I returned from the Table Rock Writers Workshop at Wild Acres Retreat Center in Little Switzerland with my brain bursting with new ideas. One of the most interesting takeaways was the general consensus on AI and writing.
While it’s tempting to ask a computer for a quick answer or an instant rewrite, my teacher, novelist Abigail DeWitt, recommended that writing longhand in a notebook is far superior when it comes to finding your own voice.
Even if that voice doesn’t sound intelligent or eloquent at first, it’s yours. It’s honest.
What scares me most about that practice is that my brain feels like a sieve these days. I often can’t remember the names of people I know well, much less historical details, current events, or where I left my car keys.
Because of that, developing the habit of writing every day is like going to the gym, taking a walk, or brushing and flossing. Sitting down at the same time every day with a new prompt allows you to tap into the innate wisdom held in your subconscious.
Of course, fear instantly arises: What if I’m not smart enough? What if I sound stupid? What if, what if, what if..
Abigail’s advice? Write that exact fear down—over and over for fifteen minutes. I’ll bet by tomorrow I’ll have a solid retort for that inner critic.
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