Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

What, Why, How with Detroit based romance author Author Colleen Nye

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What: Hello! I am an author who writes primarily contemporary romance and contemporary women's fiction... and even some romcom. A couple of my stories just might have a little paranormal aspects in them. Granted, I do have a couple others like a biography, a couple cookbooks and even a paranormal romance with an amazing, shared world series. My main focus is   contemporary romance … [Read more...]

At the end of the day, ditch the dated language

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Outdated Phrases to Retire for Good: Recently I attended a wonderful reading of poetry and prose. I particularly enjoyed an award-winning short story until I heard the phrase, “truth be told…” I found it so jarring, so out of place, that it pulled me right out of the moment. Maybe that’s why the short story didn’t win first place. Don't use the phrase "Truth be told" in your writing, … [Read more...]

How I Shut Down a Car Wash Thanks to Buick’s Electronic Precision Shift (EPS)

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Neutral? What Neutral? Nothing’s more fun than shutting down the entire car wash because you forgot how to put your newish car in neutral. I aligned the front wheel of the car into the rails as the attendant waved me forward, expecting my car to glide along effortlessly. He gave me the thumbs up for neutral. I froze. I put the car in park instead. Then drive. Wait. Back in park. WTF? My … [Read more...]

Because Bookstores, and you, Deserve Better Than Ballrooms

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Why I buy through Bookshop.org My husband and I decided to buy a book for each other for our November birthdays. The best part: ordering them from Bookshop.org and getting the above thank you email. You see, your local bookstore earns money when you order your books from Bookshop. It's an online bookseller that shares profits with indie bookshops across the country. Purchases made via … [Read more...]

Book Marketing Scams: When Praise Comes with a Price

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The Cost of Being Seen: Fellow authors, beware the marketing scam, an approach that plays on our deepest longing to be seen, to be read, and to have our work touch someone. Praise is powerful bait, but it’s a risky roll of the dice. As Dr. J. Herman Kleiger, author and psychologist warns, faux marketers “craft a message that is designed to set the hook for the hungry writer eager to respond … [Read more...]