Writer’s Window: MaryLu (M. L.) Tyndall

I first heard about MaryLu because of her “pirate books”—a trilogy of historic romances featuring pirates as the main characters. And yes! They’re Christian fiction. And her new series just kicked off—this time set in Baltimore during the War of 1812. In recent years, I’ve started getting to know MaryLu and count myself very fortunate that I’ve been blessed by having a relationship with her. I met her face-to-face for the first time when we went on the book signing tour in Michigan last year.

Surrender to Destiny Series: Set during the War of 1812, this series follows the lives of three women who are thrown in the midst of a battle for their freedom and their very survival against tyranical enemies, both physical and spiritual.

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.

Defying his father’s wishes, Noah loathes the idea of marrying a woman he finds plain and pompous. Marianne wants nothing to do with the rogue who taunted her as a child, yet she must convince him otherwise or her mother will die.

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.

(Originally posted in March 2009)

What do you like best about being a writer?
The actual writing! I love getting into my characters’ heads and transporting myself into another time and place. I put my headphones on with my favorite epic music playing and I dive right into a scene. Whether it’s dialogue or swashbuckling action, I feel like I’m right there. What better way to spend my day than in a fantasy world of my own creation.

What’s one thing you have to have within reach while writing?
My music and my Thesaurus, and maybe some chocolate if I’m having one of “those” days.

Pop, Soda, or Coke? What do you call it, and what’s your favorite variety?
Soda, and I don’t drink it, sorry. Health nut here.

Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
My brown hiking boots with black laces and thick soles. They keep my feet warm and are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. No spiked pumps for this girl.

Many years ago, my niece wrote to ask me what I wear when I’m writing . . . because she was going to a career day for which she had to dress up as the occupation she wants to be when she grows up. How would you have answered her?
Comfortable jeans, a plain shirt, and my hiking boots.

What’s the most fun/interesting/crazy/scary/unique hands-on research you’ve done for a book?
Sword fighting with my daugher! I needed to know what a sword feels like in my hands and sounds like when it swooshes through the air and clanks against another sword! So much fun!

Candles. We all have them. But do you burn them? What scents are your favorite?
I love the scent of vanilla! I have vanilla candles, perfume, oil, bubble bath, soap… you name it

Have you ever re-gifted something someone’s given you?
Absolutely! No sense in wasting a good gift!

If you were to write a novel about what your life would have been like if you’d become what you wanted to be at eight years old, what kind of character would the story be about?
An astronaut soaring through outer space discovering new worlds and conquering evil wherever I found it.

Have you ever gone on a book-signing tour before? What are you looking forward to next week? What makes you nervous?
I’ve been on book-signings, but not an entire tour. I’m looking foward to chatting with people about my books and the ministry of writing for God’s glory and being able to encourage them with a word from God or pray for them. Nervous? That I’ll put my big foot in my mouth (which usually happens at least once a day) or that nobody will even show up. 😦

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Shut off your left brain (the logic, rule following, critical side) and write from your heart without censure.

What’s your biggest dream for the future?
To hear the words from God’s mouth when I enter Heaven, “Well done, good and faithful servant” I’m not saying I’m there yet, and I fail so often, but each day I strive to do God’s will and bring Him glory.
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M.L. Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series and The Charles Town Belles 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.