Is an unpopular opinion more unpopular if you’re not popular? Let’s see…
Everything I write, I write.
It's state-of-the-art, top of the line, exquisite human words from my beautiful human brain.
Editing my stories, posts, and other writings is my ace in the hole, matched with a little living on the edge. Let me explain…
I don’t always catch my writing mistakes when editing. So if they’re mistakes left after my self-edits, readers see my human hand, and I see my mistakes when the books are published. C'est la vie.
So what am I using AI for?
I use tools with AI capabilities for artwork like covers, marketing materials, and character visuals.
Let me save you the trouble of having to ask…
No, I don't have artist friends I’d ask to work for free, and No, I don't always have time to be on Canva getting a graphic or document just right.
I did all that for 20+ years, spent hundreds on cover and character art in the early 2010s, and I’ve poured out the sweat and tears that comes with learning new techniques and software to add to my creative repertoire.
In summary, I’ve paid whatever dues some - not I - still think you’re supposed to. I literally started in Paint.
Why are we talking about this?
I saw a social media post where the OP (original poster) wrote something like - if you’re a writer using AI for art, they refuse to believe you don't use it for everything else. Others went on to say things like if you use AI for post cover art you don't support fellow creatives no matter the medium, and some added, they block writers using AI for their artwork. Anyone with even a whiff of a different opinion, was shown to the excuses, excuses door.
If you believe writers using AI for art, research, and marketing, for example, are just making excuses or going against other creatives. Or, if you’re a writer wrestling with ethical AI use or being transparent about using AI tools…
Here’s why this post matters and where things are with me now:
I'm building a life after the last one came crumbling down financially.
I'm an older millennial and my current writing & publishing budget doesn't cover other avenues I could consider instead of AI tools for artwork or marketing.
Yes, I know what things cost. I’ve paid for many of them over the years.
Now, in case all you’ve taken from the last few paragraphs is - she uses AI for visuals, let me reiterate:
I write every word myself. I've been doing it since my preteen years. I spend the time developing my concepts, wondering what comes next, working out fight scenes, dramatic moments, delirious moments, having tons of words writing days and one-sentence writing days.
“I write what I write, as I write, and I will continue to write what I write, as I write.”
- Jacqueline Jones
Want to block me anyway?
Fair enough, do what you need to. We're all entitled to what brings us peace.
If you’re still here and reading, here’s the truth…
You’re not the only one who remembers and loves things from a less technology dependent world.
Nowadays tech advances have slowed down or stopped so many simple joys for us.
I love face-to-face convos, games of UNO around the dining table, watching ducks be ducks, having coffees in cafés, and being out in the world just people-watching even.
I still enjoy reading physical books, but I've moved so much in the last years (including countries), that Kindle Cloud became a wiser option. I love long walks and seeing the world without taking pictures or video to capture the moment. And I remember simpler times cause I grew up straddling the lines as it all changed.
Here’s something else to consider when doling out judgement on a weary writer, or if you’re a writer feeling insecure using AI tools.
Even when you think you're not using AI, or tools with AI capabilities, you probably are. Think email. Banking apps. So many other platforms and apps.
There's all this judgement and pointing fingers at those who use AI tools and, those who don't. It goes both ways.
But we all use AI in some way - unless you're completely off-grid, in which case how are you even commenting for or against?
So, hear me out…
How about we just let each other live?
If you don't want to read my writings cause I couldn’t budget in an artist and used AI for my latest covers or images…
No worries.
Take a closer look at publishers you love. You think they aren't using it?
Okay.
You think you aren't using it?
Okay.
“Everyone says they're not doing something ‘til it becomes publicly acceptable to do it.
I believe in transparency from the start.”
- Jacqueline Jones
Now, the creator versus author effect…
When someone writes posts, books, etc, with AI based on their ideas, prompts, outlines, and time, I consider them a creator. I don't call them an author cause they didn't author it, the AI did. They created the world, the ideas, the path, and AI was their ghostwriter - so to say they wrote/authored it, isn't quite accurate.
I write every word. I edit every word. I am an author.
I also consider myself a creator because I can create with numerous tools, including those with AI capabilities.
I'm a creator because we're all creators, that's one of the gifts we have as humans - we can all create whether that's in the arts or otherwise.
To finish up…
Yes, I sometimes use AI for visuals and I sometimes go back to roots and create from scratch, or heavily edit AI visuals in other programs, because of skills developed over years of not having these modern tools to work with.
What about you?
Don't like AI? Hate it? Okay with it? Love it?
Whatever the case, have a great day in this world where a little peace is as simple as doing you and not stressing over what everyone else is doing.
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