A northern Ontario author has completed her eighth book in four years, shifting from children’s tales about pollinators to a two-part adult series on intimate partner violence. Sara Tessier, a wife, mother and grandmother from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., said the move to adult fiction was a natural progression after finding success with her initial series. From Pollinators to Picture Books Tessier’s first four books focused on environmental advocacy, addressing the decline of pollinator populations through illustrated stories for young readers. “My first four books are about pollinators because I realized pollinators are endangered and we need pollinators because one out of every three bites of food that we consume come from these tiny creatures,” Tessier said. She said the children’s books are both entertaining and educational, containing facts about pollinators alongside the narrative. Tessier added that she has already done readings at a local school and library. “They are illustrated children’s stories,” said Tessier. “Every book also contains a page or pages of facts about pollinators. They are also educational. I have already been over to a school and a library and did a reading of my book.” Shift to adult fiction After completing the pollinator series, Tessier said she felt compelled to write for adults and tackle a more sensitive subject. “I thought I wanted to write an adult book,” she said, “So, I wrote a story about a young woman who escapes an unhealthy and dangerous relationship.” That decision resulted in Escape in a Boxcar: Vera’s Story, which follows a young woman fleeing Toronto in 1962. Tessier said she deliberately chose that era to remove the complications of modern technology. “(It) begins in Toronto in 1962 because I thought I wanted that year or one of those years because it was easier back then because we did not have all this technology,” Tessier told CTV News. “She cannot let anyone know where she is going or her plans.” Perilous journey west The protagonist heads west toward Edmonton, where she has two aunts. Tessier said the journey involves a mix of scary and unexpected meetings. “Along the way she encounters some situations,” Tessier said. “Some are scary, some are unexpected, some happy, some sad.” Sequel and future plans Tessier has since published a sequel, Fresh Paths Unfolding: Vera’s Journey Continued, which catches up with the protagonist two years later. While she said the first adult book was difficult to write, the sequel came much more easily. The Sault resident said she continues to write and balance her career with family life and has hinted that she may continue exploring serious social themes in future projects.
