Ekta R. Garg's Blog, page 64
June 17, 2020
New book review now up!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton. Here’s the opening to my post:
Three women find themselves in the Florida Keys at major life decision points. As reports of an oncoming storm float around, the women will have to decide whether they can live with their choices. Author Chanel Cleeton digs into a fascinating true-life event with keen prose and distinct characters in The Last Train to Key West.
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Have a lovely day, readers!
E.R.G.
June 15, 2020
Halfway through June!
Hello, Write Edge readers! Can you believe we’re halfway through June?? The pandemic has done a weird number on time — it seems to stretch to interminable periods, yet when you blink you feel like you’ve lost huge gaps within seconds.
Maybe it’s not the pandemic. Maybe I was abducted by aliens. Or fell asleep. Or…something.
(That makes me wonder how Sleeping Beauty felt. :D)
Sorry! My mind is running in several different directions today. Back on track. Yes, halfway through June. I’m writing and reviewing and learning and preparing to help others learn. Not as much editing going on these days, not in the formal sense, but I’m working on small projects that get me close. If you have a writing project or know of someone who has a writing project and want help, shoot me an email.
Writing, though, takes time and effort and energy, as does any life passion. The motivational quote for this week goes straight to the heart of it, because although our passions fulfill us in wonderful ways we do have to give up other things for them.
“Every book has been written with guilt, powered by pain. Every book has been a baby I did not bear, 10,000 meals I did not cook, 10,000 beds I did not make.”—Erica Jong
Sometimes finding the time to write is the biggest challenge, but we press on. To that end, I have this week’s short story for you. It’s a continuation of a previous story that tapped on my shoulder, asking to be added to. So I did. Here’s an excerpt:
I flinched as if someone had struck me. What did Martin Randolph think of himself? I was just doing him a favor. I’d only owned the house for two months, for god’s sake. And I’d spent money on the postage, money I could have put toward something else. I didn’t have to try to return his stuff to him.
Read the full story now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop!
In the middle of the week, I’ll share a new book review. On Wednesday I’ll let you know what I thought of The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton. Given that the book is about a hurricane and we’ve just embarked, officially, on hurricane season, books about monster storms are definitely timely. Come back to find out whether I liked this one on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
At the end of the week, I’ll share new Insta posts. Did you miss previous ones? If you’re on Instagram, you can check out my posts with my handle, @EktaRGarg, or get little thumbnails right here on the main page of the blog. Be sure to come back for new pictures on Friday!
Also, I was recently on The Writescast Network again with author r.r. campbell talking about the intersection of inner conflict and theme in writing. If you have some time to spend, check out the episode and all of the other great content Ryan has to share in this incredible space for lovers of the craft.
Have a great week, readers!
E.R.G.
June 12, 2020
Latest parenting adventures posted!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest parenting adventures for you (I know, on time for once, right? :D) Here’s a quick excerpt of my latest Chart:
In some ways, now that I think about it, it was almost like the kids were saying to the coronavirus, in that way only idealistic young teens can, that they knew it was horrible, but they were going to hunker down and let it run its course because they had more of everything to outlast it.
Read the full piece now on Growth Chart!
Have a lovely day, readers! Remember, stay healthy and stay safe!
E.R.G.
June 10, 2020
New book review up!
Hello, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my latest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on The Ancestor by Danielle Trussoni. Here’s the opening to my post:
A woman receives a cryptic letter about her supposed connection to nobility. She travels from her small American town to the frigid Alps to discover the details, and uncover the secrets, about her lineage. Digging deeper into her family’s past brings to light just as many questions as it does answers, however. Author Danielle Trussoni sets the perfect mood and tone for lovers of gothic literature in her newest book The Ancestor.
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Have a great day, readers, and remember to stay safe and healthy!
E.R.G.
June 8, 2020
Into summer we go
Hello, Write Edge readers! We’re officially into summer with meals coming from the grill, long days full of sun, and…nowhere to go. As much as I miss traveling right now, I know the best thing for all is to stay put. So that means I continue reading, writing, editing, and (my newest venture) podcasting. This Friday you’ll get to hear me talk again on The Writescast Network, but more on that in a minute.
First, this week’s motivational quote. Now more than ever writers and artists need to raise their voices. Do you want to contribute to the efforts of bettering race relations? Use your creative gifts to express how you feel, even if that’s confused or tired or frustrated. Chances are, dozens or even hundreds or thousands feel the same and need to hear and see your thoughts. The quote below mentions writing, but I think it could really apply to anything that requires speaking out and expressing one’s self:
“If we had to say what writing is, we would have to define it essentially as an act of courage.”—Cynthia Ozick
And now on to this week’s short story. This one is part sentimentality and part a writer’s mind wondering what happened next with characters. I wrote a story a couple of years ago that might qualify as science fiction. I think. I don’t normally write sci-fi, so I don’t know. But it definitely has those elements. In any case, those characters have come back to me off and on since I wrote the story. Here’s the excerpt of what could be another part of it.
Zoe’s ears filled with the memory of her screams when the councilor imprinted her with the insignia of this dimension. It should have been a mark of triumph. It was supposed to be the last painful thing she endured before going home to her parents.
