Kaylin's January 2011 Newsletter

"We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential." ~Ellen Goodman

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

With the New Year unfolding its fresh virgin leaves, it's time to seriously consider (or in some cases, reconsider) that ambitious resolution you announced to your friends while heavily intoxicated or blinded by hope. Some individuals think choosing a resolution is much easier than attempting to keep it, but actually the goal you set at the beginning of the year has as much to do with your success as anything else in your life. That’s why it's wise to choose a New Year’s resolution you might actually fulfill. Keeping this in mind, here's a simple plan that might come in handy -- if not in 2011, then definitely in the years to come.

The four steps to choosing a successful resolution:

1. Choose a two-word resolution - Quit smoking; lose weight; go green, etc.
2. Include numbers and dates - Save $2,400 by December 31st; lose 25 lbs. by August 1st, etc.
3. Define how you're going to accomplish your resolution - Put $200 in a savings account every month; walk 40 minutes every night with my husband, etc.
4. Add why you want to achieve your goal - So that I can take that Hawaiian vacation; to fit into that cute size 8 dress...and so on.

You don’t want to create your New Year’s resolution in an effort to please someone else (because my boyfriend thinks I will look better; because my dad wants me to buy a house, etc.). Your resolution should be strictly for you, and adding a “because I” statement to your resolution will be the best way for you to articulate your personal motivation. So stay focused and follow through. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish!

Quote of the Day:

"I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second." ~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

So what's on Kaylin's Horizon?

I'm currently involved with final editing on my latest creation -- an action, adventure romance titled Severed Threads. This fun, engrossing romp takes a group of unusual characters into treacherous waters, searching for a Chinese Emperor's lost merchant ship and the priceless treasure in her hold. Here's the synopsis, which just might perk your interest:

Believing herself responsible for her father's fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a priceless artifact from a sunken galleon, she has no intention of cooperating - until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her own life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father's death.

Would you like to read more? Visit my website at www.kaylinmcfarren.com and enjoy a tantalizing excerpt!

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for January:

* Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane - The political upheavals in Northern Ireland are the backdrop to the life of the young narrator, who tries to puzzle out the nature of love, the effects of violence, and the secrets his family carries.
* Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough - A marvelously readable biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt, from his birth through his marriage to Edith Carow and his unsuccessful run for mayor of New York. Winner of the National Book Award.
* Songs of the Gorilla Nation by Dawn Prince-Hughes - In her memoir, the author describes how her work observing and interacting with gorillas has helped her to cope with her form of autism -- Asperger's Syndrome.

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Yield - 4 servings

Ingredients:

* 2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken
* 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
* 3 tablespoons Frank's® RedHot® Sauce
* 1/2 (17.3 ounce) package Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stir the chicken, cheese and hot sauce in a medium bowl.
2. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 10x14-inch rectangle.
3. With the short side facing you, spoon the chicken mixture down the center of the pastry. Fold 2 opposite sides of the pastry to the center over the filling and press to seal. Place the pastry, seam-side down, onto a baking sheet. Tuck the ends under to seal.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Cut the pastry in quarters to serve and enjoy!

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin

Kaylin's December 2010 E-Newsletter

"It's never to late to become the person you have always wanted to be." - Anne Sweeney

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

As you're all aware, the tradition of giving presents comes from the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. When I was a kid, gifts were more modest than they are now; but even then, people were complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. Over the years, we've grown accustom to Black Friday sales and preseason decorations that bypass Thanksgiving altogether. Some of us are disheartened by this practice, but we need to recognize, with the sad state of our economy, Christmas sales have become the backbone of many businesses. Without this added revenue, stores would close permanently and many jobs would be lost. So the next time your find yourself grumbling over filled parking lots, harried shoppers, and long department store lines, try to hold onto the true meaning of Christmas in your heart and remember the faces of loved ones who will be opening and relishing your gifts on December 25th.

Quote of the Day:

"Most of our stress and suffering come not from events, but from our thoughts. Refrain from negative thoughts and stress subsides." - Martha Beck

Another review for Flaherty's Crossing:

"Kate Flaherty is at a crossroads in her young life. Her father is on his deathbed and she has many unresolved issues related to the early death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance. When she has a car accident, it stimulates images that both disturb and threaten to stir up those same unresolved issues.

Kate's marriage is, likewise, in a shambles but both she and her husband appear open to reconciliation. When Kate is injured, her husband becomes involved and available - just what Kate was needing in her own hours of soul-searching related to her father's death.

Although the conflict resolutions are, at times, a bit predictable and simplistic, "Flaherty's Crossing" is an easy read that should appeal to many readers of suspense and romance. The main characters are very well developed." - Readers Favorite, Haweville, KY

Upcoming Flaherty's Crossing Book Signing Events:

December 4th, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9pm, Festival of the Trees Gala
Oregon Convention Center, Hall A, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland

December 7th, 2010 ; 7pm - 9pm, Writer's Faire - Book Sale and Signing
The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Avenue, Portland

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for December:

* Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg - When Ruth Thomas is diagnosed with rapidly metastasizing breast cancer, her best friend Ann Stanley shares doctor’s visits, funeral plans, and long talks about men, children, sex, the past, and the future. A memorable, absorbing read.
* Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler - This inspiring journey through the greatest stories ever told will forever change the reader’s view on some of history's most storied events.
* The Long Walk Home by Will North - A lyrical and tender love story of grief and hope set in the mountains of North Wales which leaves the main characters questioning issues of morality and fidelity.

