I'm not scared... Why? Should I be?
I'm not scared... Why? Should I be?
Beck + NASA + AI...and TONS of writing resources
Everybody calm down
Lately I’ve seen people on the Internet freaking out because Artificial Intelligence software can write books and screenplays, so now writers will be out of a job. I mean, yes, ChatGPT can write books, but I don’t think we need to freak out about it.
Do we?
Maybe I’m naive, but I’m not worried about AI, like at all. Could AI software write some trope-filled romantic comedy that’s passable as a story? Sure. Could AI write a mash-up tale that’s unique because it combines things in new ways? Probably. But could AI subvert the existing tropes in surprising and clever ways to produce something fun and funny and heartwarmingly-human like Curtis Sittenfeld’s latest novel, Romantic Comedy? Doubtful.
My thought is this: AI can write stories, but humans can write better ones.
It’s like when I was a high school math teacher and kids would say, “but, Ms. Langston, why should we bother learning math if calculators can do everything for us?” I’d tell them that you still need a human to input the correct data and interpret the results. You can’t properly use a graphing calculator without understanding the concept you’re asking it to do. I’m thinking it’s the same with AI. It’s a tool and it has its uses, but there’s still a lot it can’t do.
For example, here’s an article on how ChatGPT can help historical fiction writers with their research. Is it perfect? Not at ALL. But it’s another tool in the writer's toolbox.
I still think the human mind trumps Artificial Intelligence when it comes to writing creatively.
Or am I wrong? What do you think? Should I be afraid? And would you ever use AI to help you write or research a book?
Here’s a good use for AI
I recently finished the revision of my latest YA novel and sent it off to my agent. I am now excitedly waiting for her feedback.
One of the main characters in the novel is, like me, a huge Beck fan, and it was fun to inject some of his songs into the book.
Speaking of Beck, were you aware that in 2020 he teamed up with NASA and the artificial intelligence company OSK to create a visual experience for his 2019 album, Hyperspace? I just learned of this a few weeks ago and feel like a failure as a Beck fan.
In Hyperspace AI Exploration you can scroll through the universe and find each album track with an accompanying video that combines NASA mission images with the use of Artificial Intelligence technology. (For example, the song “Dark Places” is set to images of black holes.) So Beck isn’t afraid of artificial intelligence. He’s using it as a tool to enhance his creative work.
THIS is the kiss of death in a query…
Did you miss my first Query Guru feedback? I point out what I think is one of the most common mistakes in a query letter (and how to fix it).
Are you interested in getting feedback on your query and first pages? Every month, I will chose one subscriber for a FREE submission package critique. Send me your query letter and the first two pages of your manuscript, and, if you’re the winner, I will send you in-depth feedback on both.
I will be sharing feedback with my paid subscribers, but you do not need to be a paid subscriber to get the free critique.
Interested in receiving a Query Guru Critique? Fill out the form here.
Writing News & Resources
For All Writers:
If you live in the DC/VA/MD area, you should really check out the FREE Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20. The author line-up is amazing. Tons of readings and events in all genres (including children and teen activities), PLUS an all-genre workshop led my me!
Free submissions to the lovely Black Fox Literary magazine are open until the end of May, and they have announced their next contest theme: Secrets Unraveled! The deadline for the contest is June 18, 2023. You can submit via their Submittable page.
Do you write romance? New indie publisher, Conquest, is now open for romance submissions. (No agent required.)
Check out these upcoming online seminars with Jane Friedman from Writer’s Digest University:
Did you know We Need Diverse Books offers grants, mentorships, awards, and more? Check out all their programs and resources.
I updated my list of writing and publishing resources — my very favorite books, websites, and podcasts and writing, publishing, and creative life.
Thinking about self-publishing? This detailed guide tells you all the steps you need to take: How to Self-Publish a Book: A Guide for Aspiring Authors.
For KidLit Writers:
WriteMentor is hosting two kidlit story competitions: flash fiction and short story. Any genre, but the main character must be a child or teen, and the theme is “community.” Enter by May 30.
The Voyage Novel Excerpt contest for YA writers is open until June 1, 2023.Submit your very best chapters for a chance at a cash prize and a place in the Voyage anthology.
