ROBIN JONES GUNN is the much loved author of over 85 books. With nearly 5 million copies of her titles sold worldwide, her popular Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The Married Years. Her novels and non–fiction works have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in Hawaii. For more info, visit her at www.robingunn.com
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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Robin. I’m SO excited to have you here! I’ve read your Christy Miller series more than once and loved it each time through. I was so excited when I heard you were writing “The Married Years”. What was the easiest part for you returning to Christy and Todd’s story and what was the hardest part about it?
Robin: The easiest part was “hearing” the characters’ voices in my head. They really do feel like old friends to me as I write.
I found that the most difficult thing was to not bring in too many characters in one book. Over the years Christy and Todd have made lots of friends. I want to write about all of them and find out what happens with them. But it doesn’t work to have too many on the stage at one time so I’ve had to learn how to make sure each one of the forever friends waits until it’s their turn to show up.
Savanna: Authors are often asked which of their books is their personal favorite. I imagine that’s pretty hard to do with over 80 books written. 🙂 What about a favorite scene from your latest book? Without giving away too many secrets, can you tell us a little bit about it and why it stood out to you?
Robin: I actually think the first Christy Miller book, “Summer Promise” was my personal favorite because it took two years to write and that’s when I first got to know Christy and the other characters.
As for a favorite scene from my latest book, I’d have to say that one of them is when Christy and Katie are together in Kenya and they go to the tea fields of Limuru. I’ve been there and it’s like no place I’ve ever been before. I loved writing about how much Christy fell in love with one of Katie’s favorite places. The breakfast scene that follows was a great connecting time for the two couples and I liked how that felt. It was as if their friendships were stepping into the next season.
Savanna: Aww, I can’t wait to read your latest book and catch up with the characters. They feel like old friends to me too! 🙂
I love the life verse you share on your website. Do you have a favorite quote?
Robin: I have several. One is by C. S. Lewis (of course! Everyone has a favorite C.S. Lewis quote).
“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”
I always want to add to that, “You are never too young, either.”
Savanna: Love that! You travel all over for speaking engagements. Can you tell us one of your favorite places to visit and a favorite topic you teach on?
Robin: I love to teach on women in the Bible. I also like to tell my story of how I ended up becoming a writer. I captured both these topics in my book, “Victim of Grace”.
I used to always say that my favorite place to visit is Hawaii, but I live here now! So I guess a few of my other favorite places in God’s beautiful world are Colorado because that’s where my son and his wife and their baby boy live. I also love Venice. And England. I love England. Oh, and New Zealand is astonishing. I pretty much love every place on this spinning planet that God made.
Savanna: 🙂 Since you mentioned living in Hawaii, tell us what is one of your favorite sights to see there?
Robin: Our daughter and her husband moved here almost two years ago. Whenever I see their car pull into our driveway I am one happy mama.
As for the beauty, I love all of it. The sunsets, the brown sugar sand, the aqua blue water, the shaggy palm trees. This island is definitely the home of my heart.
Savanna: Can you share with us a word of writing advice that made a difference in your career?
Robin: Learn who has earned the right to give their opinions on your writing and pay close attention to what they have to say. It was too early at the beginning to listen to what everyone had to say about everything I wrote. That quickly becomes an emotional roller coaster and you doubt what you felt in your heart when you started writing. I’ve narrowed the circle of people who have earned the right to give advice and all the other opinions carry a much lighter weight in my mind and emotions. Everyone has an opinion. They have the option of sharing whatever they think or feel. But I don’t have to give equal weight to every single opinion. I only hold on to the ones that matter.
Savanna: Wise advice, thank you. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Robin: I’m working on the third book in the Christy & Todd: The Married Years series. It’s titled “One More Wish” and it will release in the summer, 2015.
Savanna: Yay! Can’t wait. 😉 I’m so honored to have you stop by my blog, Robin. Thanks for taking the time to share with us today.
Robin: Thank you, Savanna, for the invitation to do this. I pray that the Lord will bless the work of your hands.
GIVEAWAY!!
Robin has graciously offered to give away a copy of Forever With You, book one in the Christy & Todd: The Married Years Series to one lucky winner. Enter below and it could be YOU! 😉
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends May 19, 2015. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
I loved the interview. I especially liked when you said to listen to those who have earned the right to give their opinions about your writing. That is so true. As you began writing more books, I’m sure everyone wanted to “help” you write. Thanks for writing books that keep us coming back for more.
Hi Deana! Wasn’t that great advice? It’s something I definitely want to remember. I’m so glad to have you stop by for the interview. Good luck in the drawing!
So cool for you to share this!
Thanks for visiting, Gina!
I loved the interview.. it’s so encouraging to read what others right. keep it up 🙂
Welcome to the blog, Mandy. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Have a great day!
Robin is one of my favorite authors along with Karen Kingsbury! They’re both such talented writers and I enjoy reading the books they write very much! 🙂
They’re both very talented, I agree, Amanda. 🙂 Happy Reading!
