I’m happy to welcome author Sarah Dressler. Today, Sarah shares interesting facts about her creative journey and her new release, Christmas Cove.

Here’s Sarah!

What was your inspiration for this book?

On the morning of July 17, 2022, I woke up from an incredible dream. It was unlike any dream I had ever had. It was the complete story of Christmas Cove as though it had been downloaded into my consciousness. I had been praying about what my next project should be, and bam! Here it was, a Christmas story. The previous three novels that I wrote were in a completely different genre, and even though Christmas is my favorite holiday, I hadn’t considered writing sweet contemporary romance. But boy, did that dream have a huge impact on me! That morning, I got my notebooks out and regurgitated every detail that I could remember, and by lunch time, I had a detailed twenty-chapter outline drafted. I dove headfirst into writing Christmas Cove and never looked back.

What is the best part of being an author? The worst?

Sometimes, being saddled with so many stories in my head is a curse. Putting the scenes on paper, or screen, is a daunting task. But seeing the stories come to life, knowing that strangers will read something that I created, is the best gift. I always say that the story must be told, and I believe deep down that all the stories in my mind were put there for a reason, to share with you. The worst part about pursuing a writing career is that I have more stories than I have time to write.

Describe your writing space.

I have a beautiful office in my home where I write. A dark, moody green paint coats all the walls and highlights the ornate mouldings on the ceiling. A crystal chandelier hangs from a carved medallion in the center of the room and two large windows frame the breathtaking mountain view outside. Sumptuous velvet curtains hang from floor to ceiling and velvet upholstered furnishings provide somewhere cozy to curl up. Whether I’m writing a science fiction thriller, or a sweet contemporary romance novel, as in my debut Christmas Cove, the room evokes an old-world romanticism that allows me to step into my life as an author and leave the day-to-day grind at the door.

Which authors have inspired you?

I enjoy many types of books and authors. Some of my favorites include the likes of Dan Brown, who I credit with showing me what reading for fun feels like, Suzanne Collins, for letting me know it’s ok to break the rules, and Anne Rice, for knowing when to spice things up a bit.

What is your favorite quote?

“To a love so big, only angels can carry it.” – Christmas Cove

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

If I could have a superpower, it would be to slow down time. As a parent of two teenagers, I see the way minutes tick by. I work at being present each day, but there just aren’t enough hours to do all the things I want to do and do them all well.

Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?

One of my most beloved activities is making giant sand sculptures at the beach. Seeing as how I currently live in the mountains, beaches are hard to come by, but snow is a suitable yet decidedly cooler alternative material. On a more regular basis, my husband and I go for sunset walks nearly every day, no matter where we are in the world.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Aspiring writers need to know that there aren’t any rules. You have to decide the process that works best for you, know how a schedule of goals fits into your lifestyle, and you have to find your own unique voice. None of this can be accomplished by doing as you’re told. Feel free to experiment and try new things until you find yourself in your writing.

What are you working on next?

I’m thrilled to share the news that my next novel, Spring Showers, will be released in mid-2024. Spring Showers is a stand-alone sequel to Christmas Cove. It features a brand-new cast of main characters. While some of the original cast makes guest appearances, Spring Showers follows the healing journey of two strangers who are desperately running from their pasts. When they collide at a wellness retreat, their lives change forever.

Blurb

With only three weeks left in December, travel editor, America Greene, arrives in the idyllic Christmas Cove to find it… Christmasless!

America needs a story, and fast, so she teams up with the town’s good-looking (and eligible) mayor, Leo, to light up Main Street and salvage her chance at being a full-time writer. The connection between them heats up, halls are decked, sleigh bells ring, and lights twinkle. Just when she thinks the holiday is saved, a nearby city threatens the future of Christmas Cove. With her heart, and career, hanging in the balance, she must learn that Christmas is much more than just a place on a map before time runs out.

Excerpt

Night came and went with another solid sleep. America looked at herself in the mirror, unable to believe what she had done, or what she had offered to do. Sure, she knew her reasons for wanting to bring back Christmas were purely in the interest of self-preservation. Wanting to succeed with her first article assignment was a huge driving factor, but the task at hand was so much bigger than anything she should have taken on. There was no denying her reign as the office elf, and she knew that if anyone had enough Christmas spirit to spread around, she did.

Now that the offer was out there, she would need to follow through. One way or another, she was getting her Christmas Cove experience, and an article drafted to prove it. Sure, she had enlisted Leo’s help, but if she had any real chance of success, they would need reinforcements. America checked her watch. Leo would be back any minute to pick her up. In the meantime, she pulled her coat back on and tidied her hastily twisted bun atop her head.

The pine tree, so generously given to her that previous morning by Leo, stood in its bare state beside her. There is nothing sadder than a Christmas tree with no lights. Except perhaps, she thought, one without ornaments too.

“This simply will not do,” America said.

Buy Links

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Google Play | 5PP

Author Bio and Links

Sarah Dressler, originally from Florida, now calls the mountains of Colorado home. Beginning her writing career as an award winning fashion blogger, Sarah now writes fiction full time. She has spent her life traveling the world, first as the daughter of a US Air Force officer, and later as a military spouse. She enjoys sunset walks with her husband of nearly twenty years, and raising two very busy teenagers.

5PP Page | Instagram Author Page | Goodreads

Giveaway

Sarah Dressler will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow Sarah on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.