Tyler, a Minnesota native grew up in North Carolina. She has lived in Baltimore since 1965.

Tyler writes short stories and novels. Her novel "Earthly Possessions" debuted last month on HBO. It stars Susan Sarandon as a willing hostage.

"The Accidental Tourist," also made into film, is the story of a reluctant traveler attempting to make peace with his son's death.

Eleven years earlier, however, Tyler wrote "Celestial Navigation." In it she tells the story of a man who struggles to leave the security of his art and of his room to interact with people.

-- Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia and wire reports

Pub Date: 04/04/99