Luanne Castle’s hybrid flash memoir, Scrap: Salvaging a Family is available for pre-order from ELJ Editions. Her story, “Garden Seasons,” was selected for Best Microfiction 2026. Her poetry and prose have appeared in Copper Nickel, River Teeth, Your Impossible Voice, JMWW, Grist, Fourteen Hills, Verse Daily, Disappointed Housewife, Lunch Ticket, Saranac Review, Pleiades, Cleaver, Moon City, Moon Park, Anti-Heroin Chic, Bending Genres, BULL, The Mackinaw, The Ekphrastic Review, Phoebe, MacQueen’s Quinterly, Gone Lawn, Burningword, Superstition Review, One Art, Roi Fainéant, Dribble Drabble, Flash Boulevard, O:JA&L, Sheila-Na-Gig, Thimble, Antigonish Review, Longridge, Paragraph Planet, Six Sentences, Gooseberry Pie, Switch, and Ginosko. She has published four award-winning poetry collections. Her ekphrastic flash and poetry collection Hunting the Cosmos is forthcoming from Shanti Arts in fall 2026. Her mixed-media art has been showcased at Rogue Agent, Ink in Thirds, Watershed Review, Wildscape, Mad Swirl, Raw Lit, and Thimble. Luanne has been a Fellow at the Center for Ideas and Society at the University of California, Riverside. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside (PhD); Western Michigan University (MFA); and Stanford University (Certificate). Luanne lives with her husband and four cats in Arizona along a wash that wildlife use as a thoroughfare. https://www.luannecastle.com/
I love your perceptive, pensive writing and sense we are similar and could be great friends! I must be about your age (I’ll be 53 in November), and love the creative nonfiction/memoir genre for reading and writing. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Ginny
(gmfleming1124@gmail.com; http://www.wakeandsea.wordpress.com)
Thank you so much, Ginny. I’m glad to “meet” you! I love your blog with its intersection of beach (sigh) and writing. I am landlocked right now in Arizona and dreaming of water at night . . . . Thanks for following my new blog. Best wishes, Luanne
Yes, sigh, being landlocked is a terrible fate! LOL
I am no longer landlocked and have become more of myself back again by the sea.
Carol, landlocked isn’t good for me or my skin. But it’s teaching me to look for the positive where I am. That’s a lesson that is always useful ;).
I guessed mid-late 40’s, based on the books you were reading as a child (e.g. Nancy Drew and the Golden Books).
Jd, go ahead and add a decade. I started out reading my mother’s old Nancy Drews.
Hey thanks for stopping by and liking my blog. I enjoy the ‘voice’ you give to your writing. Good luck!
Thank you so much for reading. I love your blog!
Hi, just wanted to drop by to say thank you for following ritaLOVEStoWRITE.com I’ve just started to delve into your blog and I’m enjoying it quite a bit. Keep up the great work. Cheers,
Rita
I love the spin you give to history. Thank you so much for stopping over here and saying hi, Rita!
🙂
Luanne,
I am excited to see some of your more intimate life details in this space. Congrats! Looking forward to reading.
Rudri, I’m so glad you had time to come over and check out the new blog! xo
Thank you for stopping by my blog!
I love the title and the whole food/books combo ;)!
Thanks for following my blog!
You’re welcome!!
Thank you for following my blog!
What an amazing first paragraph! Love it ~
And good luck with the memoir!
Nancy, thank you so much! I loved what you wrote about how you were all over the place when you started your memoir. I can completely relate to that as I went through that myself for several years. Now that I have the focus, it’s so much easier. I stopped rewriting chapter one over and over and over . . . .
Hi! Thank you for stopping by the tuesdaysaturday blog! What do you think about the new prompt (a non -ing one this time 😉 )?
The latitude and longitude one? I like that because it’s both focused and points off in different directions at the same time!
I’m looking forward to reading more of your memories and insights. You have a lovely turn of phrase. It’s a privilege to count you amongst my readers. Cheers!
Ah, thank you so much for your kind words!
Hi! Thanks for following my blog. It sounds as if we are in similar places with our writing. I, too, am piecing together some memoir, using my blog to get the stories moving. Problem is, I spend way too much time blogging and not enough time on my “real writing.” I’ve just *begun* writing and re-writing chapter one, as you mention above. Guess it’s all a process. Look forward to digging into your memories and writing. Thanks again. I love to connect with real writers.
