Kenney Myers

Author | Actor | Producer | Kickboxer | Entrepreneur

Writing

Will You Let AI Replace Human Authors?

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Hey there, book lovers and word enthusiasts! It’s your friendly neighborhood self-published author here to chat about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the robot in the library?

You’ve probably noticed that AI is everywhere these days. It’s writing emails, creating art, and yes, even penning novels. As someone who’s poured their heart and soul into books like “Jon Bragg Giant Problem,” I’ve been thinking a lot about what this means for us creative types who craft our books the old-fashioned way – with blood, sweat, tears, and an unhealthy amount of snack foods. I think this last book caused me to jump up one whole pant size (at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it).

The Great Book Flood of 2024 (and Beyond)

Picture this: You’re browsing your favorite online bookstore, looking for your next great read. Suddenly, you’re hit with a tidal wave of new releases. Thousands upon thousands of books, all published within the last week. “Wow,” you think, “authors must be on some serious caffeine kick!”

But here’s the kicker – a good chunk of those books weren’t written by caffeinated humans burning the midnight oil. Nope, they were churned out by AI faster than you can say “bestseller.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for technological advancements. Heck, I write AI frameworks and use LLM’s for my day job. But this influx of AI-generated books? It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack… if the haystack was the size of Texas and growing by the minute.

When Algorithms Replace “A-ha!” Moments

Remember that feeling when you’re reading a book, and suddenly there’s a plot twist so unexpected it makes you want to throw the book across the room (in a good way)? Or when you come across a turn of phrase so beautiful it makes you pause and reread it three times? That’s the magic of human creativity, folks.

But with AI stepping into the author’s shoes, we might be seeing a shift. Instead of those “how did the author come up with this?” moments, we might get more “oh, I see what the algorithm did there” experiences. It’s like the difference between a home-cooked meal and a TV dinner – sure, they both fill you up, but one has that special something that comes from human touch (and occasionally, human error).

The Rise of the Formula Fiction

Now, let’s talk about reader expectations. AI is pretty good at analyzing what makes a bestseller tick. It can crunch numbers, identify patterns, and produce books that tick all the right boxes. In theory, this sounds great. Who doesn’t want a perfectly crafted story?

But here’s the thing – sometimes it’s the imperfections that make a story truly captivating. It’s the weird logic leaps, the slightly out-of-character decisions, and the wild ideas that no algorithm would ever come up with that make books uniquely human. Without these quirks, we might end up with a sea of books that are technically perfect but lack that spark of madness that makes reading so fun.

Why Supporting Human Authors is Like Saving Endangered Species (But With Less Fur)

Look, I’m not here to bash AI. It’s doing its thing, and that’s cool. But I am here to wave a big, sparkly banner for human authors. Supporting authors who are doing this the old-fashioned way is crucial.

These brave souls (yes, I’m including myself here) are out there, pouring their unique experiences, perspectives, and imaginations onto the page. We’re taking risks, pushing boundaries, and occasionally writing ourselves into corners we have to creatively escape from. And let me tell you, that process produces some of the most original, thought-provoking, and downright entertaining books you’ll ever read.

So, What Can You Do? (Besides Building a Time Machine)

Fear not, dear readers! You have the power to support human authors and keep the flame of creative writing burning bright. Here are some ideas:

  1. Buy books from human authors: I know, shocking advice, right? But seriously, every purchase is a vote for the kind of books you want to see more of.
  2. Leave reviews: Good, bad, or “I’m not sure what I just read but I couldn’t put it down” – reviews help human authors improve and get noticed.
  3. Attend book events: Virtual or in-person, