Soul & Story

Sara R. Turnquist
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Weekly

I’m a coffee lovin’, word slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. I love those odd tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That’s what inspires me. Well, that and a good love story.

  1. 5d ago

    EP 72: The Importance of Finding Your Author Voice

    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 BellGrab 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=laebITlCGQMCheck 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

  2. Oct 14

    EP 71: The Importance of Podcasting

    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.comStaying Real About Faith & Family podcast: https://stayingrealwithlindagoldfarb.buzzsprout.comScrivenings Press: https://scriveningspress.comGrab 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

  3. Sep 30

    EP 70: The Importance of Your Publishing Path

    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.comDavid Gaughran: https://davidgaughran.comKentucky Christian Writers Conference: https://kychristianwriters.comCoaching with Sara (Write With Me): https://saraturnquist.comGrab 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

  4. Sep 16

    EP 69: The Importance of Social Media

    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

  5. Sep 2

    EP 68: The Importance of Editing

    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/db7f1aGET 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

  6. Aug 19

    EP 67: The Importance of Marketing

    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

  7. May 27

    EP 66: The Importance of Grieving

    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

  8. May 13

    EP 65: The Importance of What We Consume

    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. ====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

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About

I’m a coffee lovin’, word slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. I love those odd tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That’s what inspires me. Well, that and a good love story.

Information

  • Creator
    Sara R. Turnquist
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sara R. Turnquist
  • Show Website
    Soul & Story

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