Synopsis
How to Make Paper When the World is Ending is a luminous new collection of short stories that deftly examines, explores, and reimagines the ghost story.
A couple sets off on their first long weekend together with romantic-or murderous-intentions. A recently divorced father attempts to jump-start his life by performing as John Lennon in a Beatles cover band. A young woman becomes obsessed with a sweepstakes contest in the wake of her roommate's sudden death.
How to Make Paper When the World Is Ending features literal ghosts, spiritual ghosts, charming ghosts; ghosts that are dead ends and ghosts that are still living; the ghosts of what might yet be and the ghosts of what might have been. How is each of us shaped by what haunts us?
As Entropy Magazine noted of her first collection, Dallas Woodburn is a master of writing stories that "never cease to surprise or carry a wave of emotional impact." With its ambitious scope and resonant themes, How to Make Paper When the World Is Ending is another deeply felt, captivating collection of stories that will linger long after the final page.
"How to Make Paper When the World is Ending" is the title of a poem by Yesika Salgado that speaks to the idea of finding hope and resilience in the face of apocalyptic events or circumstances. The poem is not a literal guide on how to make paper in the event of an apocalypse, but rather a metaphor for the human capacity to create beauty and meaning even in the darkest of times.
However, if you are interested in learning how to make paper from scratch, it is a fun and creative activity that can be done with simple materials. Here are some general steps to follow:
Collect materials: You will need paper scraps, water, a large bowl, a blender or food processor, and a flat surface like a baking sheet or a clean countertop.
Shred the paper: Tear the paper scraps into small pieces and put them in the blender or food processor. Add enough water to cover the paper and blend until it becomes a smooth pulp.
Soak the pulp: Pour the pulp into a large bowl and add enough water to make a slurry. Let it soak for several hours or overnight.
Drain the pulp: Pour the pulp into a colander or screen and let the excess water drain out. Squeeze the pulp to remove as much water as possible.
Press the pulp: Place the pulp on a flat surface and press it with a clean cloth or towel to remove any remaining water.
Dry the paper: Leave the paper to dry in a warm, dry place for several hours or overnight. Once it's dry, you can cut it into any shape you like.
Note that this is a simplified version of the paper-making process and that there are many variations and techniques depending on the materials and tools you have available.
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