Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Is it awe or aw?

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The world needs an illustrated grammar lesson concerning aw and awe.  Aw is a noise Aw is the word for a noise you make when you see something that's freaking adorable, like a baby hedgehog or Betty White. Some people write "aww." Because it's a sound, if the photo is especially freaking adorable, you can get away with writing "awwwwwww," although doing so is comparable to using an excessive … [Read more...]

Penny Candy Memories

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The recently installed penny candy counter in Lytle Pharmacy brings back memories of the candy stores of my girlhood. Merkel's hobby shop was across the street from my middle school in Independence, Ohio. It was the place where, on a dare, I attempted to pocket a Hershey's bar. I lost my nerve. I liked Merkel's and the friendly owner who always welcomed the children who flocked inside after … [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...]

Colleen M. Story: What Makes a Writer?

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What Makes a Writer, and Am I One? Are you a real writer? It’s a loaded question to ask a room full of writers. Some will be offended that you even asked. “I write, therefore I’m a writer,” they’ll quip. Others will have answers, but they’ll likely land all over the map. A writer writes, it’s true. But after nearly 20 years of making a living freelance writing while writing fiction on the … [Read more...]

A Family Not Forgotten

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It didn't seem that long ago that the grave markers of this family of four in Mount Avon Cemetery were bestowed with American flags, bouquets of flowers, miniature plastic soccer balls, dolls and butterflies, and the grass around them had been trimmed and tidy. The colorful and playful decorations had drawn me to look closer. I remember being startled to read that Jacob Vaness Young was born the … [Read more...]