Writers on Wednesday~ Tristi Pinkston

Welcome Tristi Pinkston today! Tristi was one of the first in a handful of local authors who I got the nerve up to talk to about the craft of writing. She was kind enough to answer all my newbie questions and not laugh at me. She's very good about giving back time and talent to the writing community. 

Enjoy today's post!

Is there one book or author who changed your life/viewpoint/writing?

One book?  No.  Not even close.  :) But I'll share some of those that have had the greatest impact. Dean Hughes and Ann Rinaldi lit a fire under me for writing historical fiction. Dee Henderson showed me how to write Christian novels that still contain a lot of suspense. Louisa May Alcott and L.M. Montgomery fed my hungry imagination and made it seem so natural for me to become a writer. Elizabeth Peters was very inspirational as I wrote "Targets in Ties." Every author I've read has influenced me in one way or another. That's the amazing about books.

Give us your elevator pitch.

For which book?  :)  Let me know and I'll send it over.

What’s your favorite snack?

Well now ... once upon a time, Tristi weighed 300 pounds. Tristi liked to eat gummy peach rings, chocolate-covered cinnamon bears, and drink Cherry Coke while she wrote. Then Tristi made some major lifestyle changes.  :)  She no longer weighs 300 pounds, she drinks ice water, and rather than snacking, she eats small meals. She also stops talking in the third person.

What is your most memorable high school experience?

I didn't attend public high school - I was taught at home, so I don't really have "high school experiences" so to speak. I did get to go to Russia for two weeks when I was high-school age, though. Does that count?

What was the first book that turned you into a reader?


I don't remember any one book because I honestly don't recall a time when I didn't know how to read. I learned when I was about three and have been doing it voraciously ever since. Some books I remember from my early childhood, though, are "Heidi," "Alice in Wonderland," "The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew," the Bobbsey Twins books, the Tucker books, "Eight Cousins" ... ah, those were the days.

 Are you a night owl or early bird?

Night owl all the way, baby!


What is your favorite meal?

I really like the scallopini de pollo at Macaroni Grill. If we're talking more simple fare, I'm a Taco Time fan - crispy bean burritos dunked in ranch dressing. To eat here at home, I make an awesome zucchini lasagna and also a great pizza meatloaf (both without grain or cheese)

What do you never leave home without?

Clothing. I might forget everything else, but I never forget my clothes.


Do you have any pets?

We tried that, but for every time we tried, we ended up experiencing some sort of death. It didn't work, obviously.

What is one piece of advice you would give aspiring writers?

Sit down, do the work, and take the lumps. That's three pieces of advice. Is three okay?


What are your goals for 2013?

My first goal is to work smarter instead of harder. I will be working to finish three full-length novels and also to finish the shorter volumes in my Write It Right series. I'll also be getting a lot of good work done for my editing clients.




--
Tristi Pinkston
Bestselling Author, Freelance Editor
Managing Editor for Gospel Ideals.org
http://www.tristipinkston.com
http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com
http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com