Now she has sold the first book she ever wrote.

That book, TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN, will be published by Dorchester (Leisure) next summer.

The manuscript started finaling in contests in 2000--three years after Robin joined RWA (but just one year after she began writing it).The novel finaled in 12 contests while winning the Lone Star, Dixie First Chapter, First Impressions Contest, the Hold Me, Thrill Contest, the Ready, Set, Go Contest, and was overall winner in the Ready, Set, Go.

Leisure leaped over languishing manuscripts to give the nod to Robin’s futuristic effort in just two weeks. Why? "It is probably equal parts of the market being ready for futuristic and my style of writing," Robin said. "If a first-time author can have "style," mine is tight phrasing, fast pacing, complex plotting, a true alpha-male hero and a heroine who’s a real smart-ass."

Robin’s obsession to succeed roused her from bed at 4 in the morning to get in a couple of hours of writing before going to her day job at Cardinal Health (formerly Owen Health care), where she has worked for 13 years as director of corporate budgeting and analysis, business director for 25 pharmacies and project manager. At the end of 2001, she moved to a part-time job as a financial analyst.

Working part time frees her not only for writing but also gives her more time for husband Adam and two sons and a daughter ranging in age from 9 to 14. "Mikha (her 12-year-old daughter) overextends herself, just like her mom. She’s a straight A student, a cheerleader, plays in the honors band, is on student council, and has joined several clubs.

Scheduling her writing around her children’s activities and the part-time job, Robin now finds time to write in the afternoon (before she attends ball games), late in the evenings, and on weekends.

She also works with an outstanding critique group comprised of two other West Houston RWA officers, Mary O’Connor and Georgia Ward, both of whom have also been notching contest wins. Robin had tried two other critique groups before finding the right fit.

"Back in 2000, I set a career strategy for myself," Robin said. "I planned to be good enough in contests to get noticed. I felt an editor request would be my best avenue into publishing and I specifically wanted Dorchester because they publish the largest number of paranormals."

Robin said she achieved her goal because, "I never assumed I knew enough and I refused to settle for anything but my very best writing. And while life often got in the way, I never lost sight of what I wanted, and I persevered. It’s not always easy following a dream, but it’s always worth doing."