Kaylin McFarren on Unresolved Issues, Family & Writing Outside the Box

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Kaylin is an Award-winning Inspirational & Romantic Suspense author.

An Interview with Author Kaylin McFarren

“…write about your experiences, the places you’ve visited, the people you’ve met, and the things you enjoy most.”

Banished Threads is obviously a mix of several genres. Who’s your target market?

Who will love this book? Some readers might think of this book as romantic suspense, while others define it as a mystery or action-packed thriller. That’s the fun of writing outside the box and attracting an audience of men and women, 21 and over, who love various aspects of this story, including the twists and turns they never see coming.

Why and when did you decide to become a writer? What inspires you to continue?

I began seriously writing about 8 years ago. Following the death of my father, I realized I had unresolved issues stemming from the strain in our relationship and found closure by writing Flaherty’s Crossing…a book that garnered dozens of awards and encouraged me to pursue my dream of publishing books readers could enjoy. I suppose it’s the sense of accomplishment that keeps the stories flowing along with the desire to share my vivid imagination.

Who has helped you most along your path to becoming a writer and how?

would have to say my eldest daughter Kristina has been my strongest supporter and greatest fan. She is a successful writer who focuses her work on historical fiction and if not for her encouragement and wonderful editing skills, I probably would have left Flaherty’s Crossing in a desk drawer years ago.

Up at 5AM every day, or on weekends, or…? After pouring myself a cup of coffee and seeing my husband off to work, I check emails, post on social networks, and begin writing at 10am every morning in my well-stocked library. By well-stocked, I mean favorite books in every genre and a collection of journals I’ve accumulated from business trips and vacations in different parts of the world. At around 1pm, I take a lunch break, usually consisting of soup or salads, and stretch my legs outside in the gardens. Then I return to my writing desk and work for another hour before calling it quits. When my manuscript is completed, I always have a bottle of my favorite Merlot on hand to celebrate, which has become a tradition of sorts.

What’s the single best piece of writing advice you’ve ever been given or have run across in your own reading?

Write the book you would love to read.

Closing Thoughts

As an author, I believe it’s important to write about your experiences, the places you’ve visited, the people you’ve met, and the things you enjoy most. Your passion comes through in the voice of your words, sharing your perspective on subject matters and deep emotions on troubling issues. Don’t spend all your time behind a computer hoping to developing an intriguing story based on someone else’s adventure. Go out and live your life to the fullest and then share your exploits with the world.