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Interviews
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8/29/2017

34 Comments

Bethany Turner Interview

 
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Today I am pleased to welcome author Bethany Turner. Bethany is the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former VP/operations manager of a commercial bank and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned thirty-five), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she's chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and
their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is her debut novel for Revell.
​
Bethany, welcome to Interviews & Reviews!
For those who aren't familiar with your work, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I met my husband online in the late 90’s (when that was honestly a very scary and risky thing to do!), and I moved from Kentucky to Colorado in 2001 after we got married. We are now the parents of 14-year-old Ethan and 11-year-old Noah. In 2014 I left behind a successful, stable career as the vice president of a bank because I believed God was calling me to get serious about this whole writing thing.

What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

Editing is a mental struggle for me. With this book, I was blessed beyond belief to get to work with such amazing editors at Revell, and I have absolutely no doubt that because of their editing skills, we have a much stronger book today. But when the process first begins, I have to fight against something inside of me that is screaming, “I wrote it the way I want it! Leave it alone!” Editing days are full of lots of prayer and coffee!
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What is your book about?

In The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, Sarah tells the story of how she went from being the bestselling author of steamy, scandalous romance books, to a Christ-follower who can’t stand to have her name associated with the books she wrote. But just because she doesn’t want to be associated with them doesn’t mean she can actually escape the books and the notoriety which accompanies them! When she begins falling in love with 
Ben Delaney – her pastor – things don’t get any easier, of course, and Sarah must attempt to live the life God is calling her to live while dealing with the reality of her past, and some people who seem determined to cast themselves as the judge in Sarah’s life.

That sounds like a great read! Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

We, as humans, are so good at making plans. We’re good at convincing ourselves that we know where we need to go, that we know how to get there, and that it’s all destroyed when our plans don’t come together exactly as we thought they would. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is a good reminder that our plans are nothing compared to God’s. As Ben Delaney tells Sarah Hollenbeck, God has “a perfect, bigger, and better than anything I ever could have imagined sort of plan.” 

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

My advice would be to start writing and keep writing, no matter the setbacks or challenges that come along. And then I would just like to add a bit of encouragement by saying if the Lord is calling you to write, then you need to write. Study the craft and learn all you can, but know that our God doesn’t use a cookie cutter. Be you. Be the writer He wants you to be. And I promise you that if He wants to use you and your writing for His purposes, rejections from agents and publishers won’t get in His way.

Do you talk to your characters?

I do! Dialogue is one of the biggest priorities for me – probably a result of my love for and experience in the theatre – and I just don’t think anything can pull my attention and interest out of a book more quickly than dialogue which isn’t believable. When I’m writing, I’m always testing out dialogue in imaginary conversations with my characters before any of it hits the page.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

I’d just like to say that I don’t take their time and attention for granted, for even a moment. I’m a new author to them, and whatever the reason they’re choosing to pick up a copy of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, I want them to know that I’m grateful. I’ll always give them the best I’ve got, and I hope that this is just the beginning for us. The journey is better because they’re a part of it!

What is your favourite Scripture verse and why?

Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” I actually used these verses as the dedication in The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck because they have come to mean so much to me in my life over the course of the past few years. The way the Lord has provided for my family, the opportunities He has given, the relationships which have formed, and absolutely everything surrounding the writing and publication of this book…it’s all from Him. And immeasurably more than I ever asked or imagined.

God has clearly done a good work in you and was preparing you for this moment. Thank you for sharing with us today!

If you would like to know when Bethany's next book comes out, sign up for her newsletter at www.seebethanywrite.com
34 Comments
Raechel L. link
8/29/2017 02:28:21 pm

Fantastic interview! I am looking forward to this book. :)
So many good points throughout this post, not sure which to comment about! ;)
Love that Bible verse too. God is so good, and so much bigger than me imagine!

Reply
Bethany link
8/29/2017 05:02:13 pm

Thank you, Raechel! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. I tell ya...we are so held back at times by getting stuck on what WE think is possible, when really we're just scratching the surface of all God wants to do through us. That verse is such a great reminder for me! Thanks again. :-)

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Ann Ellison
8/29/2017 02:34:58 pm

Enjoyed the interview. I am definitely looking forward to reading your book.

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 05:03:16 pm

Thank you, Ann! We're getting closer and closer! EEK! :-) Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment. I really appreciate you!

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Easton T.
8/29/2017 02:45:30 pm

On pins and needles waiting for this release! Can't wait to plunge my nose into another great read by Mrs.Turner.

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 05:04:28 pm

Oh, you delightful creator of the greatest musical number of 2017! ;-) Thanks, sweet friend! Love you, girlie.

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Rachel Dodson link
8/29/2017 02:51:29 pm

I cannot wait to read this book! I am so excited to see whay Bethany has done. Great interview!

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 05:05:39 pm

Thank you, Rachel! I really appreciate you taking the time to read the interview and leave a comment, and I REALLY hope you enjoy the book when you read it! :-)

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Rachel McDaniel link
8/29/2017 03:00:20 pm

I've been looking forward to this book! Who doesn't love romance sprinkled with humor?! :)

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 05:06:43 pm

That's certainly one of my favorite things, Rachel. (Whether I am the one to write it or not!!) Thanks for all your support, and for taking the time to read and comment.

