Ekta R. Garg's Blog, page 54
February 5, 2021
Instagram posts now up!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest Instagram pictures. They include what I’m reading for next week’s review, a whole host of birthday gifts that I received, and a signal of hope. Check them out now on Instagram with my handle, @EktaRGarg, or on my Facebook author page (where you can find other stuff exclusive to Facebook.)
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and sign up to find out how you can get your vaccine!
Have a great weekend, readers!
E.R.G.
February 4, 2021
First installment of Thursday R.E.A.D.s up!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted the first installment of the first Thursday R.E.A.D.s for this new year. This February I’ll be examining The Test by Sylvain Neuvel, a slim book with a major story to tell. Check out the first installment of my analysis of this book now!
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and stay warm, readers!
E.R.G.
February 3, 2021
New book review posted!
Good morning, Write Edge readers! Today I’m part of the blog tour for The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck. Check out the opening to my review of this WWII novel:
A female spy for the Allies during World War II must remain vigilant against the memories of those she lost. As she moves from place to place, she finds herself improvising her way through challenges and bolstering the spirits of people who no longer believe in deliverance from the Nazis. Author Erika Robuck returns with the profile of another incredible woman in history in the brisk, efficient novel The Invisible Woman.
Read the whole review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and stay warm, readers! Have a great day!
E.R.G.
February 1, 2021
Happy birthday to me and The Write Edge!
Hello, Write Edge readers! Today’s an exciting one. Not only is it my own birthday, but it’s also the 11th birthday of The Write Edge!
When I started this writing journey 11 years ago, I had no idea I would be where I am today. I didn’t know I’d meet so many incredible writers, some of whom allowed me to be a part of their wonderful stories as editor. I’ve also reviewed books professionally for 11 years, have become a short story judge, and, most recently, a podcaster offering writing advice. All in all, I love my work and am thrilled to be able to share it with you through this venue.
Of course, without all of you, none of this would have been possible. So thank you. Thank you for reading and all the Likes and support. Here’s hoping our journey continues for decades to come!
It’s going to be a full week here on the blog, but first I’d like to share this week’s motivational quote. I didn’t pick this specifically for today, but it’s apt. My “light” has been rekindled dozens of times over by you and members of the writing community. Take this as a reminder that our life passions may go through ups and downs, but if we’re willing to stay the course they can’t be extinguished:
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”—Albert Schweitzer
Next, the first writing exercise of this month. I didn’t go with a traditional writing prompt this time around. My brain started rolling along a new idea, and, well, today’s story is the result. Here’s an excerpt:
Fine. Tell the story your way. We won’t interrupt anymore.
Are you sure? I’m happy to find something more exciting. Exploding spaceships, maybe, or murder on a train or something with vamp—
No, please! Anything but vampires.
In the middle of the week, I’ll be the stop for the book blog tour of The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck. Come back to The Write Edge Bookshelf to find out what I thought of this WWII historical fiction book.
It’s been three months since my last Thursday R.E.A.D.s, and this month I pick up the new feature again. Tomorrow is pub day for A History of What Comes Next by Sylvain Neuvel. In honor of this incredible author’s work, for this month’s R.E.A.D.s I’ll be examining his novella The Test. Check out the first installment this Thursday when I tell you what The Test meant to me as a reviewer.
And on Friday it’s back to Instagram! I’ll share a few choice pictures from today (my birthday!) and what I’m reading next.
Again, thank you for these wonderful years, readers! Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and bundle up out there.
Have a wonderful week!
E.R.G.
January 29, 2021
New parenting post — and a surprise! (No, not the parenting kind. :D)
Hello, Write Edge readers, and happy Friday! I hope you’re all staying warm this week. Here in Central Illinois, it’s chi-lll-lll-y. We’ve got snow and a few spots on the sidewalks are still a little icy. Despite that, I see more people this year out and about during the winter. I even saw a pair of girls bundled up in heavy jackets rollerblading today!
It’s the last Friday of the month, so for those of you who are long-time followers you know that means it’s time for my monthly parenting post. Here’s a quick excerpt:
I wonder sometimes, though, if it’s possible for us to be overly sensitive. To start walking on eggshells because we’re too scared to say anything. Too scared to make a joke or to speak without thinking.
Read the whole piece on Growth Chart now!
Also, I promised a surprise earlier this week, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Some of you may remember that last year I was fortunate enough to become the host of Biblio Breakdown on the Writescast Network podcast collective for writers. Sadly, Writescast folded at the end of the year, but founder Ryan Campbell gave me his blessing to continue with Biblio Breakdown in the same format with the same name and schedule — and I’ve posted my first independent Biblio episode for you today!
