Ekta R. Garg's Blog, page 47
August 30, 2021
“Summer lovin’, had me a blast…”
Hello, Write Edge readers! It’s been a whole month since I’ve been away from you, and I can hardly believe it. What a summer! Some good news, some bad, but most of all it was relaxing and gave me opportunities to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances as well as spend some much-needed time with family.
Around here, though, life is back to our regularly-scheduled programming. The kids are in school once again, and I’m gearing up for an exciting fall. For me, especially, this October is going to be a big deal. My novella, The Truth About Elves, releases October 19 from Atmosphere Press! Those of you who follow me on social media already know this, but for those of you who don’t or who don’t engage on the socials (totally respect and understand that, by the way,) here’s a quick look at the inner title page:
Pre-orders for the hard copy go up September 21, and I can’t wait for it to be available to the world! In the coming month, I’ll be sharing the cover too. It’s stunning (in my opinion, anyway), and talented Atmosphere Press cover designer Kevin Stone hand-lettered the script for the title page and the cover. Isn’t it unbelievable?
Lots of fun stuff to share with all of you as my publishing dream comes true, but in the meantime there are other great things to get to. First, it’s the last Monday of the month, which means our writers’ showcase. Read some of the pieces that touched my heart on The Write Edge Writing Workshop!
This week, I’ll share a brand new book review with you. Find out on Wednesday what I think of the upcoming release Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by YA author Nancy Springer. Get that review on Wednesday on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Last month I was supposed to do another round of Thursday R.E.A.D.s, the new feature where I examine a book in depth in the various roles of Reviewer, Editor, Author, and a Dreamer of stories. I didn’t get to it in August, but I’ll certainly make up for that this month. Come back on Thursday to find out more on what I thought of The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris as a Reviewer, the first installment of Thursday R.E.A.D.s.
Finally, on Friday it’s back to Instagram! Check out what I’ve been up to these last few weeks and what I’m reading next for my #bookreviewpreview. Look at older posts with my handle, @EktaRGarg.
Please stay safe out there, readers. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Show a stranger some kindness.
It’s so good to be back; feels like I’ve come home.
Have a fantastic week, readers!
E.R.G.
July 30, 2021
A new podcast episode and Instagram pics!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve got a brand new podcast episode up for you. Check out what happens when a character just runs right into trouble instead of away from it within the context of Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer, due out next month. Listen to the episode now on my author website!
I’ve also got brand new Instagram pictures to share. Find out what I’m reading for next week, some beautiful flowers, and more on Instagram. Use my handle, @EktaRGarg, on the app, or check out the thumbnails here on the home page.
Get the vaccine; wear a mask where it’s crowded.
Wash your hands frequently.
Show a stranger some kindness.
Have a fantastic weekend, readers!
E.R.G.
July 28, 2021
Book review now up!
Good morning, Write edge readers! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on one of the “it” books of the summer: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. Check out the opening to my review:
A Black woman finds herself befriending the only other woman of color in her workplace. Instead of becoming confidantes, she discovers that the woman was hired to carry out a specific agenda and she’s next in line as its target. Debut author Zakiya Dalila Harris uses some of her own experiences from her job in publishing to limited dramatic effect in her novel The Other Black Girl.
Read the whole review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Get the vaccine; wash your hands.
Wear a mask if it’s crowded
Show a stranger kindness today.
Have a great week!
E.R.G.
July 23, 2021
Instagram in remembrance
Hello, Write Edge readers. I’m writing this post with a heavy heart today. We got word on Wednesday from India of the death of a dear uncle of mine. He was such a kind, generous man. He also loved photography. Today’s Instagram posts are in remembrance of him.
Take care of yourselves and each other, readers. Family is everything.
Get the vaccine; wash your hands.
Show a stranger some kindness today.
E.R.G.
July 21, 2021
Book review up! (And a modified summer schedule)
Hello, Write Edge readers. As you can see, I didn’t post anything on Monday. My current writing/editing schedule is keeping me busy enough that I think it’s best if I go to a modified schedule for the rest of the summer. I’ll post book reviews and Instagram posts, as well as any news about my own book coming out later this year (!!), but any original writing I do for The Write Edge Writing Workshop will have to wait.
I do, however, have a new book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish. Here’s the opening to my post:
A man becomes a person of interest when his friend goes missing. He tries to balance his secrets with his own suspicions of what happened but gets the sense that a bigger game is at play. Author Louise Candlish takes just a touch too long to ramp up the mystery but keeps it rolling once it gets moving in her latest book The Other Passenger.
