Today we’d like to introduce you to Saralyn Richard.
Hi Saralyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I made the shift from educator to author gradually, starting in 2013, when I published a children’s picture book, Naughty Nana. My sheepdog Nana and I were immediately thrust into the world of publishing and marketing, as we made public appearances and met readers. I joined a writers’ critique group and began writing mystery novels for adults. My first mystery, Murder in the One Percent, launched me into a different experience, taking me on a book tour and earning multiple national and international awards. Since that time I’ve published four other books, two more in the Detective Parrott Mystery Series, and two standalone mysteries. My life as an author is a full-time mix of creativity, research, business, technology, and public relations. I enjoy every aspect, but the best part by far is connecting with people who love to read and write. I invite you to subscribe to my monthly newsletter at my website: http://saralynrichard.com. I look forward to sharing the writer journey with you!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My path has been relatively smooth, but I have had to work around some major roadblocks. The most significant one was the pandemic. The second book in the Detective Parrott Mystery Series, A Palette for Love and Murder, was released in February 2020. I had spent a whole year and a significant amount of money planning for a big book launch, only to have to unwind every event, one by one. Instead of a big splash, the book came out with a whimper, and, although it won several awards and wonderful reviews, it has never recovered fully from poor timing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Writing fiction is a spectacular adventure. Anything I can imagine can happen–I can be anyone, go anywhere, do anything through my characters. I love writing mysteries because there is a tight connection between the author, who lays out the puzzle and the clues, and the reader who follows them. Some of my mysteries are police procedurals, one is a crime thriller, and one has an amateur sleuth. All of them have complex, relatable characters,: people who aren’t perfect, people who aren’t all bad either. Whether the setting focuses on the lives of the rich and powerful in lush Brandywine Valley, or the microcosm of an urban high school in the Midwest, or the milieu of a Gulf Coast funeral home, my books are all about contemporary human beings whose lives are swirling with circumstances beyond their control.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I’m always available as a speaker at book clubs or organizational meetings, either in-person or virtually, individually or as part of a panel. I’m also happy to advise or otherwise assist any aspiring author. Contact me through my website: http://saralynrichard.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://saralynrichard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naughty_nana_sheepdog/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Palmcirclepress/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaralynRichard
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmTLvJXoZklyt4XZkwOS78Q
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/saralynrichard/
Image Credits
Jennifer Reynolds
