Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

I or Me: how to know which to use

By

The easiest grammar rule in the world—and yet people keep getting it wrong. Believe me - it's not I I overheard one of the moonshiners on the Discovery channel TV show say, ”Billy trusted Joe and I to keep the mash warm.” What kind of highfalutin' language is that for a good ol' boy? He should have said, “Billy trusted Joe and me to keep the mash warm.” Not because he's a moonshiner, … [Read more...]

Who Cleans Your House?

By

Bad housekeeping: A friend asked me if I had a housekeeper.I said no.So she asked, “You clean your own house?“I said no.She asked, “Wait... Who cleans your house?”I laughed and said no one. I also told her I was three winters behind in my spring cleaning. Joking aside Actually I'm not that bad. I keep my kitchen counters, stovetop and sink clean, but they're used on a daily basis, so … [Read more...]

Dress like a Poet for National Poetry Month

By

The Red Scarf: A dear poet friend laughed as she told me the story of feeling a little chilly went she went to the gym. She wore her red scarf while working out, just until she warmed up. Someone who knew her said something like, "Oh, you poets. Always have to look different," as if wearing a red scarf was only an affectation. How pretentious to wear a scarf in a gym. Only a poet. So my … [Read more...]

Writing Morally Grey Characters: Tips from crime writer Charles Salzberg

By

Please enjoy this guest post written by Charles Salzberg, journalist, teacher and author of detective and crime fiction, as well as numerous works of nonfiction: Rather than risk boredom, why not have fun writing about a law-breaking jerk instead? Squeaky clean: As a child, unlike my younger brother who always seemed to be in some kind of trouble, I was the “good son.” From his school … [Read more...]

Writers, Respect What You Do

By

As if... When I was an aspiring writer, I didn’t always prioritize my work. One conversation changed that. Years ago, I told my therapist I often felt guilty when I was writing. He drew back as if startled. "Why?" he asked, frowning. I shrugged, said "Like I should be cleaning or something…” and then stopped. I was about to say "more constructive." As if my writing isn't … [Read more...]