My Name is Frankie

I spent my childhood hiding from my father as much as possible. I learned early on that if I tried to save my mother from a beating, I’d get hit and then my mother would be beaten even more. It was best for both of us if I didn’t get involved. I’d leave the house and go far away, curling up under a tree where I could cry my “alone tears.” Then I’d creep into the house and into bed, grateful to have escaped, but then I’d get beaten in the morning. It was the alcohol. It was always the alcohol. 

Frankie Maio was never expected to amount to much. The oldest son of an alcoholic, it was no surprise when he turned to alcohol as well. Forty-seven years of heavy drinking and drug abuse should have been the end of him ... but Frankie's mother believed in miracles, and that's what Frankie got.

My Name is Frankie is the true story of a hard life, a long road, and the healing hand of a higher power that reached down and changed everything. This book is a memoir co-authored by Frankie Maio and Tristi Pinkston.

"My Name Is Frankie vividly portrays the 47-year struggle of a man dragged down to the lowest level by alcoholism, and the strength and fortitude to rise above his addiction. Frankie Maio and Tristi Pinkston have co-authored a true story which will have you experiencing a gamut of emotion. Be prepared to put the rest of your life on hold, because this is one book you will not put down until the last page has been turned." - Lisa Bennett, reviewer, blogger, and ghostwriter

If you have struggled with addiction, or know someone who has, this book is for you. There is always hope. Purchase My Name is Frankie here for the Kindle. Purchase here for other ebook formats. Learn more here.

Women of Strength by Tristi Pinkston

From the back cover:

The need for courageous, faithful women has never been greater than it is today. As we draw nearer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we are faced with temptations on every side. But we can prevail as we gain true strength from living the gospel.



In Women of Strength, Tristi Pinkston shares inspiring stories, as well as insightful quotes from Church leaders, to demonstrate the power and influence of righteous women. This book invites women everywhere to deepen their relationship with the Savior, rely on the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and learn what it really means to be strong.

I had the privilege of reading this book and I am very grateful I did. It is an amazing book. I LOVED it.

Tristi writes with courage and conviction and you can feel her strength in the pages of this book. She doesn't try to sugar-coat anything but tells it like it is. As women of God we must be strong and we find that strength in keeping the commandments. We find that strength in turning to Christ instead of the world.

Tristi shares examples and her conversational-style writing makes you feel like she's in the room with you teaching you these concepts. These aren't new concepts, but Tristi helps you see how they apply in your life, right here, right now.

I read the book while traveling to Florida to see my daughter and I'm sure some of the passengers on the plane wondered why I kept tearing up or why I'd say, "Yes, this is exactly how I feel" or "I love this." I kept pointing out passages to my husband and saying, "This one is great."

I highly recommend this book. I think every woman would benefit from reading it whether they are single or married, young or old. I especially loved the chapter on finding strength in talents. I love to write, but sometimes, I feel like I should be cleaning out the basement or organizing the linen closet or scrubbing the baseboards or sewing all the wardrobe for my kids instead of taking time to write and nurture that talent. However, Tristi reminds us that Heavenly Father has given us talents to nurture and to share and we can find strength in the talents He has given us.

Here is the link to Amazon to purchase this book. I think you'll love it as much as I do.

I was given a copy of this book to review, but it did not influence my review. I don't review many books and only post reviews of books I love. This book, I love.

Winner of Blog Hop

Thank you to everyone who participated in the blog hop. Wasn't it fun? Thanks to Tristi Pinkston for sponsoring it. If you haven't read any of Tristi's books, you are missing out! Be sure to visit her blog and learn about all of her books--she's multi-talented for sure.

Without further ado, the winner of a copy of my book The Upside of Down is . . . . (drum roll, please) Alison. Yay!!! I hope you enjoy the book, Alison. I'll contact you for your address.

Thanks again for the support! Happy reading!

