Interview With Robin Caroll

In Deliver Us From Evil, Caroll takes readers on a roller-coaster ride via helicopter. The heroine is a helicopter pilot for a park service who attempts a rescue in the middle of a blizzard. In the process she stumbles into political corruption and ultimately a child trafficking ring. While these issues could weigh the reader down, Caroll packages them in a fast-paced suspense novel that leaves the reader with hope. Add in lots of southern flavor, and this is a great offering from this talented suspense author. Oh, and don't forget the romance...
(Review by Cara Putman)

Deliver Us From Evil is your first book with B&H Publishing isn’t it, Robin? Is this the beginning of a new series?

Yes. And yes. LOL While each book can stand alone, there is character crossover in each of the three books. The second book, Fear No Evil will release in August and the third book, tentatively titled In the Shadow of Evil will release February 2011.

Reflecting back, what do you see as most significant to your publication journey?

Joining ACFW. Seriously. When I began writing with an eye toward publication, I had no clue what I was doing. I had never even heard of pov, much less head-hopping. I’d joined a couple of other writing organizations, but there wasn’t information for every level of writer. And sharing of information to help someone learn and grow in their craft? No way. I joined ACFW and immediately felt a kinship. I started learning. Growing. I met my mentor, Colleen Coble, who took me under her wing and gave me great advice. I met my critique partners and many friends to encourage, help and walk this journey with me. I truly am blessed.

What’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities?

There’s not enough hours in the day? It honestly feels that way a lot. There’s a lot of balls in the air sometime—church, family, writing, ACFW conference, friends…I’ve learned to prioritize, as well as depend on my husband and children to help pick up the slack when things get crazy.

And how do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?

I can’t imagine not having faith in my storytelling. Well, I CAN imagine it, but I wouldn’t want to go there. Faith is a part of who I am as a person, and when I’m creating my characters for a book, faith (or lack thereof) is just as important to the whole picture of who they are as well. Yes, even if they are fictional. LOL!

What do you consider the greatest moment of your writing/publishing career?

Wow, I hope my greatest moment hasn’t come yet! LOL! But currently, I would say every time the phone rings and my agent tells me there’s a contract offer, it’s the same rush. The same feeling of “I am so blessed.”

Who/What spurs you to write? Where do your story and character ideas come from?

I can’t imagine NOT writing. There’s something about the way I’m made…I see/hear things and I start thinking of a plot or a character. For instance, the idea for Deliver Us From Evil came from watching a horrifying documentary about child trafficking. I’d been totally unaware that such modern day slavery was occurring right here in the United States! I began doing research and realized I had to write a book about this travesty of our times. Hence, the issue in the book was born.

What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?

I think every author has a unique style and voice in the way they tell a story. What makes mine unique? I haven’t a clue. LOL! I just like to present a big issue that we all face, and work a plot and characters around it.

Finish this question. My goal with writing for an audience is to...

Bring glory to God through fiction. If that means raising awareness on an issue, present a Christian worldview of handling a tragedy, whatever…I want each of my books, despite the plot and characters, to shine the light on Jesus.

Any parting words?

Thanks so much, Janna. This has been a really fun interview!

Thanks for sharing with us, Robin!