A favorite holiday song:

The Greatest Gift Of All - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Dawn is slowly breaking
Our friends have all gone home
You and I are waiting
For Santa Claus to come
There's a present by the tree
Stockings on the wall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all

The fire is slowly fading
Chill is in the air
All the gifts are waiting
For children ev'rywhere
Through the window, I can see
Snow begin to fall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all

Just before I go to sleep
I hear a church bell ring
Merry Christmas, ev'ryone
Is the song it sings
So I say a silent prayer
For creatures great and small
Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all

Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Candy Cane Swirl

Ingredients:
1 oz. SKYY® Infusions Raspberry Vodka
3 oz. Red Cranberry juice
0.5 oz. Grenadine
0.5 oz. Grenadine
Lemon Lime soda
Candy cane garnish

Directions:
Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with Lemon Lime Soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

The Candy Cane Swirl is designed to add a simple, yet festive element to your larger holiday parties, utilizing familiar ingredients easily mixed in larger quantities. A vibrant red cocktail with a whimsical candy cane garnish, the Candy Cane Swirl is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!
Kaylin

Nice Article in the Gresham Outllook Today! :)

Yoshida Pens a Charitable Book
By Mark Garber

The Gresham Outlook, May 1, 2010

Proceeds from Linda Yoshida’s book ‘Flaherty’s Crossing’ will be donated to the fight against colon cancer. She wrote the book while sitting by her father’s bedside while he was dying of colon cancer.

East County seems to offer fertile ground for budding authors. As reported on the front page today, Gresham Police Officer Barry Ozeroff has his third book off the press. He joins a lengthy list of local residents — including the likes of Gresham Planning Director Mike Abbate, “The Shack” author William P. Young and former Mayor Gussie McRobert — who’ve recently ventured into the world of publishing.

And now comes Troutdale resident Linda Yoshida, who not only has a book in hand, but a worthy cause to promote with her words. Writing under the pen name “Kaylin McFarren,” Yoshida has conjured a fictional story based on her own experiences as she watched her 63-year-old father die of colon cancer. The result is “Flaherty’s Crossing,” which is out in trade paperback from Champagne Books — a small press that typically publishes romance novels.

The genesis for the book came, Yoshida says, when colon cancer was taking her father’s life.

“I started writing originally when I sat at my dad’s bedside while he was dying,” she says.

Her intent was to record the story of his life and death, “but it evolved into a fictional account.” That account still includes elements of biography, but also mystery, romance, family relationships and just plain human emotion. But beyond plot twists, there’s another element to this book that makes it noteworthy — Yoshida is donating the proceeds from its sale toward research being done to cure the disease that claimed her father’s life.

The book, with an initial press run of 2,000 copies, is being sold online now and will be available at all Fred Meyer stores come June. The money raised will go to the cancer research institute at Portland’s Providence Medical Center. Researchers there — 60 in total — are investigating how the body’s immune system can be used to treat and prevent cancer. For more information, visit www.flahertyscrossing.com, a website that includes a link to the cancer research center.

Once the first 2,000 copies of her book are sold, Yoshida says, the publisher will proceed with a hardback version whose sales also will be dedicated to cancer research.

“I wrote it as a labor of love,” Yoshida says, “and to create attention for a cause.”

Chicago Sun Times review

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Chicago sun times review

View more documents from Kaylin McFarren.

Kaylin's Virtual Book Tour

April 22, 2010, 10:04 am

Eight months ago, I went to a friend’s book signing event. I looked around in this large chain store and was amazed by the small turn out. In fact, had this USA Today best-selling author not been stationed near the coffee bar, there would have been eight people to welcome her release. Even though she performed a reading and answered questions, she sold only five books. Now I’ve been told this isn’t typical. Should authors send out invitations in their communities, they might sell as many as two hundred books. Yet as I considered the possibility of sitting at a table for hours on end, hoping someone would notice me, I came to the conclusion there had to be a better way.

I contacted Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours to connect my book with interested readers through the medium of weblogs and personal websites. In a nutshell, this three-month tour consisted of visiting a given number of websites in a given about of time, the same as I would do at stores during a real book tour. At these stops, I was interviewed on line, participated in radio podcasts, took over sites for the day, answered questions from readers, and had my book reviewed many, many times

Is it true that word-of-mouth is the best means of advertising? I would venture to say yes - there's no doubt about it. And this is definitely a way to get a jump start on it. If you're looking for immediate gratification, exposure, books sales and fun without sitting behind a wheel or in an airport, consider virtual book tours. My travel arrangements were made for me, I had no luggage to pack, and there were no empty book stores or filled boxes to content with. :D

Incredible Cocktail Party Planned!

