Thinking about starting a podcast, or pitching yourself as a guest on one? What does it really take, and why does it matter for writers?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Cindy Smith and Sara Turnquist welcome Heather Greer, author, managing editor at Scrivenings Press, assistant producer of the Your Best Writing Life podcast, and co-host of Staying Real About Faith & Family. Heather shares why author-focused podcasts matter for writers who can't get to conferences, what she sees authors struggle with most from the acquisitions side, how to put your best professional foot forward as a podcast guest, and what it takes to plan, run, and grow a podcast with purpose. She also opens up about the one thing she'd do differently, and why a heart to keep learning and a community that pours into each other make all the difference.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Your Best Writing Life podcast: https://yourbestwritinglife.buzzsprout.com
• Staying Real About Faith & Family podcast: https://stayingrealwithlindagoldfarb.buzzsprout.com
• Scrivenings Press: https://scriveningspress.com

Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a?videoId=[VIDEO ID]

GET MORE:

• Don't forget to subscribe!
• Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
• Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Traditional, indie, hybrid, or vanity press: which publishing path is right for you? And how do you make that choice based on facts instead of feelings?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Cindy Smith sits down with Sara Turnquist, fresh off finishing her thirtieth novel in eleven years, to talk through one of the biggest decisions a writer makes. Sara shares her own journey from a small traditional press to full indie, breaks down the real differences in upfront cost, creative control, and marketing freedom between each path, and explains where first-time indie authors should put their budget. Most of all, she encourages writers to pray first and ask the Lord what success looks like in the calling He has given them.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Publish and Thrive by Sarra Cannon (Heart Breathings): https://heartbreathings.com
• David Gaughran: https://davidgaughran.com
• Kentucky Christian Writers Conference: https://kychristianwriters.com
• Coaching with Sara (Write With Me): https://saraturnquist.com

Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! https://trnq.st/db7f1a?videoId=[VIDEO ID]

GET MORE:

• Don't forget to subscribe!
• Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
• Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
• Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
• Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop ‘em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to post, promote, and perform on social media? Wondering if you even need to be on every platform to build a readership?

In this episode of Soul & Story, Kayla Stevens, Communications and Marketing Director for Mom Life Ministries, shares how authors of faith can reframe social media as a tool for connection rather than self-promotion, and offers practical, grace-filled strategies for building an authentic presence without burning out.

==== Grab a FREE copy of Hope in Cripple Creek! ====
https://trnq.st/db7f1a

GET MORE:
- Don't forget to subscribe!
- Tune in to Soul & Story at https://podcast.saraturnquist.com/
- Get a FREE novella ebook at https://SaraTurnquist.com/list/
- Check out Sara's store at https://store.saraturnquist.com and grab some cool merch!
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/

Got questions or suggestions for future topics? Drop 'em in the comments!

#historicalromance

© 2026 Sara R. Turnquist