Thank you so much for sharing this with all the fans of Robin Jones Gunn. It is amazing where we find inspiration. I grew up on the Christy Millers Series and I loved it. I have since loved several other books from Robin. I love that she found the quote from C.S.Lewis “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” And I love that she wants to add you are never to young either. That is so true. I am getting up in age and I am telling myself to do a new goal, I started a few days ago and I am pushing myself over and over saying I can do it. Phil 4:13 You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. A well known verse that I love and repeat in my head. Isiah 41:10 Do not fear for I am with you, Do not fear for I am your God. I will stregthen and help you. That one is always there. It is always scary trying something new or setting a new goal but He is there for us… Another quote before I end this comment that I like and thought I would share is by another author I adore and I am sure many know him. Dr. Suess: I like nonsense it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It is a way of looking at life through the wrong end of the telescope! Have a blessed day! Thank you so much again for sharing! What a joy that must have been to get to interview a wonderful author!
Hi Keyria! Thank you so much for sharing with us today. I love the quotes and verses you mentioned. May the Lord bless and strengthen you for the new goals you’re setting for yourself. We’re thrilled to have you here. As much fun as it is to have Robin join us, I’m just as happy to see other “Christy Miller” fans here too. You’re all kindred spirits! 😉 Good luck in the giveaway.
I’ve been wanting to read Christy and Todd: The Married Years ever since I heard they were coming out!
Oh, me too, Rebekah! 😉 Don’t they look so good? Hope you get to read them soon!
This sounds like a book that many people can relate to as we all face the different challenges in our own lives. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
Hi Sydney! Hope you get to check them out soon. We’re so glad you visited. Have a great day!
Thank you for the great interview and giveaway.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
It’s my pleasure, Melanie. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Good luck to ya!
Thanks for wonderful interview &ogives way.lomazowr@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by, Rhonda. 😉
My first favorite author was Alexander Dumas. I love the Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers Series.
I am sorry to say I have never read any of this author’s books but I am glad that I found her.
Ah, great stories, Sonnetta! 😉 I’m glad you could join us. Hope you get to check out some of Robin’s books soon.
Aw, what a lovely interview! Robin is such an inspiration. Thanks for the giveaway too!
Yeah, she’s an inspiration to so many. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, Nicole. Here’s hoping for a giveaway win, right? 😉
What great advice for narrowing your circle of critics! That is a great way to avoid the emotional roller coaster!
I love ALL the book covers by the way, all different, but so enticing!
And what an emotional roller coaster it can be! I agree, Melony, gotta love those book covers. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway.
My first favorite author? author Marguerite Henry, Misty of Chincoteague was one I read many times when I was a youngster. Loved all her books.
Hi Deanna! I haven’t heard of that author before. I’ll have to look her up. Thanks for joining us!
nice interview
Thanks for reading!
Your a new author for me. Thanks for a chance to win.
Definitely visit Robin’s website then, Kim. She has some wonderful books worth checking out. 😉
It was exciting to me, too, when I heard that Robin was writing The Married Years! 🙂 I really enjoyed the Christy Miller series as a teen. Thanks for hosting this interview and giveaway!
You and me both, Alicia! 😉 I can’t wait to read this series. Thanks for joining us. Good luck!
Loved the interview! Thank you!
I LOVE the books I have read by Robin! I have not read this series tho and I can’t wait to!
Awesome, Carisa. I hope you’ll get that chance soon then. 😉
oh la la!
Welcome to the blog, Jen! 🙂
I always enjoy how you do your interviews, Savanna, and this one with Robin Jones Gunn was a fun read.
Thank you, Robin. I’m so glad to hear that. I was pretty excited to have Robin as a guest. 😉 Glad to have you all here!
As I was growing up, my first favorite author was Judy Blume. As an adult, my favorites became Frank Peretti and Robin Jones Gunn. I promise that is the truth. When I discovered the Christy Miller series as a newly-wed, I gobbled it up realizing this was the missing link in other coming of age books and I was a teeny bit jealous because I felt like I should be writing books like them.
Welcome, Darlene. Thanks for sharing. There are so many beloved authors out there. I love to hear which ones have left an impact on their readers. Robin and her Christy Miller series certainly touched my heart a long time ago. Little did I know at the time just how they also inspired my own writing. 🙂 Blessings to you!
I love reading interviews with Robin Jones Gunn! Thank you for posting it and for hosting the drawing!
I’m thrilled to welcome you all here, Lynsey. It’s my pleasure to feature authors like Robin and their stories. Good luck in the drawing! 😉
Loved reading this interview.
I’m so glad, Amanda. Have a great day and Happy Reading!
I loved this interview!! and also Robin your books are very inspiring to me and they helped me out alot and i love reading them!! Keep it up and May the Lord be with you always!! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Kendra! Thanks for visiting.
