Thanks so much for this feedback, Joy! I agree with you completely. I understand the concerns about AI, but when you use it as an assistant rather than as your book’s author, you’ll move farther and faster than competitors who aren’t willing to give the power of resources like this a try. I love that you’re using it so wisely and having so much FUN with it! There’s nothing like a brainstorming buddy sitting right next to you, is there? ; – )

I’m grateful you took the time to add a little balance to the less positive feedback here. Thank you!

Sandy

Thanks for sharing your experience, Don! You summarized the value of using AI as a writer’s assistant so clearly. And let’s face it, the people who leverage technological developments (including things like switching from the rotary phone of the good old days to a push button version) secure an advantage over those who decide not to. It’s not easy being an author. Why not take advantage of resources that can not only make it easier, but can help you improve certain aspects of it?

Thanks again!

Sandy

Thanks, Kerry. I haven’t heard the theory that AI will damage a writer’s creativity, but I don’t see that happening with any writer who truly values their ability to be creative. Within my network, most of the concerns I’m seeing are about how AI tools might take work away from professional writers who provide magazines, brands, nonprofits, and so on with content day in and day out. Outside of that, there are lots of different concerns about AI on a grander scale, unrelated to writing. What issues are you thinking of?

Sandy

Call me a purist if you wish: I do not think AI will damage my creativity, but there are issues beyond copyright to cause concern about the use of AI. I hope you will give those some thought and perhaps address them in future,

Steven, it seems like you’re mixing up 2 issues here, and not necessarily appropriately so. You don’t like the emails or social media posts you’re seeing from your connections, and you’re presuming they’re written with AI tools. And you haven’t said why. The messages in my inbox encouraging me to get rich or rid myself of diseases aren’t coming from anyone I know, and yeah, they’re spam. That’s why God invented spam filters. If you don’t like the messages or social content you’re seeing from your connections, unsubscribe from their lists and disconnect with them on social media. But to presume that so many are creating those messages and posts with AI seems like a big leap. And BTW, I write my own emails. I don’t need no stinkin’ AI to write the couple of paragraphs I send out every week.

Sandy

Things that solicit attention or money. I expect folks (mostly writers and those in the industry) to keep me up to date on their efforts, but I don’t want to be bombarded with AI generated updates. Write to me – even with form letters. But do your own even if AI can do them better. I want you, Sandra, and other of the dozens of writers I know to do that. (And yes I know that it’s getting harder and harder to tell the difference.) Just be generous enough to do it yourself. I’ll return the favor.

I already have come to expect, and dread, the piles of emails and fb posts from people that want me to get rich or rid myself of all the diseases rampant, or the latest non-stick cookware, or etc.

Sorry, the new AI touched a nerve. So I rant. On lazy days I can wish a machine would write my novels, but when the inks flowing I know joy. As of now, I’ll write my own. I want the other writers I love to do the same.

This is surprising, Steven. How do you define spam?

Sandy

If I begin to feel like I’m getting piled on with spam these folks have machine (AI) generated – that they’re not actually writing – I will probably block them. I’ve already blocked a couple.

I fear that I’ll end up, in the fast encroaching and over-whelming future, alone in the dark.

So be it. I’d rather a real person come to me when I’m alone than have a machine show up.