Friday, September 4, 2009

INTERVIEW WITH PUBLISHED AUTHOR MARYLU TYNDALL

Exciting news! Drum roll, please! *~*~*~* As you all know, I fell in love with MaryLu Tyndall's book The Blue Enchantress. Well, it's now my pleasure to interview her here on my blog! Please welcome MaryLu Tyndall! *roaring applause*

As if that isn't exciting enough, by leaving a comment, your name will be put in a drawing to win a FREE, SIGNED copy of her book!


Here is a brief summary from Amazon.com of The Blue Enchantress:

Get swept away in a high-tide of romance and adventure from acclaimed author M. L. Tyndall. Trying to forget about a painful past, Hope Westcott plunges into Charles Towne society trying to find love and acceptance. Captain Nathaniel Mason is determined to build his shipping business and doesn't need a romantic entanglement especially with a woman like Hope. When Hope's adventure-seeking puts her freedom and her life in jeopardy, will Nathaniel turn his back or follow God's voice and sacrifice everything to save her?


Below is a beautiful review by Kathleen L. Maher:


The characters in The Blue Enchantress touched something deep inside of me. For example, the hero's well-intentioned rescue and the sense of frustration and regret he struggled with afterwards--it was so real to me as a Christian who has sometimes done "good" things in my own strength only to stew over them later.

MaryLu Tyndall portrayed the heroine with great courage as a writer, too, to delve into the duality of a woman obsessed with male attention, and yet, who had a sincere desire to minister to children. These were not cookie-cutter characters, but she made their struggles of real flesh and blood. It was so much more than a romance or an adventure, but it felt like an odyssey of the soul for two imperfect people made whole under God's touch.

I'm glad that Christian writers are beginning to branch out into flawed and complex characters, even if that means showing something less than Pleasantville along the way. This book showed God's power in such a lovely way, that I was pulled from the miry clay with the players and set on the rock of redemption.

Secular writing has nothing on MaryLu Tyndall's talent. We are privileged to have such an author pioneering in the inspirational market who can bring the message of the gospel in such a powerful way.

~Kathleen L. Maher, author



Thank you, Kathleen, for being willing to drop by and share your heartfelt words. I couldn't have said it better (as you know). That's why I asked you to do it. LOL. You can read more of Kathleen's reviews at Amazon.com.


MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but expose Christians to their full potential in Christ. For more information on MaryLu and her upcoming releases, please visit her website at MaryLu Tyndall or her blog at Cross and Cutlass.


Sandi: MaryLu, thank you so much for being willing to come for an interview on my blog. It's obvious your book has touched a number of readers. What made you decide to become a writer of Christian fiction?

MaryLu: God is such a HUGE part of my life that I cannot imagine writing a novel without including Him in a big way through all the pages. What I love most about writing for the Christian market is I believe I’m not just writing stories to entertain people, but I’m writing stories that inspire them. My ultimate goal through the stories God gives me is to enable people to see Him more clearly and to know Him in a deeper way.

Sandi: How long have you been writing? How did you get your start?

MaryLu: I never planned on becoming an author. I always loved to write and wrote several stories for fun while I was growing up, but it never seemed a very feasible or practical occupation! (LOL Still isn't probably!) About 6 years ago I got the strangest notion that I should write a story about a Christian Pirate. I thought I was crazy but the feeling wouldn't relent, so I finally obeyed and wrote my first novel, The Redemption. I wrote it during my lunch hours at work and at night after dinner. When I finished it, I had no idea what to do. I had never tried to get anything published before so that journey was quite an adventure, but I can honestly say that God was the One who opened all the doors to make that possible. He led me to ACFW and there I found out how to query an agent and look for publishers. One thing led to another and I had a contract in hand 6 months after I completed the manuscript. I know my story is very different from most. In my case, I took so long to come back to the Lord from my prodigal years and then so long to submit to Him, that by the time I started writing what He wanted me to write, He simply opened all the doors for me to get published. I now realize that's what God wanted me to do all along and He was just waiting for my sorry self to come back to Him! But there's a lesson for everyone in this. When it's God's time, it's God's time, and nothing can stop Him, not a bad market, or 800 rejection letters, or anyone's opinion. So, if you're trying to get published, make sure it's God's will and then trust Him.

