Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

The story of a ten-year-old girl who got a real hippopotamus for Christmas

By

Forget Holly Jolly My dentist is somewhere in her thirties, expecting her third child. I recently had a crown replaced and was forced to listen to boring Christmas songs while she drilled out the old porcelain crown. Between swishing and holding my mouth open, I told her it's a shame "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" isn't 'played more often. She had never heard of the song! This makes … [Read more...]

What That AARP “Guide to Become a 60-Something Debut Novelist” Got Wrong

By

Is it really that easy? Kudos to author Anastasia Rubis on the success of her recent novel. But lest you think her AARP guide to becoming a debut novelist seems easy, keep in mind Rubis is no slouch. She's quite an accomplished writer. That goes a long way toward knowing how to write well and edit. Rubis’ writing has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post, New … [Read more...]

From Practice to Mastery: 10 Quick Insights for Writers

By

Notes from a novel writing workshop: 1. Writing is a practice. Do it every day. 2. Writing is failure and rejections. It can be a painful dig to find what glimmers. 3. Writing is endurance. It is a beloved commitment. It means saying, "Yes, I'm still writing." 4. Writing is personal. You have questions you are trying to answer. 5. Writing is reading to become fluent. 6. Writing … [Read more...]

Unraveling the Mystery of a Glug in Cooking

By

How much really is a glug? Here I am, in the middle of prepping, reading the above recipe. I'm not particularly fond of cooking to start with. I don't have time nor the desire to research what a glug is, other than I know the sound oil makes when you pour it from a great big bottle. Are all bottles the same size though? Do all oils glug at the same rate? And please define "a few." I'm sure … [Read more...]

Reflect, Recharge, Reboot: Post-Election Encouragement

By

What to do next Poet and memoirist Carolyn Forché said on November 7, 2024, "We are going soon to be living under a different form of government entirely. Be careful, beginning now, about sharing your activities. Guard your networks and circles. Confidentiality is everything. Protect the vulnerable... Prepare, and know that we are living in a different world, perhaps altogether." As … [Read more...]