1st Blogoversary: Interview with MaryLu Tyndall & Giveaway!

MaryLu, welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Thank you SO much for being a part of my 1st Blogoversary Celebration! Would you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up on the beaches of South Florida where I fell in love with the sea and dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling heroes. I didn't start writing professionally until seven years ago when the very first book I completely was contracted as the first of a trilogy, Legacy of the King's Pirates. I love chocolate, popcorn, movies and good books and I'd rather be on a tropical island than anywhere else in the world. Currently I live on the California coast with my husband of twenty years, six children and an ever-changing number of stray cats.

What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?
Honestly, I'd have to say God. He's the one who put the desire on my heart from when I was a wee little one. As far back as I can remember, I've always written. Stories, Poems, novels, diaries, letter, etc.. I can't imagine a world where I do not write. It's just a part of me. I must have a release for all the stories swirling around in my head or I'd go nuts!


What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?
The first book that I kinda sorta finished was a time travel historical romance where the heroine was transported into a future long after a nuclear disaster, but the world was so archaic, she thought she'd ended up in the past. Anyway, although I did query one publisher, it was never published.

Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?
I write in the same exact spot every day, which is at my desk in my "writing" room.. which is actually more like a bat cave decorated like a tall ship. LOL. I've tried writing in other places.. outside, on my back porch, Starbucks, but I can't do it.

Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart?
Yes, my very first heroine in my very first published book, The Redemption. I modeled Charlisse after myself and my own journey through life as I searched for the love of a father who was absent during my childhood. Charlisse goes through many trials and adventures: kidnapped by pirates, attacked repeatedly, marooned on a deserted island, imprisoned. None of which I had to go through, thank God! But in the end, like me, she discovered that only the love of God could fill that hole in her heart.

What is the best gift you have ever received and who gave it to you?
A trip to a resort on Jamaica, and my hubby gave it to me. :-)

What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?
Travel to the Holy land in Israel.

What is your all-time favorite book?
I'd have to say the Bible. But aside from that, Captain Blood by Raphael Sabatini. Don't let the title dissuade you. It's a fabulous book!

Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?
Can I name more than one? Laura Frantz, Ronie Kendig, Laurie Alice Eakes, Lisa Bergren.

If a TV show was based on your life, what would the theme song be and why?
Amazing Grace. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? What's that? Well, if I had any, I love to oil paint and garden, but I haven't been able to do those in years.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird. Gotta get those worms!

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?
TV Show: Survivor. Movie: The Count of Monte Cristo.

If you had the opportunity to go anywhere you wanted, at anytime in history, where would you go and why?
Colonial times in America. I simply love this era when European settlers came in droves to the new land and created a life for themselves in the American wilderness. Everything was new and fresh. Opportunities abounded. Adventures were around every corner. It was a time of survival and family and honor. A time when our nation was just beginning to forge the ideas of freedom.

You are given an unlimited budget to plan your ultimate party. Please describe it (i.e. Where would it take place? Who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? Would there be a theme? etc.).
I would rent an entire deserted island in the Caribbean and fly in all manner of food and drink.. the best delicacies available. Shrimp, Lobster, Pasta, fresh bread, mangoes, bananas, oranges, yogurt, hamburgers, sweet potatoes and luscious homemade chocolate cake! I would hire builders to build air conditioned huts right on the beach for my guests and bring in world class bands for music. My guests could snorkel, fish, wade in the warm waters or lie on the beach. I'd also have a tall ship that would take people out on cruises. The guest list? All my family and friends and all the truly needy people in my city.

What are you currently working on?
A new trilogy called Escape to Paradise about a group of disgruntled Southerners after the civil war who board a ship and head toward Brazil where they hope to recreate a Southern Utopia. Believe it or not, this really happened? It's sort of a LOST meets Gone with the Wind.


Where can people connect with you online?
http://www.marylutyndall.com
http://crossandcutlass.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MaryLu-Tyndall-Swashbuckling-Romance/175344859169475

Thank you so much MaryLu for being on Hardcover Feedback!
My pleasure!!

GIVEAWAY:

MaryLu has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book Surrender the Dawn! If the winner is in the US they may choose a printed book or an e-book. If the winner is NOT in the US, then they would receive an e-book. 

To enter, all you have to do is follow this blog in at least one way, complete the mandatory entry and then complete whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open internationally!

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