Have you ever experienced that moment when someone's eyes lit because what you told them struck hard?
I'm teaching a writing class right now to kids 9 to 13 years old.
With the rare (singular) exception, at the beginning of the school year, every single student told me they don't like writing.
Challenge accepted.
I told them that by the end of the school year, every single one of them would love writing. And then we attacked writing in a way few of them had experienced before: from the heart.
Because I love writing -- sharing ideas that make other people think, smile, laugh, etc. -- I bring that excitement to the classroom. If my students catch fire, meaning they want to communicate the ideas in their heads, they'll be motivated independently to learn the syntax, grammar, etc., I just have to help them find the initial flame.
And I've already heard from a couple parents how pumped their kids are. I can see it in my student's eyes.
Do I expect perfection from these kids? Heck no. Their starting efforts are sloppy and riddled with holes, but they are trying, and with a little guidance, they are improving.
The same is true for people in our lives. We inspire them when we share what's in our hearts, when we reveal the inner fire. You can't inspire someone without a spark.
In other words, you have to BE what you preach.
Our awesome co-hosts this month are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Liza at Middle Passages, JH Moncrieff, and Jemima Pett!
Today's question: Many people are calling for writers who use AI to disclose it. Most who employ ghostwriters do not admit it - do you think authors who use ghostwriters should have to disclose that, too?
Allow me to deviate from the actual question.
Here's where I straight up admit using AI -- to help prompt the twist of a phrase, sometimes to restructure a sentence that is befuddling me, to offers suggestions on imagery...which I usually ignore because, AI. However, if I admit to using AI to the general public, they form this idea that AI writes my stories based on a prompt and I edit a couple things here or there. I suppose what I'm saying is, there's no black and white on this concept. Also, I know kids who have been accused of using AI, simply because they had perfect grammar. This is a problem. So I'll leave that right there. Where do we draw the line?
(I look forward to other's thoughts on ghostwriters.)
Have you been inspired by someone's fire? Have you ever set someone on fire? (Not literally. Come on, folks!) What are your views on AI?
Using AI to assist isn't a bad thing - it's like bouncing something off another writer.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool you got those kids excited.
Agreed. Unfortunately, outside of the sane brains, there is a stigma.
DeleteEnthusiasm is contagious - you just keep those kids pumped!
ReplyDeleteWill do!
DeleteCongrats on your writing class! You'll be a great teacher. That was a big promise you made to them.
ReplyDeleteAnd so far, (3 projects in) it's paying out.
DeleteKids being accused of not writing their own stuff just because they have perfect grammar (or great writing in general) isn't new, unfortunately. Sounds like you're inspiring the next generation of great writers :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel the Mythmaker
Here's hoping. We need at least a few deep thinkers/communicators in the next generation!
DeleteI love that you help those kids. Reminds me of the WATCH Youth project Elizabeth Seckman coordinates. I got to help with it this year, and I was amazed at the writing the kids did. I could tell Liz had taught them well.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. AI is a tool. It's perfect for brainstorming at 3 AM and a great way to get un-stuck. AI-assisted search engines have reduced the time I spend doing research for my historical novels from weeks to days. Total gamechanger.
Liz is amazing! One of my favorite people.
DeleteAnd boy do I hear you on research! I was just telling my daughter in law the same thing.
I want to take your class too! And your comment on my blog today inspired me!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Okay...though the kids may look at you a little strange. Haha!
DeleteThat sounds like one fun class! I adore teaching writing to kids. I've really enjoyed watching both my sons get into writing their own stuff. Even though I taught special ed, I tried to incorporate some creative writing from time to time, and there's nothing like seeing the spark of excitement about writing in a kid's eyes.
ReplyDeleteSo true! And they are rediculously creative. Some of the things they come up with...
DeleteGetting kids excited about writing is great! I did that for years as a volunteer at an elementary school - running a lunch time creative writing workshop. It was fun to read what they created. I hope your kids bump into you years later and tell you they're still toying with writing or even better went on to publish a book. It's a great feeling. :D
ReplyDeleteJean, sounds like something you'd do. I love it! Here's to inspiring young minds, eh?
DeleteWow, that's a tall order--to make kids who hate writing love it. Good for you! Hopefully you can get them to love books too. As for AI, I agree, it's going way too far. It's a tool, like any other. People don't seem to be able to differentiate between those who create misleading videos (AI slop) and writers who get a little help constructing a query letter or editing a sentence that isn't working. Some writers have made anti-AI their entire online personality. It's exhausting.
ReplyDeleteHate is exhausting. We should make it illegal. LOL! Give society a few years and I think the storm will cool. As for now, whatever. If people say they aren't using it, they're lying.
DeleteCongratulations 🎊 to you, Crystal.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda!
DeleteHow great it is that you're able to excite kids about writing! Great job, Crystal.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it takes ALL the energy, but it's worth it.
DeleteIt is such a wonderful feeling when you inspire someone. I often get emails from English language students who admire my translation work and a number of kids went to college thanks to my nudge or advice.
ReplyDeleteI use AI to retell a book for me if I am preparing to read a sequel and cannot remember the story LOL I actually did that yesterday because I am reading new Ildefonso Falcones book in Cathedral of the Sea saga.
I love that, Dezmond! Way to be.
