The official release for Scrap: Salvaging a Family (ELJ Editions) is in two weeks, but you can read about it now. The journal Your Impossible Voice has published an amazing review by Wilma J. Kahn. What a blessing to my eighteen-year project!
A memoir in flash, Scrap focuses on three discrete parts of Castle’s life in relation to her parents, especially her father. “Scrap” is a multivalent word around whose every meaning and nuance Castle fashions poignant—and sometimes horrifying—flash prose and poetry to reveal her family in all its human pain, mystery, and love.
REVIEW OF SCRAP BY WILMA J KAHN
On a related note, the journal Fictive Dream published my flash story, “The Nice Girls.”
THE NICE GIRLS
LatinosUSA has put Kin Types on its Bookshelf! And MasticadoresUSA has published a poem from that collection: What Lies Inside
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The Sweet Acacias have blossomed! I have such a love-hate relationship with these guys. They are so sweet smelling, but gosh, everybody is “allergic” to them! They bloom at least twice a year.
I’ve mentioned here that I haven’t had time to write in the last few months, but I am trying to write a few tiny drafts now. If I can accomplish first drafts of flash or poems, a few a week, for a few weeks I will feel better. I don’t feel as well when I’m not writing. I feel distinctly WEIRD.
Lately, I’m reading a mystery series by Kate Ellis–the Wesley Peterson books–which feature contemporary murder mysteries with archeology stories. I learned about the Plague Maiden. Have you ever heard of her? She appeared before a community was hit by the Bubonic Plague or Black Death. She was a woman, sometimes a skeleton, dressed in white and carrying a rake or a broom to sweep away all the dead. In the book, she sometimes wears a red scarf.
Do a quick Google search if you want to be creeped out by the variety of depictions of this scary folk character.
I feel like she needs to show up in a story I write, but I have no idea how or when. Maybe you would like to write a story about her? If so, post it so I can read it!
Congratulations on your new book and all the publications, Luanne.
The Plague Maiden–oh yes, that sounds like something I’d love to know and write about.
Oooh, I hope you do. I want to read it!!!
😊
Amazing review, Luanne! I cannot wait to read the book. I hope it gets here soon!!
I am grateful to Wilma! Thanks so much, Amy!
Congratulations on your publications!
Ellen, thank you so much! The memoir of course is very close to my heart, in part because it’s my actual life and in part because I worked on it for so long it’s like a long-time spouse or something haha.
Very captivating review! Families are complicated. Even the ones that seem perfect from the outside. Hidden secrets.
Yes, secrets! I love to read the stories of the secrets unearthed with DNA testing. If someone wants a surprise in their life do some DNA testing and see who shows up ;)!
When I was cleaning out my mother’s home after her death, I unearthed some family secrets. My cousin was born out of wedlock and no one knew who the father was. I found out about two years ago. My cousin died 10 years ago so that secret lasted. I wondered if her daughter (who is close to my age) ever found out. I don’t think she’s done DNA testing. She’s never contacted me and I have the biggest family tree. Relatives stumble over me while researching.
I think that stuff happened all the time, but we were brought up with it all swept under the rug, everything shiny and clean on the surface!
Wow, life is blossoming for you now!! 💐
Haha, and it comes with over-use of tissues!
Rejoicing with you, Luanne! Well, except for the allergy blooms. . .
Thank you so much, Joy! Haha, I know. An allergist once told me they don’t allergy test for Sweet Acacias because they bother everybody!
Congratulations, Luanne
Thanks so much, John!
I can’t wait to read your book, Luanne! I loved Wilma’s review.
Thank you so much, Deborah! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it! And when is your next book going to be done (no pressure) ;).
Wonderful review, Luanne! I look forward to reading the memoir.
Thank you, Eilene! Getting so nervous as the release gets closer!
Thanks for the book recommendations, and congratulations on your publications! 🩷
Marie, when I get going on a mystery series I like to keep going. They are my Valium. 😉 This one has 30 books :). I am, I think, on #9 right now.
Congratulations on the publication of your latest book!!! I am so very happy for you!
Thank you so much, Linda. Being done with this book is releasing a burden. I worked on it so long, and it was so therapeutic for me.
🙂 🙂 🙂