Robin Caroll Interview

Q: How do you deal with rejection? Do you have a favorite Bible verse that helps you with this?

My favorite Bible verse of all time is Philippians 4:13-I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me. I use this verse quite a bit in life, specifically in writing. It helps me realize that it’s not all about me and I can do anything, as long as I keep my focus on Him. Rejections? Well, I personally think rejections are just suggestions for redirection. LOL Sure, they’re painful and I take a day to be a grump, but after that, I look at things to see what direction I might need to change.

Q: How do you balance your family and writing commitments and make sure none of the important stuff gets left out?

I’m blessed that I don’t work outside the home and all three of my children are in school. I look at writing as if it’s a full-time job. I write and do writing related business from 8am until I leave to pick up the kids at 2pm. After that, I’m not Robin the author, but Mommy and wife.

Q: Bayou Justice sounds like an exciting read. Has your Southern heritage contributed to your writing? How so?

My Southern heritage is part of who I am-it’s in my dialect, my gestures, the way I think and act. When I select my books settings, I use a Southern area. I think it adds flavor and a bit of culture to the story. And it sure makes my characters more interesting! LOL

Q: What is your favorite part of creating a new novel (brainstorming, writing, characterization, editing, etc.)? What part gives you fits?

My favorite part is when the germ of an idea begins to take root and then brainstorming. I love that creative process. What gives me fits? Editing, of course. LOL

Q: What has been the hardest part of your path to publication? How did you overcome?
WAITING is always hard for me. I know it’s all about God’s timing, but I sure wish I had a timepiece to match His. LOL How did I overcome? I’m still working on that.

Q: From other interviews I’ve read, it seems that your agent has been an important part in your journey to publication. Do you have any recommendations for writers who are looking for an agent?

My best advice is get to know the agent you’re targeting. Go to conferences and make appointments with them, sit at their tables during meals, ask their current clients why they like them. All of these things will help you decide if your personality will mesh with theirs. VERY important.

Q: What do you like to do for fun? Does this ever influence your writing?

I like to scrapbook and spend time with my family and friends. I think my love of family has influenced just about everything I write as I seem to write about families, relationships, and the dynamics of “outside the ordinary” in regards to those relationships.

Q: What future releases can we look forward to from you? Tell us a bit about them.

The remaining books in the bayou series come out in 2008. In February, Bayou Corruption tells the story of the middle LeBlanc sister. Alyssa was interesting to write in that her beliefs and ideals were totally opposite of CoCo, the heroine in Bayou Justice. In May, Felicia’s story is told in Bayou Judgment. Felicia is the little sister of the hero in Bayou Justice. Felicia was a challenge to write as of all the heroines in the bayou series, Felicia is least like my own personality. In September, Bayou Paradox releases, which is the story of Tara, the youngest LeBlanc sister. Tara is, by far, the most fun heroine I’ve written in the series. I can’t help but just love her!

Q: You are serving as the President of ACFW. What blessings and challenges have you had by serving in this role?

Isn’t THAT a loaded question? LOL Blessings-the support and encouragement from so many people; knowing that I’m giving back to the organization that’s helped me so much. Challenges? Well, how much time do you have? LOL I think the biggest challenge is time. There are so many issues needing my attention as president that I have to incorporate strict time management practices.

Q: What are your favorite genres to read? Favorite authors?

Suspense/mystery is my favorite, of course. But I’ll read just about any good story-EXCEPT historicals! LOL! Actually, I should explain that statement. My mother, God bless her, is a genealogist and history was always important in my house. I guess I just got burned out after being locked in a records vault. But that’s a story for another time. My favorite authors? Stephen King, Colleen Coble, Dean Koontz, Mary Higgins Clark . . . just to name a few.