Wahoo!!! We have my friend MaryLu Tyndall back with us. Remember, we've had her here before with her first two books in the Legacy of the King's Pirates series--The Redemption and The Reliance. Now she's back with the final book in the series--The Restitution.
I’ve learned never to try and predict what God will do next. He always surprises me. Of course, I’d love to continue writing stories for Him. He has given me several ideas that are mulling about in my head right now, and I also have a non-fiction book I would love to write someday about battling for the souls of your loved ones. I just need to wait for a few stragglers in my family to come into the Kingdom first!
Tell us a little about your family.
My husband is a scientist with a PhD in Physical Chemistry and I’m a right brained, emotional creative leave-your-logic-at-the-door kind of person, so you can imagine our conversations! I think the Lord loves to throw opposites together. But I love my husband. We’ve been married 15 years and have 6 kids between us, 3 currently in college, 1 at the Naval Academy at Annapolis and one a senior in high school. We also have 4 cats. It seems all the strays in the neighborhood find their way to my house!
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Yes, oddly enough, I have become more critical of what I’m reading and more selective. I like to read award winners and best sellers so I can see what makes them so good, so while I’m enjoying a story, I’m also analyzing it. If I stop analyzing it and get swept up into the story, then I know it’s a good one!
What are you working on right now?
A novel set in 1803 London, entitled The Falcon and the Sparrow. It’s a story of a young half-British, half-French girl who has recently lost both her parents. When her brother is kidnapped by Napoleon’s men, she is forced to accept a position as governess to a British Admiral’s son in London, where she must spy for France or see her brother killed. The British Admiral is a bitter widower who longs to be back out at sea, but finds that the young governess’s devotion to God and love for his son begin to change his hardened heart.
You'll have to visit with us again when that book comes out. What outside interests do you have?
I love to oil paint and have several paintings hanging in my house, but I haven’t had the time to create anything new in quite a while. I also love to cook and garden.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
I try and choose a time period and setting that interests me, that provides an adventurous backdrop in which I can place my characters. Hence, the 17th century Caribbean for my pirate series. For the book I’m working on now, I chose a time (1803 London) when Napoleon was rising to power and beginning to threaten the known world.
Your books are full of adventure. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
John, the apostle. He was the closest to Jesus, and I would love to hear all the stories that he didn’t have time to write down about my Lord.
I'd love to join you. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
The stress involved. It always seemed like such a glamorous career, but in reality, it’s a ton of hard work, long hours and stressful deadlines. Also you need a really tough skin to deal with an occasional bad review.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
Faith, trust, humility, guarding my mouth, and not judging others. Sometimes I feel as though I’m going through God’s boot camp! I suppose I’m a slow learner sometimes. Thank God for His incredible patience and mercy.
MaryLu, tell us about the featured book.
The Restitution is the third and last book in my pirate trilogy. It tells the tale of Lady Isabel Ashton, a woman once ravished by a pirate, who decided to keep the child even though she is now shunned by her parents and society. Hidden away under a reverend’s care at Port Royal, her baby is suddenly kidnapped and she is forced to combine forces with the child’s father, the infamous Captain Kent Carlton. Captain Carlton’s love for Isabel and his shame at what he did has begun to change his dark heart. Now, all he seeks is her forgiveness and to help her find their son. As the couple encounter sea battles, mutinies, intrigues, deceptions, and fierce natives, Kent is drawn to Isabel’s strong faith in God and begins to give his heart to the Almighty. But will Isabel ever forgive him? Will she give up her dreams of wealth and position to marry a lowly pirate? And what is Kent willing to forsake for Isabel and for God?
I read the book as soon as it arrived. I've written reviews on both Shoutlife and in the newsletter on my web site. I just loved all three of the books in the series. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have a website that fires cannons at you. Come visit me at http://www.mltyndall.com
I also can be found on Shoutlife at : http://www.shoutlife.com/mltyndall
Thank you for spending this time with us, MaryLu.
Readers, you'll have to check out her web site. And if you want a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment. Someone wins these books. You have as good a chance as anyone.
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Also, there's still time to leave a comment on these other interviews:
Margaret Daley - Heart of the Home
Bonnie Leon - To Love Anew
Brian Fleming - A Life Worth Living
Tricia Goyer - A Shadow of Treason
