If you follow LDS fiction, then youve likely heard of Tristi Pinkston through the books shes written, the blogs she writes, or the LDS Storymakers where she is serving this year as Vice-President and conference chair. Her previous novelsSeason of Sacrifice, Strength to Endure, and Nothing to Regrethave been well-received by readers and critics alike.

Her most recent releaseAgent in Old Lacetakes readers along an unexpected pathmystery. Pinkstons other novels have been historical. My first novels took a lot out of me emotionally, she says when asked about the change of direction. The first centered on Japanese internment camps and the atomic bomb, and the second was set in Germany with the concentration camps there.

I did a lot of research into these hard historical topics. I felt the need to pull back emotionally and regroup.I'm not sorry for a minute about the things I learned and the stories I heard while researching for the other books, but there needs to be a balance in all things or you can find yourself too heavily weighed down by the sorrows of the world.

So why did she choose mysteries? I've always enjoyed reading mysteries and thought it would be fun to try my hand at one. Agent in Old Lace is a modern story about a young womanShannon Tannerwho has a perfect life until she is kidnapped by her boyfriend and discovers he isnt who she thought he was at all. Once she escapes Marks clutches, Shannon is paired with agent Rick Holden to try to solve the greater crimeMarks embezzlement scam.

Tristi says, Writing the banter between Rick and Shannon was the most fun for me as I worked on this book.I didn't expect so many fun elements to enter into the storyI was expecting it to be a straight suspense, but when you allow a character to go their own way, you find yourself surprised by what they'll do.This was definitely the case with this novel.

Although historical novels require a great deal of research time, books of other genres still require research to ensure the story rings true. I looked into the names of various different drugs, Tristi says, and I talked extensively with Willard Boyd Gardner, former SWAT and also an author, to help me get all the police procedure stuff right, but I would have to say that the bulk of my research went into learning how to write in such a completely different genre from anything I've tried before.

So far, the experiment has had positive results. Fans are asking for a follow-up novel about Shannon and Ricka project Pinkston is consideringbut the mystery bug has definitely bitten her. She has a new series starting in March 2010 called The Secret Sisters Mysteries.Tristi says, They're completely off-the-wall and unexpectedpicture Miss Marple meets the Relief Society. I've had the most fun writing them and can't wait to kick off the series come spring.

The new series isnt Pinktstons only new venture, though. She and friends and fellow authors Candace Salima and BJ Rowley are embarking on a journey into the realm of publishing. Valor Publishing Group LLC was started this year by Candace Salima, an author and public speaker who wanted to create a new way for authors and publishers to work together to bring high-quality literature to the reading public, Tristi tells us. Valor's marketing plan is forward-thinking and really in touch with the customers of today. I feel the books are truly outstanding.

Valors first release is schedule for November. Written by Utah State Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story is already gathering buzz as a book to watch out for.

I've had the honor of working for Valor for the last few months as the senior editor, Tristi says. I handle acquisitions as well as editing, so I get all the fun of interacting with these great authors and seeing their books come to life.I really love my jobit incorporates all the things I love to do into one awesome career.

But when it comes to books, being an author is still Tristis first love. She says, I'll be publishing with Valor as well, and I feel confident that I couldn't be in better hands. And based on past experience as a reader of her books, Im sure readers will be pleased to see what all she can do from both sides of the publishing world.

Lu Ann Staheli is a Christa McAulliffe Fellow and the author of When Hearts Conjoin, the true story of the Kendra & Maliyah Herrin, available locally at Confetti Antiques and Books.