Interview with Carrie Turansky

Hi Folks, I’m very excited to have Carrie Turansky visiting my blog today. She is an amazing Christian author.

Her new book, Seeking His Love came out this month and is tearing things up among Christian Romance readers.

Latest book: Seeking His Love

Bio: Carrie Turansky is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. She loves to connect with reading friends through her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest: http://carrieturansky.com/

Thanks for joining us. Tell our readers what state you currently call home and any other places that have special significance in your past.

I was born and raised in Oregon, so my heart longs for tall evergreens, the rugged Oregon Coast, and the pristine Cascade Mountains, but I currently live in beautiful Central New Jersey. I’ve also lived in Hawaii and Kenya East Africa. Each place is special to me and has its own beauty.

What genre or genres do you like to write?

I write contemporary romance and English historical romance—all with inspirational themes.

Very interesting. I have quite a few romantic types in my audience. Tell us about your most recent book and the message(s) behind it?

My latest release is Seeking His Love. It’s the first of three books in the Bayside Treasures Series set in historic Fairhaven, Washington. Here’s a bit about the story:

False accusations from the past haunt Rachel Clark, the new director of the NorthCoast Christian Youth Theater. Seeking to make a fresh start, she moves to Fairhaven and rents space for her drama group from an artists’ cooperative led by reclusive frame shop owner, Cameron McKenna. To keep his financially strapped co-op afloat, Cam agrees to include Rachel’s program, but he’s not sure he can trust the attractive director or tolerate having her students in his building. (Click photo of book cover to learn more or order at Amazon.com)

Cam is a widower with painful secrets of his own, and when he must temporarily care for his fourteen-year-old niece, he needs Rachel’s practical help and advice. Their friendship deepens to romance, but when then past secrets come to light Cam must decide if he will risk his heart and his future to help Rachel rebuild her reputation and save the youth theater program. Will old wounds destroy their fragile relationship, or can their renewed faith—in the Lord and in each other—help them find a love that lasts?

You’ve got my attention. I will be reading that one sometime before the month is over. What authors do you like to read?

I enjoy so many authors, but here are a few of my favorites: Cathy Gohlke, Becky Wade, Tara Johnson, Joanna Davidson Politano, Julie Klassen, and Jan Karon.

Carrie, Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books affected your life and how did they make an impact?

When I read Liz Curtis Higgs first novel, Mixed Signals, I was deeply touched by the story inspired to begin writing contemporary stories that included inspiration and romance.

Yes, Liz Higgs is a bit of a legend. Tell us about a memorable reader or fan. Perhaps a story about a personal encounter or some kind of email or message you received.

I received this very touching email about Seeking His Love.

Hello my name is Ashley. I'm 28 years old from Jackson, Tennessee. I am a hairdresser and one of my clients passed me your book, Seeking His Love to read. She briefly explained it was a Christian love story. Rolling my eyes behind her back I took the book not wanting to be rude. That night when I got home I took the book out of my purse and read the first few chapters. Thinking to my self, "This will be a mind-numbing read before bed to relax me." I tossed the book on my nightstand and forgot about it for a few days. Today I knew work was going to be slow because it was storming pretty bad out, so I grabbed the book and shoved it in my purse. I just finished the book, and I had to write you and say thank you. Not only have I been struggling like Cam in returning to Gods warm embrace but I have also been struggling like Rachel with forgiveness. After I closed the book I felt this warming come over my heart as I bowed my head and prayed for the first time in years. After I was done praying I called the person who had wronged me and had been trying to make it right and forgave them. I wanted to thank you for writing a great story that really spoke to me. It’s funny how God works in mysterious ways. Thank you again. You have no idea how your book has freed me and opened up a door that I had shut and locked in Gods face.

That’s amazing feedback. Ashley’s story is enough to keep a Christian author going for three or four more books. Praise God for that encouragement. Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals that you go through before sitting down at the computer?

I usually like to make myself a cup of hot tea and take my laptop to a different location. I pop in my earphones and listen to instrumental music to help me stay in the zone. Sometimes I write out the first section of the scene on a yellow legal pad, then type that into my laptop. Those steps seem to get the creative juices flowing.

That sounds like a solid pre-game ritual. I like to play one game of on-line Sudoku before I get going. Apart from writing, what hobbies or past-times do you enjoy?

I enjoy gardening, flower arranging, cooking healthy recipes, and spending time with friends and family.

Carrie, I also like gardening. Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?

I love this quote: “The best is yet to come!” This reminds me that God writes my story and I have the hope and promise of eternal life. No matter what struggles or hardships we may face, God is in control and gives us the victory.

Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?

I just finished the final edits to No Ocean Too Wide, which is an English and Canadian historical novel that will release June 25th. Here’s a bit about the story:

In this historical adventure, the three youngest McAllister children are taken to Canada as British Home Children without their mother's knowledge or permission, and the oldest McAllister sister follows them across the Atlantic to search for them and bring them home.

When Laura McAllister, a young lady’s maid, learns her three siblings have been taken from their mother and emigrated to Canada without her mother’s knowledge, Laura determines to search for them and reunite the family. But lack of funds and resistance from authorities push her to use a false name and take a position with a child emigration society to gain passage to Canada. Andrew Frasier, a wealthy young lawyer, is surprised to see his mother’s former lady’s maid on board ship escorting a group of child immigrants, especially when she uses a different name. Laura eventually convinces Andrew to help her search for her siblings and uncover the truth about the treatment of British Home Children. Romantic feelings grow between this unlikely couple, and though they have different backgrounds, they share a growing faith and desire to seek justice and relief for the children who are mistreated. Inspiring and hope-filled, No Ocean too Wide will touch your heart and lift your spirit. (Click photo of book cover to learn more or pre-order at Amazon.com.)

Wow! That one sounds great too. I’m sure many of my readers will keep June 25th in mind to get No Ocean Too Wide as well. Thank you so much for spending time with us via this blog. You are a blessing to so many and may God continue to anoint your writing and bless your book ministry.

Thanks, David! Blessings, Carrie

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