Introducing Sara R. Turnquist
I have Sara Turnquist here with me. She’s a fun new author with Clean Reads. Let’s get started.
1. When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer? I’ve always dabbled with writing. Since I was in middle school, I’ve written short stories, or fanfiction type works. But it wasn’t until I was in college that I started working on what became my first novel. Even then, I thought it was just “for fun”. I had actually completed four novels before I queried the first one. It wasn’t until my debut novel got picked up for publication that I began to take my own writing seriously.
2. Can you tell us about your journey towards publication? I began querying the work just to a couple of agents and publishers and was super surprised when Clean Reads (at that time Astraea Press) e-mailed me back. No way did I dare dream the journey it would take me on. There is a LOT of editing involved in getting a book published. Pre-editing, content editing, line editing, proofing editing…The pre-editing was grueling for me, but the rest of the edits were not as painful as I had expected. I kept my attitude as follows: This will only make my work stronger. Once you’re well into editing, your focus has to shift to marketing. I started a blog not long after I was picked up by the publisher as a way for my friends and family to go along with me on this journey. I am still learning about marketing though. It is a massive undertaking for me as it is not one of my strong suits.
3. What is your favorite genre to read? Historical Fiction hands down. I used to love mystery (Nancy Drew) when I was young, and moved into Science Fiction (Star Trek mostly) as I got older, but I love, love, love Historical Fiction now.
4. What was the best criticism or advice you ever received? Be open to what others say, be it a beta reader or an editor. They are there to help you, not to tear you down.
5. Tell us about a unique quirk of yours? I asked my husband. He says it’s my sense of humor – my ability to be silly and humorous in almost any situation, but also to be genuinely emotional at the drop of a hat.
6. If you could travel to anyplace for a month, where would you go? Hands down…to the Czech Republic. I have been five times and fell in love with the people, the culture, the country. I would go back in a heartbeat.
7. What are you reading right now? Michelle Moran’s “Rebel Queen” and Hannah Conway’s “Wedding a Warrior”
8. Any encouragement for aspiring authors? Have determination. Be determined that you are going to sit down and write. If you have ten minutes, use those ten minutes. Don’t let a lack of knowing what you should write slow you down. Just start writing and the creative juices will start flowing.
About Sara
Sara is originally from Clarksville, TN where she currently resides with her family. Graduating with a B.S. in Biology, she first pursued a career in the field of Zoo Education. She also enjoyed a short stint working in the field of Sleep Medicine. However, her great love of the written word drew her to write. She is an avid reader and enjoys reading and writing Historical Fiction. Her travels have also served to inspire her writing. In particular, her multiple trips to the Czech Republic have greatly influenced her work on her debut novel.
Karin, a strong-willed and determined young woman, is sequestered to a royal summer palace. She tries to keep her true nature a secret to avoid being deemed a traitor by those loyal to the king. Unbeknownst to her, Karin soon becomes the target of an individual with murderous intent. Her heart also becomes entangled though her father intends to wed her to another. The turmoil inside Karin deepens and reflects the turmoil of her homeland on the brink of the Hussite Wars.
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