"Guts and Sass" Website Critique

So Guts and Sass has been on its feet for a couple of months now, and now that I've got the website doing mostly everything I want it to I'd like to ask for some outside perspective on design.

I have one main concern, that related but pertinent non-story content distracts from the story content (such as in the sidebars and between the header image and the posts). I want to draw focus to the story, but there's little features or announcements I want to be easily available to readers. And they tend to clutter.

I'd love to know how the site does or does not flow for you, and any other subject of design you can think of, from the headers to the layout, use of fonts, theme, what have you. Suggestions for improvements are welcome! Kindness is not required!

I'd also like to ask what people's experiences have been with splash pages. I've seen some weblit authors who have a front page explaining what the story is about, then a link to the first post or table of contents. Other people have the latest post on the front page. Right now I have a little header with an "About" section, but it makes the actual content "below the cut." Has anyone tried it both ways and come to a conclusion on which draws readers in more? I think I'm also going to try that google analytics feature of having two versions of the front page and seeing which attracts people more.

Thanks a lot!