Spotlight           

Writing Marathon Week 4: Exploring the Theme of Belonging

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The Writing Marathon, hosted by The Holistic Pine: International Independent Lifestyle Journal, continues to flourish, inviting writers from all walks of life to share their creative expressions. As we step into Week 4, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable contributions that have shaped this journey so far.

Celebrating Past Themes and Writers

The Writing Marathon launched with the theme Mothering, which inspired deeply personal stories about the joys and challenges of nurturing children. Contributors like Ayana Kuttampalli, Helan Jose, Dr. Ayushi Chirag Arora, and Vini Kunhappan beautifully captured the emotional depth of motherhood, making the inaugural week a memorable success.

Week 2 focused on the theme Resilience, where writers explored stories of inner strength and perseverance. Among the standout pieces was Ashima Syal's thought-provoking story titled The Pause, which delved into moments of reflection and self-discovery. Other contributors such as Angel Mary, Dr. Khushboo Fatima, Helan Jose, and Ayana Kuttampalli shared compelling works that resonated with readers.

In Week 3, the theme Hope brought a fresh wave of inspiration. Writers like Ashreeta Mohanty, Siljiya Francis, Ashima Syal, Angel Mary and Ashika Umesh presented powerful works that reflected on the strength found in moments of uncertainty, reminding readers that hope often shines brightest in the darkest times.

Introducing Week 4: The Theme of Belonging

This week’s theme — Belonging — invites writers to explore the profound sense of connection we all seek.

Belonging is about feeling seen, valued, and accepted — whether it's within family, friendships, or community. It’s the comfort of finding your place or the courage to build one.

We encourage participants to explore this theme in their unique way. Whether it’s through poetry, stories, essays, or reflections, we invite you to share your personal experiences of finding, losing, or creating a sense of belonging.

Submission Details:

📌 Who can submit? Anyone — no age limits, no experience required.
📌 What can you submit? Poetry, stories, essays, quotes — whatever resonates with the theme.
📌 Word count? As short or long as you wish.
📌 Theme: Belonging — stories of connection, identity, and acceptance.

Timeline:

🗓️ Starts: Monday, March 24
🗓️ Ends: Sunday, March 30

Participant Perks:

✅ Digital Certificate of Publication
✅ Digital Certificate of Participation
✅ Custom Author Poster
✅ Social Media Shoutout
✅ Guaranteed publication within 24 hours

Deadline:

🕛 March 30, 11:59 PM

We believe that belonging is a theme everyone can relate to — from moments of finding home to discovering your place in the world. Your story may be the very thing someone else needs to hear.

So, gather your thoughts, pick up your pen, and join us this week in celebrating the power of belonging.

Submissions are accepted through our submission form only. For submission form, Click Below! 

Submission Form

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This Month's Top Stories

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Beneath the Soaring Canopy by Angel Mary | A Poem

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A Scholar's Odyssey: Neha Kumari's Evolution into an IAS Officer | Interview by Ankush Bharti

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New Dawn, New Blooms by Angel Mary | A Poem

A sudden gleam appeared, as I wandered in vain, Feeling like solitude, a cool breeze stirred in the quiet air, As the tides rise and fall, I endure like a beacon of light, Trapped in silence, the bird longs for the sky, I yearn to fly, Each bud that blooms whispers a promise, a hope reborn in every petal's grace, As the night grows deeper, moon beams brightly with a gentle smile, With every step I take, I carry the spirit of resilience… Angel Mary born in Kasaragod, Kerala is a dedicated poet with a deep passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the power of hope through her words. Her poetry reflects a profound connection to the natural world, often exploring themes of renewal, resilience, and the quiet strength found in everyday moments. Through her work, Angel strives to inspire readers to find light and hope, even in the darkest of times.
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Finding Beauty in Resilience: Sommya Jain's Story of Success | Ankush Bharti

by Ankush Bharti  In this exclusive interview, we delve into the remarkable journey of Sommya Jain, from being diagnosed with Haemangioma at a young age to overcoming countless obstacles and emerging as a successful social media influencer and dancer. Sommya shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering insights into her resilience, passion for dance, and commitment to inspiring others through her story. Join us as we explore the incredible transformation and unwavering spirit of this extraordinary individual. Can you share with us your journey from being diagnosed with Haemangioma to becoming a successful social media influencer and dancer? Well, to know the entire story, you need to read my autobiography book, which I am going to launch soon but to give you details in short:- I was just nine years old when I was diagnosed with a large Haemangioma on my right cheek, I was about to take part in the very famous show of the time named Boogie Boogie as I was born dan...
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Hope is not a Losing Game by Amaan Khan | An essay

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Blue by Siljiya Francis | A Poem

Gliding through the whispers of the wind and wrestling with weather extremes beneath the shadowy canopy she stumbled upon a hidden gem. A soft glow of belonging enveloped her heart as she enveloped it, she breathed a single word :Blue For a whispered promise of time, it was hers to hold.. As she winged with happiness, whispers of Blue slipped her mind. The melody of her life skipped a beat she yearned for Blue . She scanned over the whispers of trees and lappy waves, the river's breeze carried echo's from the past, she stumbled upon Blue on a river bank....yet, it was altered. She bathed it in the river's golden light, the same whispered promise echoed in her. Yet, with the sense of rising tides a gentle breeze of feeling nestled in her Blue... where she found her missing pieces She is a holder of Degree and Masters in English Language and Literature. She loves to write poetry.
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