keep it 100

100 words with poet Luanne Castle

Luanne and I met in a nonfiction workshop earlier this year, and I was blown away by her graceful words. Her suggestions for my writing were invaluable.

Luanne’s first poetry collection, Doll God, won the New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in 2015. Her latest, Rooted and Winged, will be available in September with a portion of the proceeds donated to Liberty Wildlife.

Besides poetry and flash, Luanne also writes a blog and creates art collage journals.

Welcome to the mashup’s micro-interview! Answers can be any length, but the total word count—including my 8 questions—can’t exceed 100 words.

10-word bio

Cat and family loving friendly introvert writing poetry and memoir.

Favorites

• Writing spot: kitchen laptop

• Poet: Sylvia Plath

• Haiku or free verse: Whitman’s “Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking”

Tell us about your arty junk journals

Serenity with dirty hands in messes. Freedom to create. Layers and textures provide satisfaction.

Dream vacation

A fantasy cruise on the Great Lakes in summertime then a drive to the Black Beauty Ranch and Longhopes Donkey Shelter (without leaving my cats).

How do your cats inspire you?

Cats are loving and caring but stick up for themselves. They don’t grovel for love.

Luanne, Perry and a page from her art journal