Casey, may I say that I am compelled by both the title and cover of your book--both tell your story and evoke its emotional core. When I think of life as "full catastrophe" I embrace the worst that can happen and the best that can happen, both, not either or, as you have.
I didn't know it either. It's an essay that purports to be about one thing, i.e. a shopping list, that's really a metaphor for something else. I'm intrigued by it as well.
I was about to explain what a hermit crab essay is, but this from professor Google explains it well:
A “hermit crab” essay is a creative nonfiction sub-genre that uses an existing structure, like a recipe or police report, to tell a story or explore a topic. Coined in 2003 by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola in their book Tell It Slant, the term refers to the essay's borrowed form, similar to how a hermit crab inhabits an empty shell. The essay's personal story is juxtaposed with the imposed structure, creating meaning through the conversation between the two.
Great interview! I've loved Casey's work since I first encountered her flash pieces and short works of CNF. Then I had the pleasure of getting to know her as a friend and meeting her in person at HippoCamp a few summers ago. I loved her memoir and am inspired by her perspective on life as well as her journey to publication as a fellow "Oldster."
What a fantastic interview. Can’t wait to jump into your work, Casey. And I’m inspired by how you came back to writing. (I’ve somewhat recently returned to it in my mid 40s.)
Great interview, Casey! I'm sure the experience you shared here will be helpful to many emerging (and established!) memoirists. Congrats on the release of your beautiful book!
Loved reading about your process and love knowing about writers who got a later start. Thanks for mentioning Marion Roach Smith. She's the single best source of memoir writing advice IMO and I keep going back to her teachings.
Casey, may I say that I am compelled by both the title and cover of your book--both tell your story and evoke its emotional core. When I think of life as "full catastrophe" I embrace the worst that can happen and the best that can happen, both, not either or, as you have.
Thank you, Peggy! You’ve hit the nail on the head. 🩷
Such a great interview! Loved the book!
Thanks, Stephanie! 🩷
I've never heard the term "hermit crab" before, but the form attracts me. 😂 Did you make the term up, or is it "out there"? What does it mean?
I didn't know it either. It's an essay that purports to be about one thing, i.e. a shopping list, that's really a metaphor for something else. I'm intrigued by it as well.
I was about to explain what a hermit crab essay is, but this from professor Google explains it well:
A “hermit crab” essay is a creative nonfiction sub-genre that uses an existing structure, like a recipe or police report, to tell a story or explore a topic. Coined in 2003 by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola in their book Tell It Slant, the term refers to the essay's borrowed form, similar to how a hermit crab inhabits an empty shell. The essay's personal story is juxtaposed with the imposed structure, creating meaning through the conversation between the two.
😮
If any examples come handily to mind, I'd love to see one. I feel as if I won't completely understand until I see it in action.
Here’s a link to a recent hermit crab of mine, published in Hippocampus:
https://hippocampusmagazine.com/2024/11/help-wanted-pre-emptive-griever-by-casey-mulligan-walsh/
Great interview! I've loved Casey's work since I first encountered her flash pieces and short works of CNF. Then I had the pleasure of getting to know her as a friend and meeting her in person at HippoCamp a few summers ago. I loved her memoir and am inspired by her perspective on life as well as her journey to publication as a fellow "Oldster."
Abby! I’m so glad we’ve become friends and I value your support and wisdom so much!
That is very true https://thegirlfromlincolnshire.wordpress.com/walking/
Book is on order and highly anticipated! Great interview.
Excited to hear this, Grace! 🩷
What a fantastic interview. Can’t wait to jump into your work, Casey. And I’m inspired by how you came back to writing. (I’ve somewhat recently returned to it in my mid 40s.)
Sari, Casey, thank you both for this interview.
Thank you, Holly! It’s never too late. 🩷
Great interview, Casey! I'm sure the experience you shared here will be helpful to many emerging (and established!) memoirists. Congrats on the release of your beautiful book!
🩷💚🖤
Such great questions and thoughtful answers, Casey. Love this!
Aw thanks, Nina. You’re such a wonderful, supportive friend. 🩷
Another great interview, thank you 🙏. And thank you Casey for sharing your writing process, l look forward to reading your memoir. 😊
Thank you, Simone! I’d love for you to read it.
Loved reading about your process and love knowing about writers who got a later start. Thanks for mentioning Marion Roach Smith. She's the single best source of memoir writing advice IMO and I keep going back to her teachings.
It all began with Marion!
Great interview! So many good nuggets in here for those of us interested in memoir.
Thanks, Lisa! xo