DeleteThat's a great use of AI! My friend was telling yesterday how she uses it as her party planner. 😂 Another was telling me how she uses it to plan costumes for an upcoming production. It's an amazing tool of the modern age.
That very thing--enthusiasm from a teacher--is everything. I had an Algebra teacher so pumped about math and finding solutions, I couldn't help be want to do it too.
ReplyDeleteRight?! That's what we need in education. Not new curriculum, but educators excited to educate.
DeleteThese kids are luck to have you
ReplyDeleteAw, you're sweet.
DeleteI've never used AI to help write anything. I love that you are helping the students love writing. I remember being in high school and my creative writing class as well as my reading class were my favorites.
ReplyDeleteMary, that's awesome! I stayed away from AI for a long time, until I realized I could give it a sentence in context and ask for synonym.
DeleteThank you for your honesty, Crystal. Interesting that you often end up rejecting AI’s suggestions.
ReplyDeleteWell, mostly, they're garbage. But sometimes the thoughts get my brain spinning in new ways. That's the value.
DeleteEnthusiasm from a teacher is so important and so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It really is. I never would have liked Biology if not for my teacher. He made it awesome.
DeleteUsing AI as a tool is totally acceptable and doesn't need to be disclosed. After all, nobody says: "I write with MS Word." But using ghostwriters should be disclosed.
ReplyDeleteYou must be a great teacher. Your own fire is unmistakable.
LOL! I write with MS Word... I think I'm going to use that. You okay with me quoting you?
DeleteWow that would be hard to teach a class to kids that say they aren't interested in it. So good to hear that they are enjoying it after all, you must be a very good teacher. yes this AI stuff sure has been a game changer for many people, my hubby is an artist and he says they way people manipulate their pictures using it wrecks those that do it all by hand, it is a rough road ahead I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your husband! I'm also a composer and I admit, it has put a damper on my enthusiasm. This used to be a difficult skill to obtain.
DeleteI feel inspired just from reading this blog post! Best wishes for a great school year with the young writers.
ReplyDeleteAw! Thanks for the wishes. I think it's going to be a good one.
DeleteI really don't like AI. But let me liken this to something else I also don't like: tattoos. I think tattoos are stupid. I think they're ugly. But if you proudly show me your new tattoo, I'm going to find something nice to say about it. I'm not going to tell you not to get one. And I'm not going to mention it when I see them on other people.
ReplyDeleteThat's very tolerant of you, Liz. There are times I've been asked if I use AI because I know how to use EM dashes. In fact, AI probably took that from my pirated books. LOL. At any rate, AI is bland and generic, but it can be a brainstorming springboard for writers. In that regard, I see it as a blessing. I mean, you have to look at the bright side, eh? Well, you don't have to, but I will.
DeleteSounds like you're a great teacher! As an autistic who has been rigid about grammar in the past, I've been afraid I would be accused of using AI. I don't. I've never even downloaded or gone to a site (I don't know how it works, lol). But that fear still sits there, that because I'm autistic and use proper grammar (yes, semi-colons, etc.), someone will accuse me. I don't believe in witch hunts and accusations, and online mobs are no different than in-person mobs. They can do a lot of damage.
ReplyDeleteYou use semi-colons? *gasp* Personal style preference, I kinda thing they're the devil, but I won't rally a mob. You're too brilliant a writer to be hunted down. And yes, mobs are ugly, ugly things. (Here's some anti-mob spray for you.)
DeleteHi, Crystal. Kids need writing teachers like you to spark their flames. What you said about kids is true of most writers: Their starting efforts are sloppy and riddled with holes, but they are trying." I think kids need to know that all writers struggle with their pieces, especially at the beginning. I don't use AI in my actual writing, although I use it for research and checking my spelling and grammar (Well, WORDs spellcheck, etc. All the best to you!
ReplyDeleteIt's true -- and I give my kids the author's reality on a regular basis. Maybe too much. LOL!
DeleteAI is pretty good at grammar, but sometimes it's stupid there too -- like when you get artistic or poetic. *shrugs* I like it for brainstorming. But really, it's a springboard because it dishes out slop...with the occasional seed of good.
Oh I didn't know you were a teacher I appreciate that Nothing better in the world than inspiring the young Well done. I love AI I use it within MS Word for spelling and grammar but I use AI for many more things like planning a trip, To explain an article for me, to prepare a lesson for ESOL, to help me help people with their problems with computers and phones etc etc I am aware of the negative sites as well though
ReplyDeleteAI writing is boring. I try to avoid going to Gemini with anything creative that comes up in my mind.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah---AI is a good tool to help us research. And teach Grammar. And suggest comps. There's the line for me.
You must be a great teacher. My eyes haven't lit up in a class for the past two years. I miss good teachers. My generation can be very annoying and might even seem disrespectful and uninterested---but we do care. Very deeply.
This encouragement and love you give them will be something they think about again and again for they rest of their lives.
I'm so glad you are inspiring a new generation of writers!
ReplyDeleteBravo to you, Crystal, teaching young children to write. To create story. To see what they think about a topic. Positive reinforcement truly matters for inspiring the young to write and create. Great post. More power to you!
ReplyDeleteYou don't need to be inspired to write, you just do, at least, I do. But I think starting them young is good but also bad because they form habits that's probably hard to break as adults. But I guess it depends on the individual.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.