I guess I cringe when the discussion leads to, rather than books and sentences and characters and the stuff that writers are supposed to be concerned with, how to have an online presence and how many followers you have on Twitter. That stuff always makes me uncomfortable.
----Alice McDermott--- This quote highlights a common discomfort among writers and literary enthusiasts when conversations shift focus from the core elements of literature—such as storytelling, characters, and language—to superficial metrics like online popularity and social media followers. It underscores a desire to prioritize substance over superficial online metrics, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections with literature over modern digital validation. Such sentiments remind us of the possible disconnect between artistic integrity and the social media culture that often discounts depth for visibility.