Besides the sun and fun of summer, June brings with it an incredible cocktail party at my home which was orchestrated by talented author, Krisitna McMorris and  Doernbecher's Children's Hospital board members. Lucky bid winners will have an opportunity to rub elbows with an amazing group of authors - many of whom I'm sure you know.  Here's my attendance list:

WHITNEY OTTO—New York Times bestselling women's fiction author most recognized for her novel How to Make an American Quilt, of which the movie adaptation starred Winona Ryder, Anne Bancroft, and Ellen Burnstyn.

 

WILLIAM P. YOUNG—International bestselling Christian author of The Shack, a #1 New York Times bestseller for 45 straight weeks!

 

PHILLIP MARGOLIN—Legal thriller author whose thirteen novels have all hit the New York Times bestseller list, including Gone, But Not Forgotten (TV mini-series) and The Last Innocent Man (HBO movie).

 

CHELSEA CAIN—Thriller author of the Heartsick series, all New York Times bestselling novels; she is also a weekly columnist for The Oregonian and regular reviewer for the New York Times Book Review.

 

SUSAN WIGGS—#1 New York Times bestselling author of romance and women's fiction novels, including the RITA-award winning Lakeside Cottage, Lord of the Night, and The Mistress.

 

LISA JACKSON—Romantic suspense author of more than twenty novels, including the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Fatal Burn, as well as fifteen other bestsellers.

 

NANCY BUSH—In addition to coauthoring the Wicked Game series with her sister, Lisa Jackson, Nancy is the New York Times bestselling author of the thriller Unseen; a former writer for "All My Children," she has published more than thirty books.

 

ROBERT DUGONI—Author of several legal thrillers including the New York Times bestseller The Jury Master, as well as the Cyanide Canary, a nonfiction expose named Best Book of the Year by the Washington Post.

 

COURTENAY HAMEISTER—Head writer, associate producer, and host of Live Wire! broadcasted on NPR; also, the author of What Was I Thinking?: 58 Bad Boyfriend Stories.

 

JIM LYNCH—Award-winning journalist and international bestselling author of Border Songs, as well as the highly acclaimed novel The Highest Tide.

 

So I guess it's time to get busy reading and adding books to my library! If you have any special questions you'd like addressed by any of these attending authors, be sure to let me know. I'll post your questions and the author's remarks in a future blog. :D

 

Amazing Review!! :D

Flaherty's Crossing by Kaylin McFarren is a deeply moving novel of not only love, but also of forgiveness. Kate, a fiercely independent married artist with a longing to be loved, receives a call she has been dreading, her father, Collin Flaherty, has passed away. Kate is already struggling with her marriage and is now faced with doubts about who her father truly was and if he stopped loving her when her mother passed away. Kate's husband Drew, a high-powered attorney rapidly moving up the corporate ladder yet still overshadowed by the achievements of his now deceased father, is striving to make their marriage work and to convince Kate that he can indeed be there for her, believes in her, and loves her. Flaherty's Crossing is a rollercoaster ride of events and emotions as McFarren delivers a delightful cast of characters, which include friends, family, hospice workers, and Kate's gossipy neighbour Wanda, each delivering a special message to the narrative. The diner scene is a stroke of literary brilliance as Flaherty's Crossing reminds the reader it is never too late to change, apologise, and forgive; a narrative that reminds one that love transcends time and place and can never die. To anyone looking for an insightful and uplifting novel, I highly recommend Flaherty's Crossing.

Reviewed by Jennifer, Rundpinne

BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW OF FLAHERTY

BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW OF FLAHERTY

Another flowing review... :D

In the Author Spotlight & Contest

CONTEST: Win a t-shirt (valued at $35) and free PDF copy of Flaherty's Crossing by visiting and leaving comments on Ann's blog. Don't forget your email address so Kaylin can contact you if you win.

http://www.annlory.blogspot.com/

AL: Hi Kaylin Thanks for being in the “Author Spotlight” this week.

Kaylin: I've truly been looking forward to this. Thank you, Ann.

AL: So, tell us what’s happening with you.

Kaylin: Well, I've been enjoying the wonderful spring weather we're having here in Oregon. The birds are chirping, our gardens are in full bloom, and for the past week, fishermen have been out on the river trying to catch Chinook Salmon. It's so fun watching all the outdoor activity, it's a struggle to get anything done inside.

AL: Please tell us about your newest release, Flaherty’s Crossing. For the readers: This is a wonderful sentiment of love. 100% of the proceeds on this book will be donated to the Cancer Research Center at Providence Medical Center in her father’s name.

Kaylin: Flaherty's Crossing is a story about choices and how they affect the rest of our lives. It's about finding faith in our selves and in others, realizing there are often two sides to every argument, and learning to forgive the ones we love before it's too late.

AL: What other works are you deep into?

