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Author Interview,  Giveaway,  Hope-filled Fiction

Robin W. Pearson: Childhood Dreams, the Sandwich Generation, a Giveaway & More

July 27, 2022 /

You don’t want to miss this interview with Women’s Fiction author Robin W. Pearson as she shares about her newest release, Walking in Tall Weeds. She’s offered one soft cover and one hard copy of her novel as giveaways, so be sure to comment by August 2 for a chance to win.

Welcome, Robin! Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Though both my fiction and I are Southern born, fed, and raised, our homeschooling family of nine has moved up and down the East Coast, staying one step ahead of our library fines. A few years ago, we were blessed to return to our home state, North Carolina, to live closer to grandparents.

Two of our peeps have since graduated from college, one enters in the fall, and I’m still teaching four at home. My life is a ministry—as a wife, mother, Bible study leader, and author—and I write what I know and believe. I hope A Long Time Comin’, ’Til I Want No More, and Walking in Tall Weeds will honor my family’s faith, history, and traditions and preserve them for future generations.

You are one busy lady! Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

Reading is my first love, but sometimes it looks a little bit like work. Crosswords, Wordle, and killer sudoku are great diversions because I can play those games in bursts, especially when I get stuck writing. Hubby and I try to plan weekly dinner getaways. If we don’t meet with friends, the two of us will sit in the parking lot of our favorite pizza place, eating while we catch up on a cable series. Lately, we’re incorporating more walks into our “off hours,” but I haven’t decided if that’s fun yet.

I enjoy walks when the weather is nice. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Once upon a time, I planned to attend Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, become fluent in Spanish, and serve as an ambassador or work in an embassy. I got as far as getting accepted to Georgetown, but I decided to attend Wake Forest University and major in English. Eventually I did write a book with Spanish-speaking characters, so childhood dreams come true in unexpected ways.

Such a lofty goal as a child says a lot about you. I bet you’re super smart. Tell us how you incorporate Christ and hope into your writing.

I know that in Jesus “we live and move and have our being,” so without Him, there is no writing, no story, no hope (Acts 17:28). Whenever I start putting flesh and bone to new characters, the first thing I do is pray about a Scripture that serves as a theme for the subject of my novel. I keep that passage in mind as I work, making sure the plot revolves around that theme.

I love that you start your novels with a theme verse. If you wrote in a different genre than your current one, which would you choose and why? 

One day, I’d love to write nonfiction, possibly a devotional for parents in the sandwich generation. Hubby and I still have little people at home—young adults, high schoolers, middle and elementary schoolers—and we’re also caring for elderly parents with serious health issues. Squeezed in the middle the way we are, it’s hard to know which need to address first, and we often feel we’re leaving something (or someone) undone or unattended. We often require encouragement to not grow weary in all the doing.

It sounds like you have lots of experience and wisdom to share with parents. I hope you get to write that devotional someday. What do you hope your readers take away from Walking in Tall Weeds?

I hope Walking in Tall Weeds will challenge readers to examine their heart and motivations and ask themselves hard questions such as “How do I love people who don’t think or look like me? Have I chosen bitterness over forgiveness? Can others tell who and what I believe by what I say and do?” I hope they identify with the story, the characters, and the relationships I’ve portrayed and feel inspired to share this book.

Those are wonderful takeaways. Which character in Walking in Tall Weeds was easiest for you to write and why? Which character presented the biggest challenge?

I identified with Paulette in so many ways, so her interactions with her son, McKinley, were some of the easiest to write. As a mother of adult children, it’s hard to know how to let go while you’re still holding on so tightly. Like the Baldwins, Hubby and I must work to see “parent” as a noun and not a verb.

Showing the many sides of Frederick—showing why Paulette loved him so dearly, why McKinley looked up to him—was a labor of love. I want readers to see their own struggles in him and also to see and hear this very real, caring father, and not a character who speaks like Robin but with a deeper voice.

How do you balance writing with your other life and family obligations?

At this moment, I’m typing with one arm around my baby boy as my baby girl leans against my legs. I’m ready to put the laptop aside in case Hubby needs help with his broken leg—all while keeping one eye on the family movie. This is a slow day because we’re not helping our parents until later in the week, and we’re taking a short school break so I can meet a deadline. The scales of my life tip to one side and then the other on any given day, at any given moment, and all we can do is trust God to give us grace and more grace.

Wow, I can definitely understand why you need to lean into God every day. There are so many balls to juggle just with being an author. Do you enjoy marketing and social media? Which platform are you most active on?

I didn’t “take to” social media the way I did to pizza, but I’ve been blessed by the connections I’ve made on Instagram, Facebook, and through my newsletter. Lately, I’ve been more active on Instagram. While you won’t see me do much pointing, I’m even trying my hand at making reels.