Laura Lee Hope and the Bobbsey Twins were my first favorites. I have read some of Robin’s books too. My 13 year old granddaughter likes them!
Aww, that’s great, Joan! I’m glad to hear your granddaughter is enjoying them too. Isn’t it fun to share great books with family? 😉 Good luck in the giveaway!
I think Terri Blackstock was possibly one of my first favorites. I have a number of authors that I enjoy now.
Facebook doesn’t like the tiny URL so I just went to the page and copied the long URL and pasted in FB. Then I deleted the URL. The picture is not the same as the one on your blog today.
Edward, thanks for letting us know about how to post on FB, I was having the same problem. It looks like I was able to post it by doing what you said here! I hope it will count for Rafflecopter!
Sorry about that, Trixi! I’ll make sure you get your extra entry for sharing the link. 😉
That’s great, Edward! Can’t have too many favorites. 😉
I’m sorry for the problem with the tiny URL link. Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad you got it to work.
Have a great weekend!
This is a new to me author. Her books sound wonderful and I would love to have the opportunity to read her books.
Hi Deanne. Great to see you stop by. I’m sorry for the difficulties you had sharing the link. I’ll make sure you get your entry for it. Thanks for letting me know. Good luck to you!
I was not able to share on facebook because when I tried to message said the link was blocked.
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The content you’re trying to share includes a link that our security systems detected to be unsafe:
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If you think you’re seeing this by mistake, please let us know
Thanks for this interview & giveaway. I really enjoyed Robin’s Christmas books: Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas. I would also have to say that Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors. I love her “Heirs of Anton” series!
Thanks for sharing those, Alison. I’ll have to check those out. 😉 Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Robin’s books have been such an encouragement to me. I am thankful that she is so real when she writes that you feel as though you are apart of the story being written.
I totally agree, Amanda. She has a gift… that’s for sure. I’m so glad you could join us for the interview. Good luck in the drawing.
Nice interview! I’ve read the Christy Miller series, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and the College Years series – some a couple of times. 🙂
Me too, Raechel! 😉 Such fun stories. We’re happy you stopped by for the interview. Here’s hoping to add to your book collection, right?
One of my first favorite authors when I started reading Christian fiction was Beverly Lewis. I read her Abrams’ Daughters series & then some others by her. After that, I went looking for other Amish fiction authors: Janette Oke was the second one,I believe. My love for Christian fiction really took off from there! I soon discovered Love Inspired books and began looking for any and all Christian books similar to these at yard sales, garage sales and second-hand stores. From there, well let’s just say I have a vast love for ANY Christian writer now! I have discovered many more then I realized in just the last few months or so by reading blogs, book reviews & recommendations on various sites. I can’t really say I have a favorite author, but some writing I like more than others. It depends on my mood at the time 😉
I think my favorite thing now, is discovering new-to-me authors. It has really opened my reading world wider! Robin you are one such writer! If Savanna likes you as an author, then I’m sure I would as well. She has good taste in books! I’ve not read your Christy Miller series, so I am hoping this one is a stand-alone that we as readers can easily follow along. I know reading a series is best so you can get the background story, but I know there are times when you just aren’t able to for one reason or another! Thank you for taking the time to come talk about your newest book, sounds good!
Blessings to you both and thanks for the author interview 🙂
Hi there my reading friend! You mentioned some great authors and some great points there. A reader can never have to many favorite authors or books, right? 😉
I’ve not started the Married Years series by Robin yet, but I do know they focus around the couple whose story began in The Christy Miller series. Just something to keep in mind if you win the giveaway. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great weekend, Trixi!
Thank you for the wonderful interview! I love Robin! And Christy and the gang were like friends growing up!:-) As an aspiring writer myself, I also appreciated the advice about the opinions matter. That is wise advice! 🙂
So glad to have you join us, Katrina. Christy and the gang were like friends to me growing up too. Don’t you just love that? Even after all these years, I still hold a soft spot in my heart for these characters. Happy reading and writing to you! 😉
Thank you for the wonderful interview! I love Robin! And Christy and the gang were like friends growing up!:-) As an aspiring writer myself, I also appreciated the advice about the opinions matter. That is wise advice! 🙂
So glad to have you join us, Katrina. Christy and the gang were like friends to me growing up too. Don’t you just love that? Even after all these years, I still hold a soft spot in my heart for these characters. Happy reading and writing to you! 😉
Thank you for all your commentaries on the different books on your site. It is always helpful to get a professional opinion to help put some things in perspective. Also it is nice to know somewhat what the book holds before you purchase it. Thanks so much!
Thanks for visiting, Amanda. I’m glad to hear my reviews have helped. Have a great day! 😉
Thank you for all your commentaries on the different books on your site. It is always helpful to get a professional opinion to help put some things in perspective. Also it is nice to know somewhat what the book holds before you purchase it. Thanks so much!
Thanks for visiting, Amanda. I’m glad to hear my reviews have helped. Have a great day! 😉