Greetings! I’m always delighted to interview one of my fellow CANners, and this month, I get to refresh your acquaintance with an author you’ve already met here: Miralee Ferrell. She has lots of new information and ideas for us, and I’m delighted to welcome her back to the CAN blog.

So, without further ado, welcome, Miralee! How many books do you have published?  Nine total.

What are a few of your latest titles? The most recent are all part of the Love Blossoms in Oregon series: Book 1, Blowing on DandelionsWishing on Buttercups; Book 2.5, a 160 pg novella, Forget Me NotDreaming on Daisies.

Those are great titles—I read Blowing on Dandelions not long ago, in fact (loved it!). You were last featured on the CAN blog in 2009. What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about the writing life since then?

That I must pace myself. I can’t spend too much time on promotion or my writing suffers. I must make a certain amount of room for publicity, or there won’t be any future writing. It all must mesh togetherto work correctly.

That’s such wise counsel. And what are the chief lessons you’ve learned about promotion since then?

I’ve done a number of things since 2009. I’ve completely overhauled my website, started a Facebook Author Page and Fan Group, opened and built a Twitter account, Google Plus account, Goodreads author group, and a Pinterest page. A little over a year ago, I put together a dynamic Street Team of ladies who are my right hand when it comes to promotions.  We just finished a Facebook release party a few days ago and ended up with over 1500 comments. It was wild and crazy, and lots of fun! Oh…and at the end of 2013, I started a newsletter, and I’m working to grow that each time I run a contest. I forgot…my most recent three books are not only historical romances, they also deal with issues and struggles many women face in their family or personal life. So I started a group on Facebook called Women Helping Women, designed for women who need prayer or those who are called to pray for others as a form of ministry. I see that more as ministry and giving back to my readers, than I do as promotion, and gives me another avenue to interact on a deeper level.

Wow! You’ve really worked hard at not just writing but promotion as well. So what are the most effective means of book promotion you’ve tried?

I’m not sure yet, as several of these are somewhat new to me. I think probably putting together a Street Team that I interact with on a daily basis. I know my ladies well, and they know me and are very loyal and supportive. They share on various social media sites, and on their own blogs. I’m hoping eventually my newsletter will surpass everything, as I continue to grow it, as I believe direct mail can reach more people at a deeper level than many forms of social media.

I love the idea of a Street Team. But what are the least effective promotional activities you’ve tried?

So far, I’d have to say Pinterest, but only because I don’t have the time to give to it that I’d like…or maybe Google Plus, for the same reason, and I haven’t learned to use Google Plus effectively yet. That’s something I plan to work on when I have time.

What’s your favorite way to connect with your readers?

At the moment, via Facebook. I like my group setting better than my page, as it’s easier to chat and interact in that format. I truly enjoy making friends, getting to know readers, and letting them get glimpses into my life.

Thanks for allowing readers one more way of connecting with you here on the CAN blog, Miralee! And readers, feel free to connect with her in the following ways as well:

Miralee's Website and Blog 

Miralee's Facebook Author Page

Miralee's Facebook Fan Group 

Miralee Ferrell on Twitter 

Spring blessings,

Marti Pieper

Marti's Website