Sandi: How did things change once you became a published author? Did you lose friends? Make friends? How did it affect your family?

MaryLu: My life got really really busy! LOL. In the past five years, I’ve written seven novels! Consequently I haven’t been able to spend as much time as I’d like with family and friends. I haven’t lost any friends but I don’t see them very often. My family has been very supportive and understanding of the long hours I spend on the computer. They are excited for me, and that helps a lot.

Sandi: What inspired you to write about pirates?

MaryLu: I’ve always had a weird obsession with pirates. Not sure why. My mother thought I’d gone crazy. And I’m fascinated with those tall ships of old! The age of sail was such an adventurous time in the world’s history. The concept of a pirate novel started with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies which were quite popular at the time. I fell in love with the movies, of course, and the strangest idea occurred to me. Why not write a story about a Christian pirate? What a dichotomy! Of course I think that’s why I actually got my first contract. It was such a uniquely weird idea.

Sandi: How do you know so much about ships from this particular era? Do you like to sail yourself?

MaryLu: I love to travel on sailing ships, but I’ve never learned to sail myself. Tall ships are a sort of hobby for me. I have several books on them and how they work and how to sail them. I’ve also been on several historic replicas of tall ships. I recently toured the HMS Rose which is the same ship they used in the movie Master and Commander.

Sandi: I noticed in your first book of this series, The Red Siren, you mentioned a Dutch flag on a ship called the Flying Dragon (love the name, by the way). You described this flag as being orange, white and blue. I commend you for your excellent research. Having lived in Holland for thirteen years, I know the flag is now red, white and blue. My father-in-law (who is Dutch and currently living in Holland) and I are amazed that you knew the correct colors for the Dutch flag of that era. This leads me to ask, how do you do your research? Where do you find your information about ships, flags, etc?

MaryLu: Good question. I’m glad you noticed that tiny detail because if I remember correctly I spent nearly an hour or so looking that up! I have several books on the Age of Sail and different types of sailing ships and flags. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Sandi: Where do you spend your time writing? Do you have a favorite place to write? A favorite time of day?

MaryLu: I have a really cool office which used to be my eldest daughter’s bedroom (she has moved out). I have my desk, computers, tons of books, paintings of the sea and tall ships and lots of other cool stuff around me for inspiration. Morning is my best time to write, although on a good day, I’ll spend the entire day at it if my creative juices are flowing.

Sandi: What book are you working on now?

MaryLu: I just finished the third book in the Charles Towne Belles series, The Raven Saint, to be released in January. Here’s a quick blurb. Grace Westcott has piously served God her whole life. Captain Rafe Dubois cannot pass up the opportunity to earn more gold toward the hospital he’s building for the poor by kidnapping Admiral Westcott’s youngest daughter. But when the missionary and the mercenary meet, it’s full-sail-ahead into tumultuous waters! Find out what happens when a bitter mercenary who’s sworn off God falls in love with a pious woman determined to change him.

Next I'm starting on a new series entitled Surrender to Destiny which is set during the War of 1812 in Baltimore


Sandi: Your next book sounds exciting! I can't wait to get my hands on it. What do you see in your future as an author? Do you have concrete ideas for more books you'd like to write on down the line, or do you plan out a book only after you've decided to write one?

MaryLu: I hope the Lord allows me to continue writing, but that’s up to Him. I have a few ideas rattling around in my head for future books but they are just general concepts. I normally don’t plot out a book ahead of time. I’m more of a create as I write kind of author.

Sandi: Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a bit about yourself, not to mention, being willing to share your work with us by giving away a free signed copy of The Blue Enchantress.

MaryLu: Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Sandi!

On the right, you'll notice a list of MaryLu's books in the Charles Towne Belles series. If you'd like to be put in the drawing to win a FREE, SIGNED copy of MaryLu Tyndall's book, The Blue Enchantress, please leave a comment with your email address typed out like so: sandirog7 [at]aol [dot] com, and let us hear from you! On Friday I will announce the winner!

