Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Funnies for Writers

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Need a reason to smile after dealing with rejection letters, frustrating revisions or lousy book reviews? We’ve all been there! I don’t know if I’d actually send such a letter, but I laughed reading it! Sometimes it’s hard to know how to answer this question from well meaning friends when you’ve been in a slump, especially if it’s been months. Most of my writer friends … [Read more...]

THE WATERS: Spellbinding and brutal fiction

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Fiction to lean into, to absorb, to take your time reading Author Bonnie Jo Campbell's newest novel, "The Waters," is not to be missed if you like dense, provocative fiction. My review is currently up on MER Motherhood Literature and Art magazine. “There were herbs in the Waters of Massasauga swamp that could be rendered into medicines for just about every affliction: yarrow and … [Read more...]

Queen Clementine: a Dog Story

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The gift of dogs Dogs bring so much into our lives that I sometimes wonder how we can ever repay them. Clementine was like a gift. When our kids were growing up, we had a wonderful chocolate Lab. When she developed diabetes in her later years, we gave her insulin injections twice daily. It was a challenge, but we loved her. After she died, we spent 7 years debating what kind of dog we … [Read more...]

Red River Valley, for Dad on his birthday

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Such a sad song When I was a little girl, I asked my late father to tell me his favorite song..."the most beautiful song you ever heard." He thought a minute. “I guess it’d have to be ‘Red River Valley.’” His answer stumped me. It was such a sad song. Why would your favorite be one that made you feel sad? He wasn't one to listen to the radio or records. In fact, the bigger surprise may … [Read more...]

Talking with myself

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Weird habit or normal? I confess: I replay or create conversations aloud. I expound. I pontificate. I argue. I talk in the bathroom. I talk when folding laundry. I talk when walking the dogs. I practice for an upcoming doctor's appointment, a phone call, an argument. I have talked aloud ever since I can remember. Over the years, I've managed to rein it in, but more times than I care to … [Read more...]