Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of several inspirational romance novels and novellas, including the Edwardian Brides series.
She
has been a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital
Award, and the Crystal Globe Award. Carrie has been writing 1999, and
has published several articles, short stories, devotions, and essays.
Writing fiction, however, is her passion, and she’s thankful for the
creative ideas and characters God has put into her mind and heart.
When she’s not writing Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, working outside in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near her home.
The following is a November 2013 interview with Carrie.
When she’s not writing Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, working outside in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near her home.
The following is a November 2013 interview with Carrie.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
The Governess of Highland Hall (USA - print copy) or Surrendered Hearts (International - digital copy)
by Carrie Turansky
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 8-21 November NZDT
AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
The Governess of Highland Hall (USA - print copy) or Surrendered Hearts (International - digital copy)
by Carrie Turansky
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 8-21 November NZDT
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve loved reading since I first visited the library as a young child and checked out a stack of picture books. My love for writing began when I handwrote my first novel at age twelve. But I put writing aside for many years to focus on art and raising my family. I homeschooled my five children, and I found that gave me a great education and was good preparation for writing novels. My husband, Scott, and I have been married for over 35 years. He is a pastor, counselor, and the author of many parenting books. We love our church, Calvary Chapel Living Hope, and we often travel together for ministry and to visit our five adult children and 3 three grandchildren. When I’m not writing I enjoy working in my flower gardens, walking around the lake near our house, and cooking healthy meals for family and friends.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I’ve been writing fiction since 1997. Our family spent a year in Kenya before that as missionaries. After we returned to the US I missed Africa so much that I decided to write a story set there as a way to relive some of our experiences. I poured out the story without knowing much about the art of writing fiction. I loved it! But when I showed it to an editor at my first writers’ conference, I found out I had a lot to learn about writing novels. I almost gave up writing at that point, but the Lord used a kind neighbor to encourage me with a gift of several writing craft books. I sensed the Lord telling me to press on and learn what I needed to learn to become a skilled writer. I joined ACFW shortly after that, and through that organization I found a critique group, a mentor, an agent, and eventually, a publisher.
I’ve loved reading since I first visited the library as a young child and checked out a stack of picture books. My love for writing began when I handwrote my first novel at age twelve. But I put writing aside for many years to focus on art and raising my family. I homeschooled my five children, and I found that gave me a great education and was good preparation for writing novels. My husband, Scott, and I have been married for over 35 years. He is a pastor, counselor, and the author of many parenting books. We love our church, Calvary Chapel Living Hope, and we often travel together for ministry and to visit our five adult children and 3 three grandchildren. When I’m not writing I enjoy working in my flower gardens, walking around the lake near our house, and cooking healthy meals for family and friends.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I’ve been writing fiction since 1997. Our family spent a year in Kenya before that as missionaries. After we returned to the US I missed Africa so much that I decided to write a story set there as a way to relive some of our experiences. I poured out the story without knowing much about the art of writing fiction. I loved it! But when I showed it to an editor at my first writers’ conference, I found out I had a lot to learn about writing novels. I almost gave up writing at that point, but the Lord used a kind neighbor to encourage me with a gift of several writing craft books. I sensed the Lord telling me to press on and learn what I needed to learn to become a skilled writer. I joined ACFW shortly after that, and through that organization I found a critique group, a mentor, an agent, and eventually, a publisher.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
I enjoy reading and writing Christian fiction because it includes the spiritual as well as the emotional journey of the characters. I believe it has the power to inspire readers and help them draw closer to God as they identify with the characters in the story. When characters face challenges and struggles and then look to God and spiritual resources for help, readers are often inspired to do the same. When characters make poor choices and we see the consequences clearly portrayed, that can serve as a warning as well.
How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
I want to give readers a break from the pressures and struggles of everyday life and provide them with wholesome and uplifting stories that will touch their hearts and inspire them to draw closer to God and understand His love and truth.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
I love hearing from readers who have been touched by one of my stories and prompted to respond to an issue they are facing. One woman wrote and told me she was so moved by my heroine’s decision to reach out and forgive her father, that she was willing to do the same. Others have written and shared that they have been motivated to pray and reconnect with God after reading one of my books. Those are wonderful emails and letters that I treasure. They make me want to keep writing.