Kaylin: At this time, I'm working on an action-adventure manuscript titled Severed Threads, which I'm hoping to wrap up very soon. Here's the story in a nutshell: Believing herself responsible for her father's fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a priceless artifact from a sunken galleon, she has no intention of cooperating – until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her own life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father's death. When this on-going adventure comes to a final end, there will be three page-turning stories in the Severed Threads series.

AL: How much research time do you put into most of your books?

Kaylin: Flaherty's Crossing was truly a labor of love. Since it was based on my personal account, research was relatively limited. Not so with Severed Threads. I've spent the better part of five months in libraries, engaged in interviews, documenting and researching online. Since ancient Chinese history, scuba diving equipment, trade routes and dozens of other elements were involved, accuracy is most important.

AL: How do you decide upon your settings? What about the names of characters? Do you ever change either mid-stream into a story?

Kaylin: In regard to settings, I tend to gravitate towards familiar locations and townships, but I've also discovered that traveling overseas extensively has allowed me to incorporate my experiences in unexpected ways. I'm totally convinced settings are like characters, needing to serve a purpose. In Flaherty's Crossing, Kate's estranged father lived in an isolated lake-side cabin. Her journey down a winding mountain road reflects her distorted reality and brings her to a major crossroads in her life.

As far as names in a story, sometimes I change my secondary characters' identities, looks, and traits, But for the most part, I have a pretty good sense of who my heroes and heroines are from the get-go and try to stay consistent throughout my writing.

AL: Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction. What did you do in such a situation?

Kaylin: Not so much with Flaherty's Crossing. But with action-adventure or romantic suspense, my characters seem to want to go in all sorts of the directions, which is probably why I'm writing my next story as a series. Although I'm a professed pantster, I'm finding that giving myself and my "counterparts" perimeters in a pre-written summary helps.

AL: Okay, Kaylin, grab a glass of wine, a tissue and some chocolates, we’re about to get personal. After you lost your father, you began writing Flaherty’s Crossing, did this give you the closure you needed, the outlet in which to pour your heart? Is this the book that set your course in writing? I too have lost loved ones to cancer, my grandfather in 2006 and my father-in-law in September.

Kaylin: {sipping a glass of wine}. Well, I can honestly say Flaherty's Crossing became the source of my salvation. My father and I never had the ability to truly communicate… that is until he was diagnosed with colon cancer. I spent months at his bedside, hearing stories and learning about his past. Then one day, I received a dreaded phone call. When I arrived, my mother told me he'd been holding on, waiting for me. He sat up in bed and kissed me goodbye. Then he was gone. I was torn apart – hurt, angry, confused. I needed an avenue to vent, a medium to pour out my emotions, and I found it in writing. What originally started as a memoir to honor my father evolved into a fictional account. But somehow I could never let go of it. I just couldn't get that last chapter written. The manuscript went into a desk drawer for years and then one day, my eldest daughter convinced me to pick it up again.

Tweaking, editing, and polishing this manuscript was like opening an old wound. But in the process of analyzing my feelings, I realized this was something I needed to do. I had to bring closure to a sad chapter in my life. And strangely, in finding this completion, I opened a new page by renewing my interest in writing. And there's something more. Now that this book is released, I know it has a far greater purpose. When readers purchase copies of Flaherty's Crossing, they'll not only enjoy a fun, inspirational story, they will help make a difference in everyone's life by directly contributing to cancer research.

I've been told time and time again, the best stories come out of the worst times in our lives. My hope is that you find this is the case for you as well, Ann.

AL: What do you like best about living on the west coast? You said in your bio that you hug to it and keep your family close.

Kaylin: I guess I'm a "sun" baby at heart, since I enjoy relatively temperate climates. My home makes it possible to drive one hour north to snowy mountains, two hours south to the coast, an hour east to the desert, and all the while I have nature wrapping its arms around me like a warm crazy quilt.

AL: What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Kaylin: I would have to say ride on an elephant in Thailand through a winding jungle. Quite the experience!

AL: If you have two hours of free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?

Kaylin: I'd write non-stop if I could, but I would relish the time spent with my family around a dinner table more – watching my husband, children, and grandchildren eat, drink, laugh, and talk over each other. They're just too much fun!

AL: Silly question… In your next life, if you came back as a critter, what would it be?

Kaylin: Oh, definitely a fat, sassy cat. You get to sleep, stretch, hunt, eat…do whatever you want, and there's always someone around to scratch and pamper you.

AL: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.

Kaylin: Here's one of my favorites: If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance. -- George Bernard Shaw

AL: Thanks so much for sharing and for joining us this week, Kaylin.

Kaylin: My thanks to you, Ann. {hugs} I look forward to dropping by and visiting your readers throughout the week!
AL: If you’d like to find out more about Kaylin please visit:
http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com/
http://www.flahertyscrossing.com/

FEATURED TITLE: FLAHERTY'S CROSSING

Blurb:

From Pacific Northwest's award-winning author Kaylin McFarren comes a powerful novel about love, loss, and the power of forgiveness... Flaherty's Crossing.

