Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Tristi Pinkston

Tristi Pinkston is the author of nine published books, with more on the way throughout 2012. She is the mother of four adorable homeschooled children, and the wife of one thoughtful, supportive man. She works as a freelance editor and online writing instructor, and she is also a virtual book tour coordinator. She’s a regular presenter at the annual LDStorymakers Writers Conference, and loves seeing people achieve their dreams.

Hello Tristi! Please tell us about your mystery novel.

Targets in Ties is the fourth installment in my series, The Secret Sisters Mysteries. My characters are an elderly Relief Society presidency who turned to espionage to get their visiting teaching done, and in this book, they are travelling down to Mexico to pick up Ren, our main character’s nephew, from his mission. While there, they run afoul of a wanted antiquities thief and end up having to escape using only a missionary name tag and string from a sock. It’s a lighthearted comedy/mystery appropriate for all ages.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I held a contest on my blog to see where Ren should go on his mission. Mexico was the winner, so I then thought about all the possible problems my little ladies could get into while there. I love Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody mysteries about antiquities theft, so I decided to try my hand at it. From there, it just took off, and we ended up racing through the jungle, bartering for goats, trying to shoot spiders, hot-wiring cars … yes, I do have a very active imagination.

I love comedy. Your book sounds fun to read. I, also, have a great interest with antiquities. My new mystery/adventure series is all about artifact theft. So we have something in common. I noticed that you have written cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, historical fiction and a cookbook. Which was the most fun to write?

I enjoyed each of them immensely, but the most fun by far has been cozy mystery. My characters come to life in my head and banter with each other, and I love seeing what they’re going to come up with next.

What does your family think about your writing?

I started writing when my oldest child was three, so my kids don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. They get excited to see me release something new, and they love to read my books, but this is their everyday life, so I’m not sure they see it as unusual in any way. My husband wasn’t completely sure what he thought when I first started, but then he saw how happy it made me, and he got totally on board. He’s now my biggest support. And of course, my mom likes to brag.

Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I once went on a group date at the library after hours (yes, we had permission) and we played Sardines. I won by hiding in the men’s bathroom. No one thought to look for me there. I am sneaky like that.

Hahaha! That’s so funny. Who would ever think of searching the Men’s Room? Not me! Now I know why it’s so easy for you to come up with comedy in your books. Now we know the real you: The “Sneaky” Author!