In this exclusive interview with Sisko Linduska, author of the "Scarred For Life" series, we delve into her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her gripping novels, and the themes that resonate deeply with her readers. Born in the culturally rich city of Sault Ste. Marie, Sisko's unique background and personal experiences have significantly influenced her writing. Join us as we uncover the compelling story of Sisko Linduska and the creative process behind her impactful works.
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your background?
My pen name is Sisko Linduska, which means Dear Sister Linda in the Finnish language. My parents used to call me Linduska when I was a little girl. I was born and raised in the Northern Ontario city of Sault Ste. Marie, home of the second largest Finnish population in Canada and am a first generation Canadian. Ethnicity was not obvious on the surface of a fair-haired, blue-eyed child in a glaringly Anglophone community. However, we Anglicized our names to accommodate the inability of the general population to pronounce our names correctly. On occasion, my mother refused to comply with people who couldn’t say her surname right and I admired her staunch stoicism. The Soo, as it is colloquially called, had a quaint feel and our home was situated on a rural road on the St. Mary’s River. In many ways, it was an idyllic childhood.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Was there a specific moment or event that sparked this desire?
My sister and I got our first diaries for Christmas one year and that probably created the foundation for an on-again, off- again habit of journaling. Mine had a green cover with gold embossed lettering and a tiny key to keep my most secret thoughts private.
It wasn’t until an EF1 tornado struck in my currently location of Hammond, ON on June 2, 2019. Left without power, I decided to start writing. This time the story flowed through stream of consciousness. I let go of all inhibition and didn’t plan what would happen next until it was about to happen.
Sisko, you mentioned how journaling started for you with a diary gifted to you and your sister. Can you share how your journey as an author began? What were some of the initial challenges you faced?
Being an author meant I had to convert raw hand written material into digital format while rereading, editing, proofing, and building up the story by adding substance to clarify the events taking place while being concise. Initially, I had some challenges with software and finding people I could trust to read my drafts.
And what was your family's reaction when you decided to pursue writing? Did they support your decision?
My daughters, one of my sisters, and my husband were supportive of my becoming an author. However, they found some character traits of the personalities in my books to be challenging and some events were disturbing for them. I have not shared my complete works with everyone in my family because we are not close. Most notably, my mother knows I’ve been writing but I have not shared my books with her. Sadly, our relationship remains superficial.
Sisko, you’ve shared some fascinating insights into your journey and family dynamics. How did you come up with the concept for the “Scarred For Life” series?
“Scarred For Life” was an optional title I had selected for the first book in the series, “Scissors In Her Hand”. There are many people I’ve met, heard, or read about who have experienced trauma and life-altering events, by choice, chance, or necessity. As much as the wounds from trauma heal, the scars remain and the characters in the series learn to live with them.
What was the inspiration behind the title "Scissors In Her Hand"? Does it have a special significance?
Greta had a knack for sewing and learned to use scissors to cut fabric under the tutelage of her Aunt Esther. When pressured into a college program, she chose fashion design and while living alone in Circada she began to carry scissors in her hand for protection while walking home at night through the alley of cats. The significance of scissors in her hand continues throughout the series to varying degrees. In particular, Greta becomes a hairstylist after failing to live up to her mothers expectations in Circada.
Can you describe the process of writing your first book? How long did it take, and what were some of the challenges you encountered?
Basically, when the tornado hit, it ignited a spontaneous flood of mental creativity. My outlet was words on paper. I was open and uncensored. In total, it took me two years to write three books, including formatting, cover design, and publication.
Learning different software programs was challenging but very doable. I’ve always thrived when I could be creative because I have a very active mind and I became motivated by my own determination.
"Scissors Bite" continues the story from the first book. How did you ensure the continuity and development of the characters and plot?
I had to be fully invested in the original story and the characters of the first book. The characters matured as the lies deepened. The secret of Willow’s adoption was destined to be revealed but the plot thickens. The characters glue all subplots together in overarching themes of alcohol abuse, spousal abuse, female stereotypes, unplanned pregnancy, rape, and the expression of suppressed intergenerational trauma.
