Interview With MaryLu Tyndall!

Well, I am back today with an author interview and a book review. The review will be posted after this interview. Sorry I have been kind of absent recently. Just a lot going on.


Thank you for being with us today, MaryLu!
How long have you known you wanted to be an author?

I guess deep down, I’ve always known. I just didn’t recognize that voice inside of me for many, many years. I used to write stories just for fun when I was growing up—even finished a novel when I was 16. I had a poem published in my High School year book, but I never thought I could ever get published. It was more of a hobby for me.

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?

For this particular book, Surrender the Heart, I hope the reader will feel a strong sense of destiny over their own lives. I want people to understand that we are here on earth for a reason. God has a specific plan for each one of us that only we can do. This is so important to understand because so often we get caught up in all the mundane details of our lives that we feel a sense of hopelessness, of having no purpose. But that’s not true! We are all so special to God. We are either in one of four conditions. We are being trained for our destiny, we are performing our destiny, we are awaiting a new destiny (you could have many in your life) , or we are completely missing our destiny. I think more often than not, most people fit into the last category. Through this story, I hope people can see how they can discover and reach their God-given destiny.

Can you tell me a little bit about your book?
Surrender the Heart is the first in a trilogy set in Baltimore during the War of 1812. Here’s a brief blurb of the storyline:

On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can’t receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won’t have to marry at all.

But when Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah’s ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple are impressed into the British navy.

While a young lad’s prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to find a way to escape and fulfill their destinies—destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
Yes, Israel. I want to visit the Holy Land and walk where Jesus walked and see the locations mentioned in the Bible. I want to meet the Jewish people and really get a feel for the land and culture. That’s number 1 on my list. Next, I’d love to spend a couple weeks on a remote island in the Caribbean!

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

Raphael Sabatini – one of my favorite authors!

Abraham Lincoln – my favorite president!

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
Historical – Parting of the Red Sea

Future – 2^nd coming of Christ (hey wait, I will be there!)

Do you have a favorite hobby?

When I have time, I love to oil paint. I have several of my paintings hanging around my house. But since I’ve started my writing career, I haven’t had time!

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?

I love Ice Hockey! Go Sharks! I have 3 stepdaughters who are identical triplets.

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?

Yes... you’re in for a tough ride, but if this is God’s will for you, and you’re obedient and diligent, you will prevail.

Put God first

Study the craft! You may have talent, but you need to learn the skills

Be disciplined--Finish a book

Read Best sellers and analyze what works

Join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers)

Any last thoughts for your readers?
Yes. This life is only a test. It’s a cloud of smoke, a second in time. Don’t waste it on the things the world tells you are important. Live with purpose. Live in excellence, not mediocrity. Live for God, your creator and everything else will fall into place.

And how can they connect with you?

My Website: http://www.mltyndall.com

My Blog: http://www.crossandcutlass.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/marylu.tyndall