Sunday, February 28, 2010

Secret Sisters Contest!

Hey, Blog Readers!

You may have already seen this announcement, but scroll to the bottom for an update.

I'm tickled pink (but really, what other color would I be?) to announce a contest to kick off the release of "Secret Sisters," the first installment in my new series, "The Secret Sisters Mysteries."

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.



The book will be launched on March 16th up at the Gateway Barnes and Noble, and to count down the days, we're going to have a little fun!

First of all, there's an awesome prize. The winner of my contest will receive:

A bag of lavender-scented potpourri

A white lace doily

A copy of "Secret Sisters," autographed to them

A $25.00 gift certificate to Amazon.com

And ... and ...

The chance to read the sequel before anyone else on earth, except for my editor and critique group


How amazing is that??


What do you have to do to be entered?

1. If you have a Facebook account, click here and friend Ida Mae. Value: One point

2. If you have a Blogger account, go here and follow Ida Mae. Value: One point

3. If you have a Twitter account, follow Ida Mae @IdaMaeBabbitt. Value: One point

4. Go to my website and sign up for my newsletter. Value: Two points Note: If you have trouble getting on to the newsletter page, e-mail me at tristipinkston AT gmail.com and I can add you on directly.

5. Send Ida Mae a question to be featured in her weekly "Ask Ida Mae" segment. She will answer any question from politics to religion to cooking. Reach her at idamae@tristipinkston.com Value: Two points

6. Blog, retweet, or post this contest on Facebook. Value: Two points each. Do all three - triple points.

7. Tell your friends about this awesome new series. Value: One point for each friend you tell.


Add up all your points and send them to me at tristipinkston@gmail.com You will receive one entry per point. The more things you do on the above list, the more chances you have to win! The winner will be drawn the night before the launch party, so set your sights on March 15th. If the winner happens to come to the launch party, I will bring the prize to the event, have my picture taken with you, and I'll post that picture on my blog and Facebook accounts.

Have fun!

Update! Due to the huge outpouring of entries to this contest, I've decided that in addition to the grand prize, I'm going to give away three additional copies of Secret Sisters. Spread the word to all your friends, and don't forget to enter yourself!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Esther and the King - On Sale at Walmart!

I'm really excited right now.

We've been fans of Liken the Scriptures for years. To be honest, there are some films we prefer over others, but I think that's pretty par for the course when you're dicussing any series. My very, very favorite is "The First Christmas," but my second favorite is "Esther and the King."

I just found out that "Esther and the King" will be carried in Walmart starting March 2nd. The price point will be even lower than what you can get on the Liken site (Walmart's just that way) and it's an awesome gift for Easter. But here's the thing - if Walmart sees how well Esther's sales go throughout the month of March, they may decide to carry the full line of movies by Liken.

Why is this important?

The Liken the Scriptures movies take scripture stories, both from the Bible and Book of Mormon, and dramatize them so that families and children can understand the gospel principles taught therein. They can be enjoyed by families of any Christian denomination - if you prefer to just watch the Bible stories, you'll find that they are excellent representations of the events in the Bible. We need to be sharing quality entertainment with our children to offset the other ... for lack of a better word ... rotten stuff they are subjected to on a daily basis. And with these films, they are getting action, adventure, and humor, and the shows are full of little aside comments and jokes that moms and dads will enjoy.

As Walmart sees a surge in sales of Esther, and as Walmart decides to carry the other films in the series, we can send a message to the big boy chain store that we want quality for our families. The fabric of our nation is made up of the threads of our families, and as we strengthen those threads, the whole piece becomes strong. It's no secret that children who spend quality time with their families, learning good principles and developing healthy relationships, do much better in all aspects of their lives than do children without those advantages.

So, I encourage you - head in to Walmart on March 2nd or shortly thereafter. Pick up a copy of Esther. If you're not familiar with the Liken the Scriptures products, this is your chance to try them out at a reduced price. Show Walmart that you want more uplifting entertainment for your family. Because you know what - this isn't just about Liken the Scriptures. Sure, they'll get their spot in Walmart, and that will be great, but this will open doors for other companies to bring their family-friendly merchandise in, and we'll all benefit from the broader selection of entertainment that will uplift, rather than tear down, the atmospheres in our homes.

