New and Improved?

Welcome to the Insecure Writers Support Group - Oct 2023

I appreciate all the feedback from my "AI" post in Sept. Insightful and inspiring!

In a similar vein, I've had to do some upgrades and updates (I hate passwords!) It's made me wonder about "improvements" to writing and to the world in general. Every generation is encouraged to change the world, and many people take that and run with it. But what about the generations that came before? Aren't there some things that work great and should be left alone? Does old = bad?

In addition to the infinite updates in technology, they infiltrate education as well. New people come along (usually not teachers) and think they can revamp education. Unfortunately, they implement new changes before anyone can tell if the previous "improvements" made an impact. Don't get me wrong, I'm always trying to up my game, and I love hearing about and sharing new ideas with other teachers. But after decades of teaching, kids haven't changed. They all have they're own ways of learning--they just need more motivation. They ingest whatever knowledge we can get into them, then figure out life in their own ways.

I guess I've always been skeptical of change. I'm in the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp. But I also appreciate innovation and the comforts of life. I couldn't imagine living out west when the US was young. I love electricity and running water. And A/C is a must! I just wish the up-and-comers did more research into the current, tried and true ways before scrapping them.

Which brings me back to books. Way back when, books were revered, authors were celebrated, and reading was the thing to do. As technology evolved giving us radio, then television, then the internet with all-access streaming, books have taken a dive in the hierarchy of entertainment and information choices.

As if writing and getting published then hopefully noticed wasn't hard enough. Recently, Hollywood was on strike for fear that AI will one day take their jobs in writing and acting... The irony is that writers and movies foretold this! The good thing is writing programs can never be original, since the algorithms, though very creative, can only work based on what has already been written. 

Here's my big question: Are they really improving anything? What is the purpose of such programs? Just because we can do something, does that mean we should?

I resist change, but change can also be good. So before accepting it, I analyze it and look for the benefits not just the drawbacks. I accept the challenge of change to keep creating new and unique stories. And I hope you will too!

Sorry if that was a bit much, just been pondering a lot lately. Would love to hear your take!

Happy October!

PS - I just sent out a newsletter with my new CONDUCTION cover! I'll be posting it here in November...

Beware of AI

Science Fiction becomes reality yet again!

Artificial Intelligence. It's only as smart as we make it. The programmers feed it judgmental info and selective facts, anything they want really. And even though it "learns" from mistakes, it's still humans at the helm, until they outgrow us... Think of the movies foretelling what can go wrong with AI -- the Matrix, I Robot, even Wall-E. AI gets so smart it doesn't need humans or thinks it knows what's best for humans and is willing to make some human sacrifices in seeking perfection.

via GIPHY

As with all things created initially with good intentions (like the internet, social media, and the government -- all connected with humans seeking power) I don't trust it. And I hope the masses won't willingly accept it without questioning motives behind it. Most humans are like water, seeking the path of least resistance and easiest flow without checking to see if a cliff is up ahead... Watch out! Take it with a grain of salt!

What are your thoughts on AI?

And happy 12th Anniversary to the IWSG!

This blog hop has stood the test of time. I miss the old blog hops, especially A to Z. It was such a great way to meet other writers. And I'm so happy the IWSG is still around so we can keep in touch.

Hope you have a cooler September.

I just bought my first pumpkin treats - cream cheese and Pepperidge Farm Milanos - yum!

Trying to pace myself!

Happy Fall!

Vacation is over

Where does the time go? School starts earlier and earlier. I have only 2 weeks left of summer break, but some states have already begun! I have a lot to prepare and plan--especially with 2 newish classes, but this year, I'm putting it off a little longer. Probably because of all the school related activities I did that took up most of June.

August IWSG

But I was very productive in July, and I am happy to report for this month's Insecure Writers Support Group that I finally uploaded DISPOSAL as an ebook (totally forgot I didn't do that!) 

AND... CONDUCTION is now in the polish/publish phase. This part of the writing journey is tough and time-consuming, so I might not get it done by the end of this year as I would like, but I'm going to give it my best shot! Anyone interested in a critique partner exchange, let me know!

Puppy Update

We are also picking up our 3rd puppy (yes, I said 3rd) in mid-September. The two we have now are growing up so fast and much better behaved and more manageable, so what's one more? haha. It's funny how having them in this way reminds me of my boys: the two oldest  are very close in age and my youngest a few years behind them. And if the personalities hold, the last one will be the most easy-going. They sure make life fun and keep us young!

Help Wanted

Back to my CONDUCTION publishing goal. I am seeking help with: a cover, editing, and Goodreads--and I'm willing to pay $$. I'm putting this out there to my writing friends first, and if you have any recommendations, I'll take those too! This writing gig is too vast to get it all done by myself when I also have a very busy full-time job. If you have any advice, feel free to share that as well.

IWSG Anthology Blog

Lastly, we have three great posts coming up at the IWSG Anthology website:

8/2 - Getting Middle Schoolers Excited About Reading by Sherry Ellis

8/9 - Wait For It... Patience Through Metaphors by Bish Denham

8/16 - TBD by Ellen Jacobson

We have a few opening left in 2023, but we'll need more in 2024. Let me know if you're up for it.

Hope you are finding time and motivation to write this sultry summer 

And as the sun sets on this hot and humid season,

We will welcome my favorite time of year... 

Fall.

via GIPHY