Tyler R. Tichelaar is a seventh generation resident of Marquette, Michigan. Since age eight he wanted to be a writer, and at age sixteen, he began writing his first novel, which years later was published as "The Only Thing That Lasts." Tyler has a Ph.D. in Literature from Western Michigan University, and Bachelor and Master's Degrees in English from Northern Michigan University. He is the current President of the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association. He is the owner of Marquette Fiction and Superior Book Productions, a professional book review, editing, and proofreading service.