Feb 022012
 

Today we welcome Tristi Pinkston, author of several novels including her most recent book, Targets in Ties, book four in the Secret Sisters mystery series. Scroll down for details about the Targets in Ties book launch and the fun prizes Tristi will be giving away.

Please help us welcome Tristi to the LDSWBR blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment!

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Are You a Doer or a Talker?

I am very blessed to be a published author, and even more blessed to have been published multiple times. I really am living the life I’ve always wanted—I get to stay home with my kids, have a career that I love, and write books that people want to read. I truly consider myself so, so blessed.

I’ve had the chance to speak with writers who are looking to make the leap from “prospective author” to “published author.” They ask me questions about my journey, which I’m more than happy to answer, and then I listen to their responses. I hear them say things like, “Oh, you’re so lucky. I wish that would happen to me.” Or they say, “I’ve sent out ten queries this week, so it shouldn’t be too much longer before I have a contract too.” Can you hear the difference in those two responses?

Some writers dream about being published, but they never take serious action. They will sigh wistfully when they hear someone else talk about their contracts or their publisher, and then they bemoan the fact that they’re still seeking. Other writers are proactive. They are constantly working toward improving their craft. They send out the queries. They attend conferences. They network. They make friends in the right places. They do their research and their legwork. And when success comes their way, it’s not because they were lucky—it’s because they had prepared themselves to accept the opportunity when it came.

I have to admit, I get a little frustrated when I listen to people moan about their careers (or lack of careers). I’m going to share a little secret with you—if you keep doing what you’re doing, you will always be where you are. If you want to get somewhere else, you have to do something different. I have experienced for myself the power that comes from sitting down and making a goal sheet, then creating a to-do list off that goal sheet, and then getting down to business. In fact, an excellent program to help you do just that thing is found at http://www.30daypush.com. Don’t talk about what you want to achieve—make a comprehensive plan, and follow through.

If you’re not published yet, but you know the positive steps to take, you will get published. If you are published, but are unhappy with your sales or your situation, take some positive steps, and your situation will improve. Here’s another secret—you are in control of your life. You don’t have to wait for good things to happen to you—you can be the catalyst that makes good things happen to you.

Yes, you will have to be patient. No, success won’t happen overnight. But you will be creating the atmosphere in which success can thrive. You will learn things on your journey that will prepare you for success. Think for a minute about the difference between a person who just has a ton of money handed to them versus the person who has worked hard for their money. Doesn’t the person who worked for it appreciate it more and know how to budget it and take care of it? It’s the same thing with success. When you’ve been in the trenches and have worked your way out of it, it tastes so much sweeter.

Ask yourself one simple question: Am I a doer or a talker? Doers get things done. Doers are strong, powerful, positive—and they inspire others. Talkers usually end up just talking to themselves in a lonely little corner somewhere. Take control of your life. Change the things you can change. Learn different ways to cope with the areas you can’t change. And then you’ll be creating an atmosphere where success is drawn to you.

Tristi Pinkston is the author of nine books and works as a freelance editor and virtual book tour coordinator. You can learn more about her at www.tristipinkston.com, and purchase her latest book, Targets in Ties, at AMAZON.

You are also invited to attend her launch party for Targets in Ties on Thursday, February 2nd, from 5 – 7 pm at Pioneer Book, 858 S. State in Orem, Utah. Click here http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-time-for-secret-sisters-fiesta.html for all the details, and to learn about a fun online contest for those who are unable to attend the launch.

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Thank you, Tristi! 

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Hang ‘em High (Secret Sisters #3)

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published: July 2011

Softcover; 258 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-59992-800-5

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: free review copy for honest review except for Mindy who purchased hers :)

***Tristi’s giving away a free manuscript evaluation! Read on for details.***

Shanda’s Review

In Hang ‘em High, we meet Keith, Ida Mae’s long-time estranged son. Keith invites Ida Mae up to visit his dude ranch in Montana in the middle of winter and welcomes Arlette and Tansy as well. When Keith’s prize stud is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Ida Mae convinces her son to let her do some investigating.

The Secret Sisters are soon joined by Eden, Kevin and Ida Mae’s beau, George. What follows is an entertaining tale layered with hilarious adventure, mystery, rebuilding family connections, and a hint of romance.

While I knew I would like the Secret Sisters series, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I do. I’m surprised at how much I’ve come to care about and appreciate these three older ladies, their quirky personalities and crazy antics. I know that when I sit down to read a Secret Sisters mystery, I am guaranteed an entertaining story, intriguing mystery, and a good laugh or two.

I give Hang ‘em High 4 stars out of 5 for helping me see that you’re never too old to learn and change, for making me smile, and for leaving me excited for the next book in the series.

Mindy’s Review

Hang ‘em High had me smiling and laughing from the start, and for that I knew I was going to love this book. Ida Mae and her grown kids are estranged, have been for years. Arlette secretly wrote to Keith and Kim to tell them about Ida Mae’s accidents (see Dearly Departed). Keith was the only one that responded; he was thrilled and invited Ida Mae to his dude ranch for a visit. Ida Mae couldn’t be happier, there has been some unresolved issues with her kids and she was glad that she could try to clear the air with one of them. Ida Mae gets her courage and calls Keith to see if the offer was still there for her to come see him in Montana. At a shopping spree in Walmart, Ida Mae invites Tansy and Arlette to come along too. They make it to Montana just in time to beat the big snow storm knocking at the door, and just in time for a mystery involving some breeding horses at the ranch.