Melanie
Hi Melanie, thanks for writing to me. It definitely is all a process, and it’s easy to get frustrated when you feel like you keep going around in circles but then suddenly something happens. For me (for that first chapter) it helped so much to read Bernard Cooper’s The Bill from My Father. It just happened to clear things up in my mind. Talk to you later, Melanie!
I might check that one out. I love reading memoir, but there are too many good ones to choose from. I’m becoming a fan of just writing out the memories and finding the connections and themes later on. Just get ink on page! Thanks – see you
Thank you so much for the nomination. I in turn nominated you as you have been a big inspiration to me along my journey. Please stop by and check it out here: http://oliviawolfe.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/count-my-blessings/
I am so grateful for you, Olivia.
Hey, I nominated you too!
http://thedailycreativewriter.com/2012/12/10/recognition-with-perfect-timing/
Elizabeth, you are a huge inspiration to me!
That sounds like a great idea for a blog! I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks for coming by to like some of my blog. Good luck writing!
Cheers,
Brett
You have a great blog, Brett. Thank you so much!
Thank you for the follow. Look forward to seeing more of your fantastice write ups…from billybrown manhuel
I like you first line. It’s grabbing. I’m a writer and grad student, too. Just finishing up thesis and perfecting (if there is such a thing) my memoir manuscript. Connecting with other writer here, so dropping in and checking you out. Nice site and writing.
Thanks so much for stopping by! My best to you finishing up your memoir ms!!
Luanne
WriteBrainTrust has nominated you for a blogging award, the Lovely Blog Award. See http://writebraintrust.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/one-lovely-blog-award-and-passing-it-on/
We appreciate all you do to on your site to promote creativity, marketing, and publishing in a digital world. Thank you.
Oh, thank you so much! That is such a bright ray to me this morning. Much needed!
Luanne
Thanks. I invite you to visit my blog Ajaytao2010@wordpress.com. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may definitely find something of your interest.
Thanks so much. You have a lovely blog!
Thank you so much dear, be in touch
Thanks, Luanne, for following my blog. It’s sort of a mess right now, very eclectic and not what I had envisioned when I started. Life took some turns and my blog name, “A Gripping life” started to become true. Right now life has got me in it’s grip. Hopefully in time I’ll reverse it.
I like your blog quite a bit and the name of your memoir is terrific. I look forward to reading more from you, Louanne.
See you around!
Lisa
It sure doesn’t look like a mess! It’s lovely! I’m sorry your life is really gripping now when it started out as a sarcastic name . . . .
Thanks, Luanne. Hopefully it will get better soon.
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I really appreciate your blog posts and I’m glad to have found you & your blog! I don’t know how you feel about blogging awards. From what I’ve heard, some people like them, some don’t, but I’ve been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. The requirements are that I nominate other bloggers, so tag, you’re it! You can find the details here:
http://wp.me/p1AwTp-dm
I’m excited to tell you that I have nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award! Stop by my blog and check it out 🙂
http://oliviawolfe.wordpress.com/
~ O
I love trawling for treasure. Good on you for turning that superpower to stories.
Pleased to meet you, Luanne– thanks for stopping by my blog and leading me here 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Julie! I loved your blog!
Thank you for following my blog! Treasure hunting is the way to keep your eye on the prize!
I think so, too! Your blog is so smart!
Luanne–I’ve been meaning to drop in and say, “Hi!” for awhile, so I thought I’d take the opportunity now, and also thank you for visiting and liking some of my posts on researchingmyself. I really like what you are doing on TFK. I just don’t know if I could write about my family history as prolifically as you do–it is so impressive! Love the Writer Site too. Sigh! My silly day job just takes too much time away from blogging 😉
Cheers,
Ian
Thank you for letting me know, Ian. Haha, I know those silly jobs are such time wasters ;). I’m lucky in that I’m part time at this point, so I’m juggling the blogs. Not sure I can always do that, but for now it’s fun! I went down to one post a week on TDK because I don’t want the posts to get ahead of the research and, as you note, there is only so much time . . . . Luanne
Luanne,
It looks as if you have a lot going on. I’m an editor and looking for good writers. Midlife Collage is looking for submissions in our free-entry contests. We run weekly, online writing contests for a cash prize. Perhaps you would be eligible and interested in submitting a short story. Please see our Submissions page for the guidelines and contest rules. Go to our Calendar page and watch the short videos for topic ideas. Thank you.
