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This month has been a ride and not a good one. I realize we’re only 5 days into March, but for me, March started the 22nd of February. I had finished all my work for the month and was looking forward to slamming out Little Bitey 21s audio. And I was on a roll. I did three chapters on the 22nd. By about 8PM on the 22nd, I realized that a payment didn’t go through. That’s not a payment I owed to somebody. It was a payment owed to me, and I needed it to pay rent. Needless to say, by the 23rd, I was hanging out on all the freelancing job boards and clicking refresh obsessively, but the work is a little light these days, esp in Feb, and especially at the end of the month, so here’s the story and why I’m going to be over a week late getting Little Bitey 21 out.
Read more: How Diversified Are you with your income streams??
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In a world filled with kale smoothies, meditation apps, and people who insist that yoga is the answer to everything, there lies a secret weapon in the battle against difficult emotions: writing. Yes, you heard it right, The ancient art of putting pen to paper (or fingers to a keyboard) can be a magical elixir for processing emotions that are stickier than gum on a summer sidewalk.
Now, before you roll your eyes and wonder if I've inhaled one too many typewriter fumes, let me assure you that I am not suggesting you become the next Shakespeare or J.K. Rowling. You don't need to compose the next literary masterpiece. You just need to grab a notebook and jot down your thoughts, feelings and maybe even a grocery list if that's what floats your emotional boat.
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Have you noticed all the whining and crying by big corporations lately? If you haven’t, I’d like to know what rock you’ve been hiding under and if there’s space for me. The general gist of these whiny, crying toddler corporations is – GIMME GIMME GIMME more money! I need a 10th summer home and a 6th home for my family, so I’m going to raise your rates or our prices or SOMETHING cause God forbid I don’t get my 45th house and 2nd yacht and 5th private jet! Now, if you’re thinking – Hey, this has been going on for years. You’re right. It’s just that this year seems to be ten times worse. This GIMME GIMME GIMME has got to stop! So, I propose that you shop local as much as you can and buy from independent sellers. When I say independent sellers, understand that some of these guys may be on Amazon and Walmart and Target or another bulk website as 3rd party sellers. If they’re on Amazon, they’re raked over the coals too. If you haven’t ever looked at the 3rd party seller fees on Amazon, I encourage you to look. They’re actually so high I think it’s now an FCC lawsuit. Seems I saw something about that a bit back. When I went to look at those fees, I realized that one of my semi-precious jeweled bracelets that I sell for $20-$25 would have to be $40 or $50 on Amazon in order to give me the same profit.
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The world of literature has always been a realm of creativity, imagination, and human expression. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence, the lines between human and machine-generated content have become increasingly blurred. While AI-generated fiction can be impressive, some readers may prefer the warmth and nuance of human creativity. If you're keen on identifying whether a book is crafted by artificial intelligence, here are some tips to guide you through the process.
Analyze the Writing Style
One of the first clues to detecting AI-generated fiction is by scrutinizing the writing style. AI models often excel at mimicking patterns and styles, but they may lack the depth and emotional resonance characteristic of human-authored works. Look for nuances, unique voice, and the subtle complexities that arise from human experiences. If you read the sample pages, and it sounds bland and lacks depth, you may be reading something that was generated by AI.
Check for Consistency and Repetition
AI models may exhibit a level of consistency that is uncommon for humans. If you notice repetitive structures, especially repetitive words, phrases and ideas, predictable plot twists or a lack of genuine unpredictability, it could be an indicator of AI involvement. Humans tend to embrace the unexpected and introduce novel elements that defy rigid patterns.
It Has a Lack of Character Development
Characters are the lifeblood of fiction, and skilled authors invest time in developing well-rounded, believable individuals. AI-generated works may falter in creating characters with depth, emotions and personal growth. If the characters seem one-dimensional or lack authentic motivations, the book may have been authored by an AI.
