers Helping Writers,” is demonstrated daily by our volunteers across the state of Florida and beyond.
- Author Janie Bolitho (1950 - 2002) is another mystery writer that Jolene found in her local library at the end of the 1990s. The series that was available was about a Photographer in Cornwall, England who kept getting mixed up in the local murders. Come to find out the author started with a detective series called Ian Roper, DCI. Ms. Bolitho did not have an author site so Jolene created her a fansite. Sadly, this author has passed away as well. But Jolene keeps the site up and updated in remembrance of a good writer who died before her time.
- Jolene MacFadden, the writer publishes her own books. The first 6 have been published using Amazon's KDP Service. This is a link to her author page where you can find all of her books in all of the various formats. One is even now in audio format. The workbooks have been released in paperback and recently in hardback format only. Please Follow her page while you are visiting the page. She encourages every single published author out there to take advantage of these free profile pages when and where you find them. FILL THEM OUT, add pictures, link to books and if they allow add your blog feed too.
- Check out the new and used books that Jolene has collected to sell on her very own bookstore. She hopes to one day have a 'brick and mortar' store but for now she offers her books for sale as new and eBooks and also have a wide variety of hardback and paperback books she will sell as well. Support Small Business!
- Looking for affordable, professional web design and digital support tailored to small businesses, authors, and creative entrepreneurs? At Jolene’s Web Designs, we specialize in custom WordPress websites, e-commerce solutions, social media graphics, virtual assistance, and book formatting for self-published authors. With over 20 years of experience, Jolene provides one-on-one guidance to help you launch, manage, and grow your online presence with confidence. Whether you need a simple brochure site, a fully hosted online store, or help promoting your work across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok—we make it easy and stress-free. Our services include SEO optimization, video tutorials, maintenance packages, and social media planning so you can focus on your passion while we handle the tech. Located in North Florida but serving clients nationwide, we offer flexible support plans and a free 30-minute consultation to get you started. No confusing jargon or upsells—just honest service, practical training, and beautiful results.
- One of my favorite indie authors is Lacey Dancer. She commissioned me to revamp her website several years ago and help her with social media. Being a local North Florida author in her retirement years she had to start over from being traditionally published. She said she never regretted the move. Sadly, she passed away in 2023 and she will be missed. Her website will be dedicated to all of her fans.
- The National Writers Union is more than just another writers’ organization. It is the only labor union that represents freelance writers working in all genres, formats, and mediums. As freelancers we may value our autonomy, but we are united by the fact that we work independently. We face the same challenges, file the same income tax forms, and often suffer the same frustrations. Whether you’re a journalist, a book author, a technical or business writer, a screenwriter or blogger – whether you write poetry or proposals – the NWU is already working to improve your professional life.
- Northeast Florida Sisters in Crime was originally First Coast Sisters in Crime and then became Florida Sisters in Crime. We had our beginnings in 2004, when Margee Howe Bugbee called a meeting with locals interested in starting a Florida chapter of Sisters in Crime. The group continued meeting at various locations around the Jacksonville region, and our current home is at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library on Library Boulevard.
- North Florida Writers Blog Tour creates free blog articles with a 30-second promotional video. The writer must live/work inside one of the counties listed on the site, fill out the application, type up your answers to the interview questions that they choose, and record themselves answering just one of those questions. Jolene will then take all the information and materials to create a fun and informative video and article that the authors can share on their social media pages after Jolene shares them on her own. Great opportunity for her fellow authors to get some FREE publicity.
- Author Sandra West Prowell (1944 - 2015) - Jolene first read this author's books from her local library in the early 2000s. Sadly, she only published 3 great mystery books set in her home state of Montana. The author never published another book and has since passed away. Jolene keeps the site updated in remembrance of her and her stories as well as for all of her fellow fans.
