Insecure Writers Want to Know
Ah, the AI question. I’m not sure I am technologically savvy enough to try ChatGPT or any of the other AI programs. You see, I feel ChatGPT and all the others are simply programs. Highly efficient programs, but still just computer programs filled with data.
That being the case, AI programs would be excellent sources for research—as long as the program attributes where the information came from. We are looking for real experts here. And expert sites. Then, of course, we need to use our humanness to be sure the information is truthful and relevant to our works in progress. I search online with Google all the time, seeking reliable sources. It’s finding the correct search terms that can be difficult for me.
An AI program that helps writers stay organized with book-length manuscripts by creating outlines and story beats is helpful to writers. I create my own outlines without the help of AI. My outlines are malleable, changing with the manuscript’s needs.
Writers could also use AI to summarize their manuscripts to see the themes emerge or help with back-jacket copy. If the writer is brave enough to upload her book to the AI program and not worry about other programs finding the manuscript and using it in careless ways.
I have never used the AI programs. As I said in the beginning of the post. I’m not sure I could understand how to make them work. And I would be wary to upload my manuscript to have the program give me a summary. I’d be worried the manuscript would find its way onto the internet and someone or another AI program would “learn” of it and use it without permission.
So, how about you? Do YOU use AI for writing and creating your stories or essays? I can’t wait to see how you all addressed this question on AI and creative writing.
In other news, Sara Gentry graciously shared her KidLit Podcast interview with me. Sara had interviewed me about creating short stories for the children’s magazine market. The interview is live on my YouTube channel. You can find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcVoravQ1jc.
The Pocono Liars Club I belong to in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, is offering a FREE Writers Workshop on Saturday, October 25, 2025, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are six different topics on writing to choose from. I will be teaching “Making Memoir Universal.” If you are in the area, we would love to see you there. You can sign up here: https://poconoliars.com/2025/08/23/sign-up-now-for-the-free-2025-writers-workshop/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMdVuJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCNXpvaHp4QnptYTVmV3A2AR5zS_c7uGTThg8uFQvlSayTzaiPjPEX4MU_rKU7Fq_dIvrKdve1rxt2RXvchA_aem_uukVlqja_chwUGx8Pcyj8Q
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This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I’d like to thank our co-hosts for September: Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Diedre Knight! Please visit them if you can.
Our group posts on the first Wednesday of every month. To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE.
I’ve not really used AI for any writing aspect. Research would be handy, however, they say sixty percent of what AI finds is wrong, so that’s not helpful!
Yes, Al can be a helpful tool for doing things like research. But you do have to use your brain and fact-check it. It’s not always right.
Help writing the “back cover” description and query letter would be okay. I don’t think I trust AI enough for that yet though.
“Let’s strive to be better in September!” – Charmaine J. Forde #quote
I have a novelette coming out on the ninth. And a post about condiments planned on the A to Z site this month. Hope you’re well!
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge