The old adage “write what you know” has proven true for children’s author, Bill Trombello. The author’s expertise and work with the Canadian National Railroad inspired Bill to write How a Real Locomotive Works. Come along for this fascinating journey getting to know Bill Trombello and a “real locomotive.”
Your career interests have come full circle with the publication of How a Real Locomotive Works and Trains and Real Locomotives. Please share with us your fascination with locomotives.
They always say “write about what you know.” For over 25 years, I’ve been teaching students all over the world how to repair locomotives. I guess you can’t help but develop a fascination for these modern marvels.
You have taught high school and college students as well as major car manufacturers and locomotive companies. Which was more challenging and why?
Without a doubt, teaching students how to repair locomotives was my greatest challenge. Locomotives are “diesel electric” so the educator has to be well-versed in diesel engines and elaborate electrical control systems. As a certified teacher, I quickly recognized that, while knowing how a locomotive works is very important, how to keep that locomotive pulling a train is what it’s all about.
What inspired you to write How a Real Locomotive Works?
What inspired me to write this book? The answer is “Little Obie,” the Canadian National’s parade locomotive. While participating in Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade aboard Little Obie, I was bombarded with questions regarding how a real locomotive actually worked, and of course that inspired me to write the book.
Little Obie, a miniature parade locomotive, was built with one purpose in mind: to promote safety at railroad crossings.
Little Obie was the brain child of Mr. Paul Rose, a former machinist (and one of my students) at the CN's Memphis shops. Mr. Rose designed and built Little Obie with the unwavering support of Mr. Jim Danielwitz, the CN’s Vice President in charge of locomotives and rail cars. CN Management goes to great expense sending teams of their technicians with Little Obie in tow to schools, police departments, festivals, and of course parades to educate our children on how to stay safe at railroad crossings.
Being a technical writer for many years, what did you find the most challenging aspect in writing for children?
The challenge was to present the technical aspects of the books in such a manner that children would enjoy reading the books over and over again.
I knew I’d met my objective when a grandfather wrote me and told me that his grandson wanted him to read How a Real Locomotive Works every time he visits.
How did your technical background assist you in writing your first two children’s books? Did you find the technical jargon difficult to explain?
Train books are immensely popular with children. However, very few of these books offer any insight into trains. My background allowed me to show the young reader why locomotive wheel’s slip, or hey, what happened to the caboose? The books are filled with little-known facts about trains and locomotives that children love.
As far as the technical jargon goes, I try to compare it to something that exists in the child’s world, or simply try to make it fun.
Please share with us the collaboration process between you and illustrator, Brian Diskin.
As one of the owners of Technical Training Consultants Inc., I hired Brian to do illustrations for an association we managed. We were so impressed that I hired Brian to do the illustrations for the first two books.
I would show Brian detailed pictures of locomotives, trains, and components and tell him what I envisioned. Brian, being the wonderful illustrator/cartoonist that he is, worked his magic, and the rest is history.
What has been the greatest obstacle in getting your books published?
I knew absolutely nothing about book publishing, so I’d have to say a lack of knowledge, and getting the manuscript in the right person’s hands.
What was the best advice you received when you began writing for children?
The best advice I received was from Emma Walton Hamilton (Julie Andrews’ daughter). Emma taught me how to write in the active, not passive, voice. Additionally, the guidance I received from my publisher, SCBWI, and Illinois SCBWI has been invaluable.
How do you live your life as a writer? Are you a disciplined writer?
Being a writer makes you thick skinned. You learn to accept criticism and failure. Being a writer teaches you no matter how many rejections you receive, get up off the floor, dust yourself off, and send out another round of submissions. Additionally, as a writer, I always want to be accessible to my readers.
As far as being a disciplined writer goes —in my opinion, I am a disciplined writer. I’ll go over and over my project, walk away, and go over it once again. When I’m ultimately satisfied with the end result, I still read the story over and over until I’m unwilling to commit to any additional changes.
Please share with us your latest project and where we can learn more about your career?
My latest project is a picture story book inspired by a true story called “The Willow Falls Christmas Train.” On Christmas Eve, a powerful winter storm worse than anyone had ever seen descends upon the town of Willow Falls. Just as townspeople are wrapping presents, decorating trees, and preparing Christmas feasts, the lights blink and fade out. Homes become dark and cold. Even the hospital and airport are snowed in. Someone has to do something quickly!
Rejected by the town, engineer Obie and his fellow railroaders swallow their pride and mount a desperate rescue mission to save Christmas in Willow Falls. Aided by one reliable old locomotive, the kind hearted railroaders save Christmas in Willow Falls!
“The Willow Falls Christmas Train” won the unpublished category at both the Hollywood Book Festival and the New England Book Festival. Additionally, the book was mistakenly placed into the Children’s category at the London Book Festival and took Runner Up honors. I’m still actively seeking the right publisher for the “Willow Falls Christmas Train.”
To learn more about me your readers can go to www.nightengalepress.com or my business web site www.ttc-train.com.
Books by Bill Trombello :
You can purchase books at any local, on-line, or SFC bookstore.
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