Tag Archives: Writing

Voice It

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I recently overheard a conversation referencing AI document drafting. I wasn’t particularly paying attention, for as a writer, I have an appreciable dislike of the pervasive insertion of AI into every conceivable electronic activity. Not to mention I was one of those hapless authors whose books were used to “train” AI. No permission. No compensation. Just total hock off. Insert angry face emoji. 😡

Image Credit Pixabay: justDIYteam

Being an author of little notoriety is even more the kicker. My voice is a blip against the ever-burgeoning appetite of the AI monster making an ugly attempt to dislodge and/or impersonate humans in countless roles: professionally, personally, and now even medically, including mental health advice. I kid you not, having recently seen a shiny new “option” of speaking to an AI counsellor as a support package for workplaces … 🤢 What could possibly go wrong … 🤦‍♀️

Some people love using AI. Bully for them. And I get it can be useful in certain contexts. For example, an image I’ve used in this post is AI generated. Were AI not being poured on us like itching powder, I may have less discomfort over its use in various applications, especially as a tool. But when copilot appeared on all Microsoft applications I felt compelled to add my disgust to the Microsoft chats flooded with disgruntled users objecting the inability to permanently delete this unwanted “feature” from applications. Instead of fixing this, copilot and other AI bots began popping up increasingly, to the point where I’ve seriously considered the advice of a friend when encountering irreconcilable issues with a PC—throw it out the window!

(Given I’m typing this post, I clearly did not, but I tell you, I’ve been tempted!)

But that’s where that overheard conversation I mentioned above took an interesting turn. As I was about to zone out, one of the participants expressed how much they preferred reading documents self-drafted by the other individual. Why? They had such a lovely way with words. It was a beautiful statement that gave me pause.

That’s when it hit me with the clarity of polished crystal—if we let it, AI can rob us of our voice. You see, the thing AI lacks is … us. Our unique voice. Our undigitalisable thoughts and emotions. Our human irrationality. Our desire to create. Our deep reverence for that which is holy and fully of beauty. Our need to build meaningful relationships. And our need to express what has been deposited in us to the world.

By ceding our communications, investigative ideas and storytelling (and more) to AI, we risk allowing our voices to be stolen by a clever program. And there is not one human, creature or bot in the world that can replace what you and I alone carry and are called to share with those around us, in this exact time and place in which we live.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I can’t tell you how to use AI tools. Maybe it’s been a task saver for you or valuable in ways I can’t imagine. (Online searches, and spellcheck—yeah, yeah, I suppose that can definitely be helpful …) I know some authors who are even experimenting with it for accelerated drafting and other creators who have had great fun with AI-blending of visual art concepts. Whichever way you choose (or not! 😉) to engage with this technology, I hope you never use it as an excuse to relinquish opportunities to raise your voice and release your creative power in this world, in whatever medium that is. How tragic it would be to allow something so precious to be replaced by a tool that’s not even human. Your unique voice is valuable and worth being heard. 💗

MP Ashman Author

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After a craaaaazy year, I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s watched a little more Netflix than usual. Eating in has become the new dining out and I’ll bet online movie services are booming. (Not even going start on Zoom!)

As one who rarely watches television, an enforced “keeping up with the Joneses” (well, the state of COVID restrictions) increased my television hours significantly. During our viewings, we stumbled across a Netflix documentary called Flint. To quote:

“A documentary based on five years of research into a Michigan auto town where tens of thousands were drinking water into which poisonous lead had leached, and how officials failed to respond.”

This reminded me of a novel by Sci-Fi YA author, M.P. (Matthew) Ashman. Matthew’s books are a completely different angle with a completely different target audience, but the background has a similar tone, in that the governing authorities in Flint established a new water source then deliberately failed to disclose testing results demonstrating the water was carrying toxic levels of heavy metals. Government corruption. New (dodgy) water source. Non-disclosure. Nice (not).

The premise Matthew applies overlaps this idea (different, but uniquely done), so I thought it would be interesting to get his take on this and learn a bit more about his writing and him as an author.

But this is going to be a Q&A with a difference. We get to hear Matthew’s responses directly from him (just for something cool). So after the questions I’ve asked him (below), click play to see what he has to say. (Thanks, Matthew.) Here goes!

Q1) Matthew, are you familiar with the Flint Netflix documentary?

Q2) Can you describe the underpinning theme of this story?

Q3) At what point did you feel you’d like to see your stories in print?

Q4) What has been the main lesson you’ve learned in your pursuit of publication? Is there anything you would have done differently along the way?

Q5) Tell us your favourite part of the Time Twins water tower story. (Without spoilers, of course 😉)

Q6) Do you have a date for your next release? If so, details please! 😊

Thank you Matthew for lending your voice. It’s been great having you.

To find out more about Matthew’s writing, click here.

For more about Matthew’s novel Time Twins – Water Tower, click here.

