The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.
Twitter handle: @TheIWSG
Hashtag: #IWSG
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the September 3 posting of the IWSG are Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Diedre Knight!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post.
These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience
or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it
inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional
September 3 question - What are your thoughts on using AI, such as GPChat, Raptor, and others with your writing? Would you use it for research, story bible, or creating outlines\beats?
I use AI extensively for my research. I've found Co-Pilot to be very helpful AND I use GPChat when I'm blogging an informational post. But as far as my book writing goes, that's all me.
August/September Reviews in no particular order.
* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.
So cute.
This is such a cute story about a Smileymoo that has a very unlucky day.
The story line is fun and well written. The illustrations are great and compliment the story. All in all, a lovely little read.
Bungle is a book for youngsters that will make adults smile.
Available at Amazon
Set in Transylvania in the 1400s, this story is a lovely blend of history and mysticism. The research that went into writing this book shines throughout this fictional tale of a woman who fought by the side of Vlad Dracula while caring for the wounded.
Kate Webber, now no longer fights at Vlad sides, but practices healing in Kronstadt, where the jealous and mean-spirited turn against her. Moise, a Jew apprenticing at a print shop, has encountered problems of his own, and now Kate and Moise both find themselves in danger.
Using a delicate, almost poetic, writing style, the author delivers a solid story. A must read for those who love medieval historical fiction and a strong female protagonist.
Available at Amazon
Nora Kelly Book 5
Once again, FBI agent Corrie Swanson and anthropologist Nora Kelly come together to solve the bizarre and painful death of an unknown woman that has all the earmarks of suicide.
And then another body shows up.
Discovering what really happened will put them both in danger.
As always, the authors deliver a can’t-put-the-book-down read.
My only complaint, the torture and torture scenes are way too realistic. At least for this reader.
Available at Amazon
The author did a good job of putting forth the salient points of Buchanan's life without pontificating. The work also speaks to the civil unrest in the country at that time. Buchanan would have stood a better chance of success if the nation hadn't been on the brink of secession and ultimately war.
My takeaway, while in office, he concentrated too much on the legal aspect, instead of the humane.
I recommend this read for those interested in history, young people and adults alike.
Available at Amazon
SFV-1 is a virus with zombie-like effects. The story revolves around the rapid takeover of the virus as we follow the lives of three separate characters and the effect the deadly disease has on their lives. Cat, who is on a remote island when the outbreak begins. Norah, too absorbed in her work to realize what’s going on around her. And Lion, a marketing consultant who is enjoying a much-needed vacay that takes a turn into horror.
This isn’t my normal read, but the author did an amazing job on this story, holding my interest throughout. Her writing skills checks all the boxes. Excellent world-building and character development. Descriptions that are graphic without being over the top. And tension that continues to mount as the story progresses, leaving the reader to wonder if the world will survive. To be continued in Book 2.
Highly recommended for dystopian fiction readers or those who just enjoy a well-told tale.
Available at Amazon
AND
Did you know, Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges, made a living writing advertisements for yogurt .
150 Interesting Facts About Our Favorite Authors [Infographic]
39 comments:
Yogurt needs ads too, I guess. Ha ha. Good list of books.
“Let’s strive to be better in September!” – Charmaine J. Forde #quote
I have a novelette coming out on the ninth. And a post about condiments planned on the A to Z site this month. Hope you're well!
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge
You use Al in all the right ways. I loved seeing what you read this month. Your reading interests are so varied.
That is the best way to use AI.
I am so far behind on Preston and Child books...
Good answer
Interesting selection of books you've read this month! I like the cover of the first one -- so cute!
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Seasonal Creativity For Authors
I haven't used co-pilot. Lots of others, not that one. I'd be curious about your specific uses on it and where you think its strengths are.
Awesome book reviews!
One thing to remember about AI. The name is a misnomer. It's a computer program, albeit sophisticated, but it's not intelligent. It runs on data and parameters programmed into it, and it's only going to be as good as what was programmed into it. Most time, the product is shipped out the door without sufficient beta testing. That's why some of the AI art images show people with 6 fingers on a hand. As a former computer programmer, the first programming lesson I learned: GIGO. Garbage in, garbage out. You're better off not relying on something to do the work for you. Use your own words and creativity. Polish, edit, and hone your skills. I've seen the meme, I don't need AI to help me be creative. I'd rather have AI clean my house and do the yardwork.
