Welcome Guest Blogger ~ Robin Carroll

I'm delighted to have Robin Miller, writing as Robin Carroll on my blog. For one thing, she's my President—of ACFW that is.

Thanks, Ane! Wonderful to be here. Shhhh….you don’t have to tell anybody I threatened you to have me on your blog! LOL

Robin, I know for a fact the huge number of hours you've put in as ACFW President. How have you been able to balance that with your writing and family? Do you ever sleep?

Sleep? What’s that? LOL It’s a HARD balance. Each day, I have to prioritize based on what HAS to be done. When we were in the final weeks before the ACFW conference, those details took precedence. Now that it’s over—WHEW—my deadline is top priority. I’m very blessed to have such a supportive family who doesn’t mind having cereal for supper when I’m on deadline! :D

You tell me this book is more mystery than suspense. I ordered it, and I'll let you know my take on that. However, what sparked this series?

Aw, Ane….you won’t be quaking! It IS more mystery than suspense, with a sweet romance to boot! Actually, the setting is what sparked this series. My mentor and I were talking and she hit on what would be my “hook” to make my stories stand out within my genre—the southern angle. Not everyone is from south Louisiana. Matter of fact, there are very few who write in mystery/suspense/rs who are. So, that’s what sparked the idea for this series…the setting. And then the cast of Cajun characters! They’re quite the bunch! lol

If you didn't write romantic suspense, what would you write?

Historicals! LOLOLOL NOT! Okay, that was bad. Hmmm….I guess I’d have to say if I couldn’t write mystery/suspense/rs, I’d have to fall under General Fiction.

If you could pick any writer in the world to interview, who would you choose?

Alive—Stephen King. Dead—Edgar Allen Poe. Can you imagine sitting across the table from either? Man, I’d love to pick their brains! Their work is so twisted….I love it!

What was the hardest part of the craft for you to master?

Plotting. Seriously. I knew my characters, knew the storyline, but even doing a basic plot structure was torture for me. But, in a mystery, it’s almost mandatory to at least have a roadmap. Then again, there’s no rules about going on a side-trip every now and again.

Your favorite writing advice.

Oh, I hate writing advice. LOL Come on, it’s always the same—study the craft, hone your skills, go to conferences and network, blah, blah, blah. I say dedicate your writing to God and put the ball in His court. Your chances of success are MUCH higher, my friends! :D

Your favorite childhood book.

The Trixie Beldon series! Yep, I have the ENTIRE series! :D

Now, tell everyone about this debut book.

Bayou Justice is set in south Louisiana, Cajun country, and features an alligator environmentalist as the heroine. When she finds a body in the bayou, it happens to be the grandfather of her ex. When the local sheriff determines she, her family, and her ex all have motives for the murder (who DIDN’T want the old man dead?) she must work with her ex to solve who the murderer is, before he comes after them. Littered into the story are such elements of voodoo, family vendettas, and generations-old secrets. It’s book 1 of the bayou series. And yes, even members of the BHCC can read this one! :D

Thanks, Ane. This has been fun!