37 comments:

  1. I have never read M.L. Tyndall and from your excitement, I hope to read one of her books soon. Thanks for the interview. It's always nice to see "inside" an author's heart and see a bit of her day and her process. Thanks again!
    Tamara Cooper

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  2. I love your goal in writing Christian novels--to inspire a closer relationship withthe Lord. That's what makes me read Christian novels. Please enter me. Thanks.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  3. I had never read a pirate novel, much less a pirate novel with a Christian theme, when I read the RED SIREN. It was a fun read and I can imagine that the BLUE ENCHANTRESS will be just as entertaining a novel. Put me in the drawing to win a copy.

    A J
    ajhawke[at]ajhawke[dot]com

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  4. Well, lookie-lou, it's Marylu. :) And how many of us can also say God had everything we could ever dream right there waiting for our slow or stubborn selves to open our eyes and grab hold? How great to read this interview so soon after Sandi raved about these books. I have to agree, though. A fantastic blend of adventure and romance with God's redeeming power thrown into the mix. You can't go wrong!

    Great interview, Sandi and Marylu. No need to enter me. I already own most of these. :)

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  5. I haven't had the opportunity to read MaryLu's book yet, but I'm very intrigued after reading this interview. The concept of a Christian "pirate" book challenges my imagination. I can't wait to see how it's done--though I expect I'll have to banish the Johnny Dep pirate that comes to mind. It's really good to see how God can help redirect you to the path he has chosen, even after taking a few detours, and encouraging to read about an author who does NOT plot out her book, but creates on the fly. Congrats on an informative and enjoyable interview. Jeanette Minnich--minnichjh@comcast.net

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  6. Thanks for the great interview. Found out some interesting things I hadn't known before. Please put my name in for the drawing.

    Thanks

    Nora
    Finding Hope Through Fiction
    norafindinghope@gmail.com

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  7. Great interview. I have heard great things about this book and I would love to win a copy. Thank you.
    carlyberd[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  8. This was a fun interview to read! Some fun questions in there. I love learning how other writers do their research. It's inspiring!

    Please enter me in the drawing for the book. I would love to dig into this story!

    srdietze [@] sbcglobal [.] net

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  9. I really enjoyed the interview and would love to read this book. MaryLu is a new-to-me author and I love finding new inspirational books to read. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you! Have a great Labor Day weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

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  10. I have read some of MaryLu's work and I'd love to have another one of her books. PS: She's also a very nice lady.
    scaramouche9999[@]yahoo[.]Com
    Donald James Parker
    Author of Love Waits

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  11. Please add my name to the drawing. After you told me about her books, I can't wait to read them. Nice interview too.

    Thank you.
    christianromancewriter [at] gmail [dot] com

    Debra Ullrick, author of The Bride Wore Coveralls

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  12. †I loved The Restitution and would love to win one of MaryLu's books.

    megandimaria 3 (at) comcast.net

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  13. I am so please to see these type books being written. I look forward to reading all of them.

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  14. What a great interview Sandi and MaryLu. MaryLu, I learn a little more about you with every interview! Sandi you don't need to put my name in the drawing as I have ALL MaryLu's books. But good luck to everyone who is entering. If ya don't win I encourage you to go buy the book it is a great read and one of the best ones out there.

    Blessings,

    Debbie Lynne

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  15. Read and loved the book. Thanks for the interview.

    Dina

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  16. Oh these books look amazing. I'm gonna have to go and check them out!

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  17. Thsnks for your kind words, Sandi! Wonderful interview, too.
    Obviously, I have read and loved The Blue Enchantress, but now I am determined to read The Red Siren and The Raven Saint when it somes out, too.
    No need to enter me--I want someone else to have the pleasure of reading this wonderful story.
    ; )

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  18. Sandi,
    Great interview! Thanks for putting it on here and letting us know about it! Hearing about the tall ships and The Dutch flag has brought back wonderful memories of living in Holland and sailing in Sail Amsterdam with all the tall ships. I can hear the clanking of the masts and riggings, and smell the air, and feel the excitement, especially when we sailed into Amsterdam--right past the Royal family! It was an experience I'll never forget! Reading the excepts has made me anxious to read not only The Blue Enchantress, but the other books, too. I would love to have a copy! Best wishes for you and your writing! Give my love to your family and wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law and tell them I miss them!
    God bless you!
    diane.gold@gmail.com
    Diane Gold

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  19. Hi Sandi and MaryLu,
    I also learned a bit more about MaryLu with this interview and I admit I've been chasing them and the free copy of Blue Enchantress all around cyberspace. I'd love to be in the drawing.

