I have long enjoyed your letters, but this is the first time I am commenting. Thank you for putting language to what I am grappling with in my high school English classroom. I will reading this to my students and discussing it.
Amen, thank you for these words! I've started saying no to companies or contract writing gigs that heavily rely on AI to write their copy. It makes me feel gross. I'd rather fight the fight of my life any day than lose my voice in the process.
AI is threatening to take over the work of therapists too, and some in my professional community are scared. However, research says the #1 agent of change in therapy is the therapeutic relationship—and AI can never recreate or capture that. I imagine a similar analogy with writing. The writer’s voice, lived experience, embodied work can never be recreated by a computer. So take heart and stay feisty, as you say. 😉
I am really grateful for this post. I am a writer, but also a copywriter (marketing writer) - and so many of my peers are using AI. I have never felt good about it, and this post gave words to all I have wrestled with. And knowing AI generates words from books authors have not consented to use, this is a hard stop for me. I could not use it in good conscience in my work. I read a post today by another copywriter (whom I admire), and she said that if marketers are not using AI in their work, they are behind. I am struggling with being in an industry that is so easily embracing it - I believe my creativity and brain power used in my copywriting work is valuable to my job, but there is a massive shift in the industry, and others are not seeing that as valuable for marketing writers. I am embracing my non-AI approach as a distinguisher of what sets me apart, like a master craftsman committed to artistry. I am grateful for discussions about this and the encouragement to cultivate a rich inner life - thank you for this discussion!
Wow I am balking big time at the rhetoric that without it we are “behind”! I resent that, and toast your integrity to be the original source of your ideas. It matters and says so much about you. Thanks for reading and keeping up your good work!
To replenish myself, I’ve been reading my favorite writers and poets here on Substack where I can browse without the chattering cacophony of advertisements. Even during a very busy season prepping to publish my first book, I’ve made space to write my own poetry, and somehow that’s keeping me nourished. Finally, when the TV news kicks me off kilter, I stop consuming it for a time. I’m fortunate that I can make these choices since I retired from employed work and have more control of my time. Thank you for encouraging us. It’s murky out there and we need your light.
You're story of the break-in had my attention right away, but what a powerful parallel to the creative break-in that's happening this days with AI. Thanks for the inspiring thoughts to percolate further.
Whew…this is as a powerful, raw, challenging and empowering post. Thank you for this and for reminding all of us how significant our voices are and how vital our core creativity is.
AI can be so tempting to creative writers, simply because of its ease and efficiency, but when we use it to generate work, we are robbing ourselves of our own growth (and "becoming" like you said!) Writing is thinking, and thinking is hard! But, in my experience, the process has always been worth the struggle. Thank you for adding so much wisdom and insight to the AI discussion!
Thank you for this letter! AI can only feed on what it's given—or, in most cases, what's been stolen. It's why I don't use it in any capacity in my work as a copywriter and personal life. This made me feel seen!
Wow! I am so sorry that both thefts happened to you. This has definitely gotten me thinking. I honestly had never taken any time to realize that what AI produces comes from somewhere. That it feeds off an author’s stolen works is awful! I am so thankful for this awareness and encouragement to stay true to our voices. 💜
So well said Stephanie. I am going to quote you in my next newsletter this Friday... "Living reflectively is deep work. Living attentively is deep prayer." Thank you for reminding us all that we have all we need withing and around us. Many blessings on your journey with words. Vicki
So well said Stephanie. I am going to quote you in my next newsletter this Friday... "Living reflectively is deep work. Living attentively is deep prayer." Thank you for reminding us all that we have all we need withing and around us. Many blessings on your journey with words. Vicki
How do we dissuade against the perception of convenience? How does one come to the realization that allowing AI to steal and regurgitate is giving up our humanity?
I have long enjoyed your letters, but this is the first time I am commenting. Thank you for putting language to what I am grappling with in my high school English classroom. I will reading this to my students and discussing it.
I’m glad you’re here. And wouldn’t I like to be a fly on the wall for that discussion!
Amen, thank you for these words! I've started saying no to companies or contract writing gigs that heavily rely on AI to write their copy. It makes me feel gross. I'd rather fight the fight of my life any day than lose my voice in the process.
Bold choice, I respect it!
A screaming amen. Thank you for writing this.
xoxo I’m rooting for us ♥️
AI is threatening to take over the work of therapists too, and some in my professional community are scared. However, research says the #1 agent of change in therapy is the therapeutic relationship—and AI can never recreate or capture that. I imagine a similar analogy with writing. The writer’s voice, lived experience, embodied work can never be recreated by a computer. So take heart and stay feisty, as you say. 😉
Beyond difficult to imagine that AI can provide any real therapy. Just no.
I am really grateful for this post. I am a writer, but also a copywriter (marketing writer) - and so many of my peers are using AI. I have never felt good about it, and this post gave words to all I have wrestled with. And knowing AI generates words from books authors have not consented to use, this is a hard stop for me. I could not use it in good conscience in my work. I read a post today by another copywriter (whom I admire), and she said that if marketers are not using AI in their work, they are behind. I am struggling with being in an industry that is so easily embracing it - I believe my creativity and brain power used in my copywriting work is valuable to my job, but there is a massive shift in the industry, and others are not seeing that as valuable for marketing writers. I am embracing my non-AI approach as a distinguisher of what sets me apart, like a master craftsman committed to artistry. I am grateful for discussions about this and the encouragement to cultivate a rich inner life - thank you for this discussion!
Wow I am balking big time at the rhetoric that without it we are “behind”! I resent that, and toast your integrity to be the original source of your ideas. It matters and says so much about you. Thanks for reading and keeping up your good work!
To replenish myself, I’ve been reading my favorite writers and poets here on Substack where I can browse without the chattering cacophony of advertisements. Even during a very busy season prepping to publish my first book, I’ve made space to write my own poetry, and somehow that’s keeping me nourished. Finally, when the TV news kicks me off kilter, I stop consuming it for a time. I’m fortunate that I can make these choices since I retired from employed work and have more control of my time. Thank you for encouraging us. It’s murky out there and we need your light.
I, too, am retired. Very thankful I can control my time and intake of what’s out there.
Yes! When I was employed in communications I was expected to be up on the news. I can’t imagine watching the news every day now. Horrendous.
You're story of the break-in had my attention right away, but what a powerful parallel to the creative break-in that's happening this days with AI. Thanks for the inspiring thoughts to percolate further.
Whew…this is as a powerful, raw, challenging and empowering post. Thank you for this and for reminding all of us how significant our voices are and how vital our core creativity is.
AI can be so tempting to creative writers, simply because of its ease and efficiency, but when we use it to generate work, we are robbing ourselves of our own growth (and "becoming" like you said!) Writing is thinking, and thinking is hard! But, in my experience, the process has always been worth the struggle. Thank you for adding so much wisdom and insight to the AI discussion!
This is such an important conversation. Thank you for bringing it into the light. 🙏🏼
Thank you for this letter! AI can only feed on what it's given—or, in most cases, what's been stolen. It's why I don't use it in any capacity in my work as a copywriter and personal life. This made me feel seen!
This is so beautiful and necessary. Writing is such a spiritual thing.
Wow! I am so sorry that both thefts happened to you. This has definitely gotten me thinking. I honestly had never taken any time to realize that what AI produces comes from somewhere. That it feeds off an author’s stolen works is awful! I am so thankful for this awareness and encouragement to stay true to our voices. 💜
So well said Stephanie. I am going to quote you in my next newsletter this Friday... "Living reflectively is deep work. Living attentively is deep prayer." Thank you for reminding us all that we have all we need withing and around us. Many blessings on your journey with words. Vicki
So well said Stephanie. I am going to quote you in my next newsletter this Friday... "Living reflectively is deep work. Living attentively is deep prayer." Thank you for reminding us all that we have all we need withing and around us. Many blessings on your journey with words. Vicki
How do we dissuade against the perception of convenience? How does one come to the realization that allowing AI to steal and regurgitate is giving up our humanity?