A simple test for using AI, and a book about beliefs

Hi Reader,

This week's post is about writing and AI.

If you are in the "never mention writing and AI in the same sentence" camp, I hear you and respect your decision. Skip below the post to the book give-away for April—I think you'll like it.

For everyone else, here goes.

The AI Transparency Test

I have tried to sit on the sidelines, to avoid the AI and writing debates as I firmed up my own opinions. But questions about writing and AI are everywhere: in the news, on podcasts, on college campuses and workplaces, and in my coaching calls.

Those of us who spend our time thinking, coaching, teaching, and speaking about writing cannot ignore it, because of all of those questions.

So I'm jumping into the AI and writing conversation. (It's more like easing myself slowly into a cold plunge, really.)

The 10-year anniversary edition of The Writer’s Process (coming in May) has a lengthy chapter on AI’s role in the writing process. Don’t worry, the book is still about the marvelously human process of writing. You can skip right past the chapter with no loss.

For everyone else struggling with exactly where to set boundaries and where to safely explore, I propose a simple question that may clarify the decision.

(If you find this helpful, please share the post with others struggling with this issue!)

Read the post online

April Book Giveaway: Beyond Belief

I interviewed Nir Eyal when writing Writing to Be Understood. I like his work, was delighted with his latest, Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Extraordinary Results.

I hear what you may be thinking: I thought you gave away writing books, Anne. This isn't about writing.

But of course it is, indirectly, about writing. Because our unseen beliefs affect our writing. In my author coaching work, we often surface and reframe beliefs that get in the way.

This book is about how beliefs shape what we see, feel, and do. And, it's a useful guide and toolkit for choosing the beliefs that serve you well.

To enter the drawing, respond to this email by Sunday, April 19 and let me know you'd like it. (Winners in the UK and US will get print editions, for others, ebooks if I can figure it out.)