Soul & Story

Ever wondered what makes your writing sound like you? Not sure whether your voice needs more development or just more confidence?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Sara and Cindy dig in deep about finding your author voice: what it really is, how it differs from style, tone, and genre, and how Sara discovered and grew her own. Sara shares practical ways to hear your voice, from recording yourself telling a story to rewriting a scene from another genre, explains why the things you leave unsaid matter as much as what's on the page, and offers one simple step you can take this week to grow more confident in the way you tell a story.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Voice: The Secret Power of Great Writing by James Scott Bell

Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a?video=laebITlCGQM

Listen to it in audio format for FREE: https://youtu.be/MgFe6nyp5yU

GET MORE:

• Don't forget to subscribe!
• Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://www.saraturnquist.com/list?video=laebITlCGQM
• Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Thinking about starting a podcast, or pitching yourself as a guest on one? What does it really take, and why does it matter for writers?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Cindy Smith and Sara Turnquist welcome Heather Greer, author, managing editor at Scrivenings Press, assistant producer of the Your Best Writing Life podcast, and co-host of Staying Real About Faith & Family. Heather shares why author-focused podcasts matter for writers who can't get to conferences, what she sees authors struggle with most from the acquisitions side, how to put your best professional foot forward as a podcast guest, and what it takes to plan, run, and grow a podcast with purpose. She also opens up about the one thing she'd do differently, and why a heart to keep learning and a community that pours into each other make all the difference.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Your Best Writing Life podcast: https://yourbestwritinglife.buzzsprout.com
• Staying Real About Faith & Family podcast: https://stayingrealwithlindagoldfarb.buzzsprout.com
• Scrivenings Press: https://scriveningspress.com

Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a?videoId=[VIDEO ID]

GET MORE:

• Don't forget to subscribe!
• Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
• Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Traditional, indie, hybrid, or vanity press: which publishing path is right for you? And how do you make that choice based on facts instead of feelings?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Cindy Smith sits down with Sara Turnquist, fresh off finishing her thirtieth novel in eleven years, to talk through one of the biggest decisions a writer makes. Sara shares her own journey from a small traditional press to full indie, breaks down the real differences in upfront cost, creative control, and marketing freedom between each path, and explains where first-time indie authors should put their budget. Most of all, she encourages writers to pray first and ask the Lord what success looks like in the calling He has given them.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Publish and Thrive by Sarra Cannon (Heart Breathings): https://heartbreathings.com
• David Gaughran: https://davidgaughran.com
• Kentucky Christian Writers Conference: https://kychristianwriters.com
• Coaching with Sara (Write With Me): https://saraturnquist.com

Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a?videoId=[VIDEO ID]

GET MORE:

• Don't forget to subscribe!
• Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
• Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to post, promote, and perform on social media? Wondering if you even need to be on every platform to build a readership?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Kayla Stevens, Communications and Marketing Director for Mom Life Ministries, shares how authors of faith can reframe social media as a tool for connection rather than self-promotion, and offers practical, grace-filled strategies for building an authentic presence without burning out.

==== Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! ====
https://trnq.st/db7f1a

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Before we took our summer break, we recorded this...and our tech support forgot to release it. So here it is!

Turns out editing your first manuscript can feel a lot like childbirth — painful in the moment, but the thing that makes the finished book worth holding.

In today's episode, Sara sits down with debut author (and Soul & Story cohost!) Cindy Smith, fresh off wrestling through the self-edit of her very first manuscript, to talk honestly about the process.

Why are rough drafts for the writer, but edits for the reader? When DO you stop tinkering and hand your work to a pro? And why AI can never replace a real human editor?

==== Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! ====
https://trnq.st/db7f1a

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Turns out marketing an epic fantasy novel isn't so different from selling any other product — the principles are the same, you just tweak the approach!

In today's episode, we met up with best-selling fantasy author Angela J. Ford who writes mortal/immortal forbidden romance featuring Black heroines in worlds where gothic cinema meets fantasy. We piqued her brain on tactics that give readers real reasons to buy, and why genre-specific marketing fears might be overblown.

