Hi Kaylin and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

I'm working on an action-adventure story that I like to define as INDIANA JONES meets THE DEEP BLUE. The first book in this 3-part series is titled SEVERED THREADS. And here's a summary just to tempt your readers: 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.

Q: If you could change one thing about the way you write, what would it be…even though you know you will keep doing it the same way forever?

I suppose being a better planner by charting my characters' growth and story boarding my plots would be on the top of my list. However, I'm a consummate pantser and perfectionist who prefers writing and editing as I go.


Q: What skills would you like to further develop as an author, be it with respect to your writing, or the publishing and marketing side of the business?

Although I'm confident in my writing skills, pitching my projects to agents or a crowd of onlookers is a constant struggle. I guess like most writers, deep down I'm an introvert with a world of stories to share.

Q: What is the best thing about being a writer? What is the least best thing?

I'd have to say the most exciting thing is experiencing the completion of a life-long dream. There's a sense of accomplishment in receiving praise, and seeing your words in print. The worst for me is the necessity for patience, whether it be in marketing or in receiving your final product. I tend to be a hands-on person and letting go or moving on can be difficult at times.

Q: Fast food cravings have struck! Who cares about carbs and fats and calories! It’s a fast food craving, after all! So, what will you be ordering at the drive-through window to make the craving go away?

Hmmm...since I'm a chocoholic, I'd have to say a thick, rich Turtle Milkshake with lots of gooey caramel sauce. Just thinking about it adds calories to my brain, but oh, what a wonderfully wicked thought. J

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? What is the one hobby or project you’d love to take up, and will someday…?


When I'm not connected to my computer, I love doing all kinds of things: interior design, gardening, golfing, international travel, visual arts, gourmet dining, even collecting fine wines. In addition to writing novels, I'm also a freelance writer for an Oregon travel magazine and would love to expand this to include reviews of talented local artists in all types of creative mediums.

Q: What is the one thing that you’d love to do, but will probably never? have the nerve? What is the one thing you’ve already done that still amazes you to this day?

Wow...now, this takes a little thought. I think I'd have to say pilot an aircraft. I love the feeling of flying and have even dreamed of jumping off a cliff and soaring through the air over a canyon. As far as my own risky accomplishments, this would entail opening and running an art gallery for seven years - representing some of the finest visual artists in the country and promoting them in national publications.

Q: Describe the "perfect" hero? What about the "perfect" hero for you?

I know that everyone in the romance world believes heroes are gorgeous, risk-taking macho types. But to me, the perfect hero is much more complex. They don't need model good looks or to drive the fastest car in town. And not every woman in the world is craving their affection. They're intense, thought-provoking, call-to-action types with a secret heart of gold, surprising you when you least expect it.

In my life, my husband is my ultimate hero. He's strong, intelligent and forthright. But he's also incredibly giving and compassionate. He stands tall for what he believes in and exudes pride when it comes to family. He's also my confidant and greatest fan.

Q: What is this romance writer's idea of the "ideal romantic evening"?

I'm sure it's been said many times, but personally I'm a sucker for the old-fashioned candlelit supper with Latin guitar music, twirling pasta, robust wines, sweet kisses and lingering stares.

Q: How would you describe Kaylin McFarren? How do Kaylin McFarren's family and friends describe her?

Although Kaylin has virtually been around the world, she prefers to hug the West Coast and keep her family within visiting range. She cherishes her friends, loves to travel, and enjoys spending undisciplined time with her two young grandsons. She's a notorious Irish storyteller with a fun sense of humor and likes to think of herself as a "Jill" of all trades.

Family and friends think of her as generous, warm and fun-loving. And most of all - modest. :P

MORE FUN...

Q: Spring is in the air! What signals spring for you? Do you do the annual spring-cleaning-thing?

For me, spring comes in the form of Cherry blossoms, birds chirping, bluer skies and warmer temperatures. I'm actually not big on the annual cleaning thing, but I do enjoy moving furniture around occasionally to give the house a fresh, new look. And if I can't find something I'm looking for, it's not unusual for drawers to be emptied and straightened in the process.

Q: What is the one thing that if you forgot to put it into your suitcase, you would be lost without it?

Unfortunately, cosmetics. Even though I don't wear a lot of makeup, I can't see myself without black mascara and a tube of pink lipstick.

Q: When you go on vacation, do you prefer quiet, isolated surroundings, or do you like to be in the thick of the local hustle and bustle and nightlife?

There are times when I'm totally into the serene, relaxed atmosphere - like a beach with rolling waves, a lounge chair and a great book. And other times, I totally enjoy dressing up and dancing in a noisy nightclub with a bunch of fun-loving girlfriends.

Q: What is your least favorite household chore? The one you put off and put off until it can’t be put off another day?

Grocery shopping! I absolutely hate going to the store since I know I'm going to end up buying things I don't really need. I've now resorted to ordering all my deliveries on line and although it sounds like a senseless luxury, I'm convinced there are more important things in life than pushing around a shopping cart on a weekly basis. J

Q: And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

Now this might surprise you, but I actually crave sushi at times. After over-indulging, there's nothing better than curling up like a plump Panda bear, loving life and the world around me. J

Thank you, Kaylin, for spending time with us today, and continued success with your writing.

By Brooke Wills