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

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.

====
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

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!
https://trnq.st/db7f1a
====

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