Joining us this month is author Robin Caroll, current president of American Christian Fiction Writers and suspense novelist. Her debut novel Bayou Justice earned Top Pick in October 2007 from Romantic Times! I’ve only met Robin briefly and have had the privilege of some brief correspondence. We both enjoyed being finalists in the Genesis contest the same year in the same category, and now she has four books under her belt with three more to come!

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a Southern belle right down to her “hey y’all.” Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of eighteen years, her three beautiful daughters, and their four character-filled cats at home—in the South, where else? She gives back to the writing community by serving as President of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) for 2007-2008. 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!

Awww, come on, Robin – I write historicals! (But I write suspense now and then too.) :)

Robin’s second book, Bayou Corruption from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense, came out in February 2008. Here’s the blurb:

Left for dead in the middle of the road, Jackson Devereaux’s good buddy and Lagniappe sheriff slipped into a coma. Jackson wouldn’t let them get away with it, once the ace newspaper reporter uncovered who they were. He’d start with the lovely Alyssa LeBlanc, the only eyewitness to the crime. Problem was, she hated Jackson—why?—as much as she hated being back in the Louisiana bayou. Unfortunately, the truth lay deep in the bayou’s belly. And whether they liked it or not, Alyssa had to lead the way.

You can purchase Bayou Corruption at these three online bookstores:

CBD, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

I asked Robin to give us some insight into how God is using her and her writing.

Jill: When and how did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Robin: : I can’t remember a time I wasn’t writing in some form or fashion. My mother tells me I was making up plays and acting them out before kindergarten. LOL I wrote my first “published” piece in 3rd grade . . . a short-story type about a picture of a lake. It was published in my school district’s semi-annual magazine.

Jill: Can you share with me some of the highlights of your writing journey – something particularly memorable or humorous?

Robin: Memorable? The first time my mentor read the first 3 chapters of my wip she politely suggested I rewrite the entire proposal. Yeah, I kicked my couch, pulled my hair, and screamed to the wall. Then I reread her email again and realized she was right. That’s when I knew I was starting to grow as a writer—being able to be objective about my writing.

Jill: Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope/plan to write in the future. Do you have a favorite genre?

Robin: I write category romantic suspense. I love the genre. The only other genre I’d consider writing in (and I have some single titles in the works) is straight suspense with a lot of action.

Jill: Do you consider your writing the work God has given you to do for a lifetime or for a season of your life? If you could pursue anything else, what would it be?

Robin: I truly believe God calls us to use the gifts He’s given us to honor him. Trust me, I beat my head against the wall for way too many years as I struggled to write for the ABA. Back then, I didn’t even know about the CBA. Shocking, I know. LOL

Jill: Are there people in your life who encouraged you, who are responsible for you becoming a published author?

Robin: My parents, who gave me the ability to spread my wings and fly after my dream. My husband, who always believed in my ability. Colleen Coble, who went to bat for me so many times in the publishing industry. My CPs, who have always demanded the best of my writing. My agent, who is by far my harshest critic, but also my biggest cheerleader.

Jill: Can you share one struggle that entered your life as a result of writing and how God helped you to overcome it, to make you more like Christ?

Robin: Ugh, you’re gonna make me say the P word, aren’t you? LOL I’ve never been a patient person. Ever. But in this business, you learn it. Everything about publishing is slower than we’d like. So God used something I loved so much to help refine patience in me. Ugh. I said it twice, can we move on? LOL

Jill: I know exactly what you mean, Robin! I’m quite familiar with God’s waiting room. :)

Likewise, is there a particular joy in this writing business/ministry that God has used to remind you that He is, in fact, using your words to His glory?

Robin: My first “fan” email….when someone told me that one of my stories had touched their heart and had them looking up particular Scriptures, well….that’s the biggest blessing!

Jill: Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example?

Robin: Yes! It’s amazing how many people still don’t know about great Christian fiction. I’m horrible at selling myself and my own books, but I love talking about ACFW and other authors’ books! LOL Once I start talking, I’m almost always asked why I write for the CBA instead of mainstream. That door to talk about what Christ has done for me is wide open then! LOL

Next up for Robin—
Bayou Judgment Came out in May 2008 Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense-

Felicia Trahan has lost her grandfather and her fiancée, now she’s lost her best friend to murder—will she find love?

Bayou Paradox releases this month, June 2008 from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense-

Tara LeBlanc’s voodoo practices put her at risk from someone putting all the priestesses out of commission—can she work with the sheriff to save herself, without falling in love?

Bayou Betrayal releases January 2009 from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense-

Monique Harris came to the bayou to start over, but an arsonist disrupts her plans—can she trust the deputy to help her, and trust him with her heart?

Bayou Blackmail coming July 2009.

Framed! Book 2 of the Without A Trace Love Inspired Suspense Continuity Series – releases February 2009

You can visit author Robin Caroll and get to know her better by checking out her website or her blog.

Thanks Robin, for joining us this month on Spotlight!