Bio:

 M.P. Ashman was born in Maryborough, Queensland in 1985 but the family soon moved to Toowoomba, where Ashman has spent the majority of his life. Discovering a love of writing at eight years old, it was perhaps due to books such as The Neverending Story that his initial interest was in fantasy fiction. Many years later however, he began to carve out his niche in Science Fiction with the initially self-published offering Time’s Child in 2014. However, this and other self-published titles were withdrawn from the market in 2016, with a view to seeking traditional publication. The main characters of the Time Twins series were initially conceived in 2003 whilst Ashman was still at school, but it would not be until many years later that they would find their voice and their story. Ashman continues to live in Toowoomba with his family including his cat, Prue.

 

Write Ideas

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I thought I’d try something new for the New Year. (Look, it got away on me, alright?!) A few artists I follow have branched out with fresh ideas, so I thought I’d try the same. Welcome to my first Vlog post with writing ideas, as promised, for reaching out to those in our communities currently locked down in aged-care facilities. Enjoy. And don’t forget to share your own ideas in the comments below.

You’ve Got Mail

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Photo Credit: SARS and MERS, Bayer College of Medicine

Corona virus (COVID-19) may not have yet taken over the world, but talk of it certainly has, along with its impact on our global community, including sanctions to slow its spread. And Australia is not immune. (Sorry, lab humour.)

Unless you’ve been in a coma these past few weeks, you’d also know Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita, were quarantined in Australia after testing the positive to the virus.

Image Credit: Cartoon Do Not Enter iStockPhoto, Through Line Group

Even in that short space of time, things have continued to “roll” along at speed (had to squeeze a loo paper reference in there somewhere), with quite a few Australians not on their best behaviour. Sadly, those most impacted are the vulnerable, particularly our aged community. For that reason, aged-care facilities are now in lock down,reducing the already limited contact some of these darling folk have with family and friends.

Which brings me to my point.

Photo Credit: Retro Vintage Style Desk Phone, Ebay

Once upon a time, in a distant land where phones sat on desks or phone tables 100% of the time and were plugged into the wall by a cord and decorated by a strange circle with holes in it, there was this thing called mail. (You may have heard of it? 😉) In fact, it was common to say, “Send a letter, it’s cheaper.” How times have changed. Anyhoo …

This letter-writing period is one those locked down in aged-care facilities would remember well. That delicious moment you’d go to the mailbox and discover “you’ve got mail”! (And if you know the movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, you’ll get this completely.)

Image Credit: You’ve Got Mail, Huffington Post

So, my point is, what a great time for all of us to write!

Even if we can’t visit those locked down in aged-care facilities, we can still write letters. (But if you’re flu or cold or corona virus affected, especially until more is known about the persistence of COVID-19, let someone else do the writing until you’re well—and don’t lick the stamp and envelope seal if you’re sick!)

Letters don’t have to be long. You could even get creative and send a letter for everyone in a facility to read. It’ll cost you a little over a dollar, maybe more if you decide to send a card, but what a great way to let our aged know they’re still a vital part of our community.

Seriously, let’s not neglect those at the mature end of our age spectrum—a group steeped with knowledge and experience even Dr Google can’t top. (True story.)

Photo Credit: Mail Box, Australia Post

Let me know your thoughts, or if you’d like some tips on what to write about, see my next blog … For which I’m planning something a little different. 😉

See you then!

Pay it Forward

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I love it when my friends achieve a big milestone. In fact, this year I’m set to celebrate a huge achievement for two of the folk in my direct writing group. (I’m nearly bursting to tell you, but more on that in future blogs. Sorry!!! But I can say yay! ) On the creative successes front, I know that will just be the start. 

At times like this I’m reminded of the joy of sharing the success of others—and how over the years, others have shared my successes.

On the writing front alone, my writing group have rolled up their sleeves so many times on my account to make book launches and events a success. (Thanks Quirky Quills!!) Many of them were there to see my stunned shock at being an award recipient, knowing firsthand the blood, sweat and tears behind that accolade. They’ve seen me overstressed, ecstatic, horribly ill one week out from my second book launch, disappointed, frustrated, and so happy I could float. (Wild ride, right?)

But isn’t it pure delight to know we get to be on the cheer squad of others in their life adventures? What a great opportunity to pay forward the support others have invested in us!

With 2020 shaping up to be an exciting year on the writing front, I’d best get my practical pompoms ready! (And maybe a box of tissues or two, ‘cause you know how these things go. Happy tears. Stressed tears. Just because tears. And the occasional ill-timed head cold!) 

I bet you can also think of people who’ve supported you through the highs and lows of life’s journey. I love how we have those people in our network and that it’s a two way street. And you know, I think everyone can do with a few extra bodies on their cheer squad.

So as we stride into this new year, can we think of anyone we’d like to cheer on? What about those who might be new to our circle? Are there practical ways we can get behind what they’re doing and encourage them towards their goal? If not, maybe it’s time to put an eye out and sign up!