Exciting Event: Tristi Pinkston's New Book Launch

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

Interview about Sodium with Tristi Pinkston

I'm thrilled to have my fabulous guest, Tristi Pinkston, visiting my blog today. Tristi is a multi-talented author and all-around fantastic person. She amazes me with all she accomplishes and now, on top of writing her fun, cozy Secret Sisters mysteries she has created a cookbook filled with delicious, low-sodium recipes. I admit, I've never worried much about sodium. My blood pressure is low and I don't eat fast food very often. But, as Tristi points out, some of the foods we commonly have in our homes can have high sodium content. And, high sodium is not good for our hearts.

Tristi has tested each of these recipes and is now offering her new cookbook for a great price.

Here's my interview:

Why should we worry about sodium?
Sodium puts pressure on the heart and it causes the kidneys to work extra hard. We need a certain amount in our diets – at least 400 mg. – but when we are getting too much of it, we’re hurting our bodies. It’s recommended that you try for no more than 1,000 mg. per day.

I don't use table salt so I'm safe from too much sodium, right?


Sorry to say, nope. A lot of foods contain sodium naturally, and if you’re eating a lot of prepackaged or boxed foods, you’re eating the sodium that’s been used to preserve the food. You can live a very high-sodium lifestyle without ever reaching for the salt shaker.

What kinds of food have high sodium content?


Fast food is one of the biggest culprits. When you get a combo, you’re eating about 1200 mg. One taco has over 400 mg, and who can get full eating just one taco? I know I don’t. But then there are foods that we commonly have around the house. Cottage cheese, while being touted as a great healthy food, actually has 400 mg. in one serving. Salad dressings, ham and bacon, cheese, canned soups – if you take time to go through your kitchen and read labels, you’ll be pretty surprised.

How does too much sodium affect our hearts?

First, it causes the arteries to harden. Second, it increases your blood volume. Third, it increases your blood pressure. Imagine you have a really old, brittle garden hose, and you turn on a whole lot of water all at once. The high pressure of that much water pouring through the hose would make it break because it's brittle, and the same thing can happen to your heart, and does, for a lot of people.

What made you decide to write a cookbook with low-sodium recipes?


When I first tried to live the low-sodium diet, I was completely overwhelmed. I actually went hungry for two days because I couldn’t figure out what to eat and subsisted on carrots until I snapped out of it. Then I went into project mode. I always think better when I’m in project mode. I hit the Internet and started collecting recipes, and then I realized that they were all really labor-intensive and took a long time to make. I can’t live my life that way, so I took matters into my own hands and started making my own recipes. There’s nothing in my cookbook that takes more than a few minutes of preparation, and it’s all affordable and family friendly.

Which recipe is your favorite?


Wow. This is a hard question. I like them all—if I didn’t like how a recipe turned out, it didn’t make it into the cookbook. But I do have a few special favorites. The carrot cake is a definite. I really like the chicken carbonara, the Bavarian pot roast, the fruit salad with poppy seed dressing. I also really like the blue cheese and ranch salad dressings, and the taco seasoning. Those are must-haves for keeping your sodium low and still eating delicious food. Oh, and there’s the pepper beef stroganoff. And …

This book is currently on a pre-order special. Order between June 25th and July 10th and receive not only the first copies off the press, but as a bonus, I will send you a sneak peek - the first chapter of my new Secret Sisters novel, Hang 'em High, being released this August. In addition, get 10% off the cover price!

Title: Bless Your Heart

Cost: $9.99 Now: $8.99
Shipping and Handling: $3.50
Total: $12.49

To order, send an e-mail to tristipinkston@gmail.com with your name, address, and number of copies you'd like ordered. Tell me if you would like your book signed or not, and who you would like it signed to. I can accept check or PayPal.

Your book will be shipped as soon as I receive it from the printer, roughly 4 weeks. Spread the word, share the love ... and let's get our hearts healthy!

To learn more about the amazing Tristi Pinkston visit her website.

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

Ida Mae Babbit 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?

They've done it again. Tristi Pinkston because she's once again written a humorous, entertaining, and fun read. And, Ida Mae because she's helped solve another mystery.

