We are excited to announce the launch of a blog tour with author Ekta Garg. The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories is a charming collection of short stories, perfect for anyone who loves fairy tales in any form—fractured, retellings, modernizations, and more. If you loved classics like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Secret Garden or modern gems like Wicked or Cinder, this is the book for you.
Read our interview with Ekta, who talks about her enchanting short story collection. You can also enter to win a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Before we get to that, here's more about The Witch's Apprentice:
Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?
Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?
In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.
Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
Purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. Be sure to also add it to your GoodReads reading list.
Publisher: Atmosphere Press (August 12, 2025)
ASIN: B0FGFK498B
ISBN-13: 9798891327405
Print Length: 97 pages
A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press.
-- Interview by Nicole Pyles
WOW: First off, congratulations on your short story collection, The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories. What inspired you to write these stories?
Ekta: I've always been fascinated by the "behind-the-scenes" information of stories, like deleted scenes of TV shows/movies or those interviews with actors/directors/writers about their processes. I wasn't thinking directly of these things when I set out to write this collection, but I know part of my driving force in writing these stories comes from that abiding interest.
The collection started with the title story, "The Witch's Apprentice," the first draft of which I wrote in response to a writing prompt I read online a few years ago. I had so much fun writing the "in-between" story that when I started considering what my third book should be, I decided to devote it to several short stories that take fairy tales and nursery rhymes as we know them and figure out what's happening in the gaps. That's what the book is about: examining well-known stories as they exist in their original form and looking at the mini-stories that were never told.
WOW: I love those behind-the-scenes too. I loved that you wrote about our familiar fairy tales and gave them a different kind of spin. What led you to do that?
Ekta: There are so many amazing retellings and fracturing of fairy tales—where a writer takes a well-known story and changes some major portion of the story while still staying true to the spirit of the original. I've read many of these stories/books and enjoyed them immensely. Instead of doing the same, however, I wanted to challenge myself in a different way. What if, I thought, we take the stories as they currently stand and look at previously-unexamined parts of them?
An example of this would be the shortest story in the book, "Denying Hamelin," which goes back to the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and how he led the children out of the town. Most versions of this story in fairy tale books end with the piper skipping out of town, playing his merry little tune, and hordes of kids following him. The question that came to my mind upon examining the story a little closer was, What happened to the parents who were left behind? The story I wrote examines that. So I didn't come up with an alternative to the piper leading the kids away; I left the original story intact. My goal, instead, was to look at what hadn't been previously explored; in this case, it was the effect the kids' disappearance had on the parents.
WOW: What a unique approach! You ended up filling in the blanks for a lot of familiar stories, including fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Why did you decide to sort of reframe these familiar stories in a new light?
Ekta: My goal as an author in every book is to challenge myself to get better in the craft but also to challenge my imagination and creativity in ways I haven't before. As I mentioned, other authors have fractured and retold the classics many times over. Think of the Disney princesses, the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, or Wicked by Gregory Macguire. Writers have had a lot of fun giving familiar stories a new twist or a facelift, but I'm not sure how many authors are out there sticking with the original stories and winding their way between the gaps. Because there are many, many gaps. In an effort to differentiate myself from what other authors are doing or have done before, and, more importantly, to force myself into a new way of approaching stories, I decided to go in this direction.
In some ways it was easier, because I don't have to come up with the base story. The main players are already in place. The load-bearing framework of the story exists. I just have to find a new way to move around that frame. It was also harder than writing a retelling or fractured fairy tale, because the implicit agreement I've made with my stories on this project is that I wouldn't try to knock down some of the walls as they were originally built. I challenged myself to work around them. When there are specific elements that you've agreed won't be touched, moved, or changed, it becomes an interesting challenge to find out how to highlight what's already there while also uncovering something new all at the same time.
WOW: That's definitely not something commonly done. I love that you did that. You also write and host workshops. What does hosting those teach you about writing and your own creative work?
Ekta: First, that the world is full of immensely creative, talented people! One of the workshops I do at the library from time to time is a brainstorming workshop called "Solving Your Story Problems." Writers bring their writing problems to the workshop, and I help them brainstorm some solutions in real time. I also encourage the other writers present to share any ideas they may have to help solve the story problem, and many people's creativity and contributions leave me in awe. I'm so glad I get to hear about these amazing artistic pursuits.
Secondly, there are days when I'm painfully aware of just how hard writing is. It's not something that's acknowledged enough at the granular level—just how challenging it is to come up with a compelling character, plot, story, conflict, and dialogue. How difficult it is to create an original story that speaks to the human condition while also being its own special artistic expression; how writers spend months and sometimes years researching unusual and even downright strange ideas/careers/scenarios and then turn around and distill all of that research into something meaningful and impactful (In getting ready to write Cloud Cuckoo Land, for example, Anthony Doerr spent a year just researching libraries in ancient Constantinople.) These workshops are a good reminder that I'm not the only person trying to do this with my craft. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but knowing others are toiling away at their desks—whatever form that desk might take—is comforting.
WOW: Sounds like a great workshop! This is your third book. What have you learned about writing through each book you've written?
Ekta: With every book, I've become more aware of the readers and how to frame my story and present my characters to them. When I was working on my first book, my editor (the incredible Asata Radcliffe,) said something to me during revisions that really stuck with me. We were discussing some of the magical elements of The Truth About Elves that, at that time, weren't coming across as clearly as they needed to. She gave me guidance on how to improve my story, especially when it comes to specificity, and then said, "You're teaching your reader how to read your book."
