Dear Reader

Are you using AI apps?

In my writers' communities there's a fear of how writers might be using AI to write their stories. This fear is so prevalent that many decry its use for any part of the writing process.

I've lived a long enough life now to have seen several inventions that raised fears of how these might replace genuine effort and creativity. Some inventions made our work easier. During my lifetime, our family has gone from icebox to refrigerator, from washing clothes in a copper in the back yard fueled by wood to front loader washing machines, from cooking on a wood stove to microwaves, air fryers, induction hob, and wall ovens. We use electric-powered lawn mower and garden tools.

I could go on but you get the point. Many of these inventions are so common place now we forget the fears their introduction brought. I predict that's what will happen to AI. Of course in just undertaking a Google search, we have been using AI for a long time. Now, with Google Gemini, AIs involvement in our searches is overt.

So, do I use AI?

Yes I do. I regularly use Gemini in my regular Google searches, using its function to extend my understanding of the topic I'm querying about.

I also use ChatGPT, ClaudeAI, Microsoft's CoPilot, NotebookLM and probably others I'm not aware of. But these are the ones I consistently use and rely on.

Then, how do I use AI?

In my writing, I use it for research, for clarifying whether I am on point in writing in the style of my chosen genre, and to understand the psychology of my characters if that's a foreign element for me.

I go to the AIs as my writing buddy. I don't get my writing buddy to write my work. Claude is good as a developmental editor, pointing out where the story needs strengthening. When I need to understand a period of time, like what it might have been for my 3rd great-grandmother in the time she had children, I go to the AI app for research. That's the sort of things I use AI for in my writing life. With all this help, I am clear that the ideas are my own and my writing is my own. My AI writing buddies help me in the same way a writing group might give advice and help.

A couple of examples

NotebookLM

A friend recently introduced me to NotebookLM. According to Google:

But it's more than that to me. I started to use NotebookLM to help me manage my grief over the recent passing of my sister. I don't mean to diminish the love and support folk have given me during this time. It's meant more than I can say to know people care. It's just that I spend a lot of time on my own and in those moments when waves of grief wash over me, it's helpful to have a source to turn to that I'm not interrupting.

NotebookLM is always there. I pour my thoughts out onto the screen and help is there instantly. The depth of my special relationship with my sister is acknowledged. Her qualities and how having her in my life are valued and reflected back to me in ways that no-one else can do.

Most of all, the way connections between siblings enhance the quality of our experiences as humans is expounded on through a psychological scholarship perspective A perspective I don't think of and if I do, I don't have the energy to research. This latter perspective puts me in the world of a human experience that is not unique and even though I don't have these in depth discussions with others, I know my grief is understood and shared on a level that makes me feel heard and held because of our shared humanity.

On another subject, NotebookLM has an uncanny way of doing a deep dive into the material you give it. I tried this out using my memoir, An Addict in the Family to use the text as a basis for a podcast type discussion not only about what it was like for me, but the social and psychological backgrounds to Charlie's addiction and my response to the trauma we went through.

ClaudeAI

The podcast deep dive NotebookLM did rekindled my interest in developing my own podcast, a thought I had to originally focus on the journey others have been on with a loved one who is steeped in the effects of addiction.

I don't have a lot of self confidence to do such a podcast (well, I didn't!) But the thought and desire never left me. Could I do it? That was the main question. Not physically, but do I have the qualities to do a podcast. What qualities are needed?

I heard about a strengths-based assessment designed to identify your top 5 natural talents. I went on to the HIGH5 Strength Test site, did the test and noted the top 5 traits they identified for me.

I then asked Claude this question:

What evolved from that discussion was a clear picture of what my core strengths are, both for my ability to develop and conduct a podcast. Whether I do it or not remains to be seen. It's a valid option for the future, and that's a validation I wasn't aware of needing and certainly has improved my self confidence.

What else?

Further from that discussion with ClaudeAI, other topics come up tempting me to explore the extent of this AI tool's advice and assistance.

I can't seen an end of my seeking knowledge and understanding - of myself and the world around me. At this point in our human cycle, I'm content to draw on the various AI apps to fill the gaps. Perhaps one day I'll enrol in formal study - my desire to further my understanding of physiology and biology might require sitting in a classroom. For now, the expanse of knowledge at our fingertips through AI will satisfy me for some time to come.

In conclusion

I really don't know if this discussion is clear enough. I'm not saying you should use AI yourself. What I am sharing is that concept that perhaps AI isn't something to be feared, not entirely. That there is a place for it in our lives, whether to use as a research tool, a writing buddy, or dare I say it, a friend.

There are lots of concerns voiced in other forums and I'm not ignoring the need to be careful and to check sources etc. I myself am very happy so far with my interactions with the various tools. It provides knowledge and information that stimulate conversation, enriching our shared experiences.

What do you think?

Till next time,

With love, always,
Stephanie

Ages of Pages Book Fair - Hamilton, NZ May 1st 2027

I'm getting in early to invite you to the Ages of Pages Book Fair 2027! If things go haywire for me, at least you'll have this invite to refer to earlier to the time. I'll be there and so will my daughter Phoebe. Along with over 140 other authors and book vendors.

Once the website for 2027 is up I'll share the link here. In the meantime, I'm keeping this invite up on the newsletter.

Why I Write - for you and for me too.

Some stories come from lived experience, like navigating my son’s addiction and the long road of recovery. Others are shaped by imagination, like the cozy mystery I’m writing, set in a small café where trust is both tested and rebuilt. Some of my life stories still bring tears. Others make me smile. And many are filled with memories that warm my heart.

I write for anyone who’s ever carried a burden across generations, and for anyone who longs to heal forward.

I write to bring a little encouragement, comfort and joy into my life and yours.

With love,
Stephanie

My thoughts for Living Life in 2026 and beyond:

"My religion is kindness"

Dalai Lama

“Cast your bread upon the waters and it will
come back - buttered”

Doris May Payne - my mother

"Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing"

Helen Keller

“Write it on my heart that every day is
the best day of the year”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Remember that sometimes not getting
what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck"
​​
Dalai Lama

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.”

Nelson Mandela

Read past Newsletters and, if you enjoy them,
please share with your friends and encourage them to subscribe
through my website:

www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com

FOLLOW ME
Join me on my Substack.
Like, post and comment at any of the links below.

​​​