I enjoy reading and writing Christian fiction because it includes the spiritual as well as the emotional journey of the characters. I believe it has the power to inspire readers and help them draw closer to God as they identify with the characters in the story. When characters face challenges and struggles and then look to God and spiritual resources for help, readers are often inspired to do the same. When characters make poor choices and we see the consequences clearly portrayed, that can serve as a warning as well.
How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
I want to give readers a break from the pressures and struggles of everyday life and provide them with wholesome and uplifting stories that will touch their hearts and inspire them to draw closer to God and understand His love and truth.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
I love hearing from readers who have been touched by one of my stories and prompted to respond to an issue they are facing. One woman wrote and told me she was so moved by my heroine’s decision to reach out and forgive her father, that she was willing to do the same. Others have written and shared that they have been motivated to pray and reconnect with God after reading one of my books. Those are wonderful emails and letters that I treasure. They make me want to keep writing.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
I’ve learned to trust and depend on God in new and deeper ways as we write the stories together. Thinking through the conflicts and issues my characters will face, makes me consider God’s truth about different issues and how to apply those truths to life as well as to my stories. Creativity is a gift, and tapping into it is a great way to connect with Him and deepen my relationship.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
I want to continue to grow spiritually and be used by God to love, encourage, and care for others in my church, my community, and through our various ministries. Family relationships are important to me, so I also hope to always be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My husband Scott and I are very involved in our church, and we love to have people into our home for Bible study or to share a meal. I am blessed with some great girlfriends, and I enjoy going to out to lunch, shopping, and sometimes traveling with them. Spending time with my kids and grandkids is always a treat.
I’ve learned to trust and depend on God in new and deeper ways as we write the stories together. Thinking through the conflicts and issues my characters will face, makes me consider God’s truth about different issues and how to apply those truths to life as well as to my stories. Creativity is a gift, and tapping into it is a great way to connect with Him and deepen my relationship.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
I want to continue to grow spiritually and be used by God to love, encourage, and care for others in my church, my community, and through our various ministries. Family relationships are important to me, so I also hope to always be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My husband Scott and I are very involved in our church, and we love to have people into our home for Bible study or to share a meal. I am blessed with some great girlfriends, and I enjoy going to out to lunch, shopping, and sometimes traveling with them. Spending time with my kids and grandkids is always a treat.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
I sometimes say The Governess of Highland Hall is like ‘Downton Abbey’ meets Jane Eyre. Those who like English historical romance and the Edwardian-era will enjoy meeting Julia Foster, as she takes on her role as the new governess at Highland Hall, who must find her place when she is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help.
Returning to England from the mission field in India, Julia Foster accepts the position of governess at Highland Hall to help support her parents. But she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected.
Sir William Ramsey, widowed and left to care for his two young children along with the two teenage daughters of his deceased cousin, is consumed with saving the estate from financial ruin. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. Can William and Julia cross the great class divide that separates them to find a future together, or will the desire for power, wealth, and position pull them apart?
I sometimes say The Governess of Highland Hall is like ‘Downton Abbey’ meets Jane Eyre. Those who like English historical romance and the Edwardian-era will enjoy meeting Julia Foster, as she takes on her role as the new governess at Highland Hall, who must find her place when she is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help.
Returning to England from the mission field in India, Julia Foster accepts the position of governess at Highland Hall to help support her parents. But she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected.
Sir William Ramsey, widowed and left to care for his two young children along with the two teenage daughters of his deceased cousin, is consumed with saving the estate from financial ruin. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. Can William and Julia cross the great class divide that separates them to find a future together, or will the desire for power, wealth, and position pull them apart?
What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?
