Hello, hello…

… And a hearty welcome to my fans and followers. I’m not sure there’s much more news I can share since my last post. But I can offer a few gems that many of you might find interesting. So, let’s start with the least exciting and work our way up to the most.

 

What’s Going On With My Writing?

Not much is happening with the James O. Youngcliff brand for now. I’m focusing all my efforts on Clay Stoner’s western novel due out at the end of this year. That is, if I can get an editor who can fit me into their schedule when it’s done.

 

My Love Affair with AI

Some of you might be curious about what I think of AI. I love it—up to a point. I’ve become more dependent on it than I ever expected. Let me explain my fascination: I’m a terrible speller, and my grammar is even worse, yet I have great story ideas that need major editing. For that, AI has been an absolute godsend.

AI can be surprisingly addictive: you start with a small request, then before long, you’re fully hooked. I’ve managed to avoid asking AI to write my novel—though that claim alone might raise an eyebrow. To keep myself honest, I’ve set three non-negotiable rules for AI use: never add new content or alter my story; preserve my personal style and voice; and limit its role to polishing grammar, spelling, and clarity.

Here’s an example to better describe my use of AI. My version: “It’s a baby,” Seraphina said, jumping out of bed and walking around to have a better look at the child. “He looks just like you, Cole.”

AI’s version (with my rules in place): “It’s a baby,” Seraphina said, springing from the bed. She rounded the crib to study the child. “He looks just like you, Cole.”

AI’s version is shorter and to the point. I don’t have a problem with it. Although I’m envious that I didn’t think enough to come up with the shorter and “punchier” version.

Is it right to rely on AI and then take credit for it? I don’t know? What I know is this. When I submit my manuscript to the editor for review, it will be cleaner and easier to edit. And is that right for me to do? I think so….

I use tools like Grammarly (free) and ProWritingAid (premium) to polish my grammar and spelling—they’re both excellent, but they won’t help with logic or analysis. Plenty of writers eager for a quick payday simply feed a few ideas into an AI engine and let it churn out an entire novel in hopes of crafting a bestseller—more power to them.

I guess I can go on for pages defending the use of AI, but I won’t. Sufficient to say, like any tool, use it judiciously and with caution. Don’t make it a crutch or depend on it for good writing. Personally, I don’t fear AI; I welcome it. But every writer has to make his or her own choice.

 

My Future as a Writer

In the coming year, I’ll be focusing on bringing more BluBerrie stories to little ones out there! However, I plan to change the format slightly. I will no longer offer parents or any adults guidance in getting the children more involved with the story. There will still be colorful illustrations by jacabo, the surrealist artist (yours truly), but no interruption in the storyline.

Let’s see how that goes. One hint: there’ll be cows in the next book. Look for it, hopefully next year.

 

That’s It

Here are my last two cents. I’ll leave you with my usual sermon (no, I’m not a priest).

When we step into the voting booth, our children—and their children—should be our top priority. In the last election, too many lost sight of that important responsibility and forgot about our children’s future.

I won’t catalog everything this administration has undone at the state and national levels. If you haven’t already, please take the time to look into it. Our children deserve that level of engagement.

Freedom isn’t just a word; it’s the very foundation of our way of life in this great United States. Let’s keep it that way!

Whatever your political affiliations are, vote these idiots out of office any and every chance you get. I know I will. Take care, and remember, “We are all just pilgrims on the road to a better place.”

j.o.y.