“The gripping poems take the reader on a journey through what is found, lost, or destroyed.” The collection was released in late January, and has since landed on Amazon’s list of Hot New Releases in Poetry.
From the time she was a child, Castle wanted to be what she referred to as one of the three 'A’s': author, actress or archaeologist, but when she got the Western for her undergraduate degree, she was encouraged to major in marketing. After several years in the field, Castle decided it was time to return to WMU for a Master's degree in English or creative writing. "I was blessed to study with some wonderful teachers, scholars, writers, and mentors," she remembered.
After completing her graduate studies in English and Creative Writing, Castle and her husband packed up and moved to California where she continued her education. This time Castle would be entering a doctoral program at the University of California, Riverside.
“When I picked up my writing a few years later, my grandmother made me promise her that I would never give up writing," Castle said. "My drive comes from deep inside, but when I get discouraged I can think about my promise to my grandmother and move beyond immediate disappointments."
And that's what she imparts on current students seeking a writing career. "Remember that rejection is a big part of writing," she said. "One of my mentors recently posted a copy of a very rude and demoralizing rejection letter she received when she was starting out. She didn't let it stop her--and she wasn't too embarrassed to publicize it. That attitude goes a long way."
Reading, studying, and cultivating relationships with other writers is key, she says.
To learn more about Castle or 'Doll God,' visit luannecastle.com.
Luanne Castle and her husband, Marshal (BBA ’77, Marketing) are both alumni of WMU. Luanne's grandmother is a graduate of Western State Normal School, and both of her parents, her brother, aunt, uncle, and a number of cousins are also alumni. "For many years, there was always somebody in our family at WMU," she said. "I grew up in the Kalamazoo area, and Western is a big part of the Kalamazoo experience." Luanne is currently working on a new book of poetry and maintains a blog 'Family Kalamazoo' in which she documents family stories and antique photographs from genealogical research.