If you would like to purchase Esther online, click here.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Awesome Web Site!!

Isn't it kind of funny how you can live across the street from someone for a couple of years and then all of a sudden discover something about them you didn't know?

I live across the street from this lady and yet for some reason, I never happened on her site until last night. I've been missing out!!

*This recommendation comes with a warning. If you are a scrapbooker, pull up a comfy chair. You'll be browsing the site for quite a while - there's so much to look at and salivate over!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The LDStorymakers Writers Conference

April is coming, sooner than we might think. What is so significant about April? It's the month of the LDStorymakers Writers Conference, the event I look forward to all year long.

Six years ago, I had the opportunity to head up the very first Storymakers conference. We were a small group back then, but we thought we were all that ... and do you know what? We were right. Each year, conference attendance has grown until this last year, we were at 270-something, up from 40-something our first year. We have been dubbed the best writers conference west of the Mississippi, and Lisa Mangum of Deseret Book had this to say:

"I have been to many writer's conferences during my ten years as Acquisitions Editor for Deseret Book Company and I can say without hesitation that the LDS Storymaker's Conference is one of the best I've ever attended. I was impressed by so many things about the Conference: the classes were exceptional, the presenters were stellar, the speakers were inspirational, the attendees were enthusiastic. I left the Conference thinking to myself, ‘Here are the writers who are devoted to their craft, who are willing to work hard and be persistent, who understand the business of writing and of publishing. Here are the writers who are going to revolutionize the LDS writing world.’ I was so happy to have met so many great people who are involved in such a thriving, active writer's community. I look forward to reading the work that will come as a direct result of the Conference. It truly was a privilege to attend the 2007 LDS Storymaker's Conference.”


Since giving us that endorsement in 2007, Lisa has been a regular attendee and supporter of the conference.

What will you learn by coming?

If you're a new author, you'll learn how to craft and polish your story and get it ready for submission.

If you're an established author, you'll learn how to continue to hone your skills, and you'll learn how to market and network in new ways.

Regardless of your writing skill, you'll make friends, meet cool authors (who might also be the friends you make) and you'll be entertained, taught, and edified.

In addition to all this, there is currently a contest being held that might win you the chance to eat a meal with some of your favorite authors and coolest agents. Click here to learn more about it. I've been a bad bloggy slacker and didn't give you much time ... the contest ends on February 28th, so get a move on!

In the meantime, you can also check out the conference website and register. The conference is April 23 and 24 in Provo. Hope to see you there!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Conversation with Son During Primary



My five-year-old has a hard time sitting still during Primary opening exercises, so I sit with him. Today he caught sight of the picture of Jesus's baptism on the wall and turned to me.

"Mom, I want to get baptized."

"You do?"

"Yes."

"Okay, how old do you have to be?"

He thought for a minute. "I want to be as old as (his big brother) was. How old was he?"

"He was eight."

"Okay, I want to be eight." He pointed to the picture on the wall. "I want to be just like Jesus and get baptized."

Of course, my heart got all warm and fuzzy. We don't push the concept of baptism on our children, hoping they will gain that desire on their own, and because of the joy my membership in the Church has brought me, I'm delighted when they decide it for themselves. My moment of spiritual uplift was slightly shattered, however, as my son continued to study the picture, and then uttered in a too-loud-for-Primary voice:

"JESUS was BAPTIZED OUTSIDE????"

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Ask Tristi, Part Three

Today's questions all come from Regina.

#1 - Other than scriptures, what book have you read more than any others in your life?

Little Women. I have read it over and over again. Close seconds would be Heidi, Anne of Green Gables, and Rilla of Ingleside.

#2 - What do you think is better - a good review or a good vacation?

I never go on vacation, so I would have to say a good review.

#3 - What is the worst thing you have ever worn and do you have pictures?


When I was a little girl, I had these blue and white houndstooth pants and a red and white patterned shirt. I saw nothing wrong with wearing them together, and my mom (who should have been saving me from myself) saw nothing wrong with it either. I greatly embarrassed my sisters, and I probably owe them each an apology. No, there were no pictures.

