Welcome to our New Faces column, where we are delighted to introduce some of the newest authors on your romance shelves. This issue we're visiting with Winnie Griggs, whose debut historical is What Matters Most, available from Leisure Books.

Winnie, welcome to TRR! Tell us about yourself.

I'm originally from Marrero, Louisiana, a small town across the river from New Orleans. But for the past twenty-five or so years I've made my home in the opposite corner of the state, the community of Plain Dealing, Louisiana. I hold a BS in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. My family consists of a husband (my college sweetheart, a wonderful man I've been married to for going on 26 years) and four teenage children - 3 in high school and one in college.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I do have an 8:00-5:00 job that helps pay the bills - I work at an electric utility company in the information technology group.

What led you to write romance?

A longtime reader - oh my yes! I've been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. I cut my teeth on fairy tale anthologies and series books like The Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden and The Hardy Boys. I like most genres of fiction - Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Gothics, and of course Romances in most every sub-genre. I toyed with writing my own stories since middle school, where I'd pen stories starring the characters of my favorite TV shows. I didn't seriously pursue writing novel length manuscripts, though, until about nine years ago.

Tell us about your road to publication.

As for how long it took, as I stated above, I started trying my hand at a writing novel length romance about nine years ago. That was about the time my kids were all in school and I was making quite a few business trips which gave me airport and hotel time to fill.

It took me two and a half years to finish that work, and I completed three more before I sold one of them. Along the way I joined Romance Writers of America and found a local chapter not far from my hometown. Being part of an extended family of writers has been of immense value and enjoyment to me, both in learning my craft and finding a support network to help celebrate my successes and hold me up when I fall. Many of these writers took this rookie under their wing, taking the time to read my work, and giving me specific, insightful feedback that gave me a multitude of 'ah-ha' moments. Then I hooked up with a wonderful critique partner, Connie Cox, a very talented writer of fantasy and short contemporary. Connie and I write in different genres and have very different voices, but that has never been a problem. When two people mesh the way we did right from the start it's pure magic.

A couple of years ago, I began to submit to various writing contests and found even more wonderful writers willing to offer feedback on my writing, helping me to hone my craft even more. Along the way I acquired a literary agent. I also began attending regional and national romance writer conferences to not only learn from the workshops but extend my networking options. All of this culminated in my making my first sale to Dorchester last May, along with a second sale in December.

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

First of all, I read a LOT of books set in the same period as the one I write in, both fiction and non-fiction, enveloping myself in the language and tone of the period. Then I researched specific bits I needed for the story itself - things like clothing, light sources, travel modes and speeds, etc.

Who are your influences as a writer?

I'm a particular fan of Patricia Potter, who is a gracious lady as well as a wonderful writer. I also admire the works of Amanda Quick, Pamela Morsi, Teresa Medeiros, Christina Dodd and Maggie Osborne.

What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst?

I believe they are all quite proud of me. I was especially flattered to learn my brother and father, neither of whom are big on recreational reading ( understatement! ), have read and professed to enjoy my work.

Tell us about plans for future books.

I have a new book coming out in November of this year. SOMETHING MORE is an Americana style historical set in Northeast Texas, and is a mail order bride story with a bit of a twist that I hope the readers will enjoy. You can find out a bit more about it by visiting my website at www.winniegriggs.com. I also have another book that is now in my agent's hand. Hopefully I'll be able to deliver some good news about that one soon.

How can readers get in touch with you?

My e-mail address is wgriggs@shreve.net and my website url is www.winniegriggs.com
Or you can write to me at
Winnie Griggs
P.O.Box 398
Plain Dealing LA 71064

Winnie, thanks for joining us, and best of luck with your next book! Readers, we have a review of WHAT MATTERS MOST in our Historical section.

June 29, 2001