Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Where to Start Your Novel

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The beginning as a place mark: We sit in front of the keyboard, poised, with an idea for a book spinning in our head, and find ourselves afraid to start. After all, we are aware we have one paragraph, or three at best, to capture the attention of the reader. My friend and mentor, Elizabeth Searle, gave me a great tip to get past this initial fear: Think of your current opening as nothing … [Read more...]

Girls and Christmas Dolls

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Chatty Cathy dolls were a wildly popular Christmas gift in the sixties that bring fond memories to many, along with some not-so-fond memories. A Facebook post I made about Cathy elicited some of the most interesting stories about dolls and gifts: Not the doll she'd hoped for Bunny said she pulled the cord out of her Chatty on Christmas Night; the ring was attached to a string that was … [Read more...]

Book Launch Party Photos

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This was the night I'd dreamed of for so long - my book launch party. In the Context of Love is published and released into the world! It's a time to celebrate, but also an opportunity to gather my friends, neighbors, and family together to say thank you. Writing is a solitary act, but I couldn't have done it without their  support and encouragement. The metro Detroit area has an incredible … [Read more...]

Book Promotion for Anxious Authors

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Writers are introverts. We have to be dragged out of the house to socialize. Promotion of our books and ourselves as writers is something we find really difficult. So what is an author supposed to do? Finding the answer was my goal at AWP 2015, before the debut of my novel, In the Context of Love.  I found several great tips on book promotion that are timeless, and not that difficult, even for an … [Read more...]

How to Contrast Setting with Emotion

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Contrast emotion with setting in fiction This is a simple trick that can maximize any scene's emotional impact. A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton offers a great contrast between setting and emotion. The opening scene is in a bedroom in a Wisconsin farmhouse on a brilliant Monday morning in June. Alice lies in bed and contemplates her perfect life … [Read more...]