Ekta R. Garg's Blog, page 49

New book review up (and returning to normal life)

Good morning, Write Edge readers! Here’s something I’d almost forgotten how to say: I spent part of yesterday traveling. I’m here in sunny South Carolina to visit my parents and my hometown. Who knew that such a small activity — going from one city to another — could create this semblance of normalcy?

In any case, as you clearly see, I didn’t post on Monday because I was doing all those thousands of things we feel compelled to do before we go away. However, I’m here for you today with a brand new book review. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on the latest release from women’s fiction author Colleen Oakley. Here’s the opening to my post:

A young woman becomes a widow, and all of the town’s inhabitants go along with her delusion that her husband is still alive. When a journalist comes to the island searching for a story, he discovers one he never saw coming. Author Colleen Oakley offers warmth, romance, genuine affection, and kind characters in her newest novel The Invisible Husband of Frick Island.

Tomorrow I’ll be back with my final installment of Thursday R.E.A.D.s and my deep dive into Sally Hepworth’s The Good Sister. And on Friday, we’re back with adventures with the kids in Growth Chart.

I have a feeling this summer is going to look radically different from last summer, for a variety of reasons, so stick with me, readers. Working through the meaning of “normalcy” during these last stages of the pandemic is going to be a little bit of an adjustment — for everyone — but we can get through it together.

Wear a mask in public.

Get the vaccine.

Wash your hands frequently.

Show a stranger kindness today.

Have a great day and rest of the week!

E.R.G.

Third installment of Thursday R.E.A.D.s now up!

Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted the third installment of this quarter’s Thursday R.E.A.D.s. Today I share my thoughts on Sally Hepworth’s The Good Sister from the viewpoint of an author. Check it out now along with the first two posts!

Wear a mask when required. Wash your hands. Get the vaccine.

Show a stranger some kindness today.

Have a great evening!

E.R.G.

When the day slides away from you…

Hello, Write Edge readers, and happy Wednesday! First, my apologies for not posting a new short story on Monday. The day just slid away from me. We’re at the start of summer vacation around here, which means more flexible schedules and also means the kids are at home and my attention is divided. I just couldn’t get to the computer at a reasonable time on Monday to post.

However, I do have a book review for you this week. Over the weekend, And the Stars Kept Watch, the debut novel of author Peter Friedrichs, was released. I’ve posted my review for you on The Write Edge Bookshelf. Here’s the opening to my post:

When a couple experience the worst tragedy imaginable, their relationship stretches to its limits. As they grapple with their individual grief and what they’ve lost as a family, they try to figure out how to live with a “new normal.” Author Peter Friedrichs tugs at heartstrings but loses a little bit of focus in his debut book And the Stars Kept Watch.

Read the whole review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!

Tomorrow I’ll share my next installment in my Thursday R.E.A.D.s series. This month I’m examining Sally Hepworth’s book The Good Sister. Tomorrow I’ll let you know what I thought of it as an Author.

And on Friday, it’s more Instagram pictures. Find out what I’m reading for next week and what else is going on when I’m not in the studio.

Wear a mask if it’s necessary. Wash your hands. Get the vaccine.

Be kind to a stranger today.

Have a great day and week, readers!

E.R.G.

New Instagram posts up!

Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest pictures on Instagram. Find out what I’m reading for next week as well as a fun addition to the writing studio and unexpected “road crossers.” Check them all out on Instagram with my handle, @EktaRGarg.

Wash your hands; get the vaccine.

Show a stranger kindness today.

Have a great weekend!

E.R.G.

Second installment of Thursday R.E.A.D.s now up!

Hello, Write Edge readers! It’s the second Thursday of this quarter, and I’ve posted my second installment of Thursday R.E.A.D.s. Today I share my thoughts on how I viewed The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth as an editor. Here’s an excerpt:

As a reader, I’m as much a fan of the plot twist as the next person. As an editor, I scrutinize these twists. I want them to make sense, because when a book requires as much emotional investment as this book does, that twist shouldn’t leave the reader feeling like they’ve just been walloped in the head by a 50-pound bag.

Check out the whole post now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!

Wear a mask and stay socially distant if you’re not vaccinated.

Wash your hands no matter who you are!

