We are all so fast these days. Quick learning. Quick posts. Quick shares. Yet, the process of personal, deeply considered writing is anything but quick. It can take years for a novel to surface from the subconscious mind. It can take decades to live out reflections and truths. Once an author begins a trio of books or a series of mysteries, it can take a lifetime to pull it all together and complete a planned set of volumes. We keep writing no matter how long it takes. It's what we do. Stories push themselves to the front burner of our lives, and suddenly we have to sit down and begin. That's been my journey with creative writing. I believe in the power of the pen and encourage my fellow authors to cultivate the will to continue. You never know where a book will go, where the words will lead. Writing has immense value to a reader in need of substance or distraction. Humanity is in this living experience together, and we need our storytellers to stay strong.
AI and variants of this expanding computer horizon are rapidly infiltrating our artistic initiatives, our entertainment, and our schools. I have found that even using Grammarly has limited my writing style. I keep correcting the corrections to remain an individual voice. I am sure that I am not alone in this endeavor. The writing community, both globally and nationally, needs to meet the limitations imposed by today's technology head-on. We must write, we must think, and we must remember that we are human, however flawed, and that our humanity is our treasure. Our personalities and personal experiences are our fertile ground. Artificial creativity is a tangle for us all to undo. On the one hand, everyone loves convenience. On the other hand, we need authentic poetry, plots, dialogue, and wit. My best advice is to believe in yourself, continue to write, and seek every opportunity to share your unique mind, heart, and vision.
To my fellow authors: Be bold. Be true to yourself. And know that what you do matters.
Peace to All Peoples,
RavenStar.