Regards,
Donna
Thanks so much, Donna. It looks so intriguing!! Best wishes.
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Thank you for discovering my blog http://www.throughharoldslens.com. You gave me the opportunity to discover, explore and follow your blog. Hope we both enjoy our journeys. Best, Harold, and my trusty sidekick Mr. SLR Nikon.
You have a beautiful blog, Harold.
Thank you Luanne! You too!
Thank you for visiting my blog! I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog, and receiving your updates. Best wishes in all you’re doing, happy to have found your writings. :),
You too! Keep me posted about the attachment parenting book. I want to know what she thinks about when the child reaches adulthood–and how old are her kids?
I really enjoyed your blog today; I’m a new followers! I feature and promote authors (for free, of course) throughout my platform and would love to invite you to submit. 🙂
Robin
http://www.robinkalinich.com/how-do-features-work.html
Robin, what a cool idea. I’ll check it out!! Thank you.
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Hi, Luanne, I don’t think you have enough awards. Here’s another one: the Sisterhood of the World Blogging Award. Details at http://1writeway.com/2013/09/21/more-awards-more-mea-culpa/
🙂
Aw, Marie, thank you so much! That is so sweet. I love the name of that: “Sisterhood of the World Blogging Award.” I just had to write it out! I’m not sure when I’ll have a chance to write up a post and am not really doing blog awards any more, but it feels so special to receive this one from you.
You’re welcome, Luanne. Don’t worry about writing up a post. I’m just happy that you enjoyed receiving it 🙂
In all honesty, I may start declining awards. As much as I appreciate the honors, they are a lot of work, even when I cheat on the rules 😉
Thank you kindly for joining us at wePoets, it’s much appreciated. We’d be happy to showcase your work should you want to share. If so our submission and theme pages explain everything. 🙂
Dear Editor,
Hello! This is Andre L. West, Editor at Dream Quest One, a poetry and writing contest. Our mission is to inspire, motivate and encourage anyone having the desire or love for poetry and writing, to continue doing so without fear of failure or success. And to remember that it’s okay to dream, while achieving attainable goals in order to make them happen. Therefore, I am requesting that you please post announcement of our current Winter 2013-2014 competition. Our contest information is included below as follows.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to anyone who enjoys expressing innermost thoughts and feelings into the beautiful literary art of poetry or writing a story that is worth telling everyone! And welcome to all having the ability to dream… Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original. http://www.dreamquestone.com
Guidelines:
Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed.
And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, all entries must be typed or legibly hand printed.
Multiple and simultaneous poetry and short story entries are accepted.
Postmark deadline: January 16, 2014
All winners will be announced on February 28, 2014
Prizes:
Writing First Prize is $500. Second: $250. Third: $100.
Poetry First Prize is $250. Second: $125. Third: $50.
Entry fees: $10 per story, $5 per poem
To send entries: Include title(s) with your story (ies) or poem(s), along with your name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself), on the coversheet. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: “DREAMQUESTONE.COM”
Mail to:
Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654
Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for details on how to enter!
No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. “And remember, in whatever you do, it’s okay to dream, for dreams do come true.” –Dream Quest One
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for your encouragement and support to the writing community. Have a fantastic day! Please reply.
With all best wishes,
Andre L. West, Editor
http://www.dreamquestone.com
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Thank you for “Liking” the post “Little Guys & I”. Streets Of Our World. on my photography blog http://www.throughharoldslens.com.
On behalf of the Through Harold’s Lens Creative Team, my trusty sidekick Mr. SLR Nikon, his brother Mr. Pen Pal and myself, we truly appreciate your enjoyment. We hope you continue to join us on our journeys.
Best Regards,
Harold
Luanne.
Thank you for “Liking” the post “Love Of The Canvas”. Artists Of Our World on my photography blog http://www.throughharoldslens.com.
On behalf of the Through Harold’s Lens Creative Team, my trusty sidekick Mr. SLR Nikon, his brother Mr. Pen Pal and myself, we truly appreciate your enjoyment. We hope you continue to join us on our journeys.
Best Regards,
Harold
Luanne,
I’ve been reading your blog for some time now, and have really enjoyed it. Therefore, I am nominating you for the Versatile Blogger Award.