The Searchlight Writing for Children Awards submissions are open from now until August 31, 2023. Shortlisted winners have their text sent to agents and publishers, and first place wins a sizable cash prize.
Best Novel Opening for Children’s or Young Adults (novel does not need to be complete)
The Highlight's Foundation is offering three sessions of the Whole Novel Workshop: a life-changing retreat with amazing faculty members for those with a full novel manuscript they want to workshop:
From Bitsy Kemper’s blog: over 75 publishers accepting unsolicited picture book manuscripts — updated February 2023!
Check out this incredible list of upcoming events for KidLit writers!
For Querying Writers:
The next online StorySnobs Pitch Contest from The Good Story Company will be May 17. After a brief presentation, editors will workshop loglines from attendees. The chosen winner will receive a FREE submission editing package. Live attendance isn’t required; you will receive a replay link with no expiration date.
Also from The Good Story: Successful Query Letters: 40+ Real World Query Letters with Literary Agent Feedback.
Do you have a romance manuscript? New indie publisher, Conquest, is now open for romance submissions. (No agent required.)
From the Manuscript Academy: Live Query and Pages Panel (online) with Editor Emily Deluga: May 17.
Every Friday, Operation Awesome offers one free query critique through their #QueryFriday contest.
Live in the DC area? I will be teaching a submission package workshop series on three Saturdays, June 3 - June 17, from 10am to noon at The Writers Center in Bethesda, MD. After learning what makes a great query letter, you’ll write your own to be critiqued by your classmates. We will also workshop opening pages and discuss topics such as researching agents, pitch contests, conferences, and agent red-flags.
Every month I will chose one subscriber for a FREE submission package critique. Send me your query letter and the first two pages of your manuscript, and, if you’re the winner of the month, I will send you back in-depth feedback on both. Interested in receiving a critique? Fill out the form here.
Are you an underrepresented writer seeking agent representation for a commercial or literary novel? Introducing The Jessica George Bursary, offering tangible help towards publication.
Check out this 3-hour online course on May 27, Preparing for the Pitch from I Am in Print (based in the UK). Learn how to write a compelling cover/query letter, a novel synopsis, and polish your first few pages.
Twitter is a little different in these Elon Musk days, but Twitter pitch contests continue to happen, and though they can be frustrating, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. (After all, I found my agent through a Twitter pitch party. I am now an official success story.) So mark your calendar for these upcoming Twitter pitch parties. And be sure to read my article 13 Things to Know About Twitter Pitch Events.
#PitDark, May 25, for those writing mystery, horror, suspense, and anything else of a “darker” nature.
#JoyPit, June 1, is the newest Twitter pitch contest and is open to all feel-good, lighthearted fiction and non-fiction in all age categories, genres, and authors, regardless of where you are and who you are.
#KidLitPit, June 1, for those writing PB through YA. (Guidelines here.)
#PitchDis, June 22, for writers who self-identify as disabled, neurodivergent, and/or chronically ill.
Writing Conferences & Events:
If you live in the DC/VA/MD area, you really need to check out the FREE Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20. The author line-up is amazing. Tons of readings and events in all genres (including children and teen activities), PLUS an all-genre workshop led my me!
The Writing Day Workshop “How to Get Published” Conferences will held both online and in person this year. I attended one of these conferences in person a few years ago, and I thought it was fantastic. I can’t vouch for the virtual version, but there are some benefits: recorded classes, no travel expenses, attend in your comfy pants. Plus, you can sign up for pitch sessions with agents for $29 a piece. Check out the upcoming conferences:
The I Am in Print writing festival is happening in Bristol, May 19-20. Whatever stage you are with your writing, they’ll have something to encourage and inspire you.
Working on a thriller, mystery, or crime fiction? Check out ThrillerFest in NYC, May 30-June 3.
Write Hive’s annual FREE online conference will be held June 9-11. You'll come away from the event with the knowledge, resources, and inspiration to further your career as a writer and creator.
The Chesapeake Writers’ Conference will be held from June 18 - 24 on the St. Mary’s College campus in St. Mary’s City, MD. The conference features lectures, craft talks, readings, panel discussions, and daily workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction
The Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy is back! Join educators in Washington, DC this July for one or both sessions of learning, including a panel with award-winning authors.
For more writing conferences, check out this list or this list of 19 Writing Conferences for Emerging and Established Writers.