Ekta R. Garg's Blog, page 63
July 13, 2020
In the heat of summer
Hello, Write Edge readers! We’re in the heat of summer these days, hiding out from the sun and the virus. I hope all of you are staying safe, healthy, and hydrated. It can be easy to forget to do the last one, especially when we want to enjoy the fresh air. But don’t forget that water bottle.
Writers across the world are experiencing varying degrees of “writer’s block.” The pandemic and worries about home and family have kept many people from using their artistic talents. But there are ways to stay in touch with a creative project, even if you aren’t specifically working on it. That’s what this week’s motivational quote is getting at:
“[W]riter’s block…isn’t precisely writers’ block… [I]t’s the reality that I’ve failed to do sufficient homework. So I will often stop…and interview whoever I need to interview to learn more.”—Chris Bohjalian
I’ve posted my short story for you this week. In the last few months, as I’ve queried agents, gotten responses (nothing positive yet, but lots of kind and encouraging rejections,) and thought about what kind of writer I am and want to be, these writing prompts help clear away some of the clutter of my writing career and let me just have fun with ideas that most likely won’t progress beyond the blog. I’m enjoying myself, though, and that’s good enough for me for now. Here’s the excerpt from this week’s story:
“How?” Kara said, throwing her hands in the air. “If someone lies to you and you find out about it, how are you supposed to trust them ever again?”
This time Jack just rolled his eyes and started walking again.
Read the full story now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop!
In the middle of the week, I’ll share a book review that I’m really excited to post. Writing rock stars Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are releasing a brand new writing thesaurus next week. This one is called The Occupation Thesaurus, and I’m proud and honored to be on the social media street team for this book. You can probably already guess what my rating of it is going to be :D, but come back to The Write Edge Bookshelf on Wednesday to see just why you need to add this dynamic resource to your list of must-haves!
And, at the end of the week, I’ll go back to Instagram and share my latest pictures with you. Can’t wait to do so! It’s been such a blast (and, admittedly, a little bit of a learning curve) to connect with people on social media. See my newest posts this Friday!
Have a great week, readers. Remember, please, stay safe and healthy. Stay home unless you need to leave the house for essentials. Let’s try to get back some of the progress we’d just started making before summer started.
Have a great week, readers!
E.R.G.
July 8, 2020
New book review posted!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on The Safe Place by debut author Anna Downes. Here’s the opening to my post:
A young woman gets the chance to start her life over when she loses her job and her acting prospects within the same day. Her new life, however, comes at a price. She just doesn’t know she’s paying it. Debut author Anna Downes amps up the thrill factor toward the end of her slow-to-start novel The Safe Place.
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Have a fantastic day, readers, and stay safe and healthy!
E.R.G.
July 6, 2020
Post-holiday summer
Hello, Write Edge readers! If Memorial Day is the official kick-off to summer, the 4th of July, for me at least, signifies the official middle. After this it’s a matter of waiting for school to start.
Of course, none of us know what that means at this point. We’re all troubled by the thought of sending our kids back to the classrooms yet grapple with the fact that, in a normal setting, that’s actually the best place and best way for them to learn. These, of course, are not normal times.
As we continue to work through the emotions and the information, I’m continuing to write and work through stories. My own as well as those of writing friends and contest entries. It’s an immense challenge doing so during these times, but sitting here at the keyboard gives me a semblance of normalcy and makes me feel like I’m doing productive.
To that end, this week’s motivational quote. The saying goes that there are no truly original stories in the world. What, then, inspires writers and other artists to continue in their craft? Here’s one way of looking at it:
“The story is less powerful than how we tell it.”—Tyler Labine as Dr. Iggy Frome on “New Amsterdam”
Speaking of powerful stories, I’ve been at the edges of one. A friend got a medical diagnosis last year that shocked those of us who know them, but we rallied around our friend. This summer, our friend is celebrating their first birthday post-diagnosis, and their story inspired me to write a poem (I know, right? Me. Poetry.) It’s in free verse and not too long at all, so I won’t share an excerpt, but you can read the whole poem now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop. I don’t claim to be anything near the most amazing poet in the world, but I did put all of my energy into writing this.
In the middle of the week, I’ll share a book review of a new novel. Debut author Anna Downes’s book The Safe Place comes out next week, and I’ll let you know what I thought of it. Be sure to come back to The Write Edge Bookshelf to find out what I rated the book!
Lastly, it’s back to parenting posts this week as well as another birthday in our house. Check out my thoughts on being the mother of a teen and a tween, especially when that tween is more teen than not. Come back at the end of the week for all of that on Growth Chart!
Have a good week, readers, and please — PLEASE — stay home and stay safe.
E.R.G.
July 3, 2020
Newest Instagram pictures up!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest pictures on Instagram. See what book has captivated my attention lately, what’s made me nostalgic, and what’s been keeping me up late at night (well, on two nights in particular, anyway.) Check out all of my stuff on Instagram with my handle, @EktaRGarg, or on my Facebook author page.
Have a safe holiday this weekend, readers. Stay healthy!
E.R.G.
July 1, 2020
Book review now up!