Successful yet emotionally stifled artist Kate Flaherty stands at the deathbed of her estranged father, conflicted by his morphine-induced confession exposing his part in her mother's death. While racing home, Kate's car mishap leads her to a soul-searching discussion with a lone diner employee, prompting Kate to confront the true reasons her marriage hangs in the balance. When her night takes an unexpected turn, however, she flees for her life, a life desperate for faith that can only be found through her ability to forgive.

Excerpt:

As Kate's car jounced over the rough highway lining the Puget Sound, a layer of fog lifting from the dark waters swallowed the beams of her headlights. The ocean welcomed her back with its hazy abyss. The sounds of undulating static evidenced waves crashing on the shore. A crisp breeze brushed against her face, delivering a trace of salt to her tongue.

She tried to remember how many years it had been since she'd spent time near the sea. Crabbing, fishing, water skiing: all her happiest memories with her dad had taken place by the water. As well as the most terrifying day of her life.

Kate closed the window. She turned on the radio and flipped through the channels, all crackling between towers. A political debate. Advice for the lovelorn. The brain-itching chorus of "Gypsy Soul." She clicked it off.

Her wheels screeched as she flew around another curve and onto the connecting highway. She released her foot from the gas pedal but, resisting the instinct to use the brakes, she shoved her foot back down to accelerate. Perhaps her way of defying death, or a desperate search for control.

She lifted her phone and called home again, only to hear the same message on the machine.

Where was he?

Suddenly, Drew's words came back to her: "Maybe we need to take a break."

They'd had plenty of arguments in the past, but never before had he mentioned separating. What if he viewed her unexplained absence tonight as blatant apathy?

Apprehension raised her blood pressure, burned the tips of her ears.

She speed dialed Drew's lifeline: his cell phone. It went straight to voicemail: "You've reached Drew Coleman with Milton, Sidis, and Stricklen. I'll be out of town until Monday. If this is an urgent matter, you can reach my assistant at..."

As Kate anxiously waited for the beep, she noted darkness in Drew's voice, a seriousness that had replaced the fun-loving spirit she'd fallen in love with.

"Drew, I'm on my way home," she said. "I'm heading back from my father's. I'll explain when I see you. Anyway, there was a detour. I just took highway sixteen off one-o-six, so I shouldn't be more than forty minutes away..."

The glow of her headlights bounced off something ahead.

It was an animal. A deer. Standing sideways in her lane.

Kate dropped the phone. "No, no, no!" she yelled, jamming the brake pedal to the floor. She yanked back on the steering wheel as if pulling a B-52 out of a nosedive.

In exaggerated slow motion, the deer turned its head toward her. No fear in its eyes. No attempt to move. Either at peace with its fate or unwavering in its defiance.

The car's beams elongated the creature's shadow across the road, the distance between them vanishing. There wasn't time to stop--they were going to collide.

Kate screamed, swerving into the hole of blackness off the edge of the highway. Every muscle in her body clenched, preparing for impact.

REMEMBER: Win a t-shirt (valued at $35) and free PDF copy of Flaherty's Crossing by visiting and leaving comments on Ann's blog. Don't forget your email address so Kaylin can contact you if you win.

From the Hot Author Report

Interview with Kaylin McFarren – Author of Flaherty’s Crossing

For the past twenty years, Kaylin McFarren has worked in PR and marketing for her family-owned conglomerate, the Yoshida Group, which consists of eighteen diverse corporations. She was appointed as one of nine commissioners to the Oregon Arts Commission by Governor Kitzhaber while working as the director of a nationally-acclaimed art gallery in Portland, Oregon.

Kaylin has also served on numerous college and charity foundation boards, and continues her commitment to hospitals and children’s causes. For most of her life, she has written poems and short stories, and along with novels, currently writes articles for a syndicated travel magazine. Although Flaherty’s Crossing is Kaylin’s début novel, it has already garnered numerous awards and received recognition as a 2008 Golden Heart® Finalist.

http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com
http://www.flahertyscrossing.com

Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, most of my life. I honestly remember writing poems when I was five years old. I got into short stories when I was in junior high and eventually some of them ended up in my high school newspaper. My interest in writing continued for years but was limited to public relations with an emphasis on press releases and daily correspondence. In regard to novels, although I’ve contemplated penning a few for some time now, I’ve actually been writing manuscripts for a relatively short period of time.

Q: Tell us briefly about your book.

In short, Flaherty’s Crossing is the story of a young woman’s emotional, faith-seeking journey that begins when her estranged, dying father reveals the part he played in her mother’s untimely death.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

I’m presently working on an action/adventure romance titled Severed Threads. Here’s the jest of the story: In order to save the life of her estranged brother from a ruthless mobster, former marine biologist Rachel Lyons is forced to steal a legendary artifact out from under Jordan Novak, a salvage diver and former love interest. However, when she discovers that Jordan has his own unselfish agenda for recovering the treasure, Rachel must decide whose life and love is more important.