Read the rest of the review on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Get the vaccine; wash your hands.
Wear a mask when it’s crowded.
Show a stranger some kindness today.
Have a good week, readers!
E.R.G.
July 16, 2021
Instagram pics up!
Happy (late) Friday, Write Edge readers! It’s been a rainy, gloomy day here in Central Illinois, but it ended on a fun note when our family watched the Bollywood classic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. (Haven’t watched it? You’re missing out!) I just wanted to share with you that I’ve posted my latest Instagram pictures. They include what I’m reading for next week, a fun package I received yesterday, and a sunny reminder to watch for a little magic in the sky. Check out the thumbnails here on the home page and then go to Instagram and use my handle, @EktaRGarg, to see these and other Insta posts.
Get the vaccine; wash your hands.
Wear a mask when it’s crowded.
Show a stranger some kindness today.
Have a fantastic weekend, readers!
E.R.G.
July 14, 2021
Book review now up!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on the new YA novel Where It All Lands by debut author Jennie Wexler. Here’s the opening to my post:
A trio of teens navigate young love and personal challenges while trying to figure out how to balance their friendships with one another. Just as the culmination of their story is revealed, a coin toss changes the entire scenario. Author Jennie Wexler makes the subject of first love sweet and refreshing while navigating her plot in the most subtle yet dynamic of ways in her excellent debut novel Where It All Lands.
Read the whole review on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Get the vaccine; wash your hands.
Wear a mask where appropriate.
Show a stranger some kindness today.
Have a fantastic day, readers!
E.R.G.
July 12, 2021
It feels like a million years ago…
Good evening, Write Edge readers! It definitely feels like a million years ago since I’ve posted regularly. So long ago, in fact, that even when I post things I forget to tell you all. For example, on Friday I posted new photos to Instagram but forgot to tell you all here! I wonder if it’s just the relaxed vibe of summer that’s making me so laid back or whether it’s all the books clamoring for my attention (including my own that is undergoing production!!)
In any case, yes, there were new Instagram photos to check out from last week. I’ve also got my latest short story for you, just posted. Here’s an excerpt:
He dug his fists deeper into his pockets just as his foot hit another tree root and he tripped again. This time the expletive that sprung from his lips hung in the air for a moment, charging the atmosphere around him with his frustration.
Read the whole thing now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop!
On Wednesday, I’ll share a new book review with you. I recently finished the new release Where It All Lands by YA author Jennie Wexler. Come back in the middle of the week to find out what I thought about this book. My review will be up on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Finally, at the end of the week, more Instagram pictures, and I promise this time I won’t forget to let you all know they’re up. Find out what I’m reading for next week in my #bookreviewpreview and what else is going on in my world both writing and non-writing related.
Get the vaccine; wash your hands.
Wear a mask when it’s needed.
Show a stranger some kindness.
Have a great week, readers!
E.R.G.
July 7, 2021
Back with a new book review!
Good morning, Write Edge readers! I hope you all had a safe, joyous Fourth of July weekend. I’m back this week from my hiatus with a brand new book review for you. The internet and the publishing world are all abuzz about Falling by T.J. Newman, the former flight attendant-turned-author. Her debut released yesterday, and here’s the opening to my review:
When a pilot’s family is kidnapped, the kidnapper forces him to choose between the family or his passengers. As the pilot does his best to maneuver the situation, he’ll have to rely on a trio of flight attendants and the goodwill of law enforcement on the ground to keep everyone safe. Debut author T.J. Newman relies heavily on her personal experience as a flight attendant for her fantastic first novel Falling.
Read the whole review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
I’ll be back on Friday with new Instagram pics. In the meantime:
Get the vaccine.
Wash your hands.
Wear a mask if it’s crowded.
Show a stranger some kindness today.
Have a fantastic day, readers!
E.R.G.
June 28, 2021
Short hiatus this week
Hello, Write Edge readers! I hope the summer is going well for all of you. Just wanted you to know I’m taking a short hiatus this week. I’ve got a lot of reading and writing to catch up on, and rather than post sporadically I thought it best to just take a break.
Looking forward to coming back next week! In the meantime, find out about the vaccine; wash your hands.
Show a stranger some kindness today.
Have a great week!
E.R.G.