I consider myself somewhat of an expert on old-lady-speak and elderly knowledge since I grew up with my grandparents. I heard about all sorts of things that happen as you age and can attest to the fight for independence. Neither of my grandparents wanted to depend on anyone, even when they desperately needed to. I found the details in Ida Mae's characterization to be right on the money. Ida Mae is fiercely independent and even though her friends try to "help" her, she resists. But, of course, she can't resist a mystery. And you won't be able to resist reading this story.

I loved the unexpected romance. I used to think romance and all that was confined to the young (the older I get the more I realize I was wrong) but it's sweet to see it happen to older people, even if one of them isn't quite sure how to wear his hair. (You'll have to read the book to understand that reference).

Pinkston has created such realistic characters that I feel like I could visit with any of them because they feel like trusted friends. I think that's the magic with this book and with the series. The characters feel like people you might know in your neighborhood.

Dearly Departed in the second in the Secret Sisters Mysteries. I'm looking forward to the next one to see what Ida Mae and her gang will be up to next. And to see who Eden chooses.

You can learn more about Tristi Pinkston at her website and her blog. You can purchase Dearly Departed at Amazon.

Thanks, Tristi, for a fun and entertaining book!

Out of My Comfort Zone

I did a book signing the weekend before last. The signing was great, but I learned even more on the way home. The four of us, Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, Don Carey, and I stopped at libraries and bookstores between Logan and Salt Lake. Following Tristi's lead, I learned from a fearless master to step out of my comfort zone and approach people about my book.

I don't have a problem talking to people. I can talk for a long time (just ask my kids), but talking to someone about my author self and my books is something altogether different. I always feel funny talking up my book because I feel like I'm bragging and being conceited or something. I love to talk writing and I love my books, but I don't want people to think of me as a salesperson trying to pawn off my books. Yet, if I don't talk about my books than I may not be doing part of my job as an author. It's a catch-22 for me.

I used to think being an author meant I wrote books. That's true, but that isn't the whole picture. Promotion and marketing are a big part of being an author. With so many great LDS books by so many talented authors, how will I stand out, especially if I don't try to promote mine? And, yet, I feel like that obnoxious car salesman that won't leave you alone for two seconds. 

I haven't been too vocal about my books in the area where I live. I have visited, and even done a book launch, at an area LDS bookstore (I've known the owners forever) and I've contacted the newspaper to do an article. But, other than that, I leave my promotion to what I can do online because I'm way cooler online. But, after watching Mistress Tristi in action, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a few more things in my area.

I visited an area library and asked if I could leave bookmarks, but was told I couldn't. I then visited Hastings Bookstore and asked again. Not only did they allow me to leave bookmarks, but asked if I'd like to do a book signing. A few days later, I visited another nearby library. After slipping on the ice and landing in a snowbank, I wiped myself off, shook the snow out of my shoe, dusted off my purse, and asked if I could leave bookmarks. I was pleasantly surprised when the librarian there agreed to let me. I then went to a bookstore near that library and was able to leave bookmarks. The gentleman even asked me to call back so they could get more information and help promote a local author. Hooray!!

I'd still much rather write than promote. And if I never had to promote again, I'd be happy. But, it is what it is and stepping out of my comfort zone didn't actually kill me so I may try it again. Someday.

Book Signing Report

Left to right: Don Carey, Tristi Pinkston, Rebecca Talley, Daron Fraley

Last Saturday, Tristi Pinkston, Don Carey, Daron Fraley, and I had a book signing at The Book Table in Logan, UT. Super cool bookstore. I could've wandered through that store for hours. We had a lot of fun and even sold some books. We also visited other bookstores and libraries between Logan and Salt Lake and dropped off bookmarks. It was great to meet people and what's better than a bookstore for a group of authors? I had to control myself so I didn't buy all the books in the store. It was a successful and fun day!

Someone posted a very nice review of The Upside of Down on Amazon and over 200 people have added it to their shelves on Goodreads. Every time I look at the cover, it makes me want to have a newborn.

Thanks for all of the support!

