1. Tell me a bit about Marilyn Tyner, the author? What got you  started,  etc?

I've always been an avid reader and I've always had stories floating around in my head. My sister got me hooked on romance novels about fifteen years ago and, after reading a few, I thought 'I can do this'. However, after writing the first book, it sat in the drawer for five years before I raised the courage to submit it to a publisher. I had actually almost completed the second one before I submitted the first.  Arabesque bought the first one immediately - and the rest is history. 

2. Do you have a full-time career outside of your writing?

Yes, I'm a caseworker for the Pa. Dept. of Welfare.

3. When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy crafts of all kinds. Between my job and my activities in the two Masonic orders to which I belong, I don't really have much time for anything else but the writing.

4. What is something about you that your readers would be surprised you do?

Actually, I lead a very mundane existence. I can't really think of anything that would be surprising to readers.

5. What inspired you to write EVERYTHING TO GAIN?

Requests for sequels, in particular a story about Derek from FALSE IMPRESSIONS.  I decided that pairing Derek with Caroline from "Step By Step" would give me an opportunity to revisit both of the other families.

6. Tell us a bit about the book?

Having had a relationship six earlier, Derek and Caroline a chance encounter re-awakens the old feelings. Their breakup had been unpleasant, to say the least, but the passion had never died. As they struggle to overcome their differences, they are drawn into a dangerous situation that threatens Caroline's life. (I hope this is enough information. I don't want to give away too much of the plot.)

7. Which of your books is your favorite? Which did you most enjoy writing?

I can't really say that I have a favorite. I like each of them for different reasons. I guess I had the most fun writing FALSE IMPRESSIONS, though. The idea of 60 foot yachts and private islands was a great escape and too romantic to ignore.

8. What process do you use in writing your novels?

I mull over the story in my mind for months before I actually start writing. I sometimes even jot down conversations before putting one word on paper. After mulling over the story, I then write a long narrative of the gist of the story. From there I start the manuscript. Of course, in the process of actually writing the manuscript, there may be quite a few changes.

I remember, after completing SECRETS I decided to move about fifty pages from the last half of the book to the first half of the books.

(Thank goodness for word processors).

9. How long does it take you to complete a manuscript?

The first two novels were completed so long ago, I really can't remember. The first drafts for the others took three or four months.

10. What was your becoming a published writer journey like?

Exciting, incredible and fun.

11. Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?

In some ways. It's still exciting and hard to believe. It's also hard work and sometimes frustrating. Even after the first novel was published, I didn't know about organizations like Romance In Color, RWA, Romance Slam Jam and so many others that are helpful in publicizing my work. I also had no idea that the main responsibility for publicity would fall on me, not the publisher.

12. What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer and why?

My participation in writing workshops. It's great when fellow writers tell me that my talks and workshops have helped them in their writing efforts.

13. Your sister, Alice Wootson, is also a writer for Arabesque?  A question I've always wanted to ask. Did you encourage her to become a writer? Any plans of collaboration?

Actually, Alice is the one who encouraged me to write. After attending a few writing conferences with her, I gained the confidence to try my own hand.

We considered collaborating at one time, but we realized that our schedules make it difficult to work together on one story.

14. If you had known then what you know now, what would you have done differently in terms of your romance writing career?

I'd have talked to other writers and found out about the organizations I mentioned earlier. I'd have also been more discerning in looking for an agent.

15. Do you like communicating with your readers? In what forms?  And how can a reader contact you?

15. I love hearing from readers in any form - snail mail, email, booksignings, workshops, etc. I still remember the first letter I received and how thrilled I was that a reader had taken time to let me know she enjoyed my work.

16. What's next for Marilyn Tyner?

I'm not sure what's next for Arabesque. As far as fiction is concerned, I'm working on a time travel novel and a historical novel.  I've also been working on a nonfiction piece on widowhood and a children's story that deals with helping children cope with grief.