There was a time, not too long ago, when the author was a figure of sovereignty. Writing has become an act of optimisation: for engagement, virality, screen rights. The author is no longer just a creator; he/she is a brand, a curated digital presence. This is not without irony in India where writing has always intersected with region, caste, class and language. To mourn the fading authority of the author is not to yearn for gatekeeping.

Source: The Telegraph December 24, 2025 02:25 UTC