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.

GIVEAWAY

What's your favorite genre? Leave a comment below to be entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of TORRENTS OF DESTRUCTION.

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?

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

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?