Monday, February 15, 2010

Flaherty's Crossing" by Kaylin McFarren


We're happy to have Kaylin McFarren with us today talking about her book "Flaherty's Crossing."
Don't forget to place your e-mail address in the feedburner box to the right also to receive blog updates. We give away at least one book per week. Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's or publisher's website. Read on to learn more about Kaylin and her book... FLAHERTY'S CROSSING

1) How did this story come to you?
About sixteen years ago, following my father’s death, I found myself obsessed with sitting in front of a typewriter trying to come to terms with unresolved issues by banging on keys. This silent venting became a sort of “therapy through writing” exercise which slowly evolved, taking on a life of its own. I began creating a related fictional story about a woman’s personal journey, titled Flaherty’s Crossing, and in the process of exploring my main character’s growth, I found myself learning and growing as well.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Although Flaherty’s Crossing was a 2008 Golden Heart finalist and won numerous awards, rejection letters became common place. Emails and handwritten letters indicated my writing was strong, my voice unique, and the dialogue spot on. But with this story being a bit out-of-the-box, no one knew exactly where it would fit on the shelf. I eventually signed with an agent who fell absolutely in love with Flaherty’s Crossing. However, after being rejected by eight large publishers, we amiably parted ways. I sought out smaller publishing houses on my own and fortunately found a home with Champagne Books.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a) I purchase tabloid magazines at the grocery store with no intention of reading them. Instead I cut out photographs of models and actors so I can visualize them as characters in my stories.
b) I've been caught writing in my pajamas by the postman so many times he doesn't seem to notice the sushi or pink umbrellas on my flannel wear any more.
c) My rule of thumb: the perfect ingredients for writing romantic scenes are a nice glass of merlot and the soothing sound of Michael Buble's voice.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
At this time, I'm working on an action/adventure romance series titled Severed Threads which introduces Rachel Lyons, a former marine biologist. In book one, Rachel's forced to steal a legendary artifact out from under Jordan Novak, a salvage diver and former love interest in order to save the life of her estranged brother from a ruthless mobster. However, when she discovers that Jordan has his own unselfish agenda for recovering the treasure, she must decide whose life and love is more important. In subsequent novels, readers will be taken into Australia's desolate outback and the mysterious geisha quarters of Japan, which I've had the privilege of visiting on multiple occasions.

5) Parting comments?
In order to honor my father's memory and do my part in bringing an end to cancer in our lifetime, I've made a commitment to donate all the proceeds from the sale of this book to the cancer research center at Providence Medical Center. I strongly urge anyone who enjoys reading to visit my website, read excerpts and information about the mouse project, and purchase your copy of Flaherty's Crossing today. Together we can truly make a difference.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com/
http://www.flahertyscrossing.com
http://www.facebook.com/kaylinmcfarren
http://www.myspace.com/kaylinmcfarren
http://www.twitter.com/4kaylin

22 comments:

  1. I hope i win! So excited of new Christian fiction!

    lauranurseanne@yahoo.com

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  2. Looking forward to reading both books one day.

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  3. First, let me say that I think it is wonderful of you to make the commitment to donate all the proceeds from the sale of "Flaherty's Crossing" to the Providence Medical Center for cancer research. Finding a cure for cancer if very important to me and I admire people such as yourself that make such commitments. THANK YOU! Next, I want to say that the description of your book sounds very emotional & something that everyone could probably relate to. That you would be willing to take a very personal moment in your life and let it inspire you to write a book to share with others is fantastic. To win a copy of your book would be fantastic! Thank you for taking the time to be interviewed and as always, K. Dawn, thank you for bringing yet another wonderful, (unknown to me) author!

    Beverly

    bgrider2@cox.net

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  4. Sounds like a good book.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  5. Love the blog even though i don't comment a ton!! :) Keep it up!!
    jamida(at)charter(dot)net

    GREAT INTERVIEW!

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  6. Great interview and the book sounds awesome.

    Please put my name in - edwina.cowgill@yahoo.com

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  7. My fingers are crossed for all of you! Good luck in winning a copy of Flaherty's Crossing. I think this story will definitely touch your hearts. :D

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  8. Many thanks to K. Dawn for creating this fun, engaging interview. Now if any of you have additional questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them - well, at least I'd give them my best shot. :P

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  9. I would love to win a copy of this book!:)
    walkerclan@iowatlelcom.net

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  10. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for the giveaway. Blessings and hugs to you :O)

    estrella8888 at roadrunner dot com

    www.dianeestrella.com

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  11. Just wanted to extend my thanks to K. Dawn and to everyone who stopped by today. One of my favorite things to do on blogs is to share thoughts by great authors and poets. Here's a quote I recently discovered by Isaac Disraeli. "And, after all, it is style alone by which posterity will judge of a great work, for an author can have nothing truly his own but his style." :D

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  12. Thanks Diane. Blessings to you as well...

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  13. Sounds like a very intriguing book. Please enter me. Thank you.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  14. Kudos to you! Donating to cancer research is such a wonderful thing, you'll be helping endless numbers of people. Your book sounds wonderful, I'd love to read it!

    Pam
    bookworm1414 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  15. "Flaherty's Crossing." sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway. augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

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  16. I've never heard of this author before. Thanks for the interview and a chance to win this book.

    Blessings

    Nora
    Finding Hope Through Fiction
    www.psalm516.blogspot.com
    norafindinghope@gmail.com

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  17. What a generous donation you're making to a very worthy cause. Sounds like a wonderful book, I'd like to win it.

    Kari
    monkeykab2003 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  18. i wouldlove to read your book, i use to not be able to read god , but God has healedd me & I can read so much better, i need to try a new auther, Jesus is my best freind my reasion for being hear.will do want to read it & it would be so nice to win.God bless love sister in Chrisst victoira

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  19. Thank you and good luck everyone! And to whom ever might win a copy of this inspirational page-turning story... please be sure to provide a review after reading it. You name and words will be posted on all my sites. :D

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  20. This is the genre I like to read...and got an email from author as a referral for another spot I am thinking about using for marketing online. Put me in the contest to win: adriennaturner@earthlink.net

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  21. Just an update...I'll be picking the winning name for a free PDF copy of Flaherty's Crossing on Friday night. So keep those comments coming!

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