Kaylin sat before her computer writing FLAHERTY'S CROSSING as a source of personal therapy after losing her beloved father to colon cancer. You might say she was angry at him, at God, at the world in general. However, after writing this story, she had the opportunity to really look into her soul and consider the fact that so many other sons and daughters have had to deal with similar and even worse situations. Rather than a memoir, her novel evolved into a fictional journey which brought about the resolution she needed to find. She never expected this exercise in writing to go to press, touch lives, or win literary awards. But as a result of her good fortune, she has arranged for proceeds from the sale of this book to go directly to the Providence Medical Foundation's colon cancer research department in her father's name. She's now convinced and proudly shares her belief that good things can grow out of the worst times in our lives if you just take the time to open your heart.

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What makes you proud to be a writer from the United States? I love hearing back from readers who have enjoyed my stories and the great letters I continue to receive.

What, or who, inspired you to become a writer? My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Tuttle, encouraged me to write but after watching the Notebook years ago, I was inspired – like so many other authors – to try my hand at writing novels.

When did you begin writing with the intention of being published? Following the death of my father eighteen years ago, I became more passionate about writing – perhaps needing to get a message out. I had hoped to get published after the completion of my first manuscript and was delighted when I received my contract from Champagne Books four years ago.

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and why? I suppose the best stories come from the most dramatic times in our lives and mine have definitely impacted the words I set to paper. As far as environment, I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively for the past twenty years, which has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and incorporate them into my stories. I guess that’s why my characters and their dialogue seem so real. ☺

Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript(s)? I always begin with a title, since I have an idea of what I’m writing about before I start.

Why do you write in the genre(s) that you’ve chosen? I tried my hand at inspirational romance first and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I felt like I was pouring out all my feelings, which can be incredibly draining at times. Then after reading a zillion books, I realized I preferred romantic suspense stories. Using my rather vivid imagination, I decided to involve my heroes in wild adventures around the world and to this day truly look forward to writing.

What has been your most rewarding experience while in the writing process? I would have to say receiving awards for my work, which helped to validate my writing ability, and especially being notified that ‘Flaherty’s Crossing’ was selected as a mainstream fiction finalist in the RWA’s 2008 Golden Heart contest. That was quite a day! ☺

What has been your most negative experience while in the writing process? I suppose this was realizing I needed to be more open to constructive criticism after receiving feedback from a first draft and to realize that it takes hard work to become a credible writer.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Probably receiving the 2010 Publisher’s Award of Excellence from Champagne Books. I’m still enjoying the little trophy I received which permanently resides on my computer desk. ☺

What has been your most negative experience in your publishing journey? I was discouraged to some degree after receiving rejection letters from twenty of the top publishing firms in the U.S. But according to these editors, the reason wasn’t because of my writing ability, it was because I crossed genres in my novel – making placement on bookshelves incredibly difficult at the time. I have since elected to write with marketability as the main focus while keeping the enjoyment of my readers constantly in mind.

What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Read as many books as possible, especially in the genre you’ve interested in pursing as each one brings different elements into the writing arena.

Who is your favorite author and why? I love reading books by Pamela Clare and Suzanne Brockmann because they tend to write fast-moving, riveting stories with unique characters and unexpected twists and turns.

Please tell us the title(s) of your current book(s):
Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren
Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren

What format(s) are your books in: Print Only - E-Book Only - or Both? ‘Flaherty’s Crossing’ is available in all formats; ‘Severed Threads’, which is due out on July 1, 2012, will be released in trade paperback first then e-Book on July 15, 2012.

What special projects are you working on now and what books do we have to look forward to in the future? I’m currently working on the second installment in the Threads series, which will ultimately consist of three romantic suspense novels. This book will be titled Buried Threads and will take my band of merry-making treasure seekers to Tokyo in search of a priceless gem that’s been lost in the Sea of Japan.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? Flaherty’s Crossing book sales continue to benefit cancer research and I thank readers everywhere for their much-appreciated and needed support.

Please share with us any blogs that you might have: http://kaylinmcfarren.wordpress.com

Author Kaylin McFarren’s Websites:
http://www.flahertyscrossing.com/home...
http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com/home.php

Please Visit Kaylin McFarren Author’s Page At Books In Sync
http://www.booksinsync.com/kaylinmcfa...