22nd June 2023

How South Devon Inspires an Award-Winning Author

Sarah Pearse Books Guest Blog Post - Sarah Pearse*

Inspiration for writing comes in many forms: a chance encounter, a life experience, overheard dialogue, childhood memories. Many writers take inspiration from their surroundings, and what could be more inspiring than the beautiful South Devon coastline?

Author Sarah Pearse grew up in Torbay. After studying creative writing at Warwick University and working in London and Switzerland for a multinational company, she returned to her home town to raise her family and concentrate on her writing career.

Her first novel, The Sanatorium, was inspired by her time in Geneva, where she’d visited the Crans Montana ski resort which also had a history as a health resort for TB sufferers. The resulting thriller, set at a converted sanatorium in the Alps, is full of dark twists and turns as detective Elin Warner seeks to solve the mysteries of the past and put a stop to the growing body count. The book was an instant success, recommended as a top pick by Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and number one in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller lists.

Sarah’s second novel, The Retreat, is based much closer to home. The central location is Reaper’s Rock, which locals may recognise as having similarities to Thatcher Rock just off Meadfoot Beach in Torbay. As a raging storm cuts the island off from the mainland, Elin is once again called on to uncover what’s behind the murders and how the island’s dark past is influencing events of the present. Another major success, The Retreat has now been published in 25 countries - and is just out in paperback.

Life in beautiful South Devon may seem contrary to Sarah’s sinister plotlines, but she says the region and especially the Bay is the perfect place for a writer.

Here, you can always find a way to escape the pressures of everyday life, even if just a few moments. For me, finding happiness means getting outside. I live near the coast so you’ll find me on or in the sea, walking or running the South West Coast Path or, on a warm, dry day, in a quiet spot near the shore reading a good book that takes me to another place. The bonus is that any of these activities helps when I’m stuck with a plot line!

Sarah’s Top Tips for Inspirational Places to Visit

South West Coast Path

I love to run along the Coast Path with my two spaniels, Cap and Jam. One of my favourite sections takes in Thatcher Point and looks out over Thatcher Rock. The path has stunning views all the way towards Lyme Bay in one direction and Berry Head and Brixham to the other.

Like most other areas of the Coast Path, the experience of running or walking here varies depending on the weather, and the changeable aspects of nature during different seasons. But stunning all the time, and a great source of inspiration year-round.

Anstey’s Cove

Further along the path you can walk down to Anstey’s Cove – it’s a steep descent but worth it to enjoy a lovely, secluded beach out of season, perfect for a dip for dogs - or owners! It’s a pebbly beach surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush green hillsides, stunning scenery and a quiet spot to sit and just take a moment to think about the next part of the narrative. The café here is great for snacks to fuel ideas!

Fishcombe Cove

If you have a paddle board or kayak, it’s worth going out into the Bay itself and around to Fishcombe Cove. It’s another unspoilt shingle cove and is pretty sheltered compared to other beaches nearby. Great for a bit of paddling on a calm seas, a chance to relax and unwind - and conveniently there’s another café here, with tasty treats including delicious cakes.

Bantham

Whereas Fishcombe is sheltered, if you fancy a more rough and tumble experience then Bantham can be quite spectacular for surfing or body boarding. With the wave size here you can’t help but escape any daily stresses and anxieties. Clearing the mind gives space for ideas to form and more plot twists to consider. Plus if you look hard enough you can often spot some famous faces taking time out.

Sarah is well underway with the third book in the series, due to be published in 2024. This is set in a national park in Portugal as the threads from the first two novels are pulled together, and mysteries are solved!