Tristi Pinkston: A Note on Developing Characterization

I'm fortunate to have Tristi Pinkston here today. I first met her at a Storymaker's writers' conference. She taught a class on voice, but one of the things I remember most about her presentation was her emphasis on our individuality. Like I've mentioned before, part of our value as writers is our individuality, and I loved hearing that conviction in her, too.

But today, she's promised to tell us a little bit about herself and about how she has developed her skills in characterization. 

Welcome, Tristi! Please tell us about your latest book. Who is your publisher?

My latest book is titled "Dearly Departed," and it's the sequel to "Secret Sisters." It came out just this last January, and I published it through Walnut Springs. In this installment, Ida Mae infiltrates a nursing home to investigate a suspicious death. Oh, and she gets her very own motorized wheelchair, too, which is awesome.

How long have you wanted to be a writer?

I honestly do not remember a time in my life when I didn't want to be a writer. Some of my earliest memories are of writing little stories in very bad handwriting.

What genres do you write in?

I started out in historical fiction, which I love and always will love and will go back to writing someday, but for right now, I'm focusing on cozy mysteries. I'm having so much fun with them, and it's a completely different world from history. I've needed to get my brain humming along a new track, and this has been great for me.

What is your favorite book or who is your favorite author?

You do realize this is the most difficult question to answer, right? Well, it is! I would have to say that "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith is one of my very favorites, as is "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger. I love Ann Rinaldi, Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Catherine Marshall, Juliet Marillier ... um ... how long is your blog? I could go on ...


My blog is about writing, so to help my readers, what is one writing skill you consider to be your best, and how did you develop it?

I think I'm pretty good at characterization, and I'd say I developed that by reading books that demonstrated it and by watching movies to observe the character's cues. By watching people and taking note of what they do and how they do it, you can strengthen the characterization in your writing.

Please share your favorite something with us. Something like a favorite recipe, activity, childhood memory, game, etc.

I'll share several favorites!
Favorite beverage: ice water
Favorite colors: mauve, burgundy, country blue, sage green, plum
Favorite childhood memories: visiting my grandparents, playing with my pet rabbits, making my own Barbie clothes (I was actually quite talented) reading Heidi and Alice in Wonderland over and over again.

Thank you so much for sharing a bit of yourself with us today, Tristi. We really appreciate it. :)