{Blog Tour} Interview with Kaylin McFarren, author of 'Buried Threads' + Win $100 Amazon GC!

Linda Yoshida, aka Kaylin McFarren, is a rare bird indeed. Not a migratory sort, she prefers to hug the West Coast and keep family within visiting range. Although she has virtually been around the world, she was born in California, relocated with her family to Washington, and nested with her husband in Oregon. In addition to playing an active role in his business endeavors, she has been involved in all aspects of their three daughters' lives - taxi duties, cheerleading coaching, script rehearsals, and relationship counseling, to name but a few. Now she enjoys spending undisciplined time with her two young grandsons and hopes to have many more.



Although Kaylin wasn't born with
a pen in hand like so many of her talented fellow authors, she has been actively involved in both business and personal writing projects for many years. As the director of a fine art gallery, she assisted in furthering the careers of numerous visual artists who under her guidance gained recognition through promotional opportunities and in national publications. Eager to spread her own creative wings, she has since steered her energy toward writing novels. As a result, she has earned more than a dozen literary awards and was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest.

Kaylin is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College, which originally sparked her passion for writing. In her free time, she also enjoys giving back to the community through participation and support of various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

Her latest book is Buried Threads (Book 2 of the Threads series).

Visit her website at www.kaylinmcfarren.com.

Connect & Socialize with Kaylin!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

BURIED THREADS BY KAYLIN MCFARREN

Thank you for this interview!  I’d like to know more about you as a person first. What do you do when you’re not writing?  

I’m a bit of a social butterfly – wine tasting, dining out and meeting up with friends. I also serve actively on four boards besides running my own non-profit foundation and assisting with public relations for family-owned businesses. Gardening in the Northwest is pure heaven and I love music, theater and the visual arts as well. And when I’m not traveling with my husband of 40 years, I’m enjoying the company of my three daughters, their husbands (and boyfriend), and my two gorgeous grandsons.

When did you start writing?  

I’ve always loved to stories and started showing a real interest in 6^th grade. My teacher at the time realized I had a real active imagination and encouraged me to keep journals and write on a regular basis. As a result, Miss Tuttle will always be one of my heroes.

As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?  

The day my first book was available for purchase was thrilling – almost as exciting as being nominated for the RWA Golden Heart. By receiving awards, accolades and glowing reviews, an author discovers they have a viable voice and are encouraged to write more.

If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?  

Europe – more specifically, Venice. It is such a romantic, mysterious place and there seems to be a story connected to every shop, restaurant and street corner.

If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?  

I would definitely read more. I have a stack of books begging for my attention and simply not enough hours in the day.

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?  

England, which is where Banished Threads, the next story in my series, takes place.

Back to your present book, Buried Threads, how did you publish it?  

After foregoing the New York agent, small press route, I decided to spread my own wings and form a publishing company for distribution purposes and utilized Createspace to self publish, which is the direction lots of authors are choosing to go.

In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?  

I’ve been fortunate in being able to travel to Asia regularly and brought real people, places and experiences into the pages of this new action-adventure story.

Why was writing Buried Threads so important to you?  

It enables me to share my knowledge while pulling readers into a fun, fast-pace romp throughout Japan. Although I’ve taken liberties with individuals I’ve met, this is one book I’ve waited a long time to write and hope that it’s well received by adult readers.

Is the book always better than the movie?  

Mostly definitely, in my opinion. How can you get into a character’s head if you don’t understand their thought process?

Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?  

Meeting new people, listening to stories about their lives and experiencing foreign places keep the cogs turning and the “what ifs” brewing. I shy away from movies and television for ideas since most of the stories have already been done and I’m always looking for a new approach, subject matter or angle that hasn’t been tested.

Any final words?  

Support independent authors and book distributors as this is where some of the best writing is coming from.

Pump Up Your Book and Kaylin McFarren are giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card/Paypal Cash!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins October 7 and ends December 31.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, January 3, 2013.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.
• Only U.S. citizens can win the Kindle Fire.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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