Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Dress like a Poet for National Poetry Month

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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

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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...]

What, Why, How: Hiram Larew

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What? What’s my poetry? Well, it’s slanted. It’s made of roundabout and surprise. And, it’s surely implied rather than outright. I’ve always relished, even worshipped, the unexpected in poetry. In fact, I want words, lines or hops in poems to launch me into some skyward place I never knew existed. Yes, poetry is my passport. Such an all-askew point of view depends upon a life of … [Read more...]

Writers, Respect What You Do

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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...]

What, Why, How: Maryann Miller

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What? Hello, my name is Maryann, and I’m addicted to writing. It started when I was about ten years old and had just finished reading a charming book about Lassie written by Albert Payson Terhune. After closing the book, I turned to my friend who was reading with me and said, “Let’s write stories like this.” My first story wasn’t about a dog. It was about a horse, and The Call of the Wild … [Read more...]