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Writing that Healed

In a recent class with my students taking The Writer in You course, we had a session about the metaphorical drawer. During that class, I referred to many of the projects that I have in the drawer, and I discussed the various reasons why a manuscript might be put in there.

During that discussion, I hinted at one project I have totally lost the desire to pull out and finish. I didn't go into any details about why I have no desire to finish that project, and I didn't go into any details about the project itself, because those details were irrelevant for the class.

But a few days later, my subconscious brain decided that I needed to "dream" about that story. Not the reasons behind the story, but the story itself—the writing, the journey, and the growth.

I still don't have any desire to finish the story, but to deny that the story exists would be to deny a portion of my journey and the growth that I had within my writing skills.

So, I've decided that I need to share snippets of that writing with the world. From a writing and editing perspective, those pieces are gold.

If I am honest with myself, they are really good. Sure, that writing came from a time in my life when I was living in fear of a particular person, consciously aware that I had inadvertently given this person the power to destroy my writing career before it had even begun. It took a long time to regain my power, cutting that person out of my life. But I refuse to let a voice that has no consequence or power over me anymore make me silent going forward.

In today's post, I'm going to give you a little insight into a really bad time in my life. And I'm going to share with you what was meant to be the opening scene from a thriller novel that I had started but will never finish.

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To AI covers or not to AI covers? What a loaded question.

It's something that has been on my mind for a variety of reasons lately.

Is it acceptable to use an AI cover on a human-generated book or not?

Many of us will likely have an instinctive answer that will go one way or the other, but the question is not clear-cut.

First, we have AI-generative tools being embedded in photoshopping programs, making it difficult for graphic designers to avoid AI when designing our book covers. Then we have book awards saying that books will be discounted from consideration if any component of the book was AI-generated, including the cover, even though the competition is for the content; and the cover is technically not part of the content, especially when you consider that the change of a book cover does not require a new ISBN to be issued for that book.

And let's not forget any ethical concerns that might arise.

Cost is often a factor here. Though there is no guarantee that an AI-generated cover would be cheaper than a human-created one.

But putting all of this aside, it is still a valid question. Is it okay for a human-generated book to use an AI-generated cover?

In today's post, I want to explore the consequences of such an action, addressing questions that some self-publishing authors might have regarding AI covers.

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Is this World War III?

There have been various points in recent history when I have sat back to take a good look at what is going on in the world, wondering if we would soon face World War III. But now I'm looking at the situation and no longer wonder if we will soon face another international war. I'm wondering if World War III has already started—and we just don't know it yet.

And I'm desperately trying to predict how events will play out… so I can decide how I'm going to manage the fallout as it impacts me.

It's time to really take a look and speculate if the next big international war has already begun.

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Trapped in the Internet World

Why I’m not on Substack

Substack has become a popular site among writers. It's a combination of a blogging engine mixed with a social media community. But it's because of the email list concept and monetization that the site has gained favor.

It's provided a way for newer writers to build a mailing list without laying out the expense of having a custom domain. And it's provided a way for writers to make money off their content as they write it.

I have to admit that I can see why it's gained popularity among both new and established writers. But despite its popularity, it's one site that I'm unlikely to adopt within my own platform.

Let's take a look at the functionality of the site and why I've chosen to use other systems for the same functionality.

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Woman in purple shirt covering their face at the center of a red target, surrounded by pointing fingers.

The vocal few are silencing our voices

I'm seeing a growing trend on social media and internet-based, closed discussion groups. There seems to be a push for inclusivity and open discussion, yet if you don't veil your comments in what is seen as being politically correct, then expect to be attacked by the lynch mob.

It doesn't matter if you are being polite and careful about your wording. If you don't say things exactly how the vocal few wants you to say them, then you're not welcome.

Public social media is a hot spot for this, because you might also be attacked by the trolls who are deliberately trying to get a reaction out of you. But when you see the policing of language and unfiltered thoughts on private community forums too, what might be seen as a good thing can quickly become a bad thing.

There is a difference between hate speech and innocent comments that can be interpreted multiple ways. It's perfectly valid to have a random comment challenged, seeking clarification, because random comments with no context can be seen as negative and hateful. But when a clarification is given, there have been times when the lynch mob goes in for the kill, accusing people of things that they are not.

Situations quickly escalate, and emotions rage out of control. How we navigate this minefield is a measure of our character.

Most of the time, I just ignore the comments attacking me, particularly if they are on public social media. But when the comments come in via an avenue that is meant to be supportive and inclusive (and private)…

At that point, we are often forced into a situation where we are silenced (and left with no way to express ourselves) or ostracized (and still left with no way to express ourselves). And all because the vocal few don't like what we have to say.

In today's post, I want to show you how an innocent comment can quickly get out of control, leaving us with little choice but to become silent.

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