writing Archives - Page 3 of 9 - Linda K Sienkiewicz

I finally get to share the cover of Love and Other Incurable Ailments!

February 9, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Here it is! When the Regal House design team showed the cover to me, I felt something settle. The envelope. The house. The solitary figure walking toward what she doesn’t yet understand. It … Continue reading >>

Is your Novel Plot or Character Driven?

January 19, 2026 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

When I was querying agents and publishers, I found this distinction incredibly helpful, if only because deciding what to highlight in a query letter can feel impossible. Understanding whether your … 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Outdated Phrases to Retire for Good: Recently I attended a wonderful reading of poetry and prose.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 Understand that 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 … Continue reading >>

Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line