I’m hoping to turn Severed Threads into a series which will take readers into mysterious and entrancing worlds such as Kyoto’s geisha quarters. I’m one of those writers who are never short on ideas – just a good, old-fashioned Irish storyteller I guess.

Q: Do you have a favorite character? Why is s/he your favorite?

Drew Coleman in Flaherty’s Crossing is one of my favorite characters. He’s an attractive, middle-aged divorce attorney who has spent most of his life trying to live up to his father’s expectations. In the midst of struggling with his obligations and job responsibilities, Drew’s marriage to Kate Flaherty explodes over trust issues and is left in total disrepair. However, when he learns his wife’s life is at risk, his priorities quickly shift and he discovers where his love and loyalties truly lie.

Q: What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write? Do you need the noise or the silence?

I love to listen to music and my taste varies depending on my mood and the stories I’m working on. When I need romantic inspiration, I listen to Enya or old Stevie Nicks’ songs. I love to create intimate conversations while Michael Buble croons. But I’ve also been known to blast some U-2 and Springsteen when I’m writing an intense or dramatic scene.

Q: How do you balance out the writer’s life and the rest of life? Do you get up early? Stay up late? Ignore friends and family for certain periods of time?

Well, my children are grown, my husband travels extensively, and I have a great library with lots of peace and quite. This affords me the luxury of writing as much as I like, which could easily involve working from 10am – 1am. However, my friends and family find ways to drag me to lunches, to movies, and on vacations just so I don’t completely alienate myself.

Q: The main characters of your stories – do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?

I’ve been known to include aspects of myself and the people closest to me in my characters – especially in regard to appearance, conversations, career choices, and interests. I guess that’s what makes them more believable – three dimensional, you might say.

Q: So I understand you have a special project for all the proceeds from your book Flaherty’s Crossing. Can you tell us about this?

After witnessing my father’s relentless battle with terminal cancer and his passing at the young age of 64, my emotions were in complete turmoil. I was angry at him for leaving, at God for the suffering he endured, at the world in general for not taking notice. I searched for an outlet – a way to vent my feelings, and was fortunate in finding the resolution I needed by writing Flaherty’s Crossing.

In the course of creating this story, I had the opportunity to speak to various individuals who have lost loved ones and came to realize that everyone is somehow affected by this non-discriminating disease. This novel became more than a fictional account. It evolved into a personal journey – one that my father has traveled on right beside me, inspiring and encouraging me all along the way.

In order to honor his memory and to do my part to bring an end to this terrible disease in our lifetime, I have chosen to donate all the proceeds from the sale of this book to the cancer research center at Providence Medical Center, and strongly urge anyone who enjoys reading to purchase a copy of Flaherty’s Crossing. If you take a moment to visit one or both of my websites, you’ll discover a direct buy button, complete excerpts to read, a book trailer to watch, and the inspiration that lead to this story.

Kaylin's $100 Offer

I decided to come up with a new marketing challenge that would benefit everyone who participated. Now you might ask how this could possibly be true. Is there a gimmick, a ploy, a secret plot to steal and sell all of your names and addresses? Well, you know what? The answer is NO!

But there is one teeny tiny catch.

Since Flaherty's Crossing is an award-winning, inspirational novel and all my proceeds benefit cancer research, by purchasing this eBook for only $4, downloading it in 60 seconds, reading it from beginning to end, and writing a genuine review on Amazon.com, you will have an opportunity until June 30, 2010 to win a $100 American Express Gift Card. Now doesn't that sound simple?

What it comes down to is...the best overall review wins! So what are you waiting for? Go to: http://lnk.ms/7Np6v and let's make a miracle happen together. :D

Kaylin McFarren

Kaylin's Journey to Publication

My journey to publication has been an enlightening experience, to say the least. Exactly one year ago, I was in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on an annual family vacation. While everyone was sunning themselves around the pool, I snuck off to check emails at a local internet café. Lo and behold, I spotted a familiar name in my mailbox: Champagne Books. At this point, I had already received letters from approximately eighteen publishers – kind and complimentary mind you, but still rejections. So you can imagine my state of mind as I sat there on a metal chair determining if I really wanted to open that message and ruin a perfectly good vacation.

I took a deep breath, glanced around at other customers typing away, and then returned by attention to J. Ellen Smith’s letter. I am pleased to offer you a contract… I almost fell off of my seat. Was it really possible that someone saw the potential in my story? Ten minutes later, I was back at the pool with a strawberry Margarita in one hand, a printed out message in the other, and a huge grin on my face.

However, arriving at this point in my journey was an adventure in itself. Sixteen years ago, my world was turned upside down. I lost my beloved father to colon cancer after an intense two and a half year battle. I was angry at him, at God, at the world in general. I needed an outlet and found it by sitting down in front of my computer, releasing emotions that were racing through my head and heart. This therapeutic exercise gradually evolved into a related fictional story about a woman’s personal journey to find faith and forgiveness. In the process of writing Flaherty’s Crossing and exploring my main character’s growth, I found myself learning and growing as well.