I loved this book. Every page had something witty and funny. Tristi’s writing is so consistent, and her characters are so full of heart and humor. Ida Mae is my favorite, but I love how all the characters are written in their own unique and special way. I won’t give away too much, but my favorite part is when the ladies are trying to break in a window. Laugh out loud funny.

4 stars out of 5. Hang ‘em High is a fast paced, quick read. Very funny. I finished fast and it left me hungry for the next one. Luckily I don’t have to wait long. Targets in Ties comes out in January of next year!

Sheila’s Review can be found her personal blog: Why Not? Because I Said So!

Hang ‘em High is available for purchase from Deseret Book and Amazon.

Visit Tristi’s website: http://www.tristipinkston.com and blog: http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com

Contest Info!

To celebrate the release of Tristi’s eighth book, she’s holding a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered into a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation, done by Tristi Pinkston Editing http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com. In fact, you can leave comments on all the blogs participating in this virtual book tour! Go to Tristi Pinkston’s blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com for a list. The deadline is October 5th at midnight MST. If you win and you’re not a writer, you can give this evaluation to a friend.

Have you read any of the Secret Sisters Mysteries yet? If so, do you have a favorite character?

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Dearly Departed

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published Date: January 2011

Softcover: 270 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-935217-89-3

FTC FYI: Borrowed from friend

I’m a big fan of Tristi Pinkston, both as a person and an author. Previously I have read a few of her more serious historical novels, so it was a real treat to read about the fun and quirky women known as “The Secret Sisters.” Tristi’s fun personality shines through Ida Mae, Tansy, Eden, Hattie, and even Arlette, not to mention sweet old George.

After enjoying Tristi’s more serious novels, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading The Secret Sisters series. I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest, and I’m not just saying that because I’m part of the blog tour. I loved the characters, story and writing in Dearly Departed. Eden, especially, has become one of my favorites. I think if I was an obituary editor, I would go to some of the funerals, too. I really liked that about her. And, Tristi, c’mon!- how dare you invite someone like Kevin to the party? How is Eden supposed to choose? I’m not sure if I’m Team Ren or Team Kevin, and usually I have a definite opinion in this type of situation.

Clean writing, memorable characters, and a story both fun and suspenseful make Dearly Departed a definite must-read. The only thing that could make it better? Reading the copy you won! See details below to find out how you could win one of three copies of Dearly Departed as well as a Grand Prize.

Ida Mae Babbitt rides again!
Ida Mae Babbitt may be a reformed woman, but trouble just can’t stay away.
Follow the blog tour for Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston and learn
about Ida Mae’s latest adventure.

We will be giving away THREE copies of Dearly Departed.

One GRAND PRIZE winner will win this fun scrapbooking pack.

It’s easy to enter:

  1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why you’re excited to read Dearly Departed. Remember to include your email address.
  2. For an additional entry become a follower of Walnut Springs Press blog, Tristi’s blog, or any of the fabulous review blogs. Leave a comment letting us know who’s blog you now follow.
  3. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you’ll receive an additional entry for each post.

Good luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on March 6th.

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Ida Mae Babbitt has done her community service and is a reformed woman – no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette’s granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae – with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle – checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she’s buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She’s bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

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February 16th
Starcrossed Book Reviews
(Nichole Giles)

Febraury 17
Inksplasher

(Karlene Browning)

February 18
Heather Justesen

February 21
Elizabeth Mueller

February 22
LDS Women’s Book Review
(Shanda Cottam)

February 23
Rachelle Writes
(Rachelle Christensen)

Sometimes Hard But Oh So Worth It

(Kimberly Coates)

February 24
Fire and Ice
(Heather Gardner)

February 28
Cheryl’s Book Nook
(Cheryl Koch)

March 1
JDP News
(Joyce DiPastena)

March 2
Teri Rodeman

March 3
Why Not? Because I Said So
(Sheila Staley)

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May 242010
 

Part 3: Danyelle Ferguson, Lynn Parsons, and Tristi Pinkston

As the last hours of our first day at the LDStorymakers Conference came to a close, we were able to speak with authors Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons about their new book, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. Tristi Pinkston also took a few minutes to share some of her thoughts about the LDStorymakers Conference. This time we remembered we had a camera!

Listen to the podcast here:

 

(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

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Podcast for April 2, 2010
Episode 43

Recently, Sheila, Hillary and I were able to sit down with Karen Hoover, author of The Sapphire Flute, and Candace Salima, president of Valor Publishing. We had spoken briefly with Karen at the Valor Publishing Book Launch in March, and it was nice to be able to speak with Karen about her book in greater detail. Candace is teaching a class at the LDStorymakers Conference taking place April 23-24 at the Provo Marriott Hotel. If you’re still debating about attending the LDStorymakers Conference, listen to Episode 43 and learn how much the Conference helped both Karen and Candace in their success as authors.

Listen to the podcast here:

 

(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

karencandaceandus4_2_2010_wm

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Podcast for March 16, 2010
Episode 42 Part 2

In Part 2 of Episode 42, we take some time to speak with Candace E. Salima, President of Valor Publishing Group. Candace shared with us the how and why behind Valor Publishing, as well as some big things that will be happening for Valor Publishing in the near future. Candace had great things to say about the new authors at the March Book Launch, as well as those who have helped make Valor a success. Visit Valor Publishing at www.valorpublishinggroup.com for more information.

Listen to the podcast here:

 

(click here to download, or right-click and select "Save as")

valorauthors3_16_2010_wm

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