Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

What, Why, How: Children’s Author Rebecca Weber celebrates neurodivergence

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Discover how children's author Rebecca Weber writes magical middle-grade adventures that celebrate neurodivergence, helping kids see their differences as strengths. What: The Painter’s Butterfly is a story about a foster child who finds a magical easel that brings paintings to life. I addressed heavy themes, like grief and belonging, but also infused magic into the story to … [Read more...]

How do you hang up the phone?

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Hang ups: We end phone calls with the mere tap of a finger. When I was young, it was exciting to hang up on someone by slamming the receiver down. Slam your cell phone down and you might shatter the screen. I still hang up on solicitors. I hang up on political calls, too. What do you say? End the call, or hang up? Some of us remember when we used to dial a number. A recent WaPo … [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...]