Check out:
✅ Angela's website - https://angelajford.com/
✅ Follow Angela on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angelajfordbooks

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/db7f1a
====

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Ever lost someone dear you? Not sure how to make it to the next day? Next month? Next year? And where does God fit into all this?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Hallee Bridgeman shares the struggle she faces with the loss of her son, how it impacted her writing career, and what she does today to rediscover hope and God.

Check out:
✅ The Melancholy Statue - https://www.revshirleymurphy.co.uk/post/melancholy-the-emptiness-that-incapacitates-us-through-grief
✅ "You're Still God" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22WoEYfuZN0
✅ "Made for more" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov9Ls4npIrc

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/db7f1a
====

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

What you consume goes far beyond the food you ingest. It extends to news, podcasts, books, and more.

In this episode of Soul & Story, Sara and Cindy dive deep into how what we consume plays an important role.

====
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====

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Did you read books as a child? Is it something you carried into your adulthood? What kinds of books do YOUR children read?

Meet multi-published faith-based children's book author and illustrator Kim Caldwell as she shares some of the struggles and the joys producing books for the younger generation.

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a
====

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

We all love a good story. Does that mean we have to forgo sharing the truth of Christ? Not at all!

Find out why as our dear friend, award winning author Mandy Boerma joins us on today's episode of Soul & Story!

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
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====

Check out Mandy's website!
https://www.mandyboerma.com/

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

We are all called to ministry in some way, in some aspect. As a writer, the very ministry we can be called to involves story. The Bible is full of stories. Our very lives are full of stories.

In this episode of Soul & Story, Sara and Cindy will further delve into the important of ministry and how we can reach those God calls us to through story.

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/db7f1a
====

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

You're trying to write a story. Have you looked at some of the oldest stories ever known?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Sara and Cindy dig into stories that can inspire all of us—including those found in scripture!

🎁 Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/db7f1a

SEE ALSO
• Prayer Bible & Prayer Journal
• Are you called to be a paper missionary?
• Darklight – A Coming of Age Fantasy (by Greg Turnquist)
• Pure Energy (by Sean Smith)

GET MORE
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
• Listen at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
• Shop merch at https://store.saraturnquist.com
• Follow on Facebook: @authorsararturnquist

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Send them our way!

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Are you trying to figure out how to launch your book? Want to get your work out there so readers everywhere can enjoy it?

In today’s episode of Soul & Story, we sit down with special guest Tammy Karasek. She’s launched countless books and shares practical insights on how to not only launch your book—but launch it well.

🔗 https://tammykarasek.com/

🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Launch-that-Book-Tammy-Karasek/dp/B0G2K5HZRV/

====

Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/db7f1a

====

GET MORE:
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Visit Sara’s store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop them in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Why do you write? Is it to be famous? To make money? Or something a bit deeper? Perhaps to spread the Word?

====
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====

GET MORE:

• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://saraturnquist.com/list/
• Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com/ and grab some cool merch!
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Writing with a mood disorder can be challenging. What steps can you take to write?

Check Heart Breathings: https://heartbreathings.com/
Also visit: https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/db7f1a
====

GET MORE:

• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://saraturnquist.com/list/
• Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com/ and grab some cool merch!
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Trying to write your next book but you struggle to push through? Is it hard showing up each and every day to get your writing complete? Then tune in and hear from fellow writers that face the same!

====Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!https://trnq.st/db7f1a====

GET MORE:- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2024 Sara R. Turnquist

What does it take to get started as a writer? Is it useful to go to a writer's conference? What about learning? In today's episode find answers to all of these as we chat with fledgling author Megan Singleton!

Want a free Christmas story? Visit https://subscribepage.io/dRAIyO and find out how!

====Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!https://trnq.st/db7f1a====

GET MORE:- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2025 Sara R. Turnquist

As we enter the Christmas season, those candles at church appear! They are tied to something important we observe known as "advent". What does it all mean?

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/t044
====

GET MORE:
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2025 Sara R. Turnquist

Do you need to put bits of scripture in your writing? Guess what...there are a bunch of do's and don'ts to watch out for!

====
Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/t044
====

GET MORE:
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2025 Sara R. Turnquist

Running into challenges to put pen to paper? (Or finger to keyboard?) Are you struggling to focus? Discover how Sara and Cindy tackle this struggle!

==== Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek!
https://trnq.st/t044 ====

GET MORE:
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

(C) 2025 Sara R. Turnquist