February brings ROBINS and We Have One Here THIS WEEK!

Join me this new February week with Robin CAROLL!

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a Southern through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s books have placed/finaled in such contests as Bookseller’s Best, Book of the Year, and Reviewer’s Choice Award. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters, and their four character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else? An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at http://www.robincaroll.com/

SDC: Three or four things about you interested me before we even made plans to do this interview, Robin. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13, the type of books you write—mystery/suspense, and how you were given your lovely name Robin. Before we talk about other things, please tell us why that scripture has become one of your priorities, how you were drawn to your specific genre, and why you were given the name of Robin.

Robin: Thanks for having me. I’ve always been drawn to Philippians 4:13 because I’ve learned over the years that I can do NOTHING except through His power. And with His power, He strengthens me enough to get through anything. Why mystery/suspense? Because that’s what I love to read. I grew up reading Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, and the Hardy Boys before I moved on to Mary Higgins Clark in my late teens. About my name…my mother just liked it. LOL

SDC: I remember some of those well. Tell us about the influence your books and witness have been on your readers.

Robin: I hope that each of my books brings glory and honor to God. Some of the reader mail I’ve received has put me in tears of praise. For instance…one reader wrote me after reading one of my books and thanked me for showing that it was possible to reconcile with God after being angry with Him. It truly blesses me for God to use me in such a way.

SDC: Amen to that. How do you make faith, love, and hope work together in your stories?

Robin: One of the main reasons I write in the inspirational market is because I want readers to have hope when they close my book. I believe, personally, faith is born of love (for God loved us first) and that if you have love and faith, hope comes naturally. I try to weave this fundamental belief of mine into each of my books.

SDC: Ah! You are a weaver too. That's wonderful. Tell us now, if you have more than one publisher, who they are, and who you work with now. How have your publishers helped you with your writing experience?

Robin: This year, I have two books releasing from B&H Publishing—Deliver Us From Evil in February, and Fear No Evil releasing in August. I have one book releasing from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense—Dead Air, March. Each editor I’ve worked with has taught me valuable lessons. It’s truly a blessing to have such insight.

SDC: Besides your scripture about the strength you receive from Christ, what else sustains you each day, Robin?

Robin: My family is an awesome support system for me. My writing friends are beyond wonderful. I can’t imagine writing without either.

SDC: Oh, neither can I. When you are not writing, where is your favorite place to go and why? Does it often play any part in your later story writing?

Robin: I’m a homebody…prefer to be at home rather than out and about. Something about being curled up with a good book in my recliner in front of the fire is more appealing to me than a night on the town.

SDC: Sounds so good! Have you ever considered writing about a character who leaves the United States and goes elsewhere to find his or her loved one? (Or do you already have a book like that that I have missed?)

Robin: Actually, I have considered it, but for now, I’m content to write about the states as there are so many interesting settings right here, close to home.

SDC: When I am not writing, I am usually preparing for a Bible Study I teach to women each week, or else I’m working back and forth with critique partners, along with other things. Do you attend women’s bible studies of any kind? And does your interaction with others give you creativity with your writing imagination? And also what books do you read that have helped you that you would suggest for others?

Robin: I actually am attending a “Faith Group” study right now, which is co-ed at our church, and enjoy that format tremendously. One of the best Bible Studies for writers that I’ve found is WRITE HIS ANSWER.

SDC: I'll have to check that out. I understand you have two books you would like to share with one of our readers. That’s awesome. Please tell us, Robin, all about them both. And then we would like you to think of a question that the readers can reflect upon to answer. It could be about writing, reading, the Lord, or whatever. Thanks so much. (Although I draw the name at random, I still enjoy hearing the thoughts of others as I select the winners.)

Robin: The two books I’m giving away are “DEAD AIR” and “DELIVER US FROM EVIL” Let’s see….a question. Hmm. Okay, here’s one I always like to read the answer for….if you could have walked beside anyone in the Bible, besides Christ, who would it be and why?

SDC: Ah, that is a great question. Thanks. Thank you so much for being with us here at A Pen for Your Thoughts, Robin. It’s been a real pleasure having you here. Thanks for having me. It’s been a pleasure.

READERS: Be sure to answer Robin’s thoughtful question above to try to win a copy of her books! We will be selecting two winners this week.

Woo Hoo! We have our winners! Congratulations to Julie Lessman of Missouri and to Edna Tollison of South Carolina! Each of you have one one copy of Robin Caroll's book.  Thank you BOTH for following A Pen for Your Thoughts!