Shannon here: Robin Caroll shares her publication journey, plus a chance to win an e-book copy of her latest Romantic Suspense, Bayou Beginnings. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: April 26th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Robin:
Why I Write for HIM
Let me begin by saying I’m an avid reader. Always have been. Grew up reading Trixie Belden. Okay, honestly, I inhaled those books! And then Nancy Drew, even the Hardy Boys, before graduating to Mary Higgins Clark. Even today, I have no more favorite pastime than falling into a good story and staying there as long as possible.
From the time I was in early elementary school, I loved writing. To this day, I still keep a journal. Although now, it’s a journal/scrapbook combo that fits my personality. From those early days, I’d make up stories and tell them to my family. Yes, I’ll admit I have a very active imagination, and I’m not afraid to use it! I always knew I was going to share my stories and after I got married, I decided to really give this writing thing a chance. So I did. I studied the craft by reading many, many books on honing my skill. I dissected the books I personally loved to see why, then wrote my own story in that manner.
I’m also a stubborn person. Okay, all who are reading this who know me are now laughing aloud and thinking, “That’s putting it mildly.” Anyway, I’m stubborn and independent and a little headstrong. Ok, stop laughing now. I just knew that when I wrote my first book, it’d be published. I mean, I wrote it, right? It should be published. Wrong. I spent many a year writing stories that I thought were good, but something just wasn’t right. Wasn’t there.
And one day I realized why. Because my stories were like the ones I’d read and finished, then been depressed or sad. While I had given my stories a happy ending, I wasn’t honoring the One who gave me the storytelling gift.
What an aha moment that was for me. To write a story, but bring honor to God within the lines. It was a brand new concept for me. But I didn’t know how to do that, or was there even such a thing.
Someone introduced me to Christian fiction with the loan of some of her books. I’d had no clue there was even such a thing as inspirational fiction. I was hooked from the first one. I devoured those stories. Just had to get more. And it occurred to me that I could do this—I could write a story and fill it with hope and honor My Savior in doing so. Wow, amazed me.
I was even more pleasantly surprised when I discovered all the wide range of genres available. Finally! I was so beyond excited to just think about being able to read and write books, in my favorite genre, that would glorify Him!
So I joined writing groups that focused on edifying and teaching, directed at the Christian market. I bought craft books and attended conferences. And I prayed. A lot. I told God that published or not, I’d write to honor Him.
I made that personal decision five years ago and have never looked back. I love writing stories of hope, of promise, of sharing the love I have for Christ with others. There’s no job I could love more. And even in the midst of tight deadlines, I remind myself to be thankful of being able to do what I love, and bring honor to God.
About Robin: Robin Caroll grew up in Louisiana with her nose in a book. She still has the complete Trixie Belden series, and her love for mysteries and suspense has only increased with time.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of 30+ novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of over three decades, their three beautiful daughters, two handsome grandsons, and a precious granddaughter with their character-filled pets at home in the South.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW. Learn more & connect:
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About the book – Bayou Beginnings: 
In Louisiana during the 1900s, the scars of the Civil War still mar the landscape. In the heart of the bayou, a place steeped in mystique and ancient secrets, Marie Arceneaux heals and stands as a guardian of her family’s traditions. Embodying the spirit of the bayou, Marie is a young widow, who is on a quest to discover the secret of the old map her husband left her.
Marcel LeBlanc, an enigmatic boat repairman with a gambling problem, carries secrets of his own and a connection to Marie’s late husband’s murder.
Amid historical events, the two must come together to solve the mysteries of the bayou, the secret, hidden treasure, and the heritage legacy left behind, all before the two are silenced forever.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Robin’s other titles?
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Bayou Beginnings Robin’s Books
Come back April 18th for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
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