From Carrie Turansky
Author of The Daughter of Highland Hall
MTAR: What inspired you to write your first book?
Our family spent a year in Kenya as missionaries. When we returned to the US I missed our life in Africa, and I thought if I wrote a story set there I could relive some of our experiences. So that was the inspiration behind my first book, Kenya Calling. I didn’t know much about writing fiction, but it was a great learning experience to pour out a story just for the fun of writing.
MTAR: How did you choose the genre you write in?
The popularity of Downton Abbey motivated me to research the Edwardian era and set my latest series in England during that time. There are quite a few authors who write Regency novels or those set in Victorian times, but Edwardian is not as common. That has made it easier for me to stand out and connect with readers. I love history and research, so that makes historical romance a great genre for me.
MTAR: Which book do you recommend for a reader that is new to your writing?
I’d encourage readers to start with The Governess of Highland Hall, which is book one in the Edwardian Brides Series.
MTAR: Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
The Daughter of Highland Hall released last Fall. My next book, A Refuge at Highland Hall, comes out this coming October, and it’s the third in the Edwardian Brides Series.
MTAR: What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write and why?
Alex Goodwin, the hero in A Refuge at Highland Hall, is a daring British pilot during World War One. I enjoyed writing the scene when he’s flying on a mission trying to take down a huge German zeppelin that is returning from a bombing mission in England. It’s based on true events that are quite exciting. I think when people read what happened to Alex they may think, “That’s impossible.” But the events are all true. I can’t wait to share it with readers!
MTAR: What book are you reading now?
I’m reading an advanced copy of Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gholke. It’s an amazing time-split story set in the US and Germany in WW2 and 1970s. Cathy is one of my all time favorite authors. I will read anything she writes!
MTAR: Are there any new authors who have grabbed your interest?
I’ve enjoy Lori Benton’s novels – Burning Sky and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn; and Katherine Reay’s Dear Mr. Knightley and Lizzy and Jane.
MTAR: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I’ve been blessed to travel twice to England in the last few years to research my current series. Seeing the countryside, the historic homes, gardens, and villages, has been a huge help to me. I do a lot of research online and through reading books, but there is nothing like seeing the setting for yourself. I hope to go back to England and Scotland soon!
Bio: Carrie Turansky’s love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of fourteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty-five years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips to visit their five adult children and four grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family.
She loves to connect with reading friends through her website: http://carrieturansky.com, Facebook, Pinterest, and GoodReads.
Link to Book Excerpt: