This week, I deviated a bit from my theme of finding your reader and message to talk about a topic that affects us as writers in a broad way—the use of AI in our writing.

In this episode, I explain my three questions that I ask myself when considering the use of AI in my writing:

* Is my use of AI God-honoring?

* Is my use of AI causing my God-given creativity or other skills to atrophy from lack of use?

* Am I valuing expediency over the longer writing process in a way that short-changes the end result and my own participation in that process?

I also break them down and share some of the ways that I have decided not to use AI, some of the ways I currently do, and where I feel the area is a little grey.

I don’t claim to be an authority on this topic or have all the answers, but this episode gives you a peek into my own thought process as I consider different ways to use or not use this new technology.

(PS - I did not use AI to write these show notes!)

Resources mentioned:

Episode 105

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The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com

Sometimes we feel the pressure to include every aspect of all the things we’re passionate about in the core message of our writing. It just doesn’t fit, nor does it need to!

Covered in this episode:

* It’s OK NOT to talk about certain topics

* You may have more than one book in you

* The importance of being intentional about what personal details we share or don’t share

* What to do with smaller ideas that don’t fit into our main message

* Why having an intentional personal brand isn’t inauthentic or fake

Other episodes referenced:

Episode 40 - What is an author brand? with Cara Ray

Episode 66 - Branding and Business Planning for Creatives with Karla Colahan

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com

This week, I talk about the balance between settling on our reader and message and also remaining flexible and responsive to reader input and feedback.

We’ll look at:

* The importance of adjusting as you write rather than trying to have it all figured out ahead of time

* Different ways of getting feedback from your readers

* Examples of how a popular post doesn’t always equal a drastic change in your future writing focus

Resources:

If you haven’t signed up yet, check out Pen Points - a weekly email of writing tips, resources, and prayer.