The Writing Life Archives - Page 2 of 13

Why Readers Quit Books—and What Writers Can Learn

January 12, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

What's the craziest reason you stopped reading a book? Three pages in and the female narrator is getting hot and sweaty in a dingy bathroom stall with a random guy while saying she's never done … Continue reading >>

At the end of the day, ditch the dated language

November 17, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Outdated Phrases to Retire for Good: Recently I attended a wonderful reading of poetry and prose.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 … Continue reading >>

How to finish the damn book: Advice from Jacquelyn Mitchard

October 30, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

If it was easy, maybe we’d all have a book Did you know 97% of books started are never finished? One year after I finished and published my first book, I began to worry I’d never finish book … Continue reading >>

Using Fiction to Process Real-Life Tragedy and Family Secrets

June 30, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

The emotional and creative journey behind In the Context of Love—a novel inspired by unspoken truths. How do we make sense of tragedy? We live every day knowing that bad things happen--on a … Continue reading >>

10 Character Tips Every Novelist Should Know

May 19, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Create compelling characters Doing this takes time and work When I was drafting Love and Other Incurable Ailments, I had to determine why a woman would give up her life and her job and move to … Continue reading >>

Beyond the Smile: Elevating Character and Emotions in Writing

April 14, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Don't let a smile do all the lifting! One of the steps I take when editing a manuscript is search for particular words, such as smile. Every word matters especially when it comes to character's … Continue reading >>

Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line