Read the whole thing now The Write Edge Writing Workshop!
In the middle of the week, I’ll have a brand new book review for you. In the spring Danielle Trussoni’s newest book, The Ancestor, released. This Gothic novel is a first for me from this author, so you’ll definitely want to know what I thought of it. Check back with me on Wednesday on The Write Edge Bookshelf to find out.
And on Friday it’s back to parenting adventures and Growth Chart. I promise. Really. 
June 5, 2020
New Insta posts up
Hello, Write Edge readers. I’ve posted new pictures for you on Instagram. If you don’t have an account, you can go to my Facebook author page or see a sneak peek right here on the home page on the lower right-hand side of the screen (although you can’t see my pithy comments without an Insta account. :>)
I urge everyone to continue raising your voices for racial justice and equality. Keep protesting peacefully. Keep speaking up and out. When enough people band together, change is possible.
Thanks, readers, for all your support. Have a safe weekend, and stay healthy.
E.R.G.
June 3, 2020
Book review posted
Good morning, Write Edge readers. Like so many of you, my heart is burdened by the events in our country, by the fractured race relations, by the pain and oppression I can’t possibly begin to fathom experienced by our friends in the black community. I’d urge you to start conversations and take a moment to reflect on what you can do to help bring change in your communities. Then go out and do it.
It might feel awkward at first, yes. I just sent a text to a friend to ask if she and her family were okay and had no idea what else to say. But I sent it. Start with the small things and keep them going; the bigger ideas will follow if you continue the conversation with intention, patience, and compassion.
***
As promised, I’ve posted my newest book review for you. Today I share my thoughts on The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington. Here’s the opening to the review:
A young girl has a special relationship with an animal and discovers it may know about her past. As she follows clues, she and her human best friend will run into ghosts and artifacts from yesteryear, all while trying to evade adults who think they know better. Debut author Celesta Rimington pours her heart and all of her elephant research in the mostly likable novel The Elephant’s Girl.
Read the full review now on The Write Edge Bookshelf.
Stay safe, readers. Stay healthy. Stay aware. Stay in touch.
E.R.G.
June 1, 2020
The start of June
Hello, Write Edge readers. As I sit here at the start of a new month, I have to confess, my heart is heavy with the events in our country from this whole last week. I wish I had something pithy or insightful to say, but I did write something to express myself. More on that in a moment.
First, this week’s motivational quote for writers. Now more than ever we need to exercise our craft and share our voices. In order to do that effectively, we have to hone our skills. Here’s a tip on how to do that:
“Read, read, read. Read everything—trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master.”—William Faulkner
Next, in reference to what I said above, instead of writing a short story this week I elected to use my newest Workshop entry for a piece of nonfiction. Here’s an excerpt:
I don’t know when the fire will be doused. I hope the physical fires that are hurting businesses and livelihoods will be doused eventually. Not to make anyone win or lose but because those businesses create jobs. Those jobs create paychecks that elevate our communities. That’s good for everyone, no matter what color your skin is.
Read the whole entry now on The Write Edge Writing Workshop.
In the middle of the week, I’ll share a new book review. Last month, the new children’s book The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington came out. On Wednesday I’ll let you know what I thought of this book. Check out my thoughts on The Write Edge Bookshelf.
Lastly, on Friday, I’ll go back to Instagram posts and little visual snippets of my #writinglife and my involvement in the #writingcommunity.
In the meantime, please be kind to one another, readers. Maybe, if we spread enough kindness, just from one person to another — the same way COVID spread — we could do something for good.
Stay healthy and stay safe.
E.R.G.
May 29, 2020
Newest parenting adventures posted!
Good morning, Write Edge readers! Yes, I’ve posted my latest parenting adventures for you, and in doing so I owe all of you Growth Chart fans an apology. I’ve let the blog slide a little bit, and I vow to do better. Thank you for your patience and support.
First, my very first episode as an actual podcaster! With a great deal of gratitude and humility toward r.r. campbell, creator of writing podcast collective The Writescast Network, I’m the new regular host of Biblio Breakdown, where I share thoughts, analysis, and writing exercises of famous novels. Today I get into Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Check out the episode now!
Now, on to this week’s Chart. Here’s an excerpt:
[I]t was easy to throw a party. No doubt Mom probably spent days planning the menu and the flow of the evening. But my parents didn’t hesitate. They didn’t wonder, “What if…” or have to contend with the government about whether it made sense to hold a celebratory event.
Read the whole piece now on Growth Chart!
Have a fantastic day and weekend, readers! Remember, stay safe, stay home, stay healthy!
E.R.G.
May 28, 2020
Last installment of Thursday R.E.A.D.s now up!
Good morning, Write Edge readers! I’ve posted my last installment of this quarter’s Thursday R.E.A.D.s. We’ve been examining Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens this entire month, and I’ve shared my thoughts and reflections on the book as a r.eviewer, e.ditor, a.uthor, and, today, as a d.reamer. Find the full post now on The Write Edge Bookshelf!
Thanks for delving into this incredible world with me, everyone! Can’t wait to do it again next quarter. :>
Have a great day!
E.R.G.
