Insecure Writers Support Group - March 6, 2024

 March? Really?

It's the first Wednesday of the month and only the lucky few know what that means!

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP DAY! YAY!

IWSG was created to provide a safe haven for writers to air their concerns and fears without appearing foolish or weak. All skill levels are welcome, from published authors to those like myself, that enjoy creating but have not acquired the courage to release their work to the masses.

A big thank you to Alex J. Cavanaugh is in order. He created this group long ago and has continued to support writer's in their quest to achieve writing success, no matter how big or small.

I would also like to thank the awesome co-hosts for this months addition.

Kristina Kelly, Miffie Seideman, Jean Davis and Liza @ Middle Passages.

Each month, a question is presented to the group and those that don't mind answering provide insight on the topic being addressed. Answering the question is always optional.

Today's question: Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?

Back in October 2023, a similar question was asked on the topic of AI. My answer has not changed but if you would like, you can travel back in time to here!

If you get tired of the droning, feel free to skim through this or abandon it altogether. I completely understand.

I do not like the idea of substituting human thinking with artificial intelligence. We have become so horribly dependent on technology in society, as a whole, that we have abandoned the need to perform basic skills. I do not mean to downplay the importance of the internet and advancements in technology, but do not want to think about a future where our ability to create is replaced by something artificial. I can see how AI might assist in sparking an idea if you are in throws of a brain fart and cannot conjure up an idea naturally, but in order to complete a work, it should always include good old fashioned brain power and human emotion. At birth, we were given the innate ability to think and create using our minds. Science tells us that we only use ten percent of our brain on average. Imagine the possibilities if we were able to increase that percentage by only five percent. The internet was created by the human mind and almost all other advancements throughout history were as well.

I should probably tinker around with AI to be more informed but I don't wanna!

"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the BLUE pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe.

You take the RED pill, you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes!"

Thank you Morpheus, RED pill please!

P.S...You will see a of months worth of posts in April if you venture back.

I am going to participate in the A to Z Challenge, which was created by Arlee Bird long ago. I'll be entering the fray for the first time in years. If you haven't already, click the link and join. It's a blast!

This years theme will be revealed on March 10, 2024. I hope to see you all there.

Insecure Writer's Support Group - October 2, 2023

 

It is time, yet again, for the monthly installment of The Insecure Writer's Support Group. On the first Wednesday of every month, those that have signed up for the blog hop have an opportunity to talk candidly about the writing journey without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those that have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It is a safe haven for writer's of all kinds.

First and foremost, a big thank you is in order to the group's founder, Alex J Cavanaugh and the co-hosts for the October posting: Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner, Patricia Josephine and Rebecca Douglass.

Today's Question: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." - Albert Einstein

I'll be honest. I am not sure that I like the thought of writing derived by artificial intelligence. I do not have any experience with it and I don't plan on giving it a roll. I understand what it is but do not know much about it. We are so dependent on technology that it seems like we are straying away from what makes the art so incredible. Knowing that a story or imaginary world has been completely created by the human mind is why I enjoy reading, writing and watching. I simply cannot fathom how Stephen King's mind works. I would think less of his creativity if I found out he used AI. To find out that Middle Earth was created by something other than Tolkien's imagination would be a buzz kill. The world he created while writing The Hobbit and LOTR is absurd to think about. Same goes for Robert Jordan and The Wheel of Time. The sheer amount of information in these series is mind boggling. I can understand why it could be helpful in certain area's but don't like the idea of it being used as a substitute for human creativity.

If you are new to this site, welcome! Drop a comment if you agree or disagree with my take. I would like a chance to understand your thoughts on the topic of AI.

Not sure why, but as I was trying to answer this question, Ben Harper's song, With My Own Two Hands was reverberating in my mind so, I'll leave you with it. Enjoy!

Good Days Ahead

 Hello all! It has been a few weeks since I have had an opportunity to post. Life has been busy! While I have had time to check out a few new blogs from IWSG and comment on those that I had already followed, I have been stuck in neutral as it pertains to my own writing. (I will touch on this a bit later.) It hasn't been because of a lack of motivation, just a lack of disposable time. And while this excuse works for me, it was just steamrolled by Elizabeth S. Craig and her piece on the IWSG main page about setting aside fifteen minutes a day to write so, I did. This is what I came up with.

