Carrie Turansky has written more than twenty contemporary and historical inspirational novels, and her books have won the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Carol Award, and the International Digital Award. Her contemporary romance Seeking His Love, the first book in the Bayside Treasures series, is available in a new edition from Flowing Stream Books: For these two wounded hearts, it will take a great leap of faith to overcome past hurts and give love a chance to grow. In this interview, Carrie explains the building blocks of a great inspirational romance novel, reveals her goals writing Seeking His Love, and shares what she loves most about writing romances…
What inspired the story in Seeking His Love?
I’m originally from the Pacific Northwest, and I wanted to write a series set in that beautiful area of the country. I was looking for a town with a name that reflected the message of the story, and a Google search led me to Fairhaven. I did a little online research and fell in love with this unique historic section of Bellingham, Washington. It was fun to include many of the sights around town, shops, and events in the series.
I was involved in drama when I was a teen, and I know firsthand how friendships can deepen and lessons be learned in a program like this. I thought having my heroine direct a Christian youth theater group would be a great occupation for her and give me some interesting story ideas to explore.
What were your goals writing it?
I’ve read several articles about teachers who were accused of misconduct with students, and I wanted to explore what would happen if a teacher was falsely accused. How would she deal with that kind of difficult situation? How would that impact her relationships? How would it be resolved? What lessons would be learned by all those involved?
What do you love the most about romance stories (as a reader or author)?
I’m a romantic at heart, and as a reader I enjoy stories that offer hope and inspiration and fulfill the promise of a happily ever after ending.
As a writer, I want to entertain readers and give them an inspiring way to relax and take a break, but I also hope to give them a glimpse of God’s love and truth as they journey through the story with my hero and heroine.
What are the challenges (or benefits) of writing “romances” as a Christian author?
Our Heavenly Father is the author of romance. He created it, and I enjoy showing how godly relationships are possible and rewarding. I write novels that can be enjoyed by women of all ages. I have many teen readers, so I always have them in mind when I write and keep the level of romance sweet and inspiring. My novels include romance and so much more—heroic heroes, inspiring heroines, interesting settings, and unique occupations. These are the building blocks of a great inspirational romance novel.
What do you want readers to take away after reading Seeking His Love?
The themes of forgiveness and honesty play important roles in this story. I hope readers will be challenged to think about how to respond when they are misunderstood, falsely accused, or contacted by family members who want to restore a broken relationship.
Visit Carrie Turansky’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/carrie-turansky
Seeking His Love
Bayside Treasures #1
Carrie Turansky
Flowing Stream Books