I might be in the minority, but I am not an AI user nor do I care to be. I believe it has its uses-mostly in medicine. I ignore the AI summaries when I do Google searches too. (maybe I am falling into the GET OFF MY LAWN category early :) ) I haven't done a lot of reading this week. I have Lupus and have been off my med for close to a year so I've been having flares and don't feel like doing anything. Luckily I'll start back on it in a little over a week! But I did read a Yesteryear ARC and LOVED it. It will be out April 7th. Hope you get back on your feet full-time soon!
I am not a fan of the AI summaries, either. I was reading a contract this week and adobe offered a summary. I just laughed. Definitely not a good idea there… I don’t think you’re in the minority, actually.
I’m sorry you’re having flares, and so glad you can get back on your meds. It’s frustrating to have these body choices taken from us.
I so whole-heartedly agree with your thoughts on AI. It has its uses/functions. It can definitely be a helpful tool. But I don't want it to do my writing for me. That's the part I like! But it can certainly help me do some of my boring day to day stuff much faster and I'm good with that.
And I definitely don't blame you for being worried about traveling right now - things are a mess for sure! Hope things get better. <3
Hope you feel stronger soon and I'm happy you have a good team behind you supporting your health--it's so important.
I loved the "Just Begin" chapter in Kidd's book--extremely helpful when facing a blank page. And also loved the "Creative Loitering" chapter, probably because I'm often accused of being "lost in my thoughts."
"There's something beautiful about the mind at rest. Heaven knows, we need moments of refuge from our driven selves...Writers need a silence beneath their words, contemplative reprieves in which the mind is allowed to to wander free and aimless." (Sue Monk Kidd)
So glad you're getting the support you need for your health. Getting old is not for the faint of heart. I think you'd really like one of the books I'm reading right now. Lili Taylor's memoir TURNING TO BIRDS. It's a lovely little book about her learning to become a birdwatcher and how it has changed her outlook on life. I can hear her soft spoken voice in my head as I read it.
This week's list:
Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo
Crime Ink: Iconic: An Anthology of Crime Fiction Inspired by Queer Icons ed. by John Copenhaver
Hell's Heart by Alexis Hall
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain by Laura J. Mayo
No Gods for Drowning by Hailey Piper
Turning to Birds: A Memoir in Essays by Lili Taylor
That feeling when professionals actually listen to you is so wonderful! And getting a proper diagnosis, having answers and a path to healing! So happy that things have been figured out. I hope you're able to get back to feeling healthy soon!
AI has been so controversial. I don't think it is something we should fear, but like you said, I do think it needs guardrails. I've used it to help me decide how to decorate a room, thanks to my fifteen-year-old who uses it in so many ways. One of my favorites is that she loads her homework/notes into it and asks it to write her a practice test or study guide when the teachers don't provide one. Whether we fear it or not, it is here to stay. I do agree it will never be able to write/express human emotion and connection with depth in any art form.
Ah health. I'm so sorry you're going through it, but I'm glad you pushed for answers. This week, I was discussing with my mom some of my own personal health struggles that have surfaced and she said that she only feels old when her health is doing poorly. I felt that deep in my bones. I do hope you continue to improve and continue to find health professionals who are in your corner. Many of my women friends have been dismissed for the same tired reasons for serious issues, even by women doctors. Good for you for pushing the docs to be better and do better.
I'm still scheduling joy. I played American Mahjong with my community and had a great time, winning a small easter bunny tchotchke for winning my first game ever!! I also flew with my youngest and my husband to NYC for spring break two weeks ago. We saw musicals and ate our way through the city. I have to say that the subway was my favorite way to travel when we weren't walking. It was so easy. Looking forward to more joy, but it most likely won't be flying anywhere soon.
OK, I need to know what she used for the decorating because I desperately need that!!! And how smart to use it to generate study guides. Wonderful use of the tech.
I understand your mom. It is very weird to realize hey, I'm not 25 anymore.
Scheduling Joy - now that's a brilliant book title... And yay for NYC! I'm supposed to go next month and I'm so excited!
