Getting to know Robin Caroll & Giveaway

Robin Caroll juggles many things in her busy life as wife, mum to three girls and ACFW Conference Director. How she finds the time to write is beyond me! Romantic suspense is her speciality and her latest release, Deliver Us From Evil, is a winner.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Robin and be sure to post a comment to encourage Robin and have a chance to win a copy of her book :)

If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

You know, I’ve never really liked my name, but have never thought of alternates. I guess I’d choose one of the names I gave my daughters—Emily or Remington or Isabella.

Your first pet’s name?

Raisin. A beautiful, long-haired black cat

Your best friend’s name in primary (elementary) school?

I switched schools, so I get to name two. LOL Terri Neel and Dana Rucker

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young? Please describe.

My family will love to see that I answer this honestly. My grandmother gave each of her grandchildren a Raggedy Ann or Andy doll their first Christmas. Well, I became VERY attached to my “Rags.” She went EVERYWHERE with me. I slept with her until high school. I “loved” her almost to pieces—my mother had to remake a face, she’s bald, one leg is longer than the other, her arms are made of mismatched material….but I loved her. And, yes, I DO still have her! My husband calls her the exorcist doll. LOL

If you could meet a famous person, who would it be?

Alive? Stephen King

If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you want with you? (Besides your Bible of course)

Just ONE? An inanimate object? I guess I’d have to have Dr. Pepper, or I just wouldn’t survive.

Rel:~Well, you better bring your own supply when you visit Australia as you won't find it here. They tried to introduce it years ago without success!

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?

I’m not a big fan of ice cream—shocker, I know. If I have to eat any, chocolate chip

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer. Surprising, huh? LOL

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Italy

Your favourite lollies (candy)?

I’m not a big candy eater, but I love those Dove dark chocolates with almonds

Besides God, who has influenced you the most?

My mother. She’s honest, loving, supportive, strong, and an inspiration to me.

What's your favourite book?

Fiction? The Stand

What part of your daily routine do you enjoy most?

Bedtime? lol I REALLY like my sleep.

Where's the most interesting place you have been?

Jamaica

What's your favourite movie?

Gone With the Wind…I’m a sucker for Clark Gable

Scrapbooking, reading or knitting?

Scrapbooking

On your wesbite you comment that you are not a fan of historical fiction! Why not?!

My mother is a genealogist. From the time I can remember as as child, there was always much discussion in history, family lines, what living in the past has taught us, etc. Our vacations revolved many times around graveyards and research trips. While I'll always cherish those memories of being with my parents during those times, I became a little jaded against historical anything. LOL

What's your most fervent prayer?

For my children to follow Christ as they grow and mature

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

Er…don’t think that’s safe to answer.

Lost, The Mentalist, 24 or Castle?

Castle

What gift have you received that you will always treasure?

I have a box of handmade gifts from my children over the years. Wouldn’t trade those for anything.

What is your favourite Bible verse (or "one" of your favourites) and what does it mean to you?

Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Because I’ve learned I’m NOTHING without Him.

Could you ask each of your children to share one thing they love about you?

From the oldest, Emily: “How mom always follows her passions and doesn’t get discouraged.”

From Remington: “Mom is creative and when things get frantic, she stays calm.”

From Isabella: “That Mommy’s sweet.”

Rel: Please thank your girls for sharing with us - they sound like sweethearts!

Deliver Us From Evil

Brannon is a great character ~ compassionate and courageous. How much of you is there in Brannon?

She’s definitely got me beat on the courageous trait. I think a lot of her spunk comes from me, though. And the way she tends to just blurt out her thoughts. I do that a lot. Sometimes gets me into trouble. lol

Please describe each of your characters with one word.

Brannon-strong;

Roark-brave;

Lincoln-loyal

I love the banter between Brannon and her partner, Lincoln and they way they encourage each other with scripture. Do you have that kind of relationship with someone?

I based Brannon and Lincoln’s relationship a lot on my own relationship with my brother. Even though we don’t quiz each other on Scripture, we have that open, easy relationship.

Your book opens the readers eyes about the tragedy of trafficking people, especially children. How did you become passionate about it?

I watched a documentary special on child trafficking and literally got sick. I wanted to turn it off, not think about it, but I couldn’t.

What do you recommend to those who would like to contribute to the fight against this modern day slavery?

There are so many wonderful organizations out there who are fighting the good fight against human trafficking. In the back of Deliver Us From Evil, I list them and their websites for readers who want more information.

What was your favourite scene to write?

Wow, that’s hard. The scenes in Mai’s pov really wiped me out. They weren’t my favorites, but I think they’re the most powerful.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

That despite the horrors on an international level, and in our personal lives, God is there with us. He loves us.

Lincoln’s story releases in August, with Fear No Evil (can’t wait!). Will there be another book in the series?

Yes

What is in your writing pipeline? A sneak peek, please?

Right now, I’m finishing the 3^rd book in the series, tentatively titled IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL, releasing February 2011.

Rel: Woo hoo!!

Robin ~ it has been an absolute pleasure having you at Relz Reviewz :) Keep squeezing that writing in because I can't wait for more of your stories!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Deliver Us From Evil

Visit Robin's website and blog
View the book trailer
Buy Robin's books at Amazon or Koorong

Giveaway

Thanks to the generosity of Robin's publisher, B&H Publishing, Ii have two copies to give away to my Australian readers and two to my North American readers.

To enter:~

Post a comment on or before Sunday 7th February, leaving contact details and a AUS or USA at the end of your comment to let me know your location.