Linda K. Sienkiewicz's Blog, page 54
September 24, 2015
What, Why, How: Allison Maruska
WHAT?
WHY?Mystery, suspense, and Young Adult novels in addition to posting on my humor/writing blog.
I love telling stories that keep people guessing and creating characters that feel like friends. I write my YA books for my sons, who I hope will want to read them one day.How?On the blogging side, if I can help a new writer develop or make someone laugh, I’ve done my job.
More often than not, my stories start with the characters. I figure out the major plot points, and the rest develop...
September 21, 2015
Book Launch Party Photos
This was the night I’d dreamed of for so long – my book launch party. In the Context of Loveis published and released into the world! It’s a time to celebrate, but also an opportunity to gather my friends, neighbors, and family together to say thank you. Writing is a solitary act, but I couldn’t have done itwithout their support and encouragement. The metro Detroit area has anincredible literary community!
The partywas at the Rochester Community House, a local gathering place in the park.We s...
September 17, 2015
What, Why, How: Terri-Lynne DeFino
WHAT?
I write romance with a touch of fantasy, fantasy with a little romance. While I started my writing career with three fantasy novels (Hadley Rille Books), I’m currently writing a series of romance novels, The Bitterly Suite (Lyrical Shine, an imprint of Kensington Publishing.)
WHY?
I have the talent, the will, the passion, and the time. I write because I not writing isn’t an option. Nothing new or profound there. Why do I write fantasy, or romance with fantastical elements? Because there...
September 11, 2015
What, Why, How: Kristen A. Kieffer
WHAT: I’m all about fiction. Currently, I’m editingThe Dark Between, a medieval fantasy novel for the new adult age market.When I’m not writing, I coach other authors through the process of crafting novels that will endear readers, excite publishers, and launch their writing careers. I also co-host the weekly #StorySocial Twitter chat (Wednesdays at 9PM EST, if you’re interested in joining), where we discuss author branding in the online world. Oh, and Lord of the Rings – only Stephen Colb...
September 7, 2015
The Truth About Reader Reviews
The long-awaited date of mybook release for In the Context of Love is tomorrow, September 8th. The links will officially change from Preorder to Buy Now. Pre-ordered copies will be sent from Amazonto readers. The book is officially out there, and people will be able to post reader reviews. I’m excited and nervous, and hopefullyprepared for reader reviews. All reader reviews–good and bad.
Because ifsomeone loves abook,it’s almost certain that someone elsehates it. It’s the nature of art, from...
August 31, 2015
What, Why, How: Ann Rosenquist Fee
WHAT? Playing “Rita” in “The Best of Hank and Rita: A Barroom Operetta by Joe Tougas.” Joe and I play a fictional husband-wife country-pop duo who hit the Top 10 briefly in the 1970s and, after a declining decade that followed, are performing tonight (circa 1986). They’re on the brink of divorce, but Hank doesn’t know that, but the audience does. It’s eleven original songs firmly grounded in the aesthetic known as “1970s AM Gold,” with a lot of improvised back-and-forth leading to a...
August 24, 2015
How to Contrast Setting with Emotion
I picked up this gem about setting and emotion at a writer’s conference: Consider putting your character’s ina location or settingthat contrasts the scene’s emotional impact.
This was the example:you’re writing a scene abouta family that has to deal with a significantdeath in the family. The parents have saved all year and paidup front to take their children ona vacation to Disney World… and the trip beginsthe day afterthe funeral. What would that be like?
A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton...
August 20, 2015
What, Why, How: Mariam Kobras
WHAT?
I write contemporary romance/women’s fiction, SciFi short stories, and the occasional haiku. Lately I’ve been working with a co-author on a new mystery series. We have very different work styles so it’s been a whole new experience.
WHY?
One morning five years ago I woke up and felt that it was the right time to start writing a novel. So that’s what I did: I sat down and wrote The Distant Shore.
The full manuscript was requested by the publisher, Buddhapuss Ink LLC after they’d read a sa...
August 17, 2015
Do No Harm
The other day as I approachedMount Avon Cemetery with my corgi, Clementine, another walker was leaving, soI asked her if she had seenthe resident fawn that romps through city cemetery. The young deer iscurious about Clementine, whose reddish coloring and hugeears are similar.
“Yes, but you’re not supposed to walk a dog there,” the walkersaid.
Wow. That wasn’tthe response I had expected. “I clean up after her,” I said. I carrya roll of baggies attachedto theleash.
“You’re still not supposed to...
August 13, 2015
What, Why, How: John D. Lamb
WHAT?
Songs; write and record new ones. Learn old ones. Perform in clubs, concerts and festivals. Encourage others to write songs, poems and stories.
WHY?
A development that began in college. Used to read the lyrics that came with record albums (remember those?). Turn a phrase, turn a head. Not alone. He/she thinks that way? Well, I thought that, too, but I didn’t think anyone else did. Cool. I think this thing. Maybe you’ve thought it. I’m weird? You’re weird. We’re cool.
HOW?
Come u...
