Soul & Story

Wondering whether a writing coach is worth the money — or whether your pages are even good enough to show one yet? Not sure what a coach actually does that an editor or a mentor doesn't?In this episode of Soul & Story, writing coach and editor Larry Leech joins Sara and Cindy to explain what coaching really is, why he coaches every writer differently, and why a coach without a heart to help others will never be a good coach. He shares the questions he asks before he ever takes on a project, why he tells new authors to interview their characters and dig into the why, and the honest truth that your first book will not be your best book — it's the book where you learn how to write a book. Along the way: writers groups, accountability partners who only text each other word counts, and why the Christian writing community cheers each other on instead of competing. Larry Leech Word Weaver's InternationalGrab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a?video=uLNa4O_FVd8Listen to it in audio format for FREE: https://youtu.be/MgFe6nyp5yUGET 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=uLNa4O_FVd8Check 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 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 MENTIONEDVoice: The Secret Power of Great Writing by James Scott BellGrab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a?video=laebITlCGQMListen to it in audio format for FREE: https://youtu.be/MgFe6nyp5yUGET 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

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 MENTIONEDYour 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

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 MENTIONEDPublish 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

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/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

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

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