MaryLu Tyndall

Welcome, MaryLu. I'm glad you could drop by to visit.

The Restitution is the third book in your series. Can you tell us a little bit about why you've continued with the series?

The third book sort of morphed from two of the characters in the second book. I really felt strongly that their story needed to be told. Even though my publisher requested a third book, I had no idea what to write until I was well into the second. But, I’ve found that happens a lot with writing. More and more ideas keep popping into my head as I get further along with a story.

Will there be a 4th Legacy of the King's Pirates?

Unfortunately not at this time, although several people have asked for one. I’d love to continue the story of the four main characters I’ve introduced in the series, but time will tell. I do have several more sea-faring adventures in the making, however.

Where do you get your inspiration for writing?

I have to give the credit to God for any ideas He gives me. But, having said that, I also get “inspiration” from other books, movies, and music, from people I know and from long walks outside.

Six kids and three cats? Wow, how do you find the time to write? I have 3 kids and 6 cats, and I have to set a schedule! LOL How do you do it?

Two of my kids have moved out of the house, three more are in college and one is a senior in High School, so other than the emotional “crisis” that arise in their lives, they are pretty self-sufficient! It’s the cats that drive me nuts! LOL Truthfully, I used to stress about finding time to write and trying to meet deadlines, but I found that it was a sign that I wasn’t trusting God. If He wants me to write, He’ll provide the time. After all, He’s in charge of time! So, I just sit down to write whenever I have a free moment. I set a daily quota and try to stick to that, even if I have to write late at night.

I'm known for asking some off the wall questions, so here goes: What has been your happiest day, writing related only, thus far in your career?

Being nominated for the Christy Award was by far the biggest thrill for me. I had no idea my publisher had even submitted my book, so when they told me about the nomination, I was stunned. This was my first book, The Redemption, and if you knew the miraculous story of my road to publication, you would be shocked too. God is still in the business of miracles, and I am a prime example.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Being an author is hard work with long hours, stressful deadlines, and little pay. Not only that, but after you pour your heart and soul into a novel and put it out there for the world to see, you must develop the thickest skin possible to shield you from spiteful reviews. Have I scared you off yet? LOL Dedication, perseverance and humility are three essential qualities for all aspiring authors. Be sure this is what you want and this is where the Lord is leading you, then jump into it with all your heart. Pray often, and never let your desire to be published come before your love for God.

If you could visit with any novelist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Jane Austen. Her command of the English language, exquisite use of words, and deep characterization astound me. I’m dying to ask her how she did it!

What's next on your writing horizon?

I have an adventure/romance novel coming out next September called The Falcon and the Sparrow, set in 1803 London during the beginning of the Napoleonic wars. And next I’m working on a three book series set in Charles Town, South Carolina in 1718.

Many blessings, MaryLu, and thank you for visiting! I wish you the best of luck in all your writing endeavors!

Thank you Robin for hosting me on your site! I understand your novel, Bayou Justice, just received 4.5 stars with Romantic Times and was a top pick in October. Congratulations!

Thanks! I'm still walking on air! :D