Good for you! I haven’t tried making reels yet. Has a reader ever blessed your socks off? How?

Two years ago, I pulled a reader’s name for a giveaway of my first novel—and talk about a gift that keeps on giving! My novel gave her fresh perspective on her strained relationship with her own mother, and in turn, she refreshes me with prayers, Scriptures, jokes, and on-time, encouraging messages. God showed me that nothing in His Kingdom is random, including book drawings.

That’s awesome. What a blessing. What’s next from you?

Right now, I’m celebrating the July release of Walking in Tall Weeds. Author Jayna Breigh calls it “a rich character study of a husband, wife, and son, each of whom is afraid to reveal his or her innermost desires and longings to the very person who loves them the most.” 

Also, I’m working on my fourth novel for Tyndale, a story about three women whose bond is the very thing driving them apart. The novel shows how sometimes our preconceived idea of how love should look wars with how it did look.

Sounds like another great novel to look forward to! Thanks so much for sharing on the blog this week. God bless you as you continue to serve Him as a wife, mom, author, and faithful servant.

Join the conversation. Are you a fan of Women’s Fiction? Have you read any of Robin’s books yet? What resonates most with you from the interview? Do you have any questions for Robin?

Be sure to comment by August 2 for a chance to win Robin’s newest book! Keep scrolling to find the comments section.

Walking in Tall Weeds by Robin W. Pearson

Click the book cover for purchase link

From award-winning author Robin W. Pearson comes a new Southern family drama about one family who discovers their history is only skin-deep and that God’s love is the only family tie that binds.

Paulette and Fred Baldwin find themselves wading through a new season of life in Hickory Grove, North Carolina. Their only son, McKinley, now works hundreds of miles away, and the distance between the husband and wife feels even farther. When their son returns home, his visit dredges up even more conflict between Fred and Paulette.

McKinley makes it no secret that he doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps at George & Company Fine Furnishings or otherwise. Fred can’t quite bring himself to accept all his son’s choices, yet Paulette is determined McKinley will want for nothing, least of all a mother’s love and attention—which her own skin color cost her as a child. But all her striving leaves Fred on the outside looking in.

Paulette suspects McKinley and Fred are hiding something that could change the whole family. Soon, she’s facing a whirlwind she never saw coming, and the three of them must dig deep to confront the truth. Maybe then they’ll discover that their history is only skin-deep while their faith can take them right to the heart of things.

Robin W. Pearson’s writing sprouts from her Southern roots, her faith in Jesus Christ, and her love of her husband and seven children. All lend authenticity to her novels. After graduating from Wake Forest University, she has corrected grammar up and down the East Coast in her career as an editor and writer that started with Houghton Mifflin Company more than twenty-five years ago. Both her Christy Award–winning debut, A Long Time Comin’, and her second novel, ’Til I Want No More, have earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Follow her on her blog, Mommy, Concentrated, where she shares her adventures in faith, family, and freelancing.

Connect with Robin: Website / Instagram / Facebook / Newsletter Sign-up

Please share Robin’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her new release.

If you missed last week’s interview with Urcelia Teixeira, find it here.

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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49 Comments

  • Robin W. Pearson
    August 5, 2022 at 12:51 am

    Congratulations to you both, Sherry Moe and Linda Kish, for winning a copy of Walking in Tall Weeds! Thanks for participating in the conversation. Once you read the book, I’ll hope you share a review. Blessings!

  • Deena Adams
    August 3, 2022 at 10:59 am

    Congratulations to Sherry Moe and Linda Kish! You’ve each won a copy of Robin’s book! Look for an email soon.

    Thanks to everyone who joined the conversation. Keep commenting on the weekly interviews for more chances to win hope-filled fiction!

  • Ronda Wells
    July 31, 2022 at 7:48 pm

    Robin- A Long Time Comin’ was a fabulous debut book. In fact, I couldn’t believe it was your first novel!! Looking forward to reading more of your books.

  • Debbie Williams
    July 31, 2022 at 10:03 am

    I finished A Long Time Comin’ a few weeks ago and fell in love with Robin’s writing. I had to let the words percolate through my mind and heart, they touched me so deeply. Oddly enough, I finally wrote a review of that book last night and will be posting it after church today. I’m looking forward to reading every single book Robin writes!
    Thanks for this great interview! What an amazing woman! I admire her even more. Prayers are being lifted for both of you.

    • Deena Adams
      July 31, 2022 at 1:39 pm

      Thanks so much, Debbie. I love hearing how Robin’s book resonated in you so deeply. I appreciate you joining the conversation, and more importantly, your prayers.