During the past six months, I have experienced many changes. All of you that have tuned in since my return know the story. Having to navigate a different path than I thought I'd be on has been interesting, to say the least. I have settled in to my new norm and it isn't as frightening as I thought it would be. I was not a fan of change before but realize now, that when your plans get derailed, things don't end horribly every time. There will always be something to look forward to. So, in this time of acceptance and growth, I carry that lesson forward. Happiness is mine for the taking but I will need to take it. The immortal words of Shannon Hoon ring true: "Cause when you stop dreamin' it's time to die." This lyric alone provides a  profound look in to my current mind state. Before, I had lived in the past and while trying to figure out the "why's", it didn't dawn on me that I was missing out on the present. I wanted it to magically go away with medication. That ended up not working out so well. Throughout life, we walk through the fire and we lose loved ones but we need to move forward in their honor. Not a single person that I've lost would want me to stay stationary in sadness. I can't afford to keep mourning loss. My daughter can't afford it either. "Get busy living or get busy dying!." (Just a little Shawshank reference) So, if I have experienced the worst that this life has to offer and I am still "upright and breathing." (Thanks Corey!) I'll take it!

Now, for the writing thing. Back in 2012ish, I came up with the idea of a story I wanted to tell. I had no experience and had no direction. I simply started tapping away on the keys. After having written a prologue and a chapter or so, I scrapped the writing idea entirely. Over the years, I did miss it and at random times, I would look at the old blog and think, "I should get back in to this." I never acted on my will to do so until recently. During the stories first days, I blindly started writing and it was fun but I quickly realized that I had no plot, no real cast of characters, no twists and no real sense of direction. I was just writing. All of these thoughts hit me smack dab in the tenders and I stopped. I kept up with the blog for a short time but soon after this epiphany, I stopped that also. I am not sure I will ever do more than this and that is okay. I know my original idea is limited. I will never be Stephen King or Tolkien and I get it but it doesn't mean I should stop. Just enjoy the process of creativity and let her rip. Maybe, if I just write like I used to, things will come together, but if not, I will live on. I have taken a break from The War West and started tinkering in poetry and song writing again. Both are some of favorite things to do. When I am comfortable with sharing those things, I'll add some here and see what you all think.

This past weekend, I experienced a weird and unexpected blast from the past and I wanted to share. Saturday, I golfed with my brother in law, my oldest nephew and his buddy, which is like another nephew really. He's been around the family for a long time. But after the outing, we stopped in at the local bar for a couple of beers and a bite. I came to find out that an old band that I used watch back in my early twenties were playing at the exact place I was at. I had no idea. So instead of going home early, I stayed and watched. I am so glad I did. I loved the local music scene in Fort Wayne, IN back then and these dudes were some of my favorites to go see live.

Allow me to introduce The Wailhounds performing Rickety Ol' Ford. I hope you enjoy!

Insecure Writers Support Group - September 6, 2023

 

Twelve Years!! Congratulations on keeping this group intact!

As always, I will begin by thanking Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting this hop. I am sure that it is tiring at times, to juggle the many things that go along with creating such a place, all while continuing to add to  his own work. He seems to do this with ease. I am truly grateful. Mr. Cavanaugh followed my site long ago and guess who was the first to comment upon my return? Yeah, you know.

Also, I would like to extend a special thanks to the co-hosts for this month. Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sara - The Faux Fountain Pen and Meka James.

The IWSG was created to support those of us that love to write but have insecurities, hang ups, doubts and fears. The writers here offer support and tips to assist in making informed decisions in regard to our work. If you haven't already, join the hop at IWSG. Click the IWSG Sign Up tab under the header and begin reaping the benefits. While you are at it, be sure to check on others and if so inclined, offer support to when needed. It makes a difference, trust me.

Today's question: The IWSG celebrates twelve years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect and how has it helped you?

I originally came across the IWSG long ago, while it was still in its infancy. Circa 2012. I was (and still am) a novice when it came to blogging. I originally created the HabitualHobbit to shed light on aspects of having mental illness and the negative stigma that one feels when being diagnosed with a disorder. Over time, I garnered a small following of seventyish people that were interested in what I had to say and it emboldened me to keep putting myself out there. Along the way, I came across this group and decided that, if I was to continue, I would benefit from reading the words of such skilled writers. I did not anticipate the amount of warm wishes and tips I would receive, mostly from fellow group members.

After a long hiatus, I decided to enter the fray once more. Armed with more resolve, I sought out the group again. And, I am happy I did.

As always, I will leave you with song. Check out Incubus - Pistola

I think it fits nicely here.

Be will friends!