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Writer's pictureJoie Lesin

Box(es) of Keepsakes

An open wooden chest in a dusty attic.

I have keepsakes—boxes of them.


These boxes come in the forms of a wooden chest, a few plastic bins and a beat-up cardboard container or two. These aren't numerous but they are there tucked away in the attic space. In these various containers, I have letters from my childhood and into my teen years. I have my collectibles and, of course, the special memorabilia that recall all the special times with my son and daughter when they were younger.


Sometimes, I wonder why I keep all the things when so much time can pass without me looking at any of the mementos. Then I take out one of the bins and begin the march down memory lane. It becomes clear how each letter, card, trinket and crafted piece of art are a talisman of a sort evoking a flashback to the memories and stories related to a particular time and place.


Some Keepsakes Are Only Half-Formed Plans


In one of the tattered cardboard boxes, I have two of the original synopses for what would eventually become The Passenger. These synopses were written years apart—the first when I was 16 and the next some years later in my twenties.


A picture of handwritten notes on yellow lined paper.

When I read the original ideas, I'm reminded how much the story evolved from conception to the fully realized book. I cannot help but wonder what the story would have become if I had sat down and wrote it from start to finish when I first envisioned it.


Even back then, could I have eventually arrived at Paolo's story as it is now? Would he appear as a young or old man for most of the story? Would I have changed his name from Ambrose to Paolo? Would Elizabeth be Elizabeth or would her name have remained Chivon?


The thing is, I think their story was written when it was meant to be. The characters were meant to grow with me so that when I sat down to finally write it when I was 32, they would be the fictional personae they are today.


Not all of my stories have grown up with me but quite a few have. I cannot wait to share them all with you.


News to Share


Alicia Dean, paranormal and romantic suspense author, interviewed me recently. In the interview, I discuss my inspiration for writing, the origin of my characters, how my interest in writing began, and more.



Until next time,

Author Joie Lesin


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About the Author

Joie Lesin, Author of Speculative Fiction

Minnesota-based author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and the author of The Passenger. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly including ghosts. She loves to write a good ghost story—especially when it includes a touch of romance.

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