Loreen de Kort’s book ‘Notes on the Train’ recently roared on to the bestseller list, and given the sheer depth and beauty of this book that is no surprise. From a talking pigeon to a mirror that sees all, ‘Notes on the Train’ brings you closer to the author’s struggle with depression and change through the landscape of life.
Not all battles are fought with weapons of war. Some battles rage within the mind and soul and take no prisoners. This book is a collection of poems and prose written by the author on her journey of self-discovery. ‘Notes on the Train’ is a must read this spring, summer, and beyond. This book will touch your heart, soul and psyche, and bring you back to its pages again and again.
We recently caught up with de Kort to learn more about this brilliant writer, her work and what’s coming next.
‘Notes on the Train’ is a really beautiful book, and includes some rather eloquent syntax, so it’s no surprise it’s a bestseller. When you found out your book had made it onto the bestseller list, what was that experience like for you?
It was uplifting. I couldn’t believe it had finally happened. My thoughts were switching back and forth from exhilaration to awe. I am touched to find people responded to my work in such a positive way.
With ‘Notes on the Train’ has gained so much literary success fans are no doubt curious about you. How old were you when you decided that you wanted to be a writer, and why?
I was writing from my teens. I was always found to be reading something. My reading choices went from mythology to marine biology to romance novels. It was a very eclectic list. From my joy of reading, my desire to write sprung from there. I worked as a writer/photographer on my school magazine. It was there I had my first works published.
Your spirit animal is the dragon, and you also have a love of role-playing games. What is it about dragons that resonates so much with you? What do you find so attractive about role-playing games, and do you have a favorite?
I think dragons are magnificent animals. They are talked about in many different cultures’ history. They fly, breathe fire and are magical to boot. What’s not to love about that? My gamertag for most of my games is Dragonmyst. This is also a character of one of the stories I have written and is the basis for my fantasy novel I’m working on.
What I enjoy about role-playing games is the ability to immerse yourself in an alternative world and just be another character. To enjoy stepping outside the mundane minutiae that we surround ourselves with, the Starbucks, traffic, reality TV existence that has become Western culture is a vital escape for me. I would have to say my favorite was World of Warcraft due to the fact I played the game for over 12 years. I stopped playing about two years ago because I didn’t care for the changes the game designers made. I tend to enjoy any game with mages and characters that go abracadabra in the night.
Downtime is necessary for many writers and artists to get their creative mojo going. What do you do when it’s time for you to relax and unwind?
Usually, I am reading when I have free time. I’m trying to keep up on social media also to ensure I am responsive to the people that have been reaching out to me about my book. I also enjoy making greeting cards as a hobby.
The process of writing a book takes a great deal of work and dedication. While writing ‘Notes on the Train’ did you learn anything new about yourself?
I learned that there was more meaning and depth to the pain I described in my writings. I found a sense of purpose and a drive to improve myself through my writing. Throughout this process of bringing my book to life, I have found ways to come out of my introvert shell and reach out to people more. It’s humbling that people want to know about the me behind the pages. I find it hard to believe sometimes and I’m still waiting to wake up.
What can fans both new and seasoned expect from you in 2022? Are you working on a new book?
Right now, I am working on a fantasy romance novel. It is very different from Notes, but hopefully it will be well received. I don’t have any other projects going at this time.
What is your favorite way to celebrate when you finish a new book?
I celebrated finishing Notes by going out with my husband and having some unwind time. It was the culmination of a 20-year process and having finished it, although exhilarating, was very stressful. I still find it hard to believe I actually did it sometimes. It’s a struggle with the Impostor Syndrome.
To find out more about Loreen de Kort and ‘Notes on the Train’ head over to Amazon.
