Davalynn Spencer here again, from Colorado’s Front Range, welcoming today’s featured author, Winnie Griggs. Winnie was last featured on the CAN blog in 2009, and she’s written quite a bit since and come up with some great tips for us all.

Thanks for visiting with us today Winnie. How many books do you have published now, and what are a few of your latest titles?

My 16th just came out. The last four have all been connected and the titles and release dates are:
Handpicked Husband   September 2012
The Bride Next Door   June 2013
A Family For Christmas  October 2013
Lone Star Heiress   June 2014

What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about the writing life since 2009?

That it never gets any easier!

Boy, are you right, Winnie, and I’m sure everyone appreciates your candor. What about promotion? Any valuable tidbits now that you have so many titles?

Again, that it never gets any easier. But truly, something I’m coming to believe more and more is that a writer really needs to protect her writing time. All the time spent on social media or promo events can sap the energy from the writing itself. And all the promo in the world is no good to you if you don’t have a solid book to promote.

Wise words there, and so critical to remember. Regarding book promotion, What has been most effective for you?

I’m not sure I can point to any one method, and success at something like this is difficult to quantify. So I do the kinds of things I enjoy – attending readers conferences, speaking at writer’s conferences, helping promote other writers.

What are the least effective promotional activities you’ve tried?

Booksignings.

Do you have a favorite way of connecting with your readers?

In person!  Barring that, Facebook, the Love Inspired Historical group on Goodreads and the Harlequin Community forums.

Any crazy promotional gimmicks?

Hmmmm, I’m actually pretty conservative by nature so I can’t think of anything that would fit that description.

Did the Lord open doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?

Oh my, yes. There have been so many times when unexpected opportunities just fell in my lap, so to speak. And it always amazes me to see who and what He can use to accomplish His purpose.

Do you have a top tip for new authors choosing a promotion plan?

As I said earlier, first and foremost, make certain you are spending plenty of focused time on creating your next book. But as for promotional activities, always keep your target demographic in mind. Think of who the people are who read your books and then come up with ways to tailor your promotion to them.

Thank you for your insight, Winnie.
Learn more about Winnie Griggs and her books by visiting her website at www.winniegriggs.com

Davalynn Spencer