Hello, Write Edge readers, and happy Wednesday! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Here’s the opening to my thoughts on Perfectly Famous by Emily Liebert:
A bestselling author disappears after the murder of her daughter. Months later, a newly-divorced former journalist becomes obsessed with finding the author. She’s convinced she’s the right person to tell the author’s story, but someone wants her to stay away. Author Emily Liebert tries to convince readers to suspend their disbelief in the unbelievable, poorly executed novel Perfectly Famous.
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Have a wonderful day, and remember to stay safe and stay healthy!
E.R.G.
June 29, 2020
One month of summer down…
Hello, Write Edge readers! This week we’re rounding out a full month of summer vacation with about seven weeks to go. Each day seems to stretch beyond capacity, and when it’s done it feels like it’s looped us in some sort of weird taffy that promises to stretch out the next day and the rest of the week. We’re living in strange times, to be sure.
Around my desk, though, I’m doing my best to keep my head down and my eyes laser focused on my writing goals. More important than that, I’m focusing on my goal to support other writers. It never ceases to amaze me how talented people are. This idea really rolls into our motivational quote for the week, which encourages anyone (but especially writers) to be cognizant of what’s going on around us.
“Pay attention. Be amazed. Tell about it.”—Sharon Olds
Speaking of those amazing writers and telling stories, it’s the last Monday of the month. That means our monthly writers’ showcase. June stories include writers sharing how they were inspired to write, some micro fiction, and a wonderful creative nonfiction piece on, of all things, Maggi noodles (and if you’re South Asian — particularly with any ties whatsoever to the Indian subcontinent — you know exactly what I’m talking about.) Read (and listen to) all of these wonderful pieces now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop!
In the middle of the week, I’ll share a new review with you. This Wednesday I’ll let you know what I thought of Perfectly Famous by Emily Liebert. Come back for that post on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
And, on Friday, it’s back to Instagram. I have some fun pictures to share at the end of week, so be sure to check them out. You can see previous posts here on the home page or with my IG handle, @EktaRGarg.
Before I sign off, readers, I’m entreating you once again to stay home and stay healthy. Getting out to your favorite restaurant only to contract COVID-19, or, worse, unknowingly give it to someone else, is not worth it. If you really want to eat restaurant food, support your local restaurants by ordering takeout. That way you don’t have to worry about cooking, and you can eat in your PJs. It’s a win-win all the way around. (As long as you don’t get duck sauce on your PJs. No one wants to do laundry after eating takeout.)
Seriously, though, please think about this as a humanitarian issue. An issue of compassion and respect. You wear seatbelts and sunscreen, right? If you’re going out during the pandemic for household necessities, wear a mask. Otherwise, stay at home. The worst that could happen by doing so is a little boredom. Do you really want to know what the worst is if you contract the coronavirus?
All right, stepping off my soapbox now. Have a wonderful, safe day and week, readers!
E.R.G.
June 26, 2020
Parenting adventures now up!
Happy Friday, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest parenting adventures for you. Check out the following excerpt:
“I know your tells,” she said.
“Really?” I asked. “What are they?”
“Wha—no. That’s not how this works. I’m not going to tell you, otherwise you’re going to try not to do them.”
Read the full post now on Growth Chart!
And please, please, PLEASE stay safe, readers. Make smart, considerate, compassionate choices for others as well as yourself. A night out on the town without a mask or in big groups isn’t worth a serious illness or potentially infecting others.
Have a good weekend, and take care of one another out there.
E.R.G.
June 24, 2020
Latest book review now up!
Good morning, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on Who Did You Tell? by Lesley Kara. Here’s the opening to my review of this psychological thriller:
A woman struggling with addiction is stalked by someone from her past. As she fights to stay clean, she must also deal with the fallout from the wrongs she’s committed even as she tries to start building a new life for herself. Author Lesley Kara’s newest novel starts slow but picks up steam in her newest novel Who Did You Tell?
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Also, in an effort to support independent bookstores, I’ve joined the the Bookshop organization as an affiliate. Now, whenever I rate a book 4 or 5 stars, I’ll include a link to that book on Bookshop.org. This up-and-coming company is encouraging people to support their local bookstores, and they do this by raising money for these stores with every single purchase. When you get to the site, you have the choice of marking your town’s local bookstore(s) as your favorites or adding to the larger Bookshop pool with your purchase. Either way, Bookshop helps these stores stay afloat during these trying times and beyond.
As an affiliate, I do make a small amount when you click on the link from The Write Edge Bookshelf. However, my main goal is to support these wonderful stores. I hope you’ll choose to do so!
Thanks, readers! Have a lovely week!
E.R.G.
June 22, 2020
The last full week of June!
Hello, Write Edge readers! We’re into the last full week of June. Does anyone else feel like the days are moving about as slow as molasses? 
June 19, 2020
Instagram updates!
Happy Friday, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest photos on Instagram. Check them out to see what I’ve read recently, who I’m sharing my books with, and cake. So yummy!
You can use my handle, @EktaRGarg, or find them on my Facebook author page. If you don’t have either Instagram or Facebook, you can take a sneak peek at the thumbnails here on the main page of the blog.
Have a lovely weekend, readers! Stay safe and stay healthy. We’re still in the middle of a pandemic, and cases are definitely going up. Please, for the sake of your health, the health of your loved ones, and, yes, the strangers you pass in the grocery aisles, take those precautions. We can get through this if we all work together.
E.R.G.
