Strange but True: Tales from Author Saralyn Richard
Author Saralyn Richard takes us along on the tattoo research she did for her latest release, MRS. OLIVER'S TWIST. But did she get a tattoo of her own?? Find out here.
In this episode of Strange but True: Tales from Authors, I am pleased to welcome back multi-award winning author Saralyn Richard as she dives deep into tattoos for her latest release Mrs. Oliver’s Twist. But was she convinced to get a tattoo of her own? Inquiring minds want to know—read on to find out.
Her previous Strange but True episode was all about deadly weapon research.
Tattoo Research, up front and personal, with Saralyn Richard
Tattoos play a big role in the plot of MRS. OLIVER’S TWIST, starting in the first chapter. Since I don’t have a single moment of experience with body art (except for temporary ink), I needed to educate myself. And this type of research required more than internet searches—I needed to ask some up front and personal questions—in person
Since body art is not only a thing, but a big thing with certain communities today, I had no trouble identifying which local tattoo parlor had the best reputation and the most traffic. I called the establishment, asked for the manager, and set up an appointment.
Coincidentally, the interview took place on the same day that over 400,000 motorcyclists arrived in town for an annual rally. The shop was running a special—a small tattoo for just $20 (a $60 value). I was there, chatting with the gifted artist, Renee, just an hour before hundreds of customers converged there in search of new ink.
Renee and I talked about a variety of topics, including state laws, privacy considerations, safety and security, the tattooing process, the artistry, the permanence, and some of the interesting situations that may develop from getting oneself inked.
I was impressed by Renee’s artistic talent. Many of her designs are copyrighted and used in countries all over the world. Renee knew her business, too. She explained how the artist would advise the customer before, during, and after the session. Her personality was really chill, and her approach to her work extremely professional.
As fascinated as I was with everything Renee taught me, and as much as I admired her work, I didn’t take her up on the offer to send me home with a souvenir on my ankle or wrist. But I do have a different slant on the industry. Now when I see a person with body art, I understand and appreciate much more about the logistics and aesthetics involved.
When my family and my critique group found out I’d gone to a tattoo parlor, they teased me and asked to see various body parts, looking for a symbol—a book, perhaps, or a pen and ink bottle. But what I gained from my visit to Aasylum Tattoo Parlor was even better. A whole new world opened to me, and I was ready to write about it. Sometimes the strange, but true parts of being an author are the best gifts.
IF YOU CAN’T TRUST YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER, WHOM CAN YOU TRUST?
Quinn McFarland is on the verge of living her best life. With exciting career plans, a loving husband, and dreams of a perfect future, everything seems to be falling into place. But when she’s asked to identify the body of her beloved former teacher, Mrs. Oliver, Quinn's world is fragmented.
The moment Quinn looks at the wrist of the deceased, she notices something chilling—a tattoo she’s seen before. But this time, the ink holds an unsettling meaning, pulling Quinn into a tangled web of mystery and deception. As she digs deeper, Quinn uncovers dark truths about her teacher's past—secrets that lead to a brutal murder and people she knows and trusts.
Now, Quinn must navigate a treacherous path where every clue brings more danger, and the stakes are do-or-die. As the investigation spirals out of control, Quinn’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. With her marriage, her family, and her future on the line, Quinn must confront the frightening reality that the killer may be closer than she ever imagined—and time is running out. LEARN MORE HERE.
Biography
Saralyn Richard writes award-winning mysteries that pull back the curtain on people in settings as diverse as elite country manor houses and disadvantaged urban high schools. Her works include the Detective Parrott mystery series: Murder in the One Percent, A Palette for Love and Murder, Crystal Blue Murder, and Murder Outside the Box; Bad Blood Sisters; A Murder of Principal; and Naughty Nana, a children’s book.
Her newest mystery, Mrs. Oliver’s Twist, poses the question of how well we really know the people we admire. An active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing and literature. For more information, check https://saralynrichard.com.
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Thanks, Valerie, for having me on to talk about my experiences at the tattoo parlor! Just another example of how writing can open up new horizons, introduce you to new friends, and give you new perspectives on things you never would encounter in everyday life.
I'm with you on not getting inked. It hurts!