I am working on Book 2 in the Edwardian Brides Series, Daughter of Highland Hall. Katherine Ramsey, a strong-willed, aristocratic young woman arrives in London for her first social season, intent on securing a proposal from a wealthy, titled young man. But when she meets Jonathan Foster, a handsome medical student with a strong faith and a heart to serve the poor in London’s East End, Katherine’s dreams begin to change. I am enjoying writing this story! It arrives on the shelf October 2014.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I think it’s wonderful that readers and authors around the world can connect through the Internet. It’s been great to meet several friends from New Zealand and other countries on Facebook and through writing and reading websites. I hope the expansion of eBooks makes will make it easier for readers around the world to enjoy each other’s books.
Do you have any parting words?
Thank you for inviting me over to Soul Inspirationz! I love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and on my blog at my website. I hope I will see you there! Blessings and Happy Reading! Carrie
I am working on Book 2 in the Edwardian Brides Series, Daughter of Highland Hall. Katherine Ramsey, a strong-willed, aristocratic young woman arrives in London for her first social season, intent on securing a proposal from a wealthy, titled young man. But when she meets Jonathan Foster, a handsome medical student with a strong faith and a heart to serve the poor in London’s East End, Katherine’s dreams begin to change. I am enjoying writing this story! It arrives on the shelf October 2014.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I think it’s wonderful that readers and authors around the world can connect through the Internet. It’s been great to meet several friends from New Zealand and other countries on Facebook and through writing and reading websites. I hope the expansion of eBooks makes will make it easier for readers around the world to enjoy each other’s books.
Do you have any parting words?
Thank you for inviting me over to Soul Inspirationz! I love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and on my blog at my website. I hope I will see you there! Blessings and Happy Reading! Carrie
The Governess of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #1)
Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?
Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.
Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.
While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
Purchase The Governess of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #1):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?
Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.
Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.
While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
Purchase The Governess of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #1):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Surrendered Hearts
A gas pipeline explosion and fire destroy Jennifer Evan's apartment and change her life forever. Not only does she lose her home and beloved dog, the ugly scars that cover her arm, neck and shoulder steal her confidence and cause her fiancé to desert her. With her funds depleted and her job on hold, she heads for Vermont where she hopes to reconnect with her brother and find a way to rebuild her shattered life.
Bill Morgan, head naturalist at the Wild River Nature Center and her brother's roommate, is a strong quiet man whose faith runs deep. He and Jenn's brother determine to help Jenn make a new start in Vermont. Bill's stumbling attempts to share his faith with Jenn seem to fall flat and push her farther away, but she can see the difference his faith makes in his life, and her heart is still drawn to him. Will she hold on to the pain of her past, or will she surrender her heart and finally find the faith and love she longs for?
Winner of the International Digital Award, Inspirational Novel Category
Purchase Surrendered Hearts:
[ Amazon Kindle ]
A gas pipeline explosion and fire destroy Jennifer Evan's apartment and change her life forever. Not only does she lose her home and beloved dog, the ugly scars that cover her arm, neck and shoulder steal her confidence and cause her fiancé to desert her. With her funds depleted and her job on hold, she heads for Vermont where she hopes to reconnect with her brother and find a way to rebuild her shattered life.
Bill Morgan, head naturalist at the Wild River Nature Center and her brother's roommate, is a strong quiet man whose faith runs deep. He and Jenn's brother determine to help Jenn make a new start in Vermont. Bill's stumbling attempts to share his faith with Jenn seem to fall flat and push her farther away, but she can see the difference his faith makes in his life, and her heart is still drawn to him. Will she hold on to the pain of her past, or will she surrender her heart and finally find the faith and love she longs for?
Winner of the International Digital Award, Inspirational Novel Category
Purchase Surrendered Hearts:
[ Amazon Kindle ]
Buy Carrie's Books at The Book Depository
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Be in to win a copy of
The Governess of Highland Hall
(USA - print copy)
or
Surrendered Hearts
(International - digital copy)
by Carrie Turansky
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 8-21 November NZDT
Please comment about the interview or leave a message for Carrie when making a blog post comment. Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
The Governess of Highland Hall
(USA - print copy)
or
Surrendered Hearts
(International - digital copy)
by Carrie Turansky
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 8-21 November NZDT
Please comment about the interview or leave a message for Carrie when making a blog post comment. Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
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