I entered this “genre-blending” story in numerous contests, knowing that agents and editors would be involved in final round judging. I was amazed that I won time and time again, but there was never a request for a full manuscript. I set to work creating a great query letter. I requested reviews from my rough-draft manuscript, and participated in pitch sessions at various conferences. Although I eventually received numerous requests for full copies, I learned a very difficult lesson from trying to market a book that is “out of the box”…so to speak. Although Flaherty’s Crossing was truly a labor of love and the agents who read it consistently loved my voice and writing style, they weren’t sure how to market it or where it would sit on the shelf.

Now this didn’t prevent my manuscript from grabbing the interest of one visionary agent in New York. She complimented me for being original, and absolutely fell in love with this story. However, after being under contract for only six months and having received rejections by eight of the largest publishing houses, she felt that changing the story line completely and emphasizing romance would ultimately be the best solution. Long story short, we parted ways and since I no longer had agent representation, I sought out smaller houses on my own.

In closing, all I can say is…persistence pays off. On February 1^st, Champagne Books officially released Flaherty’s Crossing and I’m proud to announce that I’ve chosen to donate all my proceeds to the colon cancer research project at Providence Medical Center in my father’s name. In the meantime, I’m busy writing again and have discovered my passion for creating action-adventure stories. It’s my hope that once Severed Threads is completed, it will touch lives and inspire readers as deeply as Flaherty’s Crossing.

You can visit Kaylin online at www.kaylinmcfarren.com or visit her book’s website at www.flahertyscrossing.com.

The Story Behind Flaherty's Crossing

I'm often asked about the story behind Flaherty's Crossing and to be honest, it's not an easy one to tell. My father was a hard-working Irishman who aside from expecting dinner on the table promptly at 5pm never had much to share or complain about. There were disappointments, of course, since money was often tight. But my dad was content working his blue-collar job, reading the nightly newspaper, watching sports, and visiting occasionally with neighbors. My only interaction with him came from camping and skiing trips where he spent most of his time working on outboard motors and insisting that my family had a good time. I never had a serious or lengthy conversation with my dad as he preferred to keep his emotions hidden away. But sixteen years ago that all changed when he was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Over the course of his two and a half year battle, I was given small glimpses into his past. I discovered that my father's inability to communicate had little to do with the affection he kept buried inside. But this cruel disease was aggressive and soon took its toll. Before long, it was time for me to bid him a final farewell. I was not only heartbroken over losing a parent but also for never knowing who this man truly was. As a result, I was angry at him, at God, at the world in general. I needed an outlet to release all my pent up emotions and found it in front of my computer, punching away on keys. This therapeutic exercise gradually evolved into a related fictional story about a woman’s personal journey to find faith and forgiveness.

In the process of writing Flaherty’s Crossing and exploring my main character’s growth, I found myself learning and growing as well. I discovered I wasn't alone. There were thousands of daughters and sons like myself who had similar stories to tell – who had strained, complicated relationships, but loved their parents none the less. I've learned that through my writing, I can inspire and touch lives and can urge others to mend fences and relationships before it's too late. This novel truly has a purpose. Not only did Flaherty's Crossing heal my heart, but I believe the message it carries can make a difference for other families as well. I've chosen to donate 100% of my proceeds to the cancer research center at Portland's Providence Medical Center with the hope of finding a cure in our lifetime. This story has opened my eyes to possibilities and given me a voice that I plan to use in future stories with the intention of inspiring and uplifting lives.

http://shelaghwatkins.wordpress.com/2010/02/16/kaylin-mcfarren/

http://shelaghwatkins.wordpress.com/2010/02/16/kaylin-mcfarren/

Kaylin's Interview at Literature & Fiction

February 16, 2010/Interview by shelaghwatkins

Kaylin McFarren 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.

Shelagh: Please tell everyone a little about yourself, Kaylin

Kaylin: For the past twenty years, I’ve worked in PR and marketing for my family-owned conglomerate, the Yoshida Group, which consists of eighteen diverse corporations. I was appointed as one of nine commissioners to the Oregon Arts Commission by Governor Kitzhaber while working as the director of a nationally-acclaimed art gallery in Portland, Oregon. I’ve also served on numerous college and charity foundation boards, and continue my commitment to hospitals and children’s causes. For most of my life, I’ve written poems and short stories, and along with novels, currently write articles for a syndicated travel magazine. Although Flaherty’s Crossing is my début novel, it has already garnered numerous awards and received recognition as a 2008 Golden Heart® Finalist.

Shelagh: How long have you been writing?

Kaylin: Most of my life. I honestly remember writing poems when I was five years old. I got into short stories when I was in junior high and eventually some of them ended up in my high school newspaper. My interest in writing continued for years but was limited to public relations with an emphasis on press releases and daily correspondence. In regard to novels, although I’ve contemplated penning one for some time now, I’ve actually been writing manuscripts for a relatively short period of time.

Shelagh: What, or who, inspired you to write?