You've delved into complex themes like alcohol abuse, spousal abuse, and intergenerational trauma in your previous works. In "My Real Dad," what themes do you explore, and what inspired these particular themes?
In “My Real Dad”, Willow meets her biological father’s family, her extended family. Their family history explains contributing factors in his criminal behaviour. She needed to understand why her father forced himself on her mother because she was the product of rape.
Willow learns to love the memory of her biological father in all his evilness as she accepts that he is part of her. She finds solace with her mother’s friend Brenda, who is carrying the child of her deceased father. Brenda’s baby would be Willow’s paternal half-sibling. She bonds with her extended family on her father’s side after his funeral and feels herself branching away from her roots in River Town to pursues her education and own career path.
Moving back to your "Scarred For Life" series, which character do you relate to the most, and why?
I most definitely relate to Greta the most. She is the impetus to the first book and she connects the past with the future. She struggles with loneliness and the regret of failing her mother. I have dealt with depression all my life and have never felt I could make my mother proud. These are things that Greta experiences in “Scissors In Her Hand”.
Moving forward, how do you balance writing about dark themes with injecting moments of hope and resilience into your stories?
It’s easy for me to find the darkness. Many of us are in the midst of it. We need comfort and acceptance from the people in our lives. It’s key for the characters in “Scarred For Life” to choose their path and let go of unhealthy emotional attachments, even at the cost of letting family go.
You've highlighted the importance of characters choosing their own path and letting go of unhealthy attachments in "Scarred For Life". Looking ahead, what do you hope your readers take away from reading the series?
I want people to know that they are not alone, that people can change, and circumstances can change. There are angels that walk among us in human and animal form. The thoughts and experiences of our ancestors transcend time and are carried through genetic memory. The subtle mannerisms, attitudes, and expressions that we get from our parents, come from their parents, and so on. We are more than what we think or feel in any given moment. We are an animal. The only way to peace is through forgiveness and the understanding that individuals don’t get to choose their parents, where they were born, or the influences in their childhood.
Shifting gears, do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset?
When I need to write I seek a quiet place free from distractions. I need to be well rested and find the best times to write are first thing in the morning or after a refreshing nap. That said, when ideas are in full force, I can write just about anywhere. The waiting room at a car dealership will do.
You've described your approach to finding the right writing environment and mindset. Moving to influences, who are some of the authors or books that have influenced your writing style and themes?
My style is all my own because I’m not influenced by other fiction writers. I prefer reading physicists like Michio Kaku and Steven Hawking, Buddhists like The Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh, the naturalist Charles Darwin, and The New Revised Version of The Holy Bible. I follow the news and influencing podcasters to gain perspective on life and the human condition.
Looking ahead, can you give us a sneak peek or hint about any upcoming projects or books you're working on?
The symbolism of healing scars will play a major role in the continuing story of “Scarred For Life”, by Sisko Linduska. There will be more secrecy and lies of omission to navigate.
Shifting focus, what advice would you give to new authors who are just starting their writing journey?
My advice to new authors is to feel free when you write. Writing is a medium like no other. Uncensor yourself and imagine the audience accepting you and your story without prejudice. Most importantly accept yourself. Mute the questioning voices of judgement and insecurity in your head that have crept in over time. Let your creative spirit express your innermost ideas, your imagination, that was created before the other voices, in the womb. Put pen to paper. If you are using a keyboard and are having trouble getting going, try the pen and paper approach in a private space, like your bedroom.
You've emphasized the importance of freeing oneself while writing. Shifting to your writing routine, how do you manage your time between writing and other responsibilities or hobbies?
Fortunately I have a supportive spouse and was afforded the space and time to embark on an writing journey. Multi-tasking has never been a problem for me and I’ve always preferred juggling a few different. I make lists, which force me to commit to complete certain tasks. I strive for a work-life balance and use my spare time wisely. This keeps from getting bored and keeps me out of trouble!
Moving to your writing process, are there any particular scenes or chapters in your books that were particularly challenging or rewarding to write?
When Willow returns to River Town with Tommy and their baby Solace, they agree to participate in a joint Baptism to take place at Four Trees Lodge. There has been a rift between her and her adoptive father who remarried to Tommy’s mother.
