Posted on by Sonia Dogra

Draw That Line

Dear Reader,

Where do you draw the line between staying informed and being influenced by current trends? Let me explain my question. We live in times where consumerism has reached its peak. If I put aside the idea that excessive consumption stimulates economies, there is little else that lures me into the concept.

Since I’m into writing, I’d be interested in seeing this through a writer’s lens. I feel terribly sad to admit that the community has succumbed to the consumerism wave and the idea that writers who can ingurgitate more by way of workshops, MFAs, writing groups, etc. are better off. Hence, we find ourselves in a race to absorb everything that is thrown at us—writing advice, mentorship programmes, zoom sessions, books, grants, and WhatsApp groups! I’m not saying none of these are useful, but there’s a point where you have to draw the line—for your own sanity and for writing.

I am a part of six writing communities on WhatsApp, and two in the blogosphere. I must add that I am not on Facebook, have an extinct LinkedIn account, and log into Twitter and Instagram once every alternate day. Of the WhatsApp writing communities, two are small groups of three to seven members, and I recently muted and archived two others. When compared to many of my contemporaries, my online presence is rather subdued. And yet, there is no dearth of writing information and calls for submissions that flood my inbox every day. I need some serious self-control to stay out of an ABC or XYZ commitment that I see fellow writers indulge in. The harsh reality is that with a large number of individuals aspiring to pursue writing professionally rather than just as a hobby, it requires everything we have to remain relevant and, if I may say, in the game. There is immense talent, and the stress is real.

On a recent outing on Instagram, I chanced upon reels promoting home-décor/ utility items. Plastic containers for kitchens, rugs, plant-holders, and more. These products, which are unabashedly endorsed by influencers and favoured by people like us, are distinguished by their aesthetics and exceptional organizational abilities. Of course, it’s the big companies that laugh their way to the banks. I don’t know about you, but the more I get lured by these products, the more clutter I add to my home. I’m not entirely sure how organized it becomes, but I often end up with much more than I actually need. I find that the same applies to writing as well.

It is quite common to succumb to peer pressure and have a strong desire to experience everything the writing world has to offer. This inclination is understandable, as we are all humans with various needs to nourish our souls. At times, we may even adopt the mentality of “whatever it takes” to satisfy these desires. Although I don’t suggest that we should cease our growth and learning or adopt the belief that we possess all knowledge, it’s important to bear in mind that not everything deserves our time and energy. As artists, we are more vulnerable to be affected by trends, but as artists, we also hold more power to rise above them.

Most of these things drain us, depleting our creativity and sometimes, overwhelming us. The desire to fit into the community and the fear of being left out can turn into big impediments in our personal and writing journeys.

Now, does this hold true, even if you’re not a writer? Of course, it does. Learning to draw the line is where self-care begins. Finally, this whole piece is more of a reminder to myself than to anybody else. It’s easier to fake a sermon and get the point across to yourself, right?

Keeping in with this piece on looking after yourself, I recite a tender poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, titled, ‘Beneath All Sound’. I’m not sure if the recording is too loud or shrill, but I hope this tiny poem reaches your heart.

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18 Replies to “Draw That Line”

  2. Oh, this resonates so much!! It’s a race everywhere. In each and every damn thing. It’s so important to take a step back and decide what you want for yourself.

    And your reading was fantastic!

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  3. I owe a lot to writing groups as my first book resulted from a writing challenge. There was a time when I wrote for prompts as they pushed me to write along with the deadlines. But there came a point wherein I did not feel inclined to write for those prompts. It did not excite me anymore and I became really picky. It might be due to a number of factors. But I have made peace with it. Like you said know your priorities, draw a line, and do not fret about it.

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    1. Totally. Also, things have come a long way from say what they were only three to four years back. There’s more commercialisation and hence more chances of drowning in this chaos. You really need a good head over your shoulders to be able to navigate this.

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  4. Your post struck a responsive chord in me. I consider myself fortunate for learning the craft of writing before the digital age hit. I read a lot as a child, teen, and young adult, and I went through undergraduate and graduate creative writing programs. I can still clearly remember the day toward the end of my graduate degree that I was so done with writing workshops. Craft conventions and theory are finite. Once I’d learned about them, I needed to sit my butt in the chair and engage in the dirty business of application and practice.

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    1. Liz, thank you for sharing your experience here. I love the clarity you always have and how you bring it here. I am not sure if I’ve learned everything there is to learn, but as you say, it’s now ‘time to sit my butt in the chair and engage in the dirty business of application and practice’. I am going to pin this up for myself. Thank you!

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  5. It’s lovely listening to you recite a poem. 

    I know what you mean, as I have been trying to cut down my online presence/time. I am not a part of any writing group. I deleted my Facebook account and page and I keep the Instagram app uninstalled most of the time as it is very distracting. Twitter is my favourite even though it’s annoying and stressful sometimes. I take short breaks but I can’t delete it as it has been useful for me. I just want to read, write and paint. But it’s difficult for me to stay that focused.

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    1. Thank you, Tarang. I am now able to navigate social media without spending much time on it. So that doesn’t bother me so much. What troubles me are the unending calls for writing craft classes and submissions, etc. etc. Where does one draw the line? What do you choose and what do you leave. It’s quite an issue.

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      1. I understand. I believe writing should come naturally; when we actually feels like writing. It never works when I force myself to write. I do that (have to) only if I have a deadline for a translation project that I have already accepted.

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  6. Hi,

    I could not have found this post at a better time. I have been thinking on the same lane since a few weeks, and August had been one such month for me too when I intended on decluttering the clutter that accumulated as a result of the said peer pressure. Not only do I relate to the tangible objects overflowing around me, I also understand the thing you mention about online communities. The constant info dump had been so much for me that I took off for the whole month, barely being present online. Obviously I cannot go on forever like this but it did give me some peaceful times. It also helped that some of the writing communities that I am a part of don’t feel like a place where I belong anymore. So when I start finding new ones again, I might be sucked in yet again.

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    1. Hi Moushmi,
      No wonder I didn’t see you around. I think taking breaks and cutting off is a good way to keep your sanity. Of course, as you mention, we cannot go on like this forever. It’s also time for the bigger players, by which I mean retreats and publishing spaces, etc. to stop capitalising on this situation and to stop offering services to make money. What they don’t realise is that in the process many writers struggle to meet deadlines one after another, and it isn’t such a deal by the end of the day.

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  7. Hi,

    I am in two writing groups that I have been in for years. I am on Linked In, too and also Instagram, but I only go on them about once a month. For me, the most important thing is my writing. It has priority over any writing group because I consider my writing to be very personal. Therefore, I have set my limits according to what my writing means to me or better said according to its importance to me. Everything else, especially consumerism is unimportant unless I need a new iMac or iPad. 😊

    Shalom shalom

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    1. Thank you, Pat. My issue has been with consumerism invading writing, not just by means of products but also services. In my part of the world there is no end to the amount of money they want you to spend on workshops, classes, submissions, etc. Again, navigating social media is not as much of an issue as is fomo-being left out of the innumerable calls for submissions/groups/zoom calls, etc. etc. It can be very overwhelming and definitely not good for mental well-being. I also feel the trends transcend writing and can be found everywhere. You always inspire me with your zen-like approach to writing and I aspire to emulate it.

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  8. I love your reading, you have such a sweet voice! And you’re so right, it’s gets overwhelming (not to mention expensive) for writers to be involved in all the workshops and resources there are on offer. It can definitely affect one’s joy for just the mere act of writing if you get too bogged down with it. A very relatable and relevant post, Sonia 👌🏼

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