A post after SO LONG!

So you ask, how do I get away from relying too much on AI? I use it for grammar and editing. How do I get back to writing effectively?

Well, my friend, you're in excellent hands because I have just the post for you!

First off, pick up your AI and throw it out of the window — not actually, but you get my point xD

AI has become integral with every part of our lives and while it may make some tasks easy, ultimately, it isn't very reliable or efficient for creatives.

Since we're focusing on the writing/text part of creatives, since visuals can be just as confusing, I am going to do a rundown of what to do if you don't want to rely on AI but still want to improve as a writer.

1. Read!

I know this is the MOST clichéd advice ever, but it has been around for a reason! The best way to improve your works, really is through reading. And doing tons of it.

2. Use tools to enhance your work!

Tools that help enhance your sentence/structure aren't the same as relying on AI because you're technically doing the hard-work and then asking tools to help you get around it.

You'd have to be careful with swear words and potentially triggering topics because your work might get flagged, making it difficult for you to use the service again.

Some examples would be:

→ ProWritingAid (shoutout to katiegoesmew for including this in her bio, I am in love with it!)

It's basically a Grammarly-type tool that helps you correct your sentences and even suggests rephrases when required. Although the tool is paid, the free version is just as effective. 

→ QuillBot (shoutout to OnceUponALily for introducing me to this tool!)

This is a paraphraser tool, and I have come about to using it ALL THE TIME. It basically re-phrases your sentence in a way that it'd be more effective and less grammatically incorrect. Definitely recommend it if English isn't your first language.

→ Descriptionari.com

I am not too sure on how I stumbled upon this tool, but it has been a life changer, ever since.

If you have a word in your mind but don't know how to describe it, descriptionari is your go to place! But, be sure to credit the authors in your work. After all, you don't want to be in a tough place because of plagiarism, am I right?

→ Scrivener

Scrivener is a powerful tool for organizing long-form writing projects. It helps you keep notes, research, and drafts all in one place, making it easier to structure and manage complex writing tasks.

I haven't tried it, but from what I have found about it, it definitely seems cool!

→ Google Docs/Microsoft Word

This has gotta be the classic! If you wanted basic help with your work, these are probably your best tools, though there are several alternatives to that as well.

3. Proofread your work or ask someone to do it for you!

As a writer, we aren't going to be perfect. It's a known fact. Proofreading your own work or asking someone to help you with it is an excellent way to grow. There's review shops on Wattpad that could help you with that.

Remember, it's all about improving as a writer.

4. Pull your note and pen!

Regardless of whether you prefer to type your ideas, there is something therapeutic about writing your thoughts on paper that cannot be substituted.

Even if you're going to scribble- I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE over and over, do it until your words cave in and write themselves! It may not be the best advice, but it works.

5. Use writing prompts!

Prompts are a perfect way to get inspired by your chapter or story. It could be a dialogue based prompt, an image based or even a text based prompt. Sometimes, a seemingly ordinary prompt can create a life-changing story, both for you and your readers.

LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST: GET SOME FRESH AIR!

I know, I know, sitting in front of your laptop/PC or even your phone can be so relaxing. But, it can become painful, very soon.

If you do try to go out, get a breather and come back - who knows what sort of ideas you might come up with!

So, as the AI lies on the ground, writhing in pain from the jump, you can, rest assured, definitely claim back your writer life with these tips.

Sara.