From children’s books to adult fiction: a Sault author’s literary journey

The Sault’s Sara Tessier is becoming a prolific author.

Her first novel, released in July and titled Escape in a Boxcar, is set in 1960s Toronto and tells the story of a young woman named Vera who escapes from an abusive relationship by jumping aboard a freight train to freedom.

“She can see down the road how her life with her boyfriend would not be happy,” Tessier told SooToday.

“She’s trying to think of a way to get out of that relationship. She knows she has to somehow escape without him knowing. So, she hops on to a train and heads to Edmonton.”

While writing Escape in a Boxcar, Tessier already had a sequel in mind.

Fresh Paths Unfolding: Vera’s Journey Continues was released in October.

“I thought, ‘I don’t want it to end like that.’ So, I continued to see what happens to this girl,” Tessier said.

Fresh Paths Unfolding: Vera’s Journey Continues sees Vera living in Alberta and falling in love with a soldier, the woman’s life transforming into one of love, security and family.

“In the last few years we’ve heard a lot about intimate partner violence. I wanted to write a story about a girl who escapes that,” Tessier said.

Prior to Escape in a Boxcar and Fresh Paths Unfolding: Vera’s Journey Continues, Tessier wrote a series of illustrated children’s books.

“I’ve always liked honey. I started hearing about how honeybees were disappearing and how important honeybees are so I thought ‘I’ll write a little story about a honeybee,'” Tessier said.

That idea led to Tessier writing Queen Tulip & Friends.

That book was followed by Velvet the Monarch Butterfly, Ruby The Helpful Little Ladybug and Angus is a Hero.

“I like typing and I can actually think better when I’m typing. So, when I just sat at my laptop and these ideas came into my head I thought, ‘You know what? Maybe I should write down these stories that I’m thinking about.’”

Since Queen Tulip & Friends was written and published in 2023, Tessier hasn’t looked back.

She is currently planning her next book.

“I do have another story in mind. It’s going to be a comical murder mystery involving maple syrup. I’ve been thinking about that for a while and so I might develop that story over the winter.”

For now, Tessier is pleased with having released Escape in a Boxcar and Fresh Paths Unfolding: Vera’s Journey Continues.

“I think they’re worth reading. I’ve actually given some copies away and I’ve sold some to friends and everybody has said they’re excellent, so I’m very happy with the feedback.”

A native of Parry Sound, Tessier moved to Toronto and worked for Bell Canada as a long distance switchboard operator.

She later moved to the Sault and worked for Child Care Algoma.

Tessier has lived in this community for 40 years.

“Writing makes me feel very relaxed. I just love thinking up new ideas. I love writing.”

Tessier’s books are available through Amazon and at Northern Baskets Plus on Trunk Road.