Yay for NYC. Are you going for Thrillerfest? If so, are you on any panels? So, we took a picture of the dining room and uploaded it to whatever AI you use. Then we said to keep the table and chairs, along with another piece of furniture. Then we asked it to decorate it in calm, zen style. We had to finesse two iterations by asking them to remove or add items until we received a look that I loved. It took me a bit to get all done, but I love it. Make sure your lighting is good when you take the picture. I'm using it again for the media room next.
I wouldn't want to travel via airplane right now for anything...although it sounds like its going to get better. Fingers crossed!
A friend of mine has been battling long Covid since March 2021. Her biggest problem is her inability to sleep more than 3 to 4 hours per night....and all the issues that come from that. I feel you have the right attitude...you have to live your life!
AI is both wonderful and terrifying. I love the quote you posted. Several books have touched my soul on a level that I don't believe AI ever could. The first one that comes to mind if THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE.
Im currently reading THE NIGHT WE MET by Abby Jimenez. I first discovered this author by chance 2 years ago when I was at home recovering from my double masectomy. She somehow writes what may seem like light, romantic comedies....but there's always a deeper lesson or theme...which i love.
Busy weekend on tap for us:
Funeral Sat for my husband's 97 year old aunt. She lived a good life but was suffering from dementia. We're then having an early Easter Sat night with one step son and his family. We'll be out of town next week for Easter....going to Devils Den State Park in Arkansas. Looking forward to meeting my youngest step son and family there!
Also, for your friend, ask if she's been given low-dose naltrexone. It's excellent for sleep -- and also putting gas in the proverbial tank and helping with inflammation. Also, 25 mg of quetiapine - that's what the hospitals are using to get people's sleep back on track.
Yes, fingers crossed. It's not safe when we don't have the proper staffing. I worked on a contract with the FAA a while back in my Lockheed Martin days, and a lot of the technology is still in place. We need an overhaul, majorly, and extra funding.
Oh Addie Larue is a wonderful example. This is going to be an interesting few years. AI is only going to get better from here. Sentient, no. But the more people use it, the more it learns, and the harder it will be to discern what's real. Gonna be interesting...
I'm so sorry about your husband's aunt. Even with a. long life, it's always so sad. My condolences. Glad you can bracket the funeral with some happiness and joy.
Abby is the bomb. A superb writer and storyteller!
I’m glad you advocated for yourself to get answers. I’ve read that women aren’t always taken seriously when it comes to health.
Adding Kidd’s book to my TBR! I’m still reading A Long Game, by Elizabeth McCracken, which is also about writing. Also reading This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman.
Believe me, Barb, I was told it was stress, anxiety, panic attacks, that I was the healthiest person they'd see today... it was SO frustrating to be blown off. It took this major incident for the doctors to take it seriously and really pay attention. Which is why so many women have heart attacks in their 50s - the doctors are busy blaming it on anxiety. Not great.
I just love this, I am currently working on typing up my handwritten novel, I am a pen and paper girl all the way. Someone suggested I put the pages in and have AI type it up. For me it felt like cheating.
I want to experience the joy of typing up each word that " I wrote."
That sounds like a wonderful way to edit the book as you go, too, Sheryl. I know authors who still write by hand and then hand it off to a transcriptionist to typeset. Not uncommon, and not very different, if you think about it.
I love writing by hand, though. There's something so organic about it!
What a health journey you had (and still have)! Sending a warm hug.🤗 ~ Kidd's book is on my list. Can't wait to read it.
It’s lovely Olivia. You will enjoy. And I agree. I am so over all of it!!!
I can't wait to buy that book you recommended! It looks fantastic! Thank you
Enjoy it. It’s lovely!
I might be in the minority, but I am not an AI user nor do I care to be. I believe it has its uses-mostly in medicine. I ignore the AI summaries when I do Google searches too. (maybe I am falling into the GET OFF MY LAWN category early :) ) I haven't done a lot of reading this week. I have Lupus and have been off my med for close to a year so I've been having flares and don't feel like doing anything. Luckily I'll start back on it in a little over a week! But I did read a Yesteryear ARC and LOVED it. It will be out April 7th. Hope you get back on your feet full-time soon!