Book Signing Change

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, Don Carey, and I will not be signing at the Wisebird Bookery in Ogden, UT on Saturday, January 15th. We will still be signing at The Book Table in Logan, UT so, please, if you're in the Logan area this Saturday, stop by. We'll be at The Book Table, 29 South Main Street, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm and we'd love to see you!

Thanks!!.

Tristi's Super Cool Giveaway

My friend, Tristi Pinkston, is hosting an amazing giveaway. There's all sorts of really cool prizes. Check out her blog Tristi Pinkston for all the details, including a stay at Lions Gate Manor in Lava Hot Springs. You won't want to miss her "Merry Month of Miracles."

Tristi is the author of the Secret Sisters Mysteries. Her second book in the series, Dearly Departed, will be released in January.

I read her first one in the series, Secret Sisters, and it was such a hoot. It's full of humor and fun. I love Ida Mae, the main character, because she's so spunky. Tristi does a great job of differentiating each of the ladies in the book and I loved their conversations. I found myself laughing out loud at some of their antics.

I'm really looking forward to her new book.

You can purchase Secret Sisters at Amazon.

Making Friends with Tristi

One of the coolest things about the invention of the internet is the ability to make friends despite physical distance. I live in a rural area of CO, 25 miles from town, and I have a large family so I spend most of my time caring for my family, keeping the house semi-clean, and when I have a bit of time, writing. I don't "do lunch" with a bunch of girlfriends. I don't get my hair or nails done. I don't make regular trips to the mall (in fact, I only go when one of my teenage daughters drag me there). I don't socialize much, except with my immediate family or my sister and her family. Besides my husband and kids, my sister is my best friend. But, she has 11 kids so we don't hang out a lot because we're both so busy trying to keep up with everything that needs to be done each day. We mainly talk on the phone because we can clean and talk at the same time.

When the internet arrived, all of a sudden, I could socialize with people. I could "talk" to people in my pajamas on my own timetable. I could even "meet" people I admired, such as the many writers I've met. I love Facebook, email, and groups I belong to that all take place on the internet because it works so well for me and my schedule (and I don't have to wear make-up or a bra to socialize).

One of my favorite people that I've met online is Tristi Pinkston. I've since met her in person, several times, and I love her as much in person as online. She's funny, entertaining, and very supportive. She's a writer so she "gets me" and we're both co-chairing the bootcamp portion of the LDStorymakers Conference on May 5, 2011. Tristi is sponsoring "Making Friends Monday." The idea is that she places info about some of her online friends and we put info about her on our blogs and then we all end up making more friends. Cool idea, or what?

Here's some info about Tristi so you can get to know her a little bit better:

Tristi Pinkston has been blogging since 2006. On her main blog, (http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com) she covers everything from writing tips and the life of a published author to kid funnies, spiritual thoughts, and embarrassing moments. She also has a weight loss blog, one for writing challenges, another for her fictional characters … and she lost count of how many others she has. You can find the links for them on her sidebar.


Tristi is the author of five published novels, one coming out in January, and a whole kit ‘n caboodle of unpublished novels. Right now she’s focusing on cozy mysteries, although she has written historical fiction in the past and plans to write more in that genre. She works as a freelance editor and a virtual book tour coordinator. She loves taking long naps, being charmingly annoying, and watching good movies. She’s a Mormon, a homeschooler, a Cubmaster, and most of the time, a headless chicken.

Check out Tristi's blog http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com --it's full of fun, just like Tristi.

Interview with author Tristi Pinkston

I'm so excited!! Tristi Pinkston, a talented, amazing writer and an all-around great person, has stopped by my blog to talk about her new book, Secret Sisters, a fun, humorous mystery novel.

Hey, Tristi, tanks for stopping by. I have a few questions for you.

I love answering questions, especially about my books. Fire away.

Can you describe what a cozy mystery is and how your book, Secret Sisters, differs from the norm?


A cozy mystery features a quirky main character who finds herself solving a crime. I say “herself” because it’s definitely a women’s genre, although men do read them as well. Generally speaking, the story starts with the discovery of a crime and ends with the solution. It's called a "cozy" because it's pretty clean, the violence is kept to a minimum, and there's a fair amount of humor.

