Local author Kent Turner has new books at the library

Those walking into the Blackwell Public Library and checking out their new releases might see a familiar name on the cover: Kent Turner. 

Known to most around Blackwell as the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Director, Turner is also something else…a self-published author, with an impressive catalog of works available to those craving adventure, romance, and thriller stories. 

For Kent Turner, storytelling isn’t just about writing—it’s about capturing life’s unexpected moments, exploring human connections, and bringing a sense of humor to the trials of finding love and meaning. 

His journey into writing wasn’t planned; it was, in fact, a request from his wife, Connie, that set him on this path. “She asked me to write her a novel in the Western romance genre,” Turner recalls with a laugh. 

“I was surprised—Western romance? But I took on the challenge, and that’s where it all started.”

Since then, Turner’s writing has taken him far beyond that first novel. 

His works span multiple genres, but romance remains a recurring theme. He believes the genre resonates deeply because it revolves around communication. “Adult women read more than men, and they communicate better,” he explains. “Romance is a genre that thrives on communication, which makes it both a challenge and a joy to write.”

One of his latest novels, Summer in the Springtime, follows the unconventional love story of a professional astronomer and his neighbor, a widowed horticulturist. Filled with rich details about astronomy and plants, Turner says the book was a pleasure to write. “I’m a serious amateur astronomer, so it was easy to weave in the science,” he says. His books, regardless of genre, share common themes—love, integrity, and the pursuit of understanding.

His catalog is as diverse as his interests. His Western romances, Two-Jay and Two Jay Grasslands, blend rural humor with the challenges of finding the right partner. Down County paints a picture of an idyllic town and its inhabitants. 124 MHz takes a darker turn into the world of crime and survival. Waiting to Whisper brings a rare perspective to the romance genre, centering on a hearing-impaired protagonist. A Breath Between Worlds transports readers to wartime Hawaii, exploring friendships at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. His newest release, Fortuna’s Lament, follows two former lovers managing a gold and silver repository, exploring the complexities of wealth and fortune.

Choosing self-publishing over traditional publishing gave Turner the freedom to shape his stories and control his cover designs. However, the process came with its own challenges. “The biggest challenge for any writer is editing,” he admits. “Endless, endless editing. Even now, I pick up my books and see things I’d change.”

Seeing his books on the shelves of the Blackwell Library has been both surreal and rewarding. “All the work it took to get to this point moves the thinking from the surreal to the real. It keeps your head straight,” he reflects.

Blackwell itself has played a role in inspiring his work. “The opening of Two-Jay takes place at the local CO-OP, and that came from me driving past one and thinking, ‘This would make a great setting.’ So many of the events in that book are based on real life.”

Turner has advice for aspiring writers, especially those considering self-publishing. “If you want to do it well, be ready to work! Nothing worthwhile is easy. Don’t be afraid to tear your own work apart, because you will have to.”

His books are available at store.bookbaby.com, and he is currently acting as an agent for his latest releases, which will soon migrate to the same platform. He can be contacted at JackandMickey@proton.me.

Feedback from readers has been encouraging. “People in farm country love the humor in Two-Jay and its sequel. The tension in 124 MHz keeps people hooked, and Fortuna’s Lament is resonating with readers in unexpected ways.”

For Turner, success isn’t measured in sales or recognition. “Honestly, if someone finishes the last page of my book, heaves a sigh, and says, ‘That was a good story,’ I have my reward.”

What’s next? Turner is currently working on a novel about a man who subtly helps those around him navigate life’s challenges. While he has achieved many of his life’s goals, writing continues to be a fulfilling pursuit. “Life is full of the unexpected,” he says with a smile. “Laugh a lot.”