Writing Practices Mid-May Edition

Hi Reader,

I've been doing a lot of thinking and reading lately about AI and writing. Why? In addition to the unending flood of AI chatter, I wonder if I need to update my book about writing at work (The Workplace Writer's Process) with advice on where/how AI fits.

If you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear them. (I'm not eager to do a second edition.)

In case you're thinking about writing and AI, here are a few sources that have helped me wrestle with the topic:

• My LinkedIn community offered an interesting discussion on a question I posted about including AI as a topic in a book. Check out the post and its comments here.
• I really enjoyed the book More than Words by John Warner, who teaches writing. He makes a passionate defense of writing as a human act.
• Jane Friedman published an excellent review of the pros and cons of different AI-powered tools (Grammarly, ProWritingAid, AutoCrit) for copyediting, by Ariane Peveto: The Hidden Costs of AI Copyediting Tools.

*AI disclaimer*

I do believe in being transparent about AI use. So, these emails and blog posts come straight out of my own head—all natural intelligence (or lack thereof.) I use generative AI for help brainstorming titles.

On to the substance of this email!

The May Book Drawing

This month's book is the second edition of The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman.

Writers may wrinkle their noses at the "business" aspect of things, but if you want to be published, you're entering that world. Jane's book is filled with wise, realistic advice for anyone who wants to be a writer in the world.

(See my video review on YouTube.)

To enter the drawing, reply to this email by Sunday, May 25 and let me know you're ready to get serious about your writing!

The Case of the Missing Subject

This week's post is about a craft issue I often find in client manuscripts—over-reliance on "dummy subjects" like "There is" or "It is" to start sentences without representing a real subject.

A few here and there? Fine. But pile them on and you're weakening your writing voice.

Book Proposal Critique

Do you know anyone looking for a publisher or agent for their nonfiction book? Or, perhaps it's you. Is that book proposal as strong as it could be?

Check out my nonfiction book proposal critique service — ideal for independent, self-starter types who want to make sure they're on the right track.

That's all for now. Enjoy the last couple weeks of May and I'll be back in June!

Happy reading and writing!

Anne

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