Interview and Giveaway for THE TRAIN OF LOST THINGS!
Hello Friends! You know that I rarely host interviews here, but this one is special. Ammi-Joan Paquette is not only my literary agent and a brilliant author, but also my friend. And I’m so excited for her next book, THE TRAIN OF LOST THINGS.
Joan will be giving away a signed copy of THE TRAIN OF LOST THINGS to a winner on this blog. To win, please leave a comment below on something you once lost that was hard on you. Entries can come from anywhere but the book can only be sent to a U.S. address.
This wonderful book will be released on March 20, 2018 so if you don’t win a copy, you can still get your book now or ask your library to bring it in!
1. How would you summarize THE TRAIN OF LOST THINGS?
It’s a magical adventure about a boy named Marty who is devastated when he loses his most precious possession: a memory-filled jacket given to him by his father, who is terribly ill. But Marty has heard the story of the Train of Lost Things, which flies through the sky in the dead of night, collecting the lost heart’s possession of children. And so Marty sets off in hopes of finding the Train, his jacket, and maybe a cure for his father as well. 
2. You’ve indicated that THE TRAIN OF LOST THINGS is an important book for you. Can you explain why?
This book is the most deeply personal of any one I have written thus far. The idea came to me a bit as a bolt from the blue: We had just returned from quite an eventful family vacation, wherein a string of calamities hit us one after the other. The final straw was the discovery, upon returning home, that my daughter’s beloved jean jacket, for which she had collected pins and buttons across our travels, had been lost on our return flight. This loss struck me in such a personal way, and echoed so many irreplaceable treasures I had lost over the years. Standing in my office in a tussle with despair, I thought to myself, “Some good has to come out of this.” And how does an author turn things to good but in writing?
So I started thinking about lost things, and I wondered, “What if you could get those lost things back? Where would they be and how would you find them?” Just like that, the Train of Lost Things popped into my mind, and Marty along with it. I followed the story from there—and have loved every step of the journey since.
3. Why do you think it’s important for young readers to learn how to deal with loss, or even change?
The fact is that change and loss—whether in the smallest of ways or in larger—is something that no life can be without in some form. I believe that fiction is a safe means of plumbing those depths. It’s a way that those who are going through these times can see that they are not alone. And it’s a way that those who have not suffered those hardships can learn empathy, and can grow in their understanding of their own privilege and stretch their hearts toward others’ needs. (Plus, you never know what lies around the corner in any life…)
4. What are your common inspirations for story ideas?
I’ve had story ideas come to me in just about every possible way. Some spring directly from my own life and experiences—like this one. Others start with a character (as with the irascible Dahlia in Rules for Ghosting), or an intriguing idea concept (“what if a group of kids were given their very own country” became Princess Juniper), or even just a title, as in my newest work-in-progress (nope, not spilling yet!). That’s one of the things I love about being a writer—inspiration is, quite literally, everywhere you turn J
5. As compared to Marty (the main character of this book), what were you like as a child?
I think Marty and I share some traits, but he’s a lot more adventurous than I was. I don’t think I would have had the guts to venture out alone in the middle of the night, magical train whistle’s summon or no! I was serious and bookish, though, with a deep secret belief in the magic underlying everyday life. No wonder I ended up becoming an author J
6. I have many aspiring writers who follow this blog. Since you are also a literary agent, can you comment on what attracts you to a manuscript? Is there anything in particular you’d like to see more of?
Our agency is closed to unsolicited submissions at this time, but I do welcome queries from authors I have met or who have attended a conference at which I’m speaking. In general, I love voice-driven stories with strong pacing, stories that ask deep questions which make you think, and most of all, stories that surprise me in some way—whether an unexpected plot turn, unusual story structure, unreliable narrator, or more. Keep the reader on their toes, and they will follow you anywhere!
7. Now a set of quick answers. No explanations, just the facts:
Something quirky about you: I have an internal alarm clock and can wake up (nearly) anytime I decide to!
A movie that always makes you laugh: Joe Vs. the Volcano
The place your imagination wanders when you want to relax: Into a book…!
An item near the top of your bucket list: Make a bucket list.
One thing you’ll admit that you can do quite well: Fresh pineapple upside down cake J
Okay, now that you’re intrigued, leave a comment below: What did you once lose that was heartbreaking for you? I’ll reveal mine when I reveal the winner. That person’s name will be announced on 10 pm EST on March 23rd. Good luck!
