Yes! It follows the same premise that an engine is trying to pull her train of goods over the mountain to the children on the other side.

Great question! Two reasons why it is not:

1. "The Little Engine That Could" is now in the public domain. This means anyone could use the material in any way at all. Think Shakespeare and all the riffs off his work.
2. Even if it were still under copyright protection, this story would be considered a fan fiction or fractured tale piece of work. In fact, I'm not even using any of the characters from the original (except the idea of children receiving the goods).

We are taught that all we have to do is say, I think I can, over and over, and we can do anything.

That is NOT true! Yes, it's important to never give up, but sometimes life throws a curveball and it's important to know when to shift.

Also, Engine 1285 is the childhood engine that we all got to play on at the Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey, Ca. So, she is the inspired main character.

I'm embarrassed to say that this is the fastest story I've ever written. 

I have had the idea on my mind for a couple of years, but once I put pen to paper, this story gushed out in just a couple of hours.

I was in the zone, completely transformed by inspiration. In fact, some of the characters simply put themselves into the plot (did someone say turkeys and Grandmother?). Likewise, some of the events just happened upon us as we tried to chug along.

Now...let's be clear.

I have spent considerable time editing and refining the characters, etc. And I'm sure there will be even more edits as we go along.

The Bookworks in Pacific Grove, CA is my favorite writing haunt!

Everyone who lives in or visits the area should stop by and see me on your way to grabbing some delicious coffee/tea/etc. and buying a book from the store in the back. #supportlocalbookstores