#4 - Have you ever passed on a book that ended up being a big hit? Have you ever thought a book was a sure thing and it bombed? Valor has only been up and running since last May and we've only released one book so far, so we aren't far enough in to the game to know stuff like this yet, but now I'm really curious to see how that all pans out down the road.

#5- If you were not an editor but you still had to earn your pesos, what would you be doing right now? If I were not an editor. Hmmmm. Probably doing some other kind of writing job online. I've done media reviews for years, both for pay and not for pay, and I've been a professional blogger for two different companies. I imagine I'd be doing something along those lines, but I'm not sure.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Ask Tristi, Part Two

Thanks for joining me for our continuation of "Ask Tristi."

Connie asked:

You must be a very organized person. How in the world do you find time to do all you do? Do you ever sleep?

My Answer: I've actually weeded out a lot of things, but yes, I do still do quite a bit. I don't spend a lot of time on housework and I have given up all but a couple of my hobbies. I do it all in little chunks here and there, and somehow, they add up to completed projects when I'm done. Sleep? Not so much.

Kimberly asked:

What is one strength and one weakness we don't know about you?


My Answer: I've been thinking about this ever since Kim first asked it, and I have to say, it's one of the hardest questions I've ever been asked.

My weakness is that when I get stressed, I get very selfish and I shut the world out. I'll turn the kids over to my husband and go curl up and read, or I'll leave the house, or I'll stay up late and watch a movie, all by myself. I am very stingy about my alone time.

My strength ... it's pretty hard to look at yourself and identify your own strengths. I have the strength of listening to two people argue and being able to understand what they are both trying to say and aren't able to express. It's come in handy in negotiations and helping to solve disputes.

Stay tuned for more questions and answers tomorrow!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Ask Tristi, Part One

Last week, I announced "Ask Tristi Week." Several of you responded with your questions, and I've had a lot of fun answering them. I've broken my responses up over several days, so get ready to learn more about me than you've ever wanted to know.

L. T. Elliot asked:

You have some books with different publishing houses. My question is, will you continue working with many different publishers now that you're so busy with Valor?

My Answer: I have published with a few different publishing houses, but not at the same time. Each came into my life at the right time, and then that time drew to an end. Right now I'm contracted with Valor and I plan to publish with them for the remainder of my career.

Jen asked:

Do you ever wear the pink bunny suit when no one is looking?

My Answer: If no one is looking, what's the point?

Queen of Chaos asked:

When are you gonna be my neighbor?

My Answer: You live in a very hot place. I'll be your neighbor when you move up here, or when I grow flame-retardant skin. I don't do well in the heat.

Join me again tomorrow for the next round of questions during "Ask Tristi Week."

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Incredible Announcement

Every so often, life brings a surprise that's so awesome, you just have to hold your breath and squinch your eyes shut for a minute to see if it's still there when you open them. Ever since I've started working for Valor Publishing Group, I've had several of these moments, from getting to work with Utah State Attorney General Mark Shurtleff to meeting people I've always wanted to meet. Today I found out that another amazing opportunity is coming my way. And it's coming your way, too ...

Before Cleon Skousen passed away, he wrote four additional books, and bequeathed them to his sons with the charge of finding a publisher who would take them on and do them justice. Valor Publishing, the company I work for, just signed the contract with the Skousen sons, and we are releasing the first manuscript in April of this year. How amazing is that—one of the most well-respected, knowledgeable spiritual scholars we have ever had, and there are four more books to add to his already well-established list of publications? And how amazing is it that I get to be part of it? I’m honestly so mindboggled by it.

The first book is called “Cleansing of America” and details the prophecies concerning America leading up to the latter days. In reading this book preparatory to editing it, I have been very touched by the power and magnitude of the words. I can’t wait to share it with all of you.

And … and … I have even more awesome news. First thing Monday morning, you can go to the Valor website and place your preorder for 10% off, and you will get your copy at least a week before the books hit any store shelves. Monday is going to be an incredible day for fans of Brother Skousen’s as we have the chance to get in line for this first book. We are preparing our website right this minute to handle massive amounts of traffic we know will come our way on Monday – this is so incredible, and so huge, we will be busy processing your orders.

Books ordered on Monday will not be shipped until the last week of March, but you will get your copy far in advance of any store. Please join us in celebrating this monumental moment in LDS literary history!

