Let me tell you a bit about the history between Tristi Pinkston and me.
I met Tristi at my very first LDS Storymakers Conference four years ago. Actually, I met her husband first. I remember standing in line for the one and only upstairs bathroom and Tristi's hubby, Matt, was rocking their baby—No,not in the bathroom! Silly people. Out in the common waiting area. Sheesh. Anyway, he caught my attention because I had a little one about the same age at home with a babysitter. We ended up chatting quite a while and eventually, Tristi wandered by to check on them. Matt introduced us.
There I was—the intimidated wanna-be—next to a bonafide published and popular LDS author. Tristi immediately put me at ease by talking about her family, asking about my writing, and making me laugh. And there you have it. A friendship, that over time and many, many more conversations and get togethers, has become near and dear to my heart. I could tell you lots and lots of funny stories about Tristi, her family, and my family. The thing you really should know though, is that she is one of the most sincere and delightful people I've ever met. I've been super impressed with her relationship with her family, her love and dedication to writing, and how she keeps everything together while still having a great time.
Have you ever met someone and thought - “Wow. I wish I could be like that . . .” That's Tristi to me. The difference is Tristi isn't someone I just look at and wish I could be like. Nope, Tristi encourages me to be the best I can be—not only in writing, but in everything I do. And like a good friend, she helps me along the way.
Now that I've been all sentimental, let's move on to my interview with her about her new book, Season of Sacrifice.
QOTC: During your research, what was the most surprising thing you learned?
Tristi: I already knew most of the story before I began the research, as the story had been passed down verbally in my family. However, when I got to the research stage, I was surprised to discover that when Sarah and her parents came from Wales and rode the train to Utah, they were on the first train to use the Transcontinental railroad. There was a big write-up in all the major newspapers about it, and they got to be in on the whole thing.
QOTC: A little birdie told me you discovered that relatives of a close friend of yours also traveled with your ancestors to the San Juan valley. Could you tell us more about that?
Tristi: Actually, several people I know are descended from the Hole in the Rock pioneers. My sister's best friend is related to the Sevy's, my former Relief Society president is related to Silas Smith, and a writer friend of mine turned out to be a cousin, coming through Ben and Sarah's only son. It seems I'm running into descendents all over the place—it's so cool.
QOTC: How did researching and writing this book effect your relationship with your ancestors?
Tristi: I have so much admiration and respect for them. They were people of absolute faith, who were determined to do the Lord's will at any cost. I can't even explain how honored I feel to have their blood in my veins.
QOTC:Can you give your fans some hints about what you are working on for your next book?
Tristi: Relief Society meets Miss Marple and the Godfather, and they all eat cookies.
QOTC: Ooh! That sounds very intriguing—I can't wait to hear more!
I'd like to thank Tristi for letting me be a part of her Season of Sacrifice Blog Tour. I wish her lots of luck, lots of book sales, and lots and lots of time to write to bring us more fantastic stories!
And now, for the contest!
The winner of this contest will receive an autographed copy of Season of Sacrifice and a variety of Scentiments products chosen by Tristi Pinkston. This would make a fantastic “Pamper Me” Mother's Day gift. How much better can it get—wonderful bath salts for that hot bath you've been yearning for and a good book to read while you soak.
Here are the rules:
1.You must correctly answer all three contest questions. Answers can be found on Tristi's website. (Just in case the link didn't work, you can find Trist's website at http://www.TristiPinkston.com)
2.All answers need to be emailed to me at: danyelle@familyclan.org by Monday, May 5th at 8 am Central Time. My one year old will draw the winner's name from a hat. The winner's name will be posted by noon on May 5th. The winner will have 24 hours to reply with email and snail mail addresses, which I will forward on to Tristi who will ship out the prize. Hopefully the winner will receive the box close to Mother's Day.
And the contest questions are:
1.What is the name of the book Tristi wrote when she was five-years-old?
2.What made Tristi happiest about moving to Orem?
3.What are the ingredients in Tristi's Scentiments Lip Balm?
Happy hunting and good luck!