I am not a fan of the AI summaries, either. I was reading a contract this week and adobe offered a summary. I just laughed. Definitely not a good idea there… I don’t think you’re in the minority, actually.
I’m sorry you’re having flares, and so glad you can get back on your meds. It’s frustrating to have these body choices taken from us.
Yesteryear… will go look!
That's great you got a laugh out of it!
I so whole-heartedly agree with your thoughts on AI. It has its uses/functions. It can definitely be a helpful tool. But I don't want it to do my writing for me. That's the part I like! But it can certainly help me do some of my boring day to day stuff much faster and I'm good with that.
And I definitely don't blame you for being worried about traveling right now - things are a mess for sure! Hope things get better. <3
Good to hear from you Angie. I agree—offload the stuff that’s no fun and leave the awesome part—the writing—alone!!!
I had such hopes we were in business with the travel. What a bummer!
Hope you feel stronger soon and I'm happy you have a good team behind you supporting your health--it's so important.
I loved the "Just Begin" chapter in Kidd's book--extremely helpful when facing a blank page. And also loved the "Creative Loitering" chapter, probably because I'm often accused of being "lost in my thoughts."
"There's something beautiful about the mind at rest. Heaven knows, we need moments of refuge from our driven selves...Writers need a silence beneath their words, contemplative reprieves in which the mind is allowed to to wander free and aimless." (Sue Monk Kidd)
Creative loitering is one of the best terms I’ve ever heard. She’s such a genius.
So glad you're getting the support you need for your health. Getting old is not for the faint of heart. I think you'd really like one of the books I'm reading right now. Lili Taylor's memoir TURNING TO BIRDS. It's a lovely little book about her learning to become a birdwatcher and how it has changed her outlook on life. I can hear her soft spoken voice in my head as I read it.
This week's list:
Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo
Crime Ink: Iconic: An Anthology of Crime Fiction Inspired by Queer Icons ed. by John Copenhaver
Hell's Heart by Alexis Hall
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain by Laura J. Mayo
No Gods for Drowning by Hailey Piper
Turning to Birds: A Memoir in Essays by Lili Taylor
And.. that went on my Kindle lickety split. Looks a lot like Raising Hare! Thank you for the recommendation!
No, not getting old...finally growing up ;)
What a wonderful post, J.T.!
Thanks Ruth! Congrats on your release of ZIGZAG GIRL!!
Thanks so much!!
That feeling when professionals actually listen to you is so wonderful! And getting a proper diagnosis, having answers and a path to healing! So happy that things have been figured out. I hope you're able to get back to feeling healthy soon!
It’s incredible to have a team in place whose sole goal is to get you healthy. It’s taken a while, but my Avengers have assembled!
AI has been so controversial. I don't think it is something we should fear, but like you said, I do think it needs guardrails. I've used it to help me decide how to decorate a room, thanks to my fifteen-year-old who uses it in so many ways. One of my favorites is that she loads her homework/notes into it and asks it to write her a practice test or study guide when the teachers don't provide one. Whether we fear it or not, it is here to stay. I do agree it will never be able to write/express human emotion and connection with depth in any art form.
Ah health. I'm so sorry you're going through it, but I'm glad you pushed for answers. This week, I was discussing with my mom some of my own personal health struggles that have surfaced and she said that she only feels old when her health is doing poorly. I felt that deep in my bones. I do hope you continue to improve and continue to find health professionals who are in your corner. Many of my women friends have been dismissed for the same tired reasons for serious issues, even by women doctors. Good for you for pushing the docs to be better and do better.
I'm still scheduling joy. I played American Mahjong with my community and had a great time, winning a small easter bunny tchotchke for winning my first game ever!! I also flew with my youngest and my husband to NYC for spring break two weeks ago. We saw musicals and ate our way through the city. I have to say that the subway was my favorite way to travel when we weren't walking. It was so easy. Looking forward to more joy, but it most likely won't be flying anywhere soon.
