writing tips Archives - Page 5 of 6

Endings are never easy in fiction

August 20, 2018 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

What if... How many times have you enjoyed a book right up to the end, but when you closed it, you felt unsatisfied? Not in the sense that the ending wasn't "happy," but rather that the last … Continue reading >>

What, Why, How: Dan Alatorre

January 1, 2018 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

What: What do I do? Good question. My wife wants to know, too. She sees me at the computer for hours and hours, but it takes a long time for a book to be produced, so she’s certain I’ve got an … Continue reading >>

Writing is no orderly process

February 1, 2016 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

My novel doesn't start at the beginning. Is this an inside writing joke? What I mean is the narrative in my story isn't ordered chronologically. It wasn't always that … Continue reading >>

Where to Start Your Novel

January 11, 2016 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

The beginning as a place mark: We sit in front of the keyboard, poised, with an idea for a book spinning in our head, and find ourselves afraid to start. After all, we are aware we have one … Continue reading >>

How to Contrast Setting with Emotion

August 24, 2015 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Contrast emotion with setting in fiction This is a simple trick that can maximize any scene's emotional impact. A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton offers a great contrast between … Continue reading >>

Seven Magic Elephants of Creativity ~ Margo LaGattuta

September 7, 2011 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

I Vacuum, Therefore I Am: Magic was in the air in a crowded coffeehouse 18 years ago when I first heard poet Margo LaGatutta read. Her poem, “I Vacuum, Therefore I Am,” gave me goose … Continue reading >>

Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line