Sunday 31 January 2010

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 anythin
g. 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 3rd 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.


37 comments:

Merry said...

I'd love to win Deliver Us From Evil. Great interview!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com
USA

Mark said...

great interview, the book sounds great, I'd like to win :-)
marcus802001(at)yahoo(dot)com
USA

Lisa Harris said...

I enjoyed the interview and Robin's book sounds like a page-turning read. contact(dot)harris(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary S said...

This sounds like a great read! I enjoyed the interview!

Mary
mkshriver(@)gmail(.)com
USA

windycindy said...

This author sounds wonderful! I like that her heroine has lots of spunk.
Strong female characters are what I enjoy.....Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

mindy said...

wonderful interview and thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net usa

Anita Yancey said...

Sounds so good, like one of those books you just can't put down. Love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

USA

Scrappy quilter said...

Great interview. I'd love to win too. I really enjoy these reviews and interviews. Thanks!!

Michelle said...

Great interview. Nice to know if I ever come to Australia I'll need to bring Dr. Pepper.

Robin's book sounds great.

mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

US

Lady_Graeye said...

Great interview! This book sounds amazing. It nice to know there are alot of Dr. Pepper fans out there. Please enter me in the contest to win this book. Thanks!


lisaglidewell (at) gmail (dot) com

Laetitia :-) said...

Hmm, if I were asked that question about TV shows I'd have to say, "pass". I too have well-loved toys that had to be "doctored" several times.

Please enter me in the draw.

Cheers
Laetitia :-)
Australia

Carole said...

I hope Robin's book isn't too scary because I sure do want to read it! From another Dr. Pepper fan, thank you for this giveaway.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

USA

scottsgal said...

Ooohhh I love thrillers.
thanks for the chance
msboatgal at aol.com usa

Unknown said...

Hi, all! This interview was one of the most fun I've had. I actually got out my "Rags" today. When my battery in my camera charges, I'll take a picture and post it on my blog tomorrow. robinswritingworld.blogspot.com

MUST have Dr. Pepper. I can live with Mr. Pibb.

It's not too scary of a book, I don't think. But it does touch on a hard topic of child trafficking!

Thanks again, Relz! You are the best!

Unknown said...

BTW, everyone, drop my website tomorrow, robincaroll.com, for a wonderful contest. You don't want to miss this!

Amber Holcomb said...

Thanks for sharing this interview with us! I'd love a chance to win this book! Thanks!

stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net

USA

Sheree said...

I would love for the opportunity to read this book.
Sheree neednspace at aol.com USA

nolene said...

That was a lovely interview! I thourghly enjoyed this book and just loved the characters. I hoped there would be more stories as i really felt for Steven at the end of the book.Can't wait for the next one!

Abi said...

I awarded your blog an award. You may pick it up here
http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/2010/01/sugar-doll-blogger-award.html

Susan said...

Great interview, I would love to read this!

Unknown said...

The next book in the series, FEAR NO EVIL, will release in August. It's Lincoln's story...and I had a blast writing that one! It deals with gangs and our social services system.

Anonymous said...

The book sounds interesting. I like to get to know the writers. Thanks.

Jessica
bluenichols(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Dineen A. Miller said...

Relz, don't put me down for a book, I already bought my copy. Just wanted to say this was a great interview! Robin's such a blessing to those in her life and I'm privileged to be one of them. Plus as her crit partner, I get to read her books as she writes them. LOL! This series gets better with every book, let me tell you! Such an awesome set of stories. :-)

Unknown said...

Awww, thanks D! You bless me as well and I don't know what I'd do without your comments and insights!

Jen said...

Looking forward to reading this book and hope I win a copy even though it is a tough subject. Thanks rel and Robin for the interview. Rel, do you still have your Raggedy Andy????

Jen AUS

Rel said...

Of course, I do :) My big sis made me a Raggedy Andy years ago - so cute!

Amy said...

Your cat is adorable! Great interview!

Thanks,
Amy (artsyrockechick@aim.com)

USA

Unknown said...

Funny thing...the cat we have now is long haired and solid WHITE!

Unknown said...

Thanks again, Relz, for hosting me on your blog. I have to say, your questions were some of the most interesting! I truly enjoyed my visit.

Rel said...

We loved having you, Robin :)

Looking forward to having you back when Fear No Evil hits stores!

Bless you!

ad said...

Great Review Rel and I would love to read this book ! AUS

Unknown said...

Hi Rel, I have to apologize to you and Robin. In my previous comment I had the name of the character wrong. Sorry about that! I was talking about Lincoln whom I felt quite sad for at the end of the book. Now even though I am getting the characters wrong i still loved the book and think everyone else will enjoy it!

Anonymous said...

Such an entertaining interview--thanks Rel and Robin :) Now I'm wracking my brain trying to remember which of Robin's books I've already read....

Linda Kish said...

This sounds really good. count me in please.

USA

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

ReadingRobin said...

OMG, I have been searching for a book for our book club with this content. Our church is taking a stand agains human trafficking and are going to build safe homes in our area and aborad. I thought our book club should read a book about it. This is the one I have been looking for!!!
Thanks Rel for the great review as always!
Robin in USA if that's okay
cmrobin at bellsouth new

Retsbar2Go said...

Enjoyed reading the interview, Would love to read the book.

I am in USA

retsbar2go AT gmail DOT com

D Q said...

Sounds like a great read.
djeanq(at)gmail(dot)com
USA

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