- When we say “crime,” we mean Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle but also Gillian Flynn and Walter Mosley, Tess Gerritsen and Mary Higgins Clark, Elisabeth Thomas and David Heska Wanbli Weiden. Crime writing is fiction and nonfiction, traditional and indie. It’s serious and tragic or light-hearted and funny, sexy or sweet, suspense, spy, or serial killer. Crime writing is wide-ranging, bestselling, award-winning. Crime writing has room for—needs—new voices, #ownvoices, and new twists on stories with secrets and discoveries, of guilt and innocence, justice and injustice. Sisters in Crime welcomes anyone as a Sibling who loves crime fiction: all genders, all genres, all stages of writing, all ages writing for all ages, and readers.
- Solo Sojourn is a grassroots travel empowerment project designed to inspire and guide women — especially solo travelers — to safely explore Florida’s public lands. Through storytelling, technology, and shared experiences, we’re building a connected, informed, and confident community of RVers, campers, and volunteers.
- Southern Dragon Publishing helps authors bring their stories to life with affordable, personalized self-publishing and marketing support. From professional formatting, cover design, and book trailers to full-service publishing packages, we guide you through every step—whether you're launching your first book or rebranding a backlist. Our services include eBook and paperback setup, author websites, marketing graphics, and virtual assistance tailored to indie authors and small presses. Founded by Jolene MacFadden, a Certified Google Digital Marketing & eCommerce Consultant, we blend creativity with strategy to help your book stand out and sell. Based in North Florida and serving clients nationwide, we offer flexible support via Zoom or in-person and include a free 30-minute consultation to get you started. Whether you need a little help or the whole publishing package, Southern Dragon Publishing is your trusted partner for professional, stress-free publishing done your way.
- Southern Women Crafts is a blog for crafters, the business of crafting, and fans of crafting created by Jolene because of her love of the handcraft arts. She creates her own bead and wire jewelry and accessories and sells her moms, and two daughter's creations on Amazon Handmade, her own online store, and at the Chiefland Farmers Flea Market for the past several years.
- Jolene and her family have been creating various crafts for years. Now they offer them for sale on their own eCommerce store. Everything is handmade, fun, colorful and available. We have a wide variety of hand crocheted items as well as bead and wire creations. Check it out!
- The Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization of writers. Since our founding, we have served as the collective voice of American authors, and have long supported the rich and diverse literary culture of our country. Our members include novelists in all genres and categories, nonfiction writers, journalists, historians, poets, and translators. The Guild welcomes traditionally published authors as well as self-published, independent authors. We are a guild in the traditional sense of the term—a group of artisans who have come together to create an association of authority and influence. We give authors—who belong to an often lonely profession—a sense of community and belonging, with opportunities for sharing, networking, and conviviality.
- The Blanche A History is a companion website created by Jolene to document her research and information while writing her latest book about the history of the Hotel Blanche in Lake City, Florida. It is a historical landmark building recognized by the U.S. Department of Interior as a Historical Building. It is over 100 years old and has been finally renovated and repurposed as not only a boutique hotel but has office spaces, co-working spaces, shops on the bottom floor, and apartments on the north and south wings. There are only about 20 hotel rooms and the center of the hotel with a grand lobby on the first and second floor as well as a ballroom is rented out for parties, weddings, and conventions.
- Jolene created a website for a county and town where she and her mom stayed while workamping on the Suwannee River. The county, Lafayette, is one of the smallest in Florida and did not have much of a web presence. As a project and labor of love, she keeps it updated all year long. She supports all the local businesses and encourages them to share their news, updates, social media posts, and websites so that more people support them as well.
- Webs and Blogs for Writers Blog has gone through a lot of changes over the years. Now, Jolene has made it into a writer's resource blog filled with information for her fellow writers and informative articles that she has written to share with those who are new to writing and encourages more experienced writers to chime in when they want. We hope you will check out the articles and share them with other authors who might find them useful.
- Workamping in Florida is a website created as a companion to Jolene's called Insider's Guide to Campground Hosting in Florida's Parks. Florida. It contains information about workamping in Florida public land areas. Some information from the books as well as some that could not be included like videos, pictures, interviews with other volunteer workampers. She is also starting a series of kid's workbooks about all the public land areas separated into counties.
- The Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) promotes, encourages, and supports aspiring and experienced writers. Monthly programs for writers are free and open to the public. Members receive a free Bacopa Literary Review, may join critique pods, and may promote their books, services, and websites/blogs on this website.