writing tools

Do you use AI tools in your writing?

AI is the hot button topic of the modern creative industry. No matter your position, the genie is out of the bottle, the cat is out of the bag, and Pandora's box is open. So how do we, as authors, decide where we stand and what our personal positions will be?

This week, we're thrilled to have Cameron Sutter—founder of Plottr—on the show to talk about his software but also dive into the world of AI tools and use cases for authors. We debunk common AI misconceptions, clarify the difference between true AI and machine learning, and argue for the irreplaceable human touch in art.

Cameron Sutter is a YA sci-fi/fantasy author, software developer, and the inventor of Plottr – the popular visual planning software for books and stories of all kinds. He's also the writer behind Real Human Writers, a substack newsletter that strives to demystify AI and show writers how to use it for their benefit . . . and when not to use it at all.

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Cameron Sutter
Website: http://cameronsutter.com/
Plottr: http://plottr.com/
Substack Newsletter: Real Human Writers

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

Clarify | Simplify | Implement Newsletter
https://meganhaskellauthor.substack.com/

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If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show by clicking the link below! Your contribution helps us cover the ongoing expenses—like hosting and editing—that are critical to the creation of this podcast.

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Ever feel like the world conspires to distract you every time you sit down to write?

In this week's "betweeniesode," award-winning fantasy author Megan Haskell and USA Today bestselling mystery thriller author Greta Boris share their best hacks to shut down distractions and focus on your writing.

Tip #1: Use technology to your advantage. Try out apps like Freedom which shut down distracting websites and social media across your devices, setting "Do Not Disturb" on your phone, or Brain.FM for white noise.

Tip #2: Change location. If your household chores are calling your name or family keeps unintentionally interrupting you, try going to a coffee shop or library to get those precious words on the page.

Want even more productivity tips? Check out our online course, Finish Your Novel Faster: https://www.authorwheel.com/finish-your-novel-faster

Get ready to accelerate your writing speed, stay motivated, and keep your story rolling!

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The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show! You can buy us a coffee at the link below.

FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.

7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.

Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.

Click here to learn more!

Links

Atticus: https://www.atticus.io

ProWritingAid: https://katcaldwell.com/blackfridayprowritingaid

PublisherRocket: https://katcaldwell.com/blackfridayrocket

Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com

BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com

StoryOriginApp: https://katcaldwell.com/storyoriginapp

(some are affiliate links from which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://www.subscribepage.com/katcaldwellnewsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://katcaldwell.myflodesk.com/signup

You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @pencilsandlipstick or on Twitter @PencilLipstick

क्या बचपन में आपके पड़ोस में कोई पुस्तकालय था? यदि आपके पास कोई पुस्तकालय नहीं था तो आप अकेले नहीं हैं। शुक्र है, कुछ कंपनियां आपके स्मार्टफ़ोन पर पढ़ने और लिखने की सुविधा ला रही हैं, जिससे यह और अधिक सुलभ हो गया है। पिछले कुछ वर्षों में, कई लेखकों ने अपने करियर की शुरुआत केवल ऑनलाइन प्रकाशित होकर की है। प्रतिलिपि जैसे ऐप्स पढ़ने और लिखने को और भी अधिक सुलभ बना रहे हैं, जिससे समान अवसर उपलब्ध हो रहे हैं।
स्मार्टफोन नेशन अंग्रेजी और तमिल में भी उपलब्ध है।

A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in 

You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms.

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you have a library in your neighbourhood growing up? If you didn't, you're not alone. Thankfully, companies are bringing reading and writing to your smartphone, making it way more accessible. In the past few years, several writers have started their careers by being published only online. Apps like Pratilipi are making reading and writing even more accessible thereby creating an equal playing field.  

This podcast is also available in Tamil and Hindi.

A special thanks to Omidyar Network India for making this season possible. To know how ONI is partnering bold and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working to improve the lives of India’s Next Half Billion, visit omidyarnetwork.in

You can listen and subscribe to Smartphone Nation on the IVM Podcasts App and on all major audio platforms.

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. 

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Equity, Alex was joined by Nathan Baschez, the CEO and founder of Lex, an AI-infused online writing tool that recently raised capital. Together, we're talking through a few key topics that have been top of mind in recent months:

• How many AI-powered, or AI-using writing tools can the market support?
• How far into the generative AI moment we are, and how much we should anticipate in the form of technology improvements?
• And then we discussed the nuts and bolts aspects of pricing an AI-powered service and other financial matters related to building a service today that leans on artificial intelligence.

The last question is far from idle. Recall that back in 2020 there was conversation amongst venture players about the economics of AI startups, with the perspective at the time indicating that while the cohort might have more difficult early economics, that their numbers (gross margins, really) would improve over time. But what about when a startup is using, say, an OpenAI API for its core AI work? Will similar efficiencies bloom?

Equity is back into its regular groove now that Disrupt is behind us — more to come! 

And before we go: Check out the UpFlip Podcast  where you get to unravel how great businesses are built, how they are run behind the scenes and how their success can be replicated. We think you'll love episode 79 where they featured this guest who transformed his passion for gardening into a $7.3 million-a-year venture. You can find the podcast on Youtube or where ever you listen to podcasts.

For episode transcripts and more, head to Equity’s Simplecast website.

Equity drops at 7 a.m. PT every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. TechCrunch also has a great show on crypto, a show that interviews founders and more!

Credits: Equity is hosted by TechCrunch's Alex Wilhelm and Mary Ann Azevedo. We are produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.

In this previously recorded session of our educational series, Mental Health Monday, bestselling author Ann Dowsett Johnston, discusses how writing can be a powerful tool in recovery, and how we can shape our own stories. Ann believes writing is a process of discovery and at the heart of good writing is finding your voice. She guides us to explore how to tell the stories that are deep within us and how to frame our work and even get it published.

During this session Ann helps us to understand:

• Writing as a tool of recovery
• How to excavate stories and give a voice to our secrets
• How to develop the narrative arc and see your work get published

You will also hear an engaging Q&A between Ann and SHE RECOVERS co-founder, Dr. Dawn Nickel.

ABOUT ANN DOWSETT JOHNSTON

Ann Dowsett Johnston is the bestselling author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, named by the Washington Post as one of the top 10 books of 2013. An award-winning journalist with more than 30 years experience, Ann is now a practicing psychotherapist. Three years ago, she launched her popular Writing Your Recovery series, memoir-writing courses for women in recovery. Ann has won many awards for her work in battling the stigma around mental health and addiction, including an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University. She lives in Toronto. Visit Ann's website: https://www.anndowsettjohnston.com/

EPISODE RESOURCES

yOUR story speaker sessions
Introduction to Recovery Storytelling Workshop
SHE RECOVERS in Chicago

SHE RECOVERS® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity and a global grassroots movement serving more than 325,000 women and non-binary individuals in or seeking recovery from life challenges including mental health issues, trauma and substance use. SHE RECOVERS is dedicated to redefining recovery, inspiring hope, ending stigma and empowering women to increase their recovery capital, heal themselves and help other women to do the same.

If you found this conversation helpful please consider making a donation to our lifeline organization or sharing it with others who may benefit. We would love to also receive your rating and review of the SHE RECOVERS Podcast on your favorite platform.

Visit sherecovers.org to donate today.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

SHE RECOVERS® Foundation Headquarters is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Tewa people—O’gah’poh geh Owingeh (White Shell Water Place)—now present day Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Today on the show I do an episode myself on what I have found out about undertaking historical research and why each piece of documentary evidence is important. It takes thing deeper and I share what I have found out about the process. I share lots of tips and ways you can do this research for yourself, applying it to your own topic.