Banished Threads: Interview with Romantic Suspense Author Kaylin McFarren

Kaylin McFarren is a California native who has enjoyed traveling around the world. She previously worked as director for a fine art gallery, where she helped foster the careers of various artists before feeling the urge to satisfy her own creative impulses.

Since launching her writing career, McFarren has earned more than a dozen literary awards in addition to a finalist spot in the 2008 RWA Golden Heart Contest. A member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers, she also lends her participation and support to various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

McFarren currently lives with her husband in Oregon and visits her second home in California once a month. They have three grown daughters and two grandchildren, and look forward to having more.

Her latest book is the romantic suspense, Banished Threads.

For More Information

• Visit Kaylin McFarren’s website.
• Connect with Kaylin on Facebook and Twitter.

Title: Banished Threads (Book 3 – Threads Series)
Author: Kaylin McFarren
Publisher: Creative Edge Publishing LLC
Pages: 258
Genre: Romantic Suspense

A valuable art collection disappears turning a treasure-hunting duo into crime-stopping sleuths committed to vindicating family members in Kaylin McFarren's action-packed suspense novel, Banished Threads.

While vacationing at the stately Cumberforge Manor in Bellwood, England, Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen attend an elegant dinner party hosted by her uncle, Paul Lyons, and his aristocratic wife, Sara. Before the evening ends, a priceless collection of Morris Graves's paintings are stolen from her uncle's popular gallery, throwing all suspicion onto his wife's missing granddaughter. Determined to clear Sloan Rafferty's name and, in the process, win Paul's favor, Chase scours the countryside looking for answers. In his absence, the police accuse Rachel's uncle of an unsolved murder and secrets surrounding her grandmother's death and the deaths of Sara's former husbands turn his wife into the most likely suspect.

With the true villains hell-bent on destroying Paul Lyons and his family, solving both crimes while ensuring her uncle's freedom not only endangers Rachel's life but that of her unborn child. Will Chase save them before the kidnappers enact their revenge or will the ultimate price be paid, as predicted by a vagabond fortuneteller?

First place - 2016 Hudson Valley RWA Hook, Line & Sinker Contest

For More Information

• Banished Threads is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads

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 continue to assist with public relations for our 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 42 years, I’m enjoying the company of my three daughters, their husbands, and my two adorable 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 an active imagination and encouraged me to write short stories and poetry 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 voice that others enjoy and encourages them 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?

The Italian Riviera, which is where Twisted Threads the next story in my series will take place. This is a crescent-shaped strip of Mediterranean coastline between the south of France and Tuscany. Its eastern half, the Riviera di Levante, is defined by its rugged cliffs, turquoise coves and pastel seaside towns, including the Cinque Terre fishing villages, and will be a great backdrop to my murder mystery.

Back to your present book, Banished 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 these days.

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

I’ve had opportunities to travel to all around the world, including England, and brought real people, places and experiences back with me that I incorporated into the pages of this new thriller/mystery.

Why was writing Banished Threads so important to you?

It made it possible to share my passion for art and history of running an art gallery, while drawing readers into an exciting romp around England. Although I’ve taken some liberties with some of the people I’ve met, this is one book I’ve waited a long time to write and hope that it’s well received by mystery, romance and suspense lovers alike.

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 or why they react certain ways to pressures, challenges and dangerous situations?

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 numerous times, and I’m always looking for a new approach, subject matter or angle that hasn’t been tested.

Any final words? Support independent authors whenever you can, as this is where some of the best writing and most original ideas are coming from.