The Plot Doesn’t Make Sense
While AI can be programmed with an understanding of traditional story structures, it may struggle to create truly unique and unconventional plot progressions. It may also skip chapters or fail to flow logically. If there’s a random kidnapping in chapter 6, but no indication that the book was going to include a kidnapping and no real reason for it, it may have been generated by AI. Not to mention, if the narrative feels formulaic or lacks the depth of human insight, it might be a product of machine learning algorithms rather than human imagination.
The Background of the Author is Suspect
Investigating the background of the purported author can provide insights into the authenticity of the work. If the author is a pseudonym or lacks a substantial online presence, it might be worth considering the possibility of AI involvement. Human authors often have a traceable history, personal anecdotes, and a connection to their work that may be absent in AI-generated content.
The Dialogue Is Missing Something
Authentic dialogue and emotional resonance are often challenging for AI models to replicate convincingly. If the characters' interactions feel stilted, lack emotional depth or miss the mark in capturing the subtleties of human conversation, it could be a sign of AI involvement.
The Cover Is PreBuilt
While authors who aren’t good with image software may also use premade covers, AI generated works almost always use pre-made covers. Not to mention, the titles are usually in ALL CAPS. If you notice several books with the same cover design and ALL CAP titles, you could be looking at something that was generated by AI.
As technology continues to advance, the coexistence of AI and human creativity in literature is inevitable. While AI-generated fiction has its merits, some readers value the unique qualities that only human authors bring to the table. By honing your skills in analyzing writing styles, character development, plot progression, and author background, you can better navigate the literary landscape and appreciate the diverse spectrum of human and AI-generated fiction.
Keep in mind that legitimate authors may also use AI to write difficult scenes, overcome writers block and to get an outline and book synopsis quickly, but if you're a legit author, you should always read and adjust anything you get written by an AI-language model. think of it like a normal writing progression. AI can give you the first draft, and your last draft should look nothing like it.
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If you have an author in your life, you may be wondering what to get them for the holidays. the truth is that most authors would be happy with a truck full of paper and wheelbarrow full of pens, but let's take a look at some great gift ideas for this year.
Writer Coffee Mug 15 oz White, Author Writers Publisher Columnist Journalist Men Women
I happen to own one of these, and I'm usually writing with this mug on my desk while wearing a crocheted sweater and crocheted slippers. Yep, that's what an author looks like - laptop, coffee mug and ten different types of blankets. If you can't afford all of that, just start with the mug. It's great for coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
Novel Teas Book Lover's Tea contains 25 teabags individually tagged with literary quotes from the world over, made with the finest English Breakfast tea, for the book lover
Speaking of tea, how about some novel tea? These tea bags come with author quotes, so if your author friend, spouse or significant other hits a roadblock in their writing, they can just brew some tea and read the tag.
Zmart Cool Gifts for Writers Authors, Book Lovers Gifts for Women Men Teens, Funny Author Gifts, Crazy Reading Socks Book socks
And you can't go wrong with a pair of author socks. I actually own several pairs of these with various sayings. they hold up fairly well too. Mine are in need of replacement, but I've worn them every day for about three years.
NomadCraftsCo. Vintage Leather Journal - Lock Closure, Book of Shadows Journal, Grimoire Journal, Witch Journal, Vintage Journal 240 pages Antique Deckle Edge Paper
How about a vintage notebook for your favorite author? This is one of those books that you'll get your favorite author, and they'll keep it for years in its packaging because they can't think of anything good enough to write in it. I'd recommend getting two. then, they can scribble in one and keep the other for when they finally think of that million dollar idea.
POQUSH Book Lovers Gifts,Gifts for Book Lovers Women/Reader,Librarian Gifts,Book Reader Gifts,Book Club/Bookworm/Reading Gifts for Book Lover Bookish,Literary Gifts Blanket 60"x50"
And, of course, every author needs a blanket or 50. I recommend starting with this one. A blanket full of things authors think. this one is available in two sizes.