Welcome, Robin. How did this book come about?
I had the opportunity to speak with several former-members of a gang about their finding Jesus in prison. Hearing their stories of gang-life intrigued me. As a mother, learning of how gangs “recruit” children broke my heart. The idea of writing about gangs to raise awareness hit me and wouldn’t let me go until I wrote FEAR NO EVIL.
Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.
I have to say, my publisher’s art department ROCKS. This particular cover captures the eeriness of the Louisiana bayou, and the subtle eyes in the top trees….shiver! :-)
Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.
Of course the story is fiction, but so much of the details of gangs—how they operate, function, recruit, and react—is very much true. Also, the information regarding social services policies and procedures are quite factual.
How much research did you have to do for this book?
I was lucky that two previous gang members agreed to allow me intensive interviews. They were open and candid and only asked that I keep their identity secret for obvious reasons. Going into the realm of gangland, even by proxy, was so frightening.
What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?
Well, the REAL gang information. Names, criminal acts, etc.
What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?
What inspired me was the former gang members’ trek to find Jesus, disengage themselves from their gang, and helping lead others to Christ. Their journey story inspired me to keep going, even when the muck of the facts weighed heavily on my heart.
I hope readers realize how gangs operate, how all our children are at risk if we’re not careful, and how to help with the situation.
What is the next project you’re working on?
I just completed the 3rd book in this trilogy, IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL, which will release spring of 2011. Now I’m writing the first book, INJUSTICE FOR ALL, in a new trilogy.
What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?
Beg my husband to take me out to eat! LOL Or, play with my new grandson! :-)
Who, by the way, is beatuiful! Give him a hug for Grandma Lena, too. Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
Fifteen Years Ago
“No más.”
Carlos jerked off the earphones and sat up in bed. The stench of something burning filtered into his bedroom and stung his eyes.
Meth.
“Drogas. Look at you. Repugnante.” His mother’s voice carried easily from the living room, thanks to the thin walls of the mobile home.
Great. His stepfather was strung out on drugs. Again. It’d gotten worse since he’d been laid off at the refinery. So had the fights.
Joya peque–a! Surely his little jewel hid in the corner of her closet, just like he’d taught her. He had to find her, hold her, and sing into her ear until Mamá and Robert finished yet another argument.
Carlos whipped off the covers, slipped out of bed, and crept over the beaten-down carpet to his door.
Readers, you don't want to miss what comes next.
How can readers find you on the Internet? http://www.robincaroll.com/ or on facebook under Robin Caroll
Thanks for the interview, Robin. I know what a busy lady you are.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
