Tuesday, December 3, 2019 | By: The Write Way Cafe

Tuesday Special: What Happened to Naughty Nana?

Saralyn Richard


Since the first in the Detective Parrott Mystery series, Murder in the One Percent, was published, and the sequel, A Palette for Love and Murder, is being readied for publication, I’m often asked what’s happened to my first book, Naughty Nana, and specifically what’s happened to its fluffy narrator, Nana the sheepdog.

I’m happy to report that all is well for Naughty Nana, which is in its second printing, and has delighted thousands of young fans in seven countries. Nana’s misadventures, which are, unfortunately, fact-based, yield a bit of mystery and humor, while teaching a few lessons along the way.

Nana, the exuberant and indomitable puppy, has, fortunately, grown into a perfectly mannered dog, who lights up when she’s around children. Her many appearances at schools, libraries, the children’s museum, parades, and parties have led to her being named the city’s tourism ambassador dog. That title has, in turn, led to adventures. For example, Nana is the only canine who has been in the bumper car at the local amusement park. She’s had dinner on a famous destroyer escort boat. She’s pranced around the stage of a gorgeous historic theater, and she’s greeted guests at Mardi Gras, shrimp festivals, Victorian festivals, and, of course, kids’ festivals.

Nana’s message is as important today as ever—that anyone can change. Nana’s search for fun turned out to be selfish and led to bad feelings with the people she loved. Once Nana grasps that concept, she finds the happiness that comes from being nice—in the book and in real life.

As the holiday season engages us in thinking of others, Naughty Nana’s message is as fresh and meaningful as ever. Nana’s calendar is full, and my writer’s heart is full with the love for young readers, who fall in love with my dog. As one of the youngsters recently put it, “Nana is Santa without a lap.”

Sensitively written and vividly illustrated by the great artist, Rebecca Evans, Naughty Nana is a durable hardback book that comes with Nana’s pawtograph and a personal inscription to its recipient. It is sold only in a few local bookshops and online at
http://pal circle press.com/bookstore/


About Saralyn:

Award-winning mystery and children’s book author, Saralyn Richard, is a writer who teaches on the side. Winner of the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Readers’ Choice 2019 Award, and first in the Detective Parrott series, Murder in the One Percent pulls back the curtain on the privileged and powerful rich.

Kirkus says about it, "An Everyman detective is asked to solve a murder in a wealthy community in which ample motives and abundant resources make everyone a suspect. Detective Oliver Parrott, who takes charge of the case, is so struck by the partygoers' consensual impressions of the selfish businessman that he realizes the case may be more about who didn't kill Preston than who did."

Reviews, media, and tour schedule may be found at www.saralynrichard.com.

Saralyn's children's book, Naughty Nana, is narrated by the fluffy sheepdog puppy who "just wants to have fun." The now not-so-naughty Nana leads a busy life as a tourism ambassador and guest "barker" at schools and libraries.

A member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn continues to write mysteries. Look for A Palette for Murder in 2020. Her website is www.saralynrichard.com.

I enjoy meeting readers through social media. Here are my links:

Twitter        Facebook       LinkedIn        Pinterest

Instagram       Goodreads

I am available to meet with book clubs and organization members. Contact me at saralyn@saralynrichard.com.


14 comments:

The Write Way Cafe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
HiDee said...

I love how Nana touches the lives of young people! Thank you for sharing this update with us!

Saralyn said...

Thank you for inviting me back on The Write Way Cafe. I love being with you, and it's fun sharing Nana's story at this time of year.
I'd like to point out, though, that the buy link is incorrect. It should be http://palmcirclepress/bookstore/
Thanks to all who are reading, and many thanks to HiDee and Lynn for supporting authors and readers.

Keith Steinbaum said...

Saralyn I didn't realize that Nana was actually based on a real dog and her (mis)adventures. Now to read about her celebrity status, with all of the events she's participated in is truly remarkable. As for you, having read, and enjoyed, Murder in the One Percent, a book of an obviously 180 degree difference, this speaks volumes about your talent as an author who can vary her creative abilities with equal skill.

Daniella Bernett said...

Saralyn,

Nana's adventures sound charming, like the stories I loved as a child. A perfect way for a child to learn and allow his or her imagination to roam free.

June Trop said...

How wonderful to learn a lesson from a shaggy dog, a fun-loving one at that who, along the way, thanks to her best friend, Saralyn, passes her lessons on to children.

Nana's best friend, of course, is Saralyn, who teaches her older friends about murder. Let the fun triumph! Let justice triumph! Let Saralyn dazzle us with A PALETTE FOR LOVE AND MURDER. I can't wait!

Saralyn said...

Thanks so much, Keith and Daniella. I'm glad Nana resonates with you. She's right here at my feet as I type this, and she just had her spa day to get ready for this weekend's appearance! Go, Nana!

Steven M. Moore said...

Saralyn,
To echo Keith a bit, I admire your ability in writing for different audiences. I wish I could write children's books. I have to be satisfied with reading them to my grandchildren.
r/Steve

Anonymous said...

I’m glad to hear Nana is doing well and am blown away by the number of her appearances. She’s an exceptional dog. Can’t wait to read your next book!

Anonymous said...

I’m so impressed by the number of appearances Nana has made. What a professional! Looking forward to reading your next book!

Saralyn said...

June, thank you for cheering Nana and me along! We are both grateful for your kind comments.

Saralyn said...

I'm grateful to Steve and the anonymous people who have commented. I will say that writing children's books is a wholly different, but no less satisfying experience from writing adult fiction. It's rewarding to know that at any given time around the world, someone may be enjoying Nana's shenanigans before bedtime.

Kathleen Kaska said...

I love Naughty Nana, and make sure all the kids in my family have a copy!

Saralyn said...

Thanks, Kathleen. I love thinking about your youngsters hearing Naughty Nana in your voice! It