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Joanna Politano link
8/29/2017 03:05:13 pm

I loved hearing a little more about your book, but what was even more amazing was the way your heart and your connection with God shone through your words. This is awesome <3 What is the best thing we as readers do to help introduce people to your work?

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 09:57:52 pm

Oh, how I adore you! Thanks, RDT. You know...I believe word of mouth is still the most reliable way to spread any message. Sure, sometimes "word of mouth" is on social media now, or by text, but the principle remains the same. If something is worthwhile, TELL PEOPLE. I think one word of recommendation from someone you know and trust, sharing something that matters to them, is worth more than a hundred words from a stranger, trying to sell something. And the Christian Fiction community if SO GOOD at sharing the love. I feel so blessed to be a part of it. (And so blessed to have made friends like you along the way...)

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Jenny T
8/29/2017 03:35:12 pm

You can really hear Bethany's heart for the Lord in her interview! Her writing is going to be used in Big ways to do Big things for our BIG God!

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 09:57:58 pm

Love you to pieces, BP! Thank you! <3

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LeeAnn Ramsey link
8/29/2017 03:36:58 pm

Excellent interview, sweet friend! I'm getting more and more excited for you with every approaching day!!! You rock! And this book is gonna rock!

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 09:59:39 pm

You're very kind, but see...I happen to think that YOU rock. :-) Thank you, my friend! So glad we're on the journey together!

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Winnie Thomas
8/29/2017 03:56:09 pm

Wonderful interview! I can't wait to read this book. I've been hearing amazing things about it! Hi, Bethany. It was so fun to meet you in person at CFRR and give you a big hug! Looking forward to release time--it's getting close! Hugs!

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 10:01:33 pm

Winnie! It was SO fabulous to see you in person, and I only wish we'd had more time to visit! You have been so sweet and supportive from the very first moments, and I am so glad you are in my life. Hugs!

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Karen Rumba
8/29/2017 05:05:49 pm

Bethany, it was so much fun meeting and talking with you at CFRR! Can't wait to read your new book (and to see you next year on the author panel hopefully)!!

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Bethany link
8/29/2017 10:03:35 pm

Karen, it was SO great visiting with you! I just met some of the kindest, most wonderful ladies that day, and I certainly count you in that number. I look forward to connecting with you again!

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Michelle
8/29/2017 05:17:02 pm

So excited to read this book, and I love all the attention it is getting! I'm praying for a great pub day and for a long and many-stories career!!

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Bethany link
8/30/2017 08:11:33 am

Thank you so much for the prayers and encouragement, Michelle! I really appreciate it!

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Ani Jessup
8/29/2017 08:27:38 pm

The book sounds delightful. I am so eager to get my hands on it.

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Bethany link
8/30/2017 08:13:20 am

Truthfully, I'm pretty eager to get MY hands on it, too! :-) Thanks for the support. I really hope you like Sarah's story! ;-)

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Daphne Erhardt
8/29/2017 08:50:26 pm

Fantastic job with the interview. I think I have been waiting very impatiently for this book to release (ever since I first read Abigail Phelps :). I am blessed to be a fan, friend, and sister in Christ with a such an amazing person/writer.

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Bethany link
8/30/2017 08:15:15 am

Daphne, I'M the one who is blessed that you are in my life! You are such a tireless encourager and supporter, and I'm so grateful for your friendship and support!

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Secily
8/29/2017 09:13:29 pm

Loved the interview! Can't wait to get the book! Eek! It's so close. I cannot believe it's almost here. So excited! So proud to call you friend. So love this story! And I love that you are going for your dreams .

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Bethany link
8/30/2017 08:17:16 am

I feel so blessed that we've been able to journey together and share the dreams and the victories, and even the setbacks. And the books! The children love the books! ;-)

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Monica
8/29/2017 10:19:48 pm

I loved this interview, I could just see you giving it the whole time. I am so very proud of you and cannot wait to read the book.

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Bethany link
8/30/2017 08:18:24 am

Aww, thank you, my friend! That means more than you know, and I'm so grateful!

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Kelly T.
8/30/2017 06:06:53 pm

Very proud of you, and wondering from where you get such keen insight into a "humorous romance". I love you!

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Bethany link
8/31/2017 08:43:02 am

Yeah, well...it's all completely from my imagination, of course! 😉 Thanks, my love! I love you!

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Kristi Ross link
8/31/2017 03:03:23 am

I am SO excited to get this book! I'm loving your earlier books, but can't wait to meet Sarah! And what a great interview! I loved where you told us fellow writers to study and learn the craft but that God doesn't use a cookie cutter and to be me! I'm going to always remember that! Thank you! And congratulations on your book and on such a great interview!

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Bethany link
8/31/2017 08:45:25 am

Thank you, my friend, for your support and encouragement. It means more to me than you know! (And I will say this: Sarah is slightly less, um...complex than Abby. Then again, the tax code is less complex than Abby. Ha!)

Reply



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