My post nominating you will go live on my blog on February 26 at http://mthupp.wordpress.com. I hope you will pass along additional nominations of great blogs, but even if you decide not to, I wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you write.
Thank you.
Theresa Hupp
Teresa, you are such a sweetheart! Thank you so very much. I am not really doing blog awards any longer, but I will try to include a list of some blogs in one of my posts!
Hi! thank you for following my blog 🙂
Nominated you for The Dragon Loyalty Award
Check out: http://petitemagique.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/lovely-awards/
Of course you don’t have to accept an award, just know you’re appreciated!
Lots of love,
Patty
Patty, thank you so much! Although you’re right I don’t really “accept” awards any more, it feels great to be acknowledged with your kindness! xo
Happy International Women’s Day 2014 to you, Luanne.
Paula, thank you so much. The same to you!
Luanne, you asked me to send you a link to the post about the bullies on the bus.. I am in the middle of switching email providers and I can’t find the place where I should send it…hope you see it here! It is my first ever blog post, man, f i had known what I was getting myself into I would have started much sooner! xo, jaye
What a wonderful ‘About.’ My husband and I love flea markets – the older the better! One man’s trash… 🙂
AnnMarie
AnnMarie, it’s so true! We love flea markets, too! Thanks for stopping by!
You’re very welcome, Luanne. I wish there were better old-time flea markets around – it’s quite sad how so many have gone the way of the Dodo or have morphed into knock-off designer marketeers.
Have a wonderful Thursday 🙂
AnnMarie
And how many have just closed up because ebay has stolen their thunder (leaving all the for-real junk).
You said it. I’m coveting all my precious junk and will never give anymore away 🙂
AnnMarie
although I had a fantastic garage sale last year (somehow I accumulated a lot of my mom’s and mother-in-law’s junk – don’t know how that happened!)
Hi Luanne, I’m participating in a blog tour/hop/thingamajiggy regarding writers and their process. I need to pass the torch onto several writers and wondered if you’d be interested. If so, drop me note on my contact page and I can send you the guidelines, etc.
Hi Luanne! I wanted to copy/paste the response I just wrote to your comment on my latest blog post. Just wanted to make sure you saw it, because I know you had some questions about the changes 🙂 Here’s my response: “No, it’s okay! I know it’s going to be a transition since I’ve been on WordPress for the last 3 years. But no, technically I won’t be on WordPress. I will have a website that is powered by WordPress.org, but not WordPress.com :-/
I promise that you’ll get notifications 🙂 When I am ready to launch the new website, I’ll be leaving a post here that explains the new website, all the ways to follow, how to get email notifications, social media notifications, etc. I’m also going to email each individual follower I have so you guys have all the information 🙂
Disqus is basically a widget for commenting. On WordPress.com blogs, this is naturally built it. It makes commenting VERY easy for all WordPress.com users, but let’s say someone is a blogger at Blogspot. They aren’t able to easily ‘sign in’ to leave a comment… in fact there isn’t really an option to even leave a link to their blog (they usually can only comment under their Twitter handle or email address if they aren’t a WordPress.com user). Disqus is a commenting widget that allows people to sign in and comment a variety of ways: through Disqus itself, Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, etc. Basically it just opens up the door for all bloggers to comment, no matter if they blog with WordPress, Blogspot, Typepad, etc.
Hope this information helps! :)”
Caitlin, I forgot to thank you on here for this info, so: thank you!!!!!!!!!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Luanne wonderful space and writing you had me on sifting through trash for the treasures and crazy cat lady. I think I will enjoy reading your art. I have Jill to thank for showing me the way.
Lovely to meet you Luanne. I write memoir and creative non-fiction (and thank you for using that description as I only just realised this is what I write!). I am loving how writing on my blog has opened up different channels of writing – poetry, flash fiction, mini-memior to name a few – and I look forward to sharing our writing journeys. Oh…and I have two cats, grew up with cats, so I guess that makes for another crazy cat lady… wonderful! 😀
Hi Luanne, I just wanted you to know that I’ve nominated you for The Butterfly Light Award. I hope you will accept. It is a beautiful award, shimmering with light and beauty, as does your blog and your writing. I’m so glad we met here, I’m so looking forward to sharing more stories! Many congratulations to you my lovely new blogging friend – Sherri 🙂 http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/2014/07/15/the-butterfly-light-award/