I've really taken that to heart since then. This advice is especially applicable to genres that include fantastical components, but I think you could say the same for almost any work. The reader goes into a new book having very little idea what they're going to encounter. Not only are we, as authors, sharing the story of the characters we created; we're also teaching our readers how to encounter and embrace the story as we want them to. In both of my subsequent books, I've been more and more aware of how readers will encounter my stories and what I can do to teach them to take in the books so they get the best reading experience.
WOW: What a great point! What does your writing space look like?
Ekta: We moved into our current home in 2016. When we were trying to figure out what kind of home best suited our needs, I told my husband I'd love to have a writing studio—a space I could devote to everything and anything writing/publishing related (and where I wrap Christmas presents during the holidays so I can keep the mess down to a minimum and hide what I'm wrapping from the kids!)
My studio is a room above our garage, so any time anyone comes home from work/school, I know right away. 😁 It's about 10'x11' and is filled with things dedicated to my work as an author but also things I find inspirational/interesting. I've got posters of all three of my book covers on the wall behind my desk so that every morning when I enter the studio, that's what I'm facing when I walk in. My father-in-law bought me a gorgeous desk where I sit every day and work. I've also got little trinkets that are important to me for sentimental reasons—the mug I got at my high school graduation with the names of my fellow grads on it. Framings of writing certificates and book reviews. A picture of my dad, who I lost last year, in my direct line of sight. A cork board with postcards, vacation mementos, and other things on it. Lots of little items all around the room that others might say are emotional inclusions but mean something to me. It's a balance of things to encourage me in my writing but also things that make me smile, which is helpful if I'm having a bad day.
WOW: What a wonderful space! Are you a pantser, a plotter, or a bit of both? And why?
Ekta: Definitely a bit of both. I've tried pantsing stories from time to time; I actually tried it when I started the first draft of my first book, The Truth About Elves, more than a decade ago. However, I discovered pretty quickly that without a general semblance of where my story is going, I won't finish it.
I'm also not one of those writers who has to map out every single scene or chapter—I've tried that once or twice too and discovered that I won't write those stories either, because part of the fun for me is the discovery along the way. If I plot the entire thing, there's no point in writing the actual story because I know beat by beat what's going to happen. The fun of spontaneity is gone.
So that's why I say I'm both a plotter and a pantser. I need to know what my final destination is and will put that in my GPS, but if I happen to take some unexpected detours along the way because of traffic or something that looks interesting that I hadn't originally mapped out, I'll follow the detour for a while to see what's down that path before gently coming back to my original route. I get the benefit of both.
WOW: You have a great balance! Thank you so much for chatting with us today. I hope you enjoy your tour!
-- Blog Tour Calendar
August 25 @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.
August 27 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
August 29 @ CK Sorens' Instagram
Join Carrie for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
August 30 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 2 @ One Writer's Journey
Stop by Sue's blog again for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 4 @ The Faerie Review
Join Lily for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 4 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to set goals and actually keep them.
September 5 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog again for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to choose the theme of your book...or let it choose you. You can also read her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.
September 5 @ All Things Writing
Caitrin interviews author Ekta Garg about her writing journey and short story collection The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.
September 7 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg
September 7 @ Shoe's Seeds and Stories
Visit Linda's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 9 @ Words by Webb
Join Jodi for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what's something in a fairy tale that she wished she saw more of.
September 10 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 12 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer
Visit Angela's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 12 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Visit Anthony's blog for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 13 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.
September 13 @ Boots Shoes and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for her interview with Ekta Garg about her book The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.
September 14 @ Shoe's Seeds and Stories
Visit Linda's blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about what were some of her favorite fairy tales growing up.
September 15 @ Beverley A. Baird's blog
Visit Beverley for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog again for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.
September 16 @ Words by Webb
Join Jodi for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 16 @ CK Sorens Newsletter
Don't miss Carrie's feature of Ekta Garg's The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.
September 17 @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Join Beverley again for a guest post by Ekta Garg on finding your voice as a writer.
September 18 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.
September 19 @ Beverley A. Baird's blog
Visit Beverley again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on which fairy tale she would alter and how she would do it.
September 20 @ Sarandipity's
Visit Sara's blog for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.
September 21 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on using the word "perfect" to empower your writing.
September 21 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Join Karen's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 23 @ Sandy Kirby Quandt
Visit Sandy's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 24 @ Writer Advice
Visit B. Lynn Goodwin's blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on why she chose the hybrid publishing route.
September 24 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Stop by Anthony's blog for his review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 25 @ Knotty Needle
Stop by Judy's blog again for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.
September 26 @ Just Katherine
Visit Katherine's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. You can also check out her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she hasn't seen in a fairy tale that we wish we saw more of.
September 27 @ Jill Sheets' Blog
Visit Jill's blog again for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.
Podcast Features
The Mike Wagner Show
One More Thing Before You Go
Book Lover's Companion - The English Version
Teatime with Miss Liz
Apollo Papyrus
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win. The giveaway ends September 8th at 11:59 CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce it in the Rafflecopter widget as well as follow up via email. Good luck!
.jpg)
