Robert Whitlow

LATEST PROJECT: The Confession (9781401688868, $15.99, softcover, Aug. 5).

PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson.

As a practicing attorney and best-selling author, how are you able to manage both professions?

I compartmentalize my time to fulfill competing responsibilities. Mothers do this on a daily basis! At this point in my legal career, I avoid cases that sap all my energy. I often leave the office early.

What type of law do you practice?

I am a disability lawyer and mediator. My mediator work involves assisting Christians in conflicts and disputes. This work is through a nonprofit organization called PeacePoint at PeacePoint.com. We offer a lot of free information via our website.

What sparked the idea for your new work, The Confession?

After writing several novels from the perspective of a defense lawyer, I wanted to explore the life of a prosecutor. And I thought it would be interesting to write about a prosecutor with a troubled past.

Your writing is often compared to that of John Grisham. How would you describe your writing, and who are some of your favorite authors and/or books?

Like Grisham, I strive for realism in portraying the legal world. I’ve met so many interesting people during 35 years of law practice that it’s not hard to populate my novels with intriguing characters. My writing is influenced by the thousands of depositions I’ve taken and hundreds of trial transcripts I’ve read. Also, like many modern writers, I’m influenced by Hemingway and his spare type of prose.

What type of character is Holt Douglas at the beginning of the novel?

Holt is an earnest young assistant [district attorney] performing public service law to assuage guilt over the death of a friend. He’s buried the past, but it is about to come out of the grave to confront him.

What topics do you explore in The Confession?

Obviously, the main theme relates to confession on several levels with more than one character. Confession is also connected with forgiveness.

Did you do any research for this title, or were you able to write completely from your law experience?

There was minimal research required for this book, mostly just a few legal nuances.

What message do you hope readers will take away from this book?

God will make a way for anyone willing to be honest and humble with him and others.

What else should Christian retailers know about The Confession?

This is a book in my wheelhouse—a legal suspense novel with plot twists and turns involving characters readers will care about.

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