As a quick recap, Biblio Breakdown is a writing podcast where I talk about a particular aspect of writing using a recently-released novel as an example. I talk about what the book did well and then offer exercises so writers can practice the same things in their own manuscripts.
Today I’m discussing giving your readers too much information and focusing on Savage Road by Chris Hauty. Find the whole episode on my author website, EktaRGarg.com, and share it with your writing friends.
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and have a fantastic day and weekend, readers! Stay warm out there!
E.R.G.
January 27, 2021
Book review posted!
Hello, Write Edge readers, and happy Wednesday! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on the political thriller, Savage Road, by former screenwriter Chris Hauty. Here’s the opening to my review:
A White House aide races to find the source of several cyber attacks on the U.S. before the terrorist can strike again. As other government officials fight for their own agendas, the aide must make sense of all the information coming her way while staying true to a higher mission. Author Chris Hauty follows up last year’s Deep State, the debut in the Hayley Chill thriller series, with the commendable sequel Savage Road.
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and bundle up, readers! Have a fantastic day!
E.R.G.
January 25, 2021
Last full week of January!
Good morning, Write Edge readers! I hope you’ve all had a lovely weekend. Here in Central Illinois, we’re bracing for snow — in the Chicago area, they’re supposed to get anywhere from 6 to 9 inches! — so we’re definitely in the throes of winter.
Here on the blog, though, our regular schedule is in full swing. It’s the last full week of January; can you believe it? We all trudged through 2020 as if we were wearing concrete shoes and moving through molasses, but here a month of the new year is almost over. Fingers crossed this means things are going to get better in the coming weeks.
First we start today with our weekly motivational quote. In difficult times, artists turn to their creativity to make sense of the world around them. Those of us who consume that art — particularly stories — can find a measure of solace in it, because we’re reminded that someone, somewhere has endured what we’re experiencing and worse.
“We don’t turn to story to escape reality. We turn to story to navigate reality.”—Lisa Cron, Story Genius
Part of art, particularly the art of writing, is sharing one another’s work, and since it’s the last Monday of January that’s what I’m doing today. Check out the monthly writers’ showcase, where you’ll find the possibilities of stories that haven’t even been written yet along with other pieces that will make you think. It’s all up now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop!
In the middle of the week, I’ll come back with a brand new book review. Earlier this month, Chris Hauty’s political thriller Savage Road came out. It’s the second book in the Hayley Chill series. Does it live up to last year’s Deep State? Find out on Wednesday on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
And on Friday we go back to Growth Chart and parenting adventures. Also, if I can swing it, I’ll have a surprise for all of you at the end of this week…but more on that later.
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and bundle up, readers! Have a fantastic day!
E.R.G.
January 22, 2021
Instagram posts up!
Happy Friday, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest Instagram pictures. Find out what I’m reading, what I’m buying (I’ll give you a hint: more books,) and something fun that I picked up today for one of the kids. Check it all out now on Instagram with my handle, @EktaRGarg, or on my Facebook author page.
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and bundle up, readers! Have a good weekend!
E.R.G.
January 20, 2021
New book review up!
Hello, Write Edge readers! My apologies for not posting on Monday. So many tasks — so little time! But I’m thrilled to be able to share a new book review with you. Today I share the review of a memoir by acclaimed author Gary Paulsen, who wrote Hatchet and other incredible works for young people. Here’s the opening to my post on his new book Gone to the Woods.
After writing dozens of novels for young people, acclaimed author Gary Paulsen turns his literary talents to examine his own life. Through the course of a difficult childhood and teen years, he discovers a key trait—the ability to survive, no matter the circumstances—as evidenced in the adventure books he wrote later. While readers get many answers, they’re also left with questions. Paulsen shares in exquisite prose some of his most painful memories but doesn’t do them full justice in his memoir Gone to the Woods.
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Happy Inauguration Day, by the way! And don’t forget to wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and bundle up out there.
Have a great rest of the week!
E.R.G.
January 15, 2021
New Instagram posts up!
Hello, Write Edge readers, and happy Friday evening! We’ve had a mix of rain, snow, sleet, hail, and clear streets, all within the span of about 12 hours. Never let it be said that the weather in Central Illinois is boring. 
In any case, I’ve posted my latest Instagram pictures. Check out what I’m reading these days, including my #bookreviewpreview for next week, as well as fun things that keep me warm when I work. Find me on Instagram now with my handle, @EktaRGarg, or on my Facebook author page (where there’s other fun stuff too.)
Wear a mask, stay socially distant, wash your hands, and bundle up out there. Have a wonderful weekend, readers!
E.R.G.
