IWSG August: Do I really need AI?

 How can it already be August? Despite these scorching days, a hint of fall beckons from leaves tinted with brown. Snow is coming. The turn of the seasons. We just have to survive another hot summer. Right?

Well, that's the challenge. Except life has more plot twists than my favorite novel. The last four weeks have been a tumultuous experience as Allen was struck with severe sciatica, nerve jolts from his lower back to his toes, making it difficult for him to move . . . sleep . . . and sometimes breathe. Ice helps as we go from doctor to physical therapy to doctor. Maybe on August 12, those steroid shots will help. I've learned anew to take each day, one at a time, to do what I can and hope it's enough. Are you surprised I haven't been writing? 

The reality is the story still calls me, and this week, I was able to write twice. So far. Unleashed Pursuit, now at 55K, brings new characters and shifts a little bit with more and more questions.  How much background on how police departments work do I need to bring realism into my story? A lot. And that brings us to the question for August 7 from the Insecure Writer's Support Group August Challenge!

Do you use AI in your writing and if so how? Do you use it for your posts? Incorporate it into your stories? Use it for research? Audio?

I don't like AI. I want to follow my own musings. Last year, I played with ChatGPT to see how it worked and what everyone was talking about. Sorry. The shoe doesn't fit. Yet, even with Word, I see popups that suggest changes. Microsoft is introducing a new feature for Word called Copilot, and I learned I can enable AI in Word. Yikes! 

Yes, there are benefits in efficiency and scope. Thank goodness, I'm retired because isn't AI going to change the workplace, change how people complete reports, communicate, and in the short and long term, change demand for the kinds of skills people bring to the workplace? So, change education as well? And my grandkids. They're already immersed in video games, the iPhone, and the Switch (not really sure what that is). 

Yes, I jump onto Google with questions. And there is AI, quick with a response. Luckily, Google also gives me links to written reports that I can read and find my own way . . . but AI is insidious. The potential for AI to self-learn, adapt, innovate, and make profit for corporations is a devilish incentive to change our futue irrevocably.

Source: Image Flip   

I suppose I should be thankful for this month's question. I'm looking forward to what others say about AI. Maybe they will not be as pessimistic as I am. For now, may your OWN writing go well and the plot twists in your life be minor. Stop by to visit this month's hosts Feather Stone, Kim Lajevardi, Diedre Knight, C. Lee McKenzie, and Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen!  And maybe a few more by going to: The Insecure Writer's Support Group!

And here's a little background on IWSG:

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.