    I haven't read the Red Siren yet, either but I have read earlier books and I know I won't be disappointed. Thanks!

    debraemarvin (at) yahoo.com

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  20. Good interview, Sandi! I'd love to win one of her books!
    http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com

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  21. Enjoyed the interview with MaryLu. Great job!

    TERRI KRAUS

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  22. Thanks for the interview, Sandi. You were so enthused about MaryLu's books on the Agent for the People, I decided to check her out on Amazon and ordered my own copies of The Blue Enchantress and The Red Siren. They're on the way and I can hardly wait to read them.
    Mary

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  23. Wonderful interview Sandi and MaryLu!

    I'm excited over your series of pirates and high adventure.

    Best of blessing to you!

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  24. Hi everyone! Just dropping by say Hi. I feel so blessed and humbled that you all took the time to read my interview and leave such wonderful comments! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And thank you, Sandi, again for having me on your blog and for your kindness. God Bless you all!
    MaryLu

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  25. I'm so glad you introduced us to MaryLu. She sounds wonderful and so do her books! I'm going to have to go find one now and dive in. Great interview.
    Amy Anguish
    cute_litl_blonde [at] yahoo [dot] com.

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  26. Sounds like a wonderful book. The covers of her books are simply gorgeous. I'd love to win a copy.

    rodgerandjody at hotmail dot com

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  27. Fun interview.I'm pretty MLT addicted, too! You don't have to enter me to win, as I already have her books. I just wanted to leave a comment to let you know I visited from the ACFW Yahoo! Group. :)

    Blessings,
    Mimi B @ Woven by Words

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  28. Great interview! Sandi, thanks for introducing me to a new writer. Mary Lou, I haven't read any of your books, but -- thanks to this interview -- I definitely will.

    Blessings,
    Amanda

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  29. Mary Lu's book sounds intriguing. I've loved the pirate subject ever since, as a little girl, I saw "The Crimson Pirate." How wonderful that the story has a Christ message. I want to read it!

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  30. Thanks to Sandi and MaryLu for this chat. MaryLu, I really appreciate your comments on God's timing. I've got to remember my current frustration is my own fault and failure to recognize his timing. :)

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  31. Oops, I forgot! Here's my email: Victoria_Dixon[@]msn[dot]com.

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  32. Great interview. Thanks for the glimpse into MaryLu's writing life. As for the pirates? I've added several more titles to the TBR list.

    Add me to the drawing, please!
    Candee[at]CandeeFick[dot]com

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  33. Wow thats a really very nice interview. I enjoyed a lot when i read it. For the more information visit www(dot)freedomdisplaycases(dot)com
    Flag Cases

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  34. This was a great interview to read! The questions sure made it interesting. I enjoy learning how other writers do their research. It's inspiring!

    Please enter me in the drawing for the book. Thank you so very much!

    Blessings,
    Lucie

    LucieInCA [at] aol [dot] com

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  35. Wow! I'm amazed at all the comments. With this being a holiday weekend, I did not expect to get so many responses. Thank you everyone for commenting!

    By the way, this is Sandi. I also run another blog on "craft," and I was too lazy to sign out and sign back in under a different name. So, yes, it's me!

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  36. Great interview! I am intriqued at the idea of a christian pirate. I'm wondering how you pulled that one off, Mrs Tyndall. Sounds very interesting and definitely unique.

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  37. oops forgot to add rrog74[at]gmail[dot]com

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WHEN THE WORLD SAYS YOU CAN'T, FAITH SAYS YOU CAN!