Notes on Life Archives - Page 2 of 26

What making reels taught me as an author

May 18, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

I joined TikTok in my late 60s and survived When I signed with Regal House Publishing for my second novel in the summer of 2024, I challenged myself to learn the ins and outs of TikTok before my … Continue reading >>

Grace for the Socially Awkward

April 27, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

The comfort of watching someone else get it wrong: Confession: I adore Jamie from the Progressive Insurance commercials. Jamie is so freaking enthusiastic but terribly socially miscalibrated. He … Continue reading >>

What We Owe Each Other as Writers

April 6, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

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, … Continue reading >>

Creating Community, One Chalkboard Message at a Time

March 26, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

chalkboard with a rainbow, clouds and sun. Text reads Love will win

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 … Continue reading >>

Small Talk: the Social Ritual We Pretend Not to Need

March 16, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Are we really doing small talk wrong? The ads on Instagram for coaching people in conversation so you don't sound "weak"—i.g. never ask “how’s it going” or “what’s new”—make me wonder if I'm … Continue reading >>

Kegels, Kenny G, and the Curse of Bad Waiting Room Music

March 2, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

The music was worse than the dentist: Recently, I spent a half-hour doing Kegel exercises at the dentist, not to distract myself from the cleaning, but from the awful music. This wasn’t soothing … Continue reading >>

Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line