    • Robin W. Pearson
      July 31, 2022 at 8:23 pm

      Debbie, thank you so much for your prayers. As a church-going woman, you know prayer changes things! We serve an amazing God, and I’m grateful for the chance to glorify Him with these stories, including my debut, A Long Time Comin’. And many thanks for the review! Blessings to you!

  • Cheryl Barton
    July 30, 2022 at 7:39 pm

    I’ve read Robin’s previous novels and loved them! In fact, I read copies borrowed from the library, then had to go buy my own. They are keepers! Can’t wait to read the new one!

  • Janet Dowel
    July 30, 2022 at 7:17 pm

    Hi Deena and Robin! Hope y’all are doing well. I haven’t read any of Robin’s books, but they sound awesome. I really enjoyed the interview. I love the idea about making Bible verses the themes of your books….. that’s really unique. Thank you for the chance.

    • Robin W. Pearson
      July 30, 2022 at 11:53 pm

      This was a really fun conversation with Deena, and I’m glad I got to connect with you here. I hope you’ll also have the opportunity to get to know me through my stories.

    • Deena Adams
      July 31, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Hi, Janet. I hope you get a chance to read Robin’s books. I’m sure you’ll love them! Thanks for stopping by and engaging in conversation!

  • Brenda
    July 30, 2022 at 5:38 pm

    Robin don’t ask me why but your interview moved me to tears. I’m a mom of 5 grown children age ranges from 45-29. We are empty nesters now but I could have them back for about a week when they were 16,14,10, 2 and a new born . We were a military family and we homeschooled a lotI just miss my kids and reading your interview just made me realize how much. Also my baby boy (age 40) and his wife leave for Costa Rica as Assembly of God missionaries on Sept 7th for 4 years . Please excuse my tears but you are such a blessing. I would be honored to win a book from you! I first saw this on Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.

    • Robin W. Pearson
      July 31, 2022 at 12:43 am

      Oh, Brenda…thank you for sharing that. There’s nothing like time with our little people, is there, even when they’re not so little. What a good “work” they are. Love and blessings!

    • Deena Adams
      July 31, 2022 at 1:46 pm

      Brenda, I think most of us who have grown children miss the days when they were young and at home. I know I do. Sometimes I wish I could go back and get a do-over. I’d love them so much better and definitley spend more time with them and less time worrying over cleaning my house. I’m so glad you stopped by and that Robin’s interview moved your heart.

  • Laura Westall
    July 30, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    Robin seems like she would be a wonderful friend to get a cup of coffee with! I cannot imagine how she juggles as much as she does and still finds time to write. God bless you both, Robin and Deena!❤️

  • Teresa+Moyer
    July 30, 2022 at 4:57 pm

    A story with secrets? Now I need to read it to see if there is a secret and what it is lol.

  • Evelyn Foreman
    July 30, 2022 at 2:52 pm

    Just found the link for this inspiring interview in the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction page on FB! So glad I did!

  • Evelyn Foreman
    July 30, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    I am so inspired just reading about this amazing author’s busy life! And the inspiration behind each book!!! Wow!!

  • Patty
    July 27, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    I have a copy of her first book, but haven’t read it yet. To many books, to little time!

    • Deena Adams
      July 27, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      Hi, Patty. Oh, how I can relate to your problem with too many books and too little time! I hope you’ll get a chance to read Robin’s book soon. I think you’ll enjoy it.

      • Traci Winget
        July 28, 2022 at 7:40 am

        What a lovely interview!! Quite the family you have there and I know they are blessed to have you. I too must work on “parent” being a noun not a verb…and adore the wording & truth in those words!
        I was a sandwich mom/daughter at one point. Such a challenging time. I anticipate reading your input to that type of situation.

  • Heidi
    July 27, 2022 at 1:15 pm

    I haven’t read any of Robin’s books yet. I’m so impressed with your writing process, including praying for a specific verse before writing. And how in the world do you manage to stay sane with all the things happening in your life??? You must be an amazing multitasker.

  • Sherry Moe
    July 27, 2022 at 10:22 am

    Thank you for sharing with us. I’ve never read any of your books but I’m definitely going to put them on my TBR list. How do you choose a verse for the theme of the book?

    • Robin W. Pearson
      July 28, 2022 at 10:27 pm

      Yay, I’m glad to hear that, Sherry! It’s hard to know what comes first, the story or the scripture. I search the Bible for just the right passage that sheds His light and holds it all together. And thanks so much, Deena, for recommending my books!

    • Deena Adams
      August 13, 2022 at 9:29 pm

      Sherry, if you see this comment please message me. I’m trying to get your address so Robin’s publisher can send you the book you won. I’ve emailed you twice with no response. Thanks!