Kaylin: I had a great English teacher in sixth grade, Mrs. Tuttle. I remember her telling the class that we could create a magical world with words. She gave everyone a journal and instructed us to write something in it everyday. To this day, I still fill up journals with my thoughts, poems, and short stories.

Shelagh: Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Kaylin: When I started Flaherty’s Crossing, it was based on my personal experience – the death of my dad and my emotional journey to acceptance. But after opening myself up to an amazing literary world – reading extensively, doing writing exercises, taking workshops – the door to my imagination was opened. Now days, I literally “dream up” my stories from beginning to end and have had to resort to keeping a notebook on my bedside table.

Shelagh: What genres do you write and which is your favorite genre to write?

Kaylin: When I first started writing Flaherty’s Crossing, I had no idea how to define this story. After completing and entering contests, I learned to categorize it as mainstream fiction, involving all kinds of elements: suspense, drama, romance …you name it. But with my second book, I’ve become a bit wiser and made a conscience decision to write action/adventure romance. I believe this is rapidly becoming my forte. I can’t wait to get to the next chapter and to fish my characters out of shark-infested seas.

Shelagh: Can you tell us about your favorite hero and/or heroine in one of your stories?

Kaylin: Drew Coleman in Flaherty’s Crossing is one of my favorite characters. He’s an attractive, middle-aged divorce attorney who has spent most of his life trying to live up to his father’s expectations. In the midst of struggling with his obligations and job responsibilities, Drew’s marriage to Kate Flaherty explodes over trust issues and is left in total disrepair. However, when he learns his wife’s life is at risk, his priorities quickly shift and he discovers where his love and loyalties truly lie.

Shelagh: When you write about a hero/heroine, are there parts of your characters that you take from your own experiences in your life?

Kaylin: I suppose there are. Most definitely in regard to conversations, careers, and relationships. I guess that’s what makes them more believable –three dimensional, you might say.

Shelagh: Do you have favorite props that you use to bolster a story? Why do you use them?

Kaylin: Well, when I was writing Flaherty’s Crossing, I kept my father’s picture close by to remind myself of the kind of person he was. But aside from that, I’d probably say no. That is, if you don’t consider a periodic glass of wine a prop.

Shelagh: When you are writing a book, do the characters become a part of your everyday life? How do you deal with it if they take over your everyday world?

Kaylin: When my characters interact, encounter grave situations, and express their emotions, they become more real to me. I don’t think I’ve had to deal with them taking over my life; although, I do worry about getting them out of trouble if they’re cornered and I’m detained and not able to write for a while.

Shelagh: Do your families encourage you to write?

Kaylin: Absolutely! I think my husband believes I’ve somehow found my identity and purpose in life. As for my children, they’re awesome – asking me all the time how my writing’s going. My oldest daughter is an author as well and she’s constantly spurring me to stay focused and on track.

Shelagh: You have a busy life with a career and family. How do you find time to write? Do you have a schedule?

Kaylin: My children are grown, my husband travels extensively, and I have a great library with lots of peace and quite. This affords me the luxury of writing as much as I like, which could easily involve working from 10am – 10pm. However, my family finds ways to drag me away on family vacations, to movies, and to restaurants just so I don’t completely alienate myself.

Shelagh: If for some reason you could not write anymore, how would you creatively express yourself?

Kaylin: I actually studied visual arts in college and love to oil paint. Guess that’s why I ran an art gallery for seven years. I suppose if I couldn’t write any longer, I’d dig up my old supplies and find a way to paint my stories on canvas.

Shelagh: You have a special project for all of the proceeds from your book, Flaherty’s Crossing. Can you tell us about this?

Kaylin: I’m donating 100% of my proceeds to the cancer research center at Providence Medical Center in my father’s name. There’s information all about the research project I’m funding on my new website: http://www.flahertyscrossing.com

Shelagh: Why did you decide to give all of your proceeds to cancer research?

Kaylin: After witnessing my father’s relentless battle with terminal cancer and his passing at the young age of 64, my emotions were in complete turmoil. I was angry at him for leaving, at God for the suffering he endured, at the world in general for not taking notice. I searched for an outlet – a way to vent my feelings, and was fortunate in finding the resolution I needed by writing Flaherty’s Crossing. In the course of creating this story, I had the opportunity to speak to various individuals who have lost loved ones and came to realize that everyone is somehow affected by this non-discriminating disease. This novel became more than a fictional account. It evolved into a personal journey – one that my father has traveled on right beside me, inspiring and encouraging me all along the way. In order to honor his memory and to do my part to bring an end to this terrible disease in our lifetime, I have chosen to donate all the proceeds from the sale of this book to the cancer research center at Providence Medical Center, and strongly urge anyone who enjoys reading to purchase a copy of Flaherty’s Crossing.

Shelagh: Where can folks learn more about your books and upcoming events?

Kaylin: My websites: http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com http://www.flahertyscrossing.com

Shelagh: Thank you for joining us today, Kaylin.

Kaylin: Thanks, Shelagh!