2022 Local Authors Expo Spotlight: Terica Turner

Meet local author Terica Turner and purchase a copy of her book at the Local Authors Expo this Saturday, November 5, at the Central Library, 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Her new book addressees mental health through a Christian framework. Read our Q&A to learn more about her book & personal experiences.

BPL: Tell me about your book.

Turner: My new book is Tackling the Taboo: Navigating Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Illnesses as a Christian. It delves into topics like anxiety, depression, suicide, and other mental health concerns that are often off-limits, or taboo, in many families, churches, and the community. Tackling the Taboo endeavors to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and provide hope from the Scriptures for those suffering and their loves ones. In my book, I also relay my personal experiences with mental illness and share resources to assist in overcoming mental health conditions. 

BPL: What inspired you to write your book(s)?

Turner: My own experiences with mental health concerns inspired me to write my book. My family didn't know much about dealing with a loved on experiencing mental illnesses. And they went to extremes to try to do what they believed would help me. I do not want other people to experience what I wen through trying to cope and manage [on] my own. So, I was inspired to help others in their journey to mental wellness and stability.

BPL: Who is your favorite author and why?

Turner: It's head to pinpoint one author, besides myself. If I had to choose, it would be James Patterson. I love a good thriller, and his books are always page-turners for me. If I had to choose from my genre, my favorite author would be Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. His book was an eye-opener for me that helped me tremendously in my mental health journey.

BPL: What do you hope readers get out of your books?

Turner: I desire that my readers will gain hope from my book—hope for relief from their mental illness and hope for a brighter day. That's why I rely heavily on the Bible to bring comfort to the reader. It's also my desire that people will come away from my book better equipped to handle their own mental illness or that of their loved one.

BPL: Any advice you would give for new authors or those desiring to become an author?

Turner: Don't give up. Keep writing every chance that you get—whether it be a paragraph or a page. Don't stop writing. Don't lose courage. And don't give up. The road to publication can be daunting and full of rejection. But keep pressing forward and use your setbacks as fuel to propel you forward to the next level of success.

You can purchase a copy of Terica Turner's book on Amazon.

Click here to see the full list of the authors and publishers coming.