John Tynan received his MFA in creative writing from the University of Arizona in 1997. In addition to writing poems and stories, he also composes songs and plays the accordion. He currently lives in Beijing, China, where his wife Rene Gutel is a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State, and makes his living as a web developer.

“Nothing could stop my heart from enjoying these memories and dreams.” -- Carol Hogan, President, Arizona State Poetry Society

“Written in the key of insight, Voice Lessons is a medley of wit and revelation—its pitch, perfect for the soul.” -- Rich Kenney, Poet & Assistant Professor of Social Work at Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska

“Voice Lessons refines our appreciation for the beauty that redeems impermanence. From childhood homes and grandparents to beloved dachshund companions, Tynan reminds us that nothing outlasts its own song. But his compass always points to the love behind the voice, so his tangible lyricism never gets lost in nostalgia. Throughout this debut collection, Tynan displays a knack for finding melody in the echoes of discarded things. With the flair of Hawaiian shirts and the Morse code of chirping crickets, the filament of discovery radiates on every page.” -- Shawnte Orion, author of "The Existentialist Cookbook"