Show a stranger kindness today.

Have a great night!

E.R.G.

Book review posted!

Happy Wednesday, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my newest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on Reluctantly Home by Imogen Clark. Here’s the opening to my review:

A young woman returns to the countryside after a terrible accident. As she tries to find a way forward in life, she meets a senior citizen who can relate to her situation. The friendship the two form gives them each courage to move on from their respective tragedies. Author Imogen Clark brings sweetness and heart to this quiet story in her latest novel Reluctantly Home.

Find the whole post now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!

Wear a mask; stay socially distant. Wash your hands; find out about the vaccine.

Show a stranger some kindness today.

Have a great day!

E.R.G.

Why revisions are fun!

Hello, Write Edge readers! I’m so excited — earlier today, I sent my editor a revised manuscript of the novella that will be published by Atmosphere Press later this year. Next week I have a Zoom meeting with her to discuss the revisions and next steps. I’m going to be a published author, everyone! Can’t wait!

In the meantime, work here on The Write Edge continues, of course. Thanks to talking all of you week after week, year after year, I’m getting to see my dream come true.

First, my newest short story. Today I posted some micro fiction, but it’s just long enough to share an excerpt. Here’s that:

The mouth had whispered “I love you” in her ears for the first time ever. The eyes had sought hers across the basketball court after wins and losses. The face had turned away from her shattered heart.

Read the whole piece now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop!

In the middle of the week, I’ll share my newest book review. This week I’m going to let you know what I thought of Reluctantly Home by Imogen Clark. Come back for that on Wednesday on The Write Edge Bookshelf!

It’s the second quarter of the year, which means a new Thursday R.E.A.D.s. All month long, I’m taking a closer look at The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. Last week I shared my thoughts on the novel as a Reviewer. This Thursday, find out how I viewed it as an Editor.

Finally, on Friday, it’s back to Instagram. Check out what I’m reading for next week as well as other bits and pieces from my non-writing/non-editing life. Find thumbnails of older posts here on the home page, and follow me on the platform with my handle, @EktaRGarg.

Wear a mask; stay socially distant. Wash your hands; find out about the vaccine.

Show a stranger some kindness today.

Have a great day, readers!

E.R.G.

Technology is a beast/Yay for technology!

Happy Friday, Write Edge readers! First, a post that’s a week late but is finally done. I’ve finally gotten the latest episode of Biblio Breakdown online. Tech is always a beast until it works wonders. Honestly, I still find myself amazed by it all.

In this latest episode, I talk about how to be audacious in your writing within the context of The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner, my first (and so far only) 5-star read for 2021. Check it out on my author website now, and be sure to share with your writing friends!

And now for our regular “programming.” It’s Insta Friday! Check out what I’m currently reading in addition to what I’ll be reviewing next week. Also, get a peek at my new desk — yes, it’s finally assembled. Find these and other posts on Instagram with my handle, @EktaRGarg. Follow and like the posts!

Wear a mask; stay socially distant. Wash your hands; find out about the vaccine.

Be kind to a stranger today.

Have a wonderful day and weekend, readers!

E.R.G.

New Thursday R.E.A.D.s post!

Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted the first installment of this quarter’s Thursday R.E.A.D.s. Today I tell you what I thought of Sally Hepworth’s brand new novel The Good Sister in the capacity of a Reviewer. Here’s an excerpt:

Halfway through the book, though, you get the sense that something doesn’t quite add up. It’s hard to know whether that’s just Rose being overprotective or whether she’s hiding something.

Read the whole post now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!

Wear a mask; stay socially distant. Wash your hands; find out about the vaccine.

Be kind to a stranger today.

Have a great week, readers!

E.R.G.

Book review posted!

Good morning, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin. Here’s the opening to my post:

Two women go on a road trip together at the request of their mutual best friend. Despite not speaking for years, the women force themselves to work together for their friend’s sake. Along the way, they run into D-list celebrities, meet new pets, and old memories. Author Ann Garvin returns with her best work yet in the touching, well-rounded novel I Thought You Said This Would Work.

Read the whole review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!

Wear a mask; stay socially distant. Wash your hands; find out about the vaccine.

Have a fantastic day, readers!

E.R.G.