I love CJ's comment - ditto!
Great reviews, Sandra :) I'm eager to read When Secrets Bloom. As for AI I haven't tried it yet. I still try to keep everything in my head...lol
J. Lenni, Yes, yogurt needs ads too, Heh. I enjoyed your blog post.
Thanks, Natalie. All good reads.
I know AI is a double-edged sword, but it sure does cut down research time.
You've got the right idea, Sandra. As a research tool, AI is great. As a creative story writer...nope!
https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/
MS keeps pushing CoPilot on me, but haven't touched it. Yet. I suppose I will have to one of these days.
Gracias por las reseñas. Te mando un beso.
I am glad all the writing is yours and not AI. Creativity and imagination are the best tools for writing. Have a wonderful week!
Boy, when it comes to creativity, I'm not an AI fan. It has its purposes, but that's not one of them.
I don't use AI, but I noticed my internet search engine, Duck, Duck Go uses it. I've seen very few yogurt ads, but great info.
I know AI has helped in the medical field and many other ways. I agree it helps with research but so many kids have been abusing it that now, wait for it, my friend said her students must leave their phones on her desk and they must write their essay using pencil and paper.
You showcase an excellent array of novelists and love that the one author wrote yogurt commercials
Hi Alex, I really do like it for research. It saves sooo much time.
Are you reading the Nora Kelly series. I'm enjoying that one.
Have a creative day.
Thanks, Christine:) Hope you're having a great one.
Hi Ronel, The cover is cute isn't it? The story is sweet too.
Sandra, thank you so much for this incredible shout-out. I appreciate it greatly. Thank you for reading and reviewing my book baby, When Secrets Bloom. And, based on your review, I'd like to read this book too :)
I've discovered now a few new authors, always a plus.
Borges writing ads for yoghurt intrigues me. I wonder how they differ to the approach we are used with today :)
I'm too scared to use AI for research. I'm worried that the tiniest inadvertence will umravel my entire timeline. I use various sources, in different languages, besides art, maps or old photos and I double and triple check my dates and info. But I do have fun creating images with AI. :)
I'm with ya' using Co-pilot, but not for storytelling. I aways enjoy your book reviews. Such a variety of genres. I love reading books about the presidents. Poor Mr. Buchanan didn't do anything to stop the Civil War. Lately I have tried reading fantasy novels selected for me by my grandson's girlfriend. She wants to write fantasies. I could not get past the third chapter in 3 of the books .
Hi Crystal, I basically use IA for research. For my books and questions I have in general, politics, health etc. It's just like researching on the web only much, much faster. And I'll use it if I'm looking for a specific word that eludes me. A synonym, etc.
Which AI's do you use?
Hi Sandra - I've never used AI for any part of writing ... until the other day when I couldn't get a sentence in a blurb right. And then I did, and loathed myself for doing so! Aside from that, I just use Grok for research now and again.
Thanks for the info, CJ. I'd be fine with AI cleaning my house and doing the yard work:)
It was quite interesting, wasn't it, Di. I'm ready for a robotic maid to take over my housecleaning. Heh.
Hey Denise, Patricia has a lovely writing style and I can't begin to imagine the time she puts in on research. And a Transylvania setting. Wow.
Right there with ya, Lee.
Jacqui, MS can be pushy:) CoPilot tightens up research time for me.
Hey Terry, I know exactly what you mean. I tried it for a sentence once or twice, but felt like it wasn't my sentence and ended up scrapping it.
You are most welcome. Sending you hugs,
Thanks, True. You have a wonderful week too. Keep that creativity coming.
Jeanie, Agreed.
Thanks, Elizabeth. Glad to see you were able to leave a message:)
Patricia, It was my reading pleasure. I can't begin to imagine the amount of time you put in on research. You're a fount of information for that time era. Thanks for writing your book.
Hey Birgit, AI does seem to be helping the medical field and is a definite challenge to the folks in education:)
The authors are great and yes, it is fun about Borges writing yogurt commercials isn't it?;)
Hi Cuz, Glad you like the reviews. Hope you find some fantasy you enjoy. Yup, Buchanan wouldn't make the top ten in the Hit Parade for Presidents would he?
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