When Tommy returns with living water from the waterfall for the priest to bless and use in the ceremony he is accompanied by a pup. Willow and the children are smitten. Willow’s adoptive father joins the play and offers the pup some food and water, explaining that he was a hybrid wolf pup from one of the Golden Retrievers down the road.
The wolf that had saved Willow from being abducted by her biological father was the sire of the puppy. But the wolf had been shot by the Golden Retriever breeder who was furious about the loss of what should have been a purebred litter.
In that moment of disclosure by her adoptive dad, Willow realized that he was her father and that their lack of a blood tie didn’t matter. He supported her decision to keep the abandoned pup whose sire had tasted her biological father’s blood. Realizing that a parent and child did not have to be biologically related was an epiphany for Willow and I think we need more of that kind of love in the world.
The scene you described is rich with emotional depth and symbolism. Reflecting on your writing career, what has been the most rewarding part for you so far?
The most rewarding part about having written three books in a series is the sense of accomplishment. I’ve always found it difficult to finish projects. After starting off with great enthusiasm in the past I’ve often lost steam and left things unfinished. Knowing I could finish what I started meant pushing out negative thoughts and remaining focused.
It's inspiring to hear about your sense of accomplishment in completing your series. Reflecting on your writing journey, can you share a memorable or funny moment that stands out to you?
My older sister got an early sneak peek of “Scissors In Her Hand”. She’s got an eye for detail and was ready to edit my work down to the minutiae. What I really wanted was a candid review of the story, not actual fixing of grammar and typos. That would come later and I was glad I stopped her in her tracks early on. We laughed about how she identified with Aunt Esther’s persona because they are both seamstresses and role models.
It sounds like you had an amusing experience with your sister's early review of your work. Shifting gears, can you describe your writing space? Is there a special place where you feel most creative?
I don’t like to be attached to one particular space and where I do my writing, editing, and design depends on what stage of the creative process I am in.
In the beginning, during the power outage, I spent hours on end on my bed, with my dogs, writing and writing to exhaustion. When I was writing, I was thinking about the story and what could possibly happen next. Once I got to the stage of transposing the raw material to a digital document I spent more time on my iPad. That meant I could work from my living room, dining room, or kitchen counter. It took a while to realize that Google docx is not an optimal word processing software. MS Word is my preference for large documents now. When it comes time to do cover design and layout, I worked from a desk with a large monitor. As a lifelong learner, I’ve become quite proficient with Adobe Suite and more recently Canva as artistic tools.
Shifting focus, what do you enjoy doing when you're not immersed in your creative projects? Are there any hobbies or passions you'd like to share with your readers?
I am a poodle aficionado and have bred under the Finnesse registered prefix for three decades. I select and play the weekly service music for St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Navan, ON. There is never a shortage of things to do as a home-owner, poodle parent, wife, author, and church organist. When my plate is full, there will still be room for dessert.
Finally, what message would you like to share with your readers and fans who have supported you along the way?
It takes a little courage and guts to read my books as I don’t tiptoe around issues. I appreciate my fans who have challenged themselves to read through the visceral and disturbing scenes because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. As a dearly departed soul once said to me, “There are things worse than death.”
We all come with an expiration date. Eternity is the only concept without beginning or end. It is inextinguishable.
Is there anything we forgot to ask that you think we should have?
I’d like my readers to know the therapeutic value of reading and writing. My works are fiction and a modified reflection of my own experiences. Life is a struggle between history, reality, and our dreams. Greta’s strained relationship with her mother didn’t mean they didn’t love each other. Her father Sullo regretted his alcoholism enough to quit. Willow teaches us that there’s more to being a father than biology and forgiveness is better than regret.
“If we don’t deal with the secrets of our ancestors, we are destined to employ the same methods to bury the truth.” ~ Sisko Linduska
Thank you, Sisko, for sharing your journey and insights into the 'Scarred For Life' series. Your storytelling captures profound human experiences, addressing societal issues with courage and empathy. We look forward to your future projects, inspired by the transformative power of your narratives.