Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Writing the Weird: Finding Joy, Meaning, and Magic in Storytelling with Stephanie Campisi

By

What: I write weird, whimsical things for all ages and across all sorts of categories. From picture books to romcoms to TV adaptations, I've done it all! That said, most of my work has some things in common: it's usually comedic, with a touch of the fantastical, and there's almost always a funny woman lead (if not two!)  My latest book is The Unfinished Business, a humorous middle grade … [Read more...]

What We Owe Each Other as Writers

By

When personal biases get in the way of simple congratulations: My MFA association’s Facebook page is intended to be a place where, among other things, we share our joy and celebrate the rare, hard-won wins. So, it’s weird when you get a response that doesn’t celebrate with you but instead tells you why your joy doesn’t count. I recently shared my essay, published in Women Writers, Women’s … [Read more...]

I Deleted My Book Trailer Three Times — Here’s What I Learned

By

What making a 50-second trailer taught me about revision: When I set out to make a book trailer for Love and Other Incurable Ailments, I didn’t expect the hardest part would be deciding when it was finished. A book trailer is a different kind of storytelling, since it’s built from images, rhythm, and music as much as words. For Love and Other Incurable Ailments, I worked on mine until I … [Read more...]

Creating Community, One Chalkboard Message at a Time

By

A coping mechanism that began in 2021: At the height of the pandemic, uncertainty filled the air. We searched for ways to cope, to connect, and to hold onto hope. For me, that came in the form of a simple chalkboard. Every month, I picked up my chalk and lettered a new message—sometimes uplifting, sometimes humorous, but always with the intent of bringing a little light to friends and strangers … [Read more...]

This Self-Checkout Queen Needs a Crown

By

Adulting like a pro I just self-checked a boatload worth of groceries at Kroger, and I deserve a trophy. At the very least, I should get a discount and key to the break room. Do you know how hard it is to coordinate that much food without the system accusing you of theft? You have to scan every item just right. You have to look up every vegetable. And not once did I need help finding a bar … [Read more...]