“Secret Sisters” varies from the traditional mystery formula in that it’s entirely character-driven. It is a cozy mystery, but the real story comes in watching the characters interact with each other. I could put my three main characters out on a desert island with nothing to do, and we’d have a wonderful time just listening to them talk. The mystery is fun, but it’s just the gas in the engine. The characters are the vehicle. That’s unusual for the mystery genre.

Do you think your RS presidency spies on people?

Mine, no. They keep a respectful distance but I always know where to find them, if needed.


If we think our RS presidency might be spying on us, what do you recommend we do?

Get some of those sticky glue traps like you can get at the hardware store and place them in your bushes. If they come up to your house to peek through the windows, you’ve got ‘em, and it’s pretty humane.

Great idea! Okay, seriously, where did you come up with the idea for Secret Sisters?

I overheard one lady saying that she felt her home teachers were being too nosy, and it was none of their business if she had her 3-month food storage supply or not. I felt bad for this sister for not understanding the importance of sharing with your ward what your needs might be. In case of an emergency, your leaders should know where the first responders need to go. But then I got to thinking, what if our leaders were too nosy? In fact, what if they were spies? I shared the idea with my husband late one night when we both had the giggles, and we tossed ideas back and forth. The idea to call it “Operation Green Jell-O” came from him.

Ida Mae is such a funny, quirky character. Is she based on anyone you know? How did you make her feel so realistic?

Ida Mae and her friends popped into my head fully formed. They’re not based on anyone I know, except for themselves. They’re realistic because, to me, they are real. They chatter in my head and carry on outrageous conversations all the time. They’re a hoot.

You're right--the whole group is so entertaining. I love their dialogue. Did you know the ending before you started or did the ending surprise you?

I had no clue what was going on when I first started. I had the climax drafted out in my head, but I had no idea how we were going to get there, or what trouble we would be in. I just knew that the climax was going to be dang funny. The rest surprised me along the way.

The problem from the start was, how to keep the clues building up while keeping the police out of it. Once we had solid proof, the police had to take over, and that would be the end of my little ladies’ involvement.

If Ida Mae could give us a piece of advice, what would it be?

Stick to your guns. That’s how she’s lived her entire life.


What's the next book in the series?

The next book is called Ida Mae Rides Again, and it will be released in August of 2010.

Oh, I can't wait. I love your writing style and your humor. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Thank you.

Secret Sisters is such a fun book. I recommend it! Of course, I'm a big fan of Tristi's--you will be, too, if you read her books. To learn more about Tristi Pinkston check out her website. You can also visit her blog.

Purchase Secret Sisters.

A Great Cause

Tristi Pinkston, author of several books including her newest release Secret Sisters, is sponsoring a great cause called Operation Sock Hop. You can read all about it here.

Summer Reading Thing

I'm going to participate in the Summer Reading Thing sponsored by LDS Publisher.

My list of books:

1. Trail of Storms by Marsha Ward.

2. Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack.

3. Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston.

I wish I were a faster reader, but I'm not. And, I have so much going on this summer. Girls' Camp, Scout Camp, MTC Camp, family reunion, kids to take to college, YW, my writing website Pursue Your Writing Dream, a new blog (to be announced next week--how's that for intrigue?), my two new novels I'm working on, oh, and cleaning the house, laundry, yard work, gardening, reading with the kids, sewing, swimming, and enjoying the summer :). And my house needs to be painted in a very bad way--I'm hoping I don't have to paint it myself!

My #3 daughter was at a graduation party last weekend and was playing a game. I like to call it the "I'm going to see if I can break my nose again" game. And, well, she won, because she did, in fact, break her nose. Again. Last year she broke it backstage during a performance of her play and, now, she's broken it again. Who does that? Answer: my #3 daughter. So, in addition to all the other activities, she has to have surgery to repair her nose. Super duper!

Iwill also be attending a writing conference at Cedar Fort next week in Springville, UT. See this post for details.

Hope everyone is enjoying summer vacation!