A Visit with Tristi Pinkston

 I have a wonderful friend and writer as a guest today. Tristi Pinkston is the author of seven novels. She also is a freelance editor, homeschools her children, and is an active blogger. Her newest book, Dearly Departed, is the second in her Secret Sisters series. 

What is the first thing you remember writing?

I remember writing a little story called "Sue the Dog" about a puppy who wanted to be a ballerina.  I illustrated it myself, mostly stealing ideas from my older sister's artwork.  She probably hated me for that. 

You have written in different genres, mostly historical. What inspired you to write the Secret Sisters books?

I overheard someone make the comment that they felt as though their home teachers were too nosy about them, almost like they were spying on them.  My first thought was, "Hmmm.  What if our home teachers and visiting teachers really did spy on us?" I shared the idea with my husband late one night, and we batted ideas back and forth, each sillier than the last. Surprisingly, when I woke up the next morning, it was still a good idea. 

I would love to travel more. What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

When I was fifteen, I had the opportunity to go to Russia with a group of American teenagers to go teach free enterprise to Russian teenagers.  The trip was sponsored by a business school in Provo called The Jefferson Institute.  We got on a boat and cruised up the Volga River.  That was a totally amazing experience for me. 

Anyone who reads my blog knows how important I feel it is to have balance in our lives. One way I do that is by having hobbies. What hobbies do you have?

My hobbies have really gone on the back burner since I started writing and editing, but I enjoy scrapbooking, watching good movies, and trying new recipes. And of course reading.  That one, I'll always have time for. Even if I have to stop bathing to work it in.  

If you could do anything different in your writing career, what would it be?

I would have started meeting with a critique group earlier.  I didn't even know such things existed when I first started writing, and I can see how my first books would have been so much better with that extra input. 

Thanks, Tristi. As always, it has been fun talking to you.

Remember to take a look at Tristi's blog and if you are looking for a good read, pick up one of her books.