Kenrick D. Turlock Shares His Journey Through Love, Life, And Storytelling

PHOTO: Kenrick D. Turlock, author of evocative romantic and thought-provoking stories, drawing from a lifetime of diverse experiences.

Exploring Romance, Resilience, And Human Connection

Kenrick D. Turlock weaves lived experience into heartfelt narratives of love, resilience, and discovery, blending romance and reality with fearless curiosity and deeply human storytelling that resonates with readers worldwide.

Kenrick D. Turlock writes with an honesty that feels both intimate and fearless. His novels are not only romantic journeys between men, but also explorations of life in all its complexities—love, desire, grief, forgiveness, and the search for meaning. Every page reflects the richness of his own lived experience, a life marked by service, compassion, and curiosity.

What makes his work so distinctive is the blending of heartfelt storytelling with knowledge drawn from years as a spiritual counsellor, social worker, and flight attendant. This breadth of perspective infuses his characters with depth and realism, while also weaving in broader themes such as polyamory, tantric practice, mental health, and even the nuances of language. The result is fiction that entertains while quietly encouraging readers to think, question, and learn.

His latest works continue this tradition, where romance is never just about the spark of attraction, but about growth, vulnerability, and the courage to live authentically. Kenrick’s characters, layered and human, often wrestle with the same contradictions we face in our own lives, reminding us that love is not always easy, but it is always transformative.

To step into Kenrick D. Turlock’s world is to enter stories that are bold yet tender, sensual yet deeply thoughtful. They invite us to see love in its many forms and to embrace, with childlike wonder, the possibility that lies in every connection.

Kenrick D. Turlock writes with honesty and depth, offering romance filled with authenticity, emotional truth, and inspiring lessons drawn from rich life experiences.

How did your background influence the themes explored in your most recent book, and how do you ensure your personal experiences resonate with your readers?

I’ve had long careers as an ordained minister and paster; as a massage and tantric therapist; as a licensed counselor; as a flight attendant; and as a writer. I’m well-traveled, a recognized public speaker, and these as well as my careers blend into my stories. The first protagonist in my first male/male romance novel was a flight attendant, to which a fellow counselor of over twenty years asked me, “How much of Garrett is Garrett… and how much is that you?!?” My answer today is the same as it was when he ask. “I’ll never tell!”

“I’ve had long careers as a minister, counsellor, therapist, flight attendant, and writer—my life blends seamlessly into my stories.” – Kenrick D. Turlock

What was the inspiration behind your latest novel, and how did you bring its central conflict to life on the page?

The protagonist in my latest series is also a writer, living through writer’s block, must deal with the murder of a loved one, a pushy (yet loving) agent, inheriting a huge estate, and meeting the man of his dreams. I did for him what I do for myself in my own life: I show up, I admit my faults (including my impatience and quick to make assumptions), am just as quick to apologize and forgive, and then, often reluctantly, ask for help.

Could you describe the creative process you followed while writing your most popular book? How did you approach its world-building?

I used what I already knew about some subjects, but took the time to ensure that in the process, I hadn’t made some details up in my own head. In other areas I wanted to incorporate into the story, I had little or no experience. So, I asked people in those careers or businesses, scourged the Internet for accuracy, and then sent my drafts back to people who knew what they were talking about.

In your opinion, what sets your writing apart from other contemporary authors in your genre?

This is one of those “toot your own horn” questions, and I’m not very good at that, which is more about my own honesty and not attempting to be the next Anne Rice. I would be honored to be in the company of the other authors in my genre, as I have a few favorites. My writing tends to emulate the accuracy of the situations and seeks to educate or postulate a desire to learn more about the subject. My readers won’t find an erotic scene in every chapter, though the racier parts of my novels vary from mild to wild. It’s first and foremost a romantic story, with an excellent storyline the reader may not have expected. The sex is just a bonus.

How have your views on writing evolved since publishing your first book, and what lessons have you learnt along the way?

OH! One of my first reviews hated my first book, tore it to shreds… and then gave me a four out of five stars on Amazon. Crazy! I kept writing and stop reading reviews, though I enjoy having conversations with my readers about nuances they enjoyed. I also learned to let my characters tell their story. It’s infuriating to have what I consider to be a great storyline, only to have the characters start acting out in ways I hadn’t thought of… and then it turns out better than I’d planned. It may sound hysterical to a non-writer that characters have a personality, but they do. I’ve had intimate discussions and downright knock-down-drag-out fights with some of them.

Your books explore complex characters and emotional depth. How do you create such layered personalities, and what motivates them in your stories?

This goes back to the previous question. I do have a very well-thought-out backstory on all my characters, probably because I had an acting teacher who insisted on the Stanislavsky method. I use my own experience of how my thoughts and actions have changed over the years. Situations that would have infuriated me in my twenties don’t even merit the time of day to me now. My characters don’t “get their man” right away. Some do fall in love almost immediately, but others have a hate/love relationship that requires time and effort… along with forgiveness and kindness.

What kind of response from readers do you hope for when they finish one of your novels, particularly your most recent release?

That they were taken away from our world of today into a more mindful and peace-loving world, where they’ve found a character or characters who live as I do: in childlike wonderment of everything around me. It excites me when they want to know more about the story, ask when the next volume of a particular series is being released, and when they’ve recommended me to their friends.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors struggling to find their unique voice and place in the literary world?

I never force myself to write. I encourage new authors to right what they know, or to research what they want to learn. I read over 100 books in my genre, hold down multiple careers, and still manage to write at least one or two books per year since I began this genre in 2018. If you want to write, then write. An author must enjoy their work so much that even if it’s never read, the joy of the writing itself is enough. Never just write for money, and for God’s sake,don’t start a blog if you have nothing to say.