OK, I need to know what she used for the decorating because I desperately need that!!! And how smart to use it to generate study guides. Wonderful use of the tech.
I understand your mom. It is very weird to realize hey, I'm not 25 anymore.
Scheduling Joy - now that's a brilliant book title... And yay for NYC! I'm supposed to go next month and I'm so excited!
Yay for NYC. Are you going for Thrillerfest? If so, are you on any panels? So, we took a picture of the dining room and uploaded it to whatever AI you use. Then we said to keep the table and chairs, along with another piece of furniture. Then we asked it to decorate it in calm, zen style. We had to finesse two iterations by asking them to remove or add items until we received a look that I loved. It took me a bit to get all done, but I love it. Make sure your lighting is good when you take the picture. I'm using it again for the media room next.
I continue to send healing vibes! Great post!
Thanks, Audra - on both accounts!
I wouldn't want to travel via airplane right now for anything...although it sounds like its going to get better. Fingers crossed!
A friend of mine has been battling long Covid since March 2021. Her biggest problem is her inability to sleep more than 3 to 4 hours per night....and all the issues that come from that. I feel you have the right attitude...you have to live your life!
AI is both wonderful and terrifying. I love the quote you posted. Several books have touched my soul on a level that I don't believe AI ever could. The first one that comes to mind if THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE.
Im currently reading THE NIGHT WE MET by Abby Jimenez. I first discovered this author by chance 2 years ago when I was at home recovering from my double masectomy. She somehow writes what may seem like light, romantic comedies....but there's always a deeper lesson or theme...which i love.
Busy weekend on tap for us:
Funeral Sat for my husband's 97 year old aunt. She lived a good life but was suffering from dementia. We're then having an early Easter Sat night with one step son and his family. We'll be out of town next week for Easter....going to Devils Den State Park in Arkansas. Looking forward to meeting my youngest step son and family there!
Also, for your friend, ask if she's been given low-dose naltrexone. It's excellent for sleep -- and also putting gas in the proverbial tank and helping with inflammation. Also, 25 mg of quetiapine - that's what the hospitals are using to get people's sleep back on track.
I'll pass this along. She's had a long road and has finally found a Dr that will listen to her after basically having Doctors gaslight her for years.
I'm happy to talk to her, too, if needed. There are absolutely solutions. And those of us who've found them must help everyone else!
Yes, fingers crossed. It's not safe when we don't have the proper staffing. I worked on a contract with the FAA a while back in my Lockheed Martin days, and a lot of the technology is still in place. We need an overhaul, majorly, and extra funding.
Oh Addie Larue is a wonderful example. This is going to be an interesting few years. AI is only going to get better from here. Sentient, no. But the more people use it, the more it learns, and the harder it will be to discern what's real. Gonna be interesting...
I'm so sorry about your husband's aunt. Even with a. long life, it's always so sad. My condolences. Glad you can bracket the funeral with some happiness and joy.
Abby is the bomb. A superb writer and storyteller!
I’m glad you advocated for yourself to get answers. I’ve read that women aren’t always taken seriously when it comes to health.
Adding Kidd’s book to my TBR! I’m still reading A Long Game, by Elizabeth McCracken, which is also about writing. Also reading This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman.
Believe me, Barb, I was told it was stress, anxiety, panic attacks, that I was the healthiest person they'd see today... it was SO frustrating to be blown off. It took this major incident for the doctors to take it seriously and really pay attention. Which is why so many women have heart attacks in their 50s - the doctors are busy blaming it on anxiety. Not great.
Oh, I didn't know about the McCracken book. Good?
I’m so sorry you had to go through that. McCracken: good so far!
I just love this, I am currently working on typing up my handwritten novel, I am a pen and paper girl all the way. Someone suggested I put the pages in and have AI type it up. For me it felt like cheating.
I want to experience the joy of typing up each word that " I wrote."
That sounds like a wonderful way to edit the book as you go, too, Sheryl. I know authors who still write by hand and then hand it off to a transcriptionist to typeset. Not uncommon, and not very different, if you think about it.
I love writing by hand, though. There's something so organic about it!