Lynne Hinton is the award-winning author of thirteen books including the “Hope Springs” series, featuring the national bestseller, Friendship Cake. She has also written a mystery series under the name Jackie Lynn. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Lynne offers writing and spirituality retreats in New Mexico. Her new novel, PIE TOWN, is the first in a new series inspired by the small town life and big-hearted food. The residents of Pie Town, New Mexico like to think of themselves as a family—especially when it comes to caring for Alex—a little boy with special needs being raised by his grandparents and a town full of Aunties and Uncles by Choice. A heartwarming, inspirational tale featuring the power of communal parenting, PIE TOWN hits shelves this week!

Tell us a little about yourself and a bit about how food influenced your new summer-themed book, PIE TOWN.
My name is Lynne Hinton, I'm 49 and a writer from Albuquerque, NM.  www.lynnehinton.com.

I grew up in the south, raised in a culture that deeply values the sharing of food. I noticed that in times of trouble, sorrow, and grief, when folks have nothing to say, nothing to offer that can take away the hurt, they bring food. I love this way we nurture each other. I love watching people offer this gift to each other; so when I get ready to write a story of community, there is always food. It is, in my humble opinion, the best way we show we care.

Are you an Auntie By Relation, Auntie By Choice, Godmother, Mommy Auntie or Other?
Auntie by relation.

How long have you been a Savvy Auntie? How many nieces, nephews and godchildren do you have?
I have been a Savvy Auntie for almost thirty years. I have one niece and three nephews, three great-nieces.

What do the kids call you?
Aunt Lynne.

What’s the best thing about an Auntie?
You get to spoil the kids and then send them home!

What’s your Auntie expertise? Are you crafty, sporty,  good at mending booboos?
We had great dress-up parties.

Changing diapers: bonding experience or total yuck?
Not a bonding experience, but not total yuck either.

What’s the first book you ever read to theme or song you ever sung to them?
A song called "Fried Ham."

Most fun activity you ever did with them?
Had them come and stay with me on the farm. We worked in the garden, picked strawberries, went to ride horses.

Best gift you ever bought them?
Hats and boas (for the niece)!

Spoiling: Auntie’s prerogative or Never a good idea?
It’s what aunties do best.

What’s the worst mistake you ever made with the kids?
Worst mistake was trying to talk my niece into law school when I should have just listened to her dreams.

What do you keep in your bag when you’re taking care of the kids?
Tissues.

What do you cherish most about your nieces/nephews?
Their creativity!

Who are the Aunties, past, present, personal or public, that you look up to?
My Aunt Ann.

What are your words of advice for other Savvy Aunties?
Be supportive. Listen. Don’t try to mold them into your image.

Click the PDF link below to get a special PIE TOWN recipe!
Published: June 8, 2011