SOUL SEEKER was the winner in the Paranormal category of the 2021 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Kaylin McFarren.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
SOUL SEEKER (Book One, Gehenna Series) – published October 27, 2020
What’s the book’s first line?
According to the peaceful townsfolk of Lochton, Illinois, Benjamin Poe was the most hated and feared man to ever live.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
While awaiting his execution on death row, Benjamin Poe meets with his lawyer and shares the unthinkable story of his battle against Crighton—the manipulating, soul-collecting demon that tricked him into murdering his own son.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Every book I write includes a large serving of suspense and adventure, and there’s always a romantic encounter to top it off, simply because I enjoy the uplifting feelings these invoke. However, this book, in many ways, is very different from anything I’ve written before. While bringing together these page-turning genres, I incorporated a touch of fantasy by creating a surreal, theoretical world in which relationships between angels and demons exist. This is done purely for the enjoyment of my readers and not a declaration of my religious beliefs. I was also influenced by the pandemic lock down and toxic political atmosphere. My paranormal story evolved into a dark story, pitting good against bad with interesting shades of grey.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
I actually have two main characters in this story, thus I created Part 1 and Part 2. In Part 1, Benjamin Poe is a hardworking firefighter, struggling to keep his family united despite the combatant, troubled personalities each character possesses. The outcome, unfortunately, is disastrous, since evil invaded their lives before they recognized it. In Part 2, Crighton is an abused, misunderstood demon with shifting loyalties between heavenly creatures and Lucifer. His forced allegiance with an angel changes his perspective and teaches him valuable lessons.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book? I believe SOUL SEEKER will entertain readers, while at the same time confirming the belief that there are two sides to every story; the division between good and bad becomes blurred by complicated choices, outside influences and contrasting beliefs. In other words, there are lots of grey areas to consider.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
David Boreanaz would make the perfect Crighton.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’ve been writing since I was 12 years old, but my desire to be an author came at the ripe age of 49, after my three daughters were grown.
Is this the first you’ve written?
No, this is the seventh book I’ve written with a sequel soon to follow.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I run a non-profit organization, raising money for cancer research.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
A lot! About 5-6 hours a day.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Being your own person is the best because I get to set my own writing schedule, however, getting word out about new releases is often a challenge.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Nope, been there, done that. I was forced to make changes I didn’t agree on and had no control over the cover and type of book I wanted to write.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I’ve been fortunate in living a good life and don’t crave fame. I would have to say touching lives through my writing is the most rewarding experience I’ll ever know.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Jane Austen. She was way before her time and deserves credit for some of the best literature ever written.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Help. It’s the best! I make a point of reading it every summer with a pitcher of sweet tea. 🙂