Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Literary vs Genre Fiction

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Give it to me straight: A writer on Twitter/X asked: "What do you understand by the term 'literary fiction' in three words or fewer." Among the comments, I read: Ouch! That's a whole lotta negativity. Further complicating lit fic's apparent reputation as tireless trash, Wikipedia adds to the burn with this definition: "Literary fiction is often used as a synonym for literature, … [Read more...]

The importance of reader reviews

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The importance of reviews Reader reviews are more than something to feed the author's ego. Reviews mean EVERYTHING to the algorithm gods. Here is why: In a market where readers have so many choices, the importance of reader reviews cannot be overstated. Candid reviews written by readers like you have the power to transform browsers into buyers. Nervous about what to write? Don't … [Read more...]

The Fear is Real: heights, bridges, and other debilitating fears

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Shake it up: Here I am in Tucson, Arizona, smiling hugely from way up high. I look giddy with happiness. Truthfully, I was giddy with fear. You can't see how hard I'm shaking. My entire being! With my heart in my throat! I remember entertaining an irrational fear that the wind might blow me off, and a brief concern that my husband or someone else might push me, you know, just for giggles. He'd … [Read more...]

Simple beliefs that hold true

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A journaling exercise When cleaning a deep, dark and very dusty closet recently, I found a little blue notebook that I wrote in when my friend Rebecca Vlasic and I conducted journaling workshops at a women's shelter in Pontiac, sometime around 2000. In the workshop, we discussed the value of keeping a personal journal of goals, aspirations, accomplishments, likes and dislikes, and good … [Read more...]

Adjustments: Do dogs grieve?

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Life without Clementine: I’ve been watching our 3-year old corgi Cowboy carefully since his buddy Clementine traveled over the rainbow bridge on February 8th, 2024. After all, she was there since the first day we brought him home. Now his morning routine has changed. His walk routine changed. Feeding routine, bedtime, playtime.... all changed. I tried not to project my own feelings of loss … [Read more...]