Click here to read what Valor Publishing Group's president, Candace Salima, posted about this.

UPDATE: The order page is now live!! Click here!

Sunday, February 07, 2010

It's "Ask Tristi" Week!

That's right ... it's "Ask Tristi" Week ... the week in which you get to ask Tristi anything! Why? Because I love you!

Send me all your questions, and at the end of the week, I will do a special post in which I answer all those questions. I may even do two special posts, if I get enough. I will answer any question asked in a spirit of genuine wanting-to-know-ness, and will ignore anything asked in a spirit of being snarky. 'Cause that's not loving.

E-mail your questions to me at tristipinkston AT gmail.com by Friday night, 8 pm. Then check back for answers on Monday morning!

Agent in Old Lace Review at Reading for Sanity

I always get a little nervous when I hear that one of my books is being reviewed, especially when I respect that reviewer's opinion. Reading for Sanity, one of my favorite book review blogs, posted this today, and I'll confess I held my breath until I was done reading it. Shall I tell you what it says? Neah, you can go read it for yourself.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Movie Review: Ice Castles (2010)

I grew up watching figure skating. Brian Boitano, Scott Hamilton, Kurt Browning, Midori Ito ... I remember when Tonya Harding went whacko and Nancy Kerrigan got in her way. I remember when Michelle Kwan first came on the scene and blew everyone out of the water. And, by coincidence, skating fans around the world are commemorating the passing of Sergei Grinkov today. Sergei was one half of the most amazing pairs team the world has ever known.

I also remember watching a movie called "Ice Castles" as a little girl. The film starred an actress named Lynn-Holly Johnson and a guy named Robby Benson (yes, the same guy who went on to voice Beast in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast.") The film was especially interesting to me because Colleen Dewhirst had a role in the film, and I already knew and loved her as Marilla from "Anne of Green Gables."

Consequently, when I was contacted by a movie production company and they asked me to review a remake of "Ice Castles," I was all over it like sparkly make-up on a skater's face.

This version was released just this year and stars little-known ice skater Taylor Firth as our main character, Alexis Winston, a girl who loves to skate on the pond near her home. Her mother was a skater and she mimics moves she saw her mother perform, but she's never entered any competitions. When the opportunity presents itself, her father and her aunt, also her coach, support her in competing, and she places very well. Skating coach Aiden is in the audience, and he invites her to come train with him.

This will constitute a huge sacrifice for all involved. Alexis has been seriously dating Nick, and her training will take her away from him for long stretches of time. He's in college on a hockey scholarship and is trying to get noticed by a scout, so he's gone a lot as it is. They make a vow to keep in touch and be there for each other as often as they can.

But Alexis soon learns that the world of a figure skater isn't always pretty dresses and applause. The other girls at the training center are rude to her, and Aiden is harsh. Only her love of skating keeps her there, and a little at a time, she and Nick start drifting away from each other. Soon, she and Aiden start drifting toward each other.

Her newfound star status unsettles her, and she just wants to get away for a while. Finding a frozen pond, similar to the place where she first found her roots, she goes out to skate, but the ice quality isn't very good and she gets injured, losing her sight.

The remainder of the movie consists of her learning that there is life without vision, and that she can still skate - a very interesting process as she learns to feel the ice rather than seeing it.

I always had a soft spot in my heart for the original movie, but this remake is far better. The acting is better all the way around, and Taylor Firth is a great skater. She even did her own stunt skating, and we're going to be seeing a lot of her on the ice. But it wouldn't surprise me to see her do more on the screen, too. In addition, the original movie hinted that Alexis had been sleeping with her coach, even though there weren't any actual scenes, but this film was very clean. I actually wished we could have seen a little more development in the relationship between Alexis and Aiden in this version so it would all make sense a little more, but I would feel very comfortable letting my daughter see the remake where I wouldn't if she were to see the original.

Michelle Kwan does make a brief appearance, but unlike Taylor Firth, she has no natural acting ability and should stick with her amazing skating. Love ya, Michelle ... but ... you probably know that acting's not your bag.

If you love figure skating, romances, or just good films, check this one out. It will be well worth your time.

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