Robin Caroll | 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 I had 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 if there was 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.

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About Robin Caroll

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. 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 25-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

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About TORRENTS OF DESTRUCTION

As a white water rafting guide, Katie Gallagher must battle the forces of nature on a daily basis. When sabotage becomes apparent on a weekend rafting trip, Katie must determine who she can trust-and who has their own agenda.

Hunter Malone has a mission on a business adventure trip on the Gauley River, a mission that didn't include a spunky guide who could handle the class-five rapids better than he'd ever imagined. But can she handle the truth?