Dot Robinson Barnwell's career as an English teacher in several high schools in North Carolina, along with her love of literature and life, inspired her to write creatively. Her first effort, a novel titled Head Into The Wind, was published by David McKay, Inc. and was picked up by Christian Herald Family Bookshelf as a book of the month choice. McKay also published her second novel, Shadow On The Water, which was also well, received. Both books were written during a lengthy sabbatical from teaching after her marriage to a fellow teacher and the arrival of two daughters.