Welcome Carrie Turansky!

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Thanks, Anne, I appreciate the invitation to visit with you and your readers on your blog today. Here’s a little about me. I’m originally from Oregon, but have lived in New Jersey for the last 23 years. Scott and I have been married for 34 years. We have five children and 3 grandchildren. I homeschooled my children for a number of years, and as they graduated I had more time for writing. My first book was published in 2005, and I’ve had nine novels and novellas published since then.

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect in writing?

One of the most challenging skills a writer needs to learn is to silence the internal editor that slows you down and questions every word and sentence. Turning her off helps your creativity flow. You can write more quickly and your unique writer’s voice appears on the page.

Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?

For me, the ideas and characters simmer together at the same time. I like to use resources from My Book Therapy (Susan May Warren) and Michael Hague to create my characters and plot. Both of these teachers encourage you to work on your characters and plot at the same time, step by step.  

Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

In A Man To Trust, the heroine, Adrie Chandler, is trying to decide what’s more important to her in life. She has spent years training as a classical musician and wants to play her flute professionally with a symphony, but when the opportunity finally arrives, she’s not sure she should follow through on that dream. I hope readers will identify with Adrie’s desire to find God’s will and discern how to best use their gifts and talents. I also hope they’ll see how trusting God and forgiving hurts in the past can help build trust and stronger relationships in the present.

Is there a particular Bible verse that has helped you through a difficult time?

I love the Psalms. That’s where I usually run for comfort and guidance when I am facing a difficult time. Psalm 46 has been very meaningful to me: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” He doesn’t promise to just send us help and strength, he says He IS our refuge and strength, and He is always available to help us. That is so comforting!

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

If A Man To Trust were made into a movie, I’d choose Jim Caviezel to play Ross Peterson, and Amy Adams to play Adrie Chandler.

 

Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?

One of my most creative times is when I am just waking up. I like to stay in bed for a few minutes and think about my story and what comes next. Going for a walk is also another way I can think through a scene and figure out what to do when I feel stuck. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies?

I enjoy reading and watching movies. In the warmer weather I like to work in my flower gardens and spend time outdoors. Cooking for friends and family is fun for me. And I love to arrange flowers for weddings and special events. I’ve done the flowers for two of my children’s weddings. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding to be able to use my gifts to bless them and give them beautiful flowers for their special day.

How do you choose a title?

I usually brainstorm a long list of words that relate to the story and then group them together and switch them around. My editor always makes the final choice and chooses from the list and sometimes comes up with something completely different. Of my ten books, only two have the original titles I chose. All the rest were chosen by my editors.

Do you use character charts? How about photos of real people to inspire a character?

Yes, I use character charts to help me get the facts down about my hero and heroine. I also like to use The Book Buddy, by Susan May Warren, to help me answer key questions about my characters and plot. I like to find photos for each of my main characters. I created a Pinterest board for my characters and setting for A Man To Trust. You can take a look here: http://pinterest.com/carrieturansky/a-man-to-trust/

Can you give us a sneak peek into what book you are working on right now? When does it release?

A Man To Trust is the second book in The Bayside Treasure Series. The first is Seeking His Love. The third book is Snowflake Sweethearts. It will release in late November 2012, and is a sweet holiday romance. Each of these books features a group of four senior-age friends known as The Bayside Treasures. They love to get together each week to play Scrabble, share the latest news and work on matchmaking plans for their younger friends and relatives. They are great prayer warriors too. In Snowflake Sweethearts they hope to match Irene’s grandson Alex with Annie, a young single mother with a five year-old daughter who is a personal chef. 

Where can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect with readers on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and through my website: www.carrieturansky.com. I offer an email newsletter every other month with book news, recipes, encouraging articles, book recommendations, and more. The signup is on my website.

I’d be happy to give away a paper book or eBook to any US resident, or a PDF to read on an eReader to anyone outside the US.

Thank you for all the insights into your writing experience, and for sharing some favorite activities with us, Carrie!

I read A Man to Trust and thoroughly enjoyed the story of Adrie and Ross. The tension between the two was just right. He's flirty and she's a little reserved, which is what makes this one such fun! 

I thought Adrie's desire to make sure she made the correct decision about her future and her hesitancy to trust Ross was presented in realistic fashion. After all, he's a new believer and a girl can't be too careful. Right? 

Thankfully, she learns to trust him because he lives his new found faith and proves to be a trustworthy friend. 

Biblical truth is woven beautifully throughout. 

I'd never actually finished a Love Inspired book until A Man to trust. The only thing that would have made it better is if it was longer J

Carrie is offering a print book or eBook to any US resident, or a PDF to an International reader! Leave a comment to be entered! Giveaway ends on April 3rd!

Feel free to ask Carrie some questions! She is happy to interact with us :)