Guest Blogger: Robin Miller
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a Southerner to a T. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others while glorifying God. 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. Robin is the author of the 6-book bayou series from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense, and the upcoming romantic suspense TORRENTS OF DESTRUCTION from Underdog Press. Robin’s debut novel, BAYOU JUSTICE, was a RT award nominee, and is a finalist in the debut author category of the Book of the Year contest.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of nineteen years, her three beautiful daughters, and their four character-filled pets 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 and 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! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at www.robincaroll.com.
Why I Write for HIM
I’m 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.
My sister introduced me to Christian fiction by loaning me 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.
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.
July 28th, 2008 at 19:08
Robin, thanks for that story of your writing. I especially liked how you thought yours would get published because YOU wrote it. I often try and take the steering wheel to my life instead of letting God drive. I love how the ACFW encourages that as well. I’ve found much support, patience, and generosity through the ACFW crit groups and main loop. So, PRESS ON in HIS name!