Gosh, what a beautiful analogy to blowing glass. You've made so many great points here about using AI to remove the struggle from writing. I think part of the issue too, is that writing something personal and meaningful often requires struggling in the living of the stories first and no AI can do that for you.
I've been working on writing stories from experiences 5+ years ago, and sometimes worry that they are too far in the rearview to be relevant, but then again, AI can't tell stories coming from a well of being out there living and making mistakes and then having perspective on them later.
Heather, Whatever calls you to continue the work will keep calling because of who you are.
I'm 85, and during the last 5 years have felt called to resume my musical leadership and participation to help my church. It has brought such rewards to me as well as to them, even though I too suffer from imposter syndrome at times. Your writing has helped to clarify the rewards that have come from doing what I love and enjoying the whole messy process.
Heather, Congratulations on completing your book tour! I love the simple, raw honesty of how you describe your experiences and thoughts. I have been avoiding AI as much as one can, but I see it everywhere, polluting the internet with computer-generated garbage that as AI gets “better” undermines our ability to discern truth. I worry that just avoiding it myself does nothing to slow down the destructive trend.
One answer for me lately has been to lean even more into my knitting. When even words desert me, the work of my hands 🙌 provides comfort and beauty—in both the making and the wearing. And as with your glass-blowing, there are no shortcuts. To knit a garment to fit me, I have to work enough stitches enough times to shape a fabric that goes all the way around me.
I liked the way you described wanting to end on a hopeful note, but not having a story about the collective level. Maybe that’s what we are building and finding here on Substack with all the unique voices and perspectives.
Thank you for this- you’ve helped inspire me to write, which if nothing else helps me to digest and process.
Gosh, what a beautiful analogy to blowing glass. You've made so many great points here about using AI to remove the struggle from writing. I think part of the issue too, is that writing something personal and meaningful often requires struggling in the living of the stories first and no AI can do that for you.
I've been working on writing stories from experiences 5+ years ago, and sometimes worry that they are too far in the rearview to be relevant, but then again, AI can't tell stories coming from a well of being out there living and making mistakes and then having perspective on them later.
Heather, Whatever calls you to continue the work will keep calling because of who you are.
I'm 85, and during the last 5 years have felt called to resume my musical leadership and participation to help my church. It has brought such rewards to me as well as to them, even though I too suffer from imposter syndrome at times. Your writing has helped to clarify the rewards that have come from doing what I love and enjoying the whole messy process.
Thank you.
I love that you continue to listen to the voice of your calling!
Heather, Congratulations on completing your book tour! I love the simple, raw honesty of how you describe your experiences and thoughts. I have been avoiding AI as much as one can, but I see it everywhere, polluting the internet with computer-generated garbage that as AI gets “better” undermines our ability to discern truth. I worry that just avoiding it myself does nothing to slow down the destructive trend.
One answer for me lately has been to lean even more into my knitting. When even words desert me, the work of my hands 🙌 provides comfort and beauty—in both the making and the wearing. And as with your glass-blowing, there are no shortcuts. To knit a garment to fit me, I have to work enough stitches enough times to shape a fabric that goes all the way around me.
I liked the way you described wanting to end on a hopeful note, but not having a story about the collective level. Maybe that’s what we are building and finding here on Substack with all the unique voices and perspectives.
Thank you for this- you’ve helped inspire me to write, which if nothing else helps me to digest and process.
I’ve taken up crocheting and felting for similar reasons. 😊
So very beautiful and vital...these words that you share and the work that you do...thank you. XO
Thank you!