AI: The Tools WE Use
AI is a thing. It’s a thing in the wider world and it’s definitely a thing in the writing world. There is lots of cause for concern about how AI will affect us. But, like any technology, AI is a tool, and it’s how it’s used that is the most prevalent issue.
Personally, I have little need for AI. That may change if I see the value and benefit to my work. For the moment, though, I’m happy to go old-school. You know, come up with my own outlines, write my own words, tackle my own revisions.
But then my university-aged daughter got me to think outside (my) AI box. To choose a gift for me (books, of course) she made a note (a long note, to be sure) of the books on my to-read pile, then punched in the titles to AI for similar books. AI came up with four, that were then duly purchased, wrapped and given to me. I didn’t find out about how the books were chosen until I’d finished all of them—then my daughter asked for a report: how well did AI/she do? Excellent! I read all four, loved one, liked two and decided one wasn’t my cup of tea—and I couldn’t have done better myself!
What I loved about using AI for discoverability of books is having a more targeted recommendation. It’s not perfect (no technology is—for that matter, nor is any person), but since AI is sticking around, let’s make it work for what we want.