The Writing Life Archives - Page 4 of 14

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 >>

When Writer Meets Reader: Intent and Interpretation of Theme

February 10, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Theme's the Thing: 5 Points Themes are the universal lessons and abstract ideas that we draw from our own experiences when writing and creating art, as well as when we read, and interpret art. If a … Continue reading >>

Break Writer’s Block: 5 Ways Reading Can Rekindle Creativity

January 13, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

What are your writing goals for 2025? If you're feeling mired in winter blues or post-holiday blahs, maybe you're finding it hard to get back into your groove. Whenever I struggle with my writing, I … Continue reading >>

What That AARP “Guide to Become a 60-Something Debut Novelist” Got Wrong

December 16, 2024 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Is it really that easy? Kudos to author Anastasia Rubis on the success of her recent novel. But lest you think her AARP guide to becoming a debut novelist seems easy, keep in mind Rubis is no … Continue reading >>

From Practice to Mastery: 10 Quick Insights for Writers

December 9, 2024 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Notes from a novel writing practice workshop on achieving mastery: 1. Writing is a practice. Do it every day. 2. Writing is failure and rejections. It can be a painful dig to find what … Continue reading >>

Building Trust with a Narrator: How Long Does It Take to Connect with the Voice?

October 14, 2024 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Who is this person telling the story? And do I trust them? Any time I begin reading a new book there's a period of adjustment when I struggle to feel comfortable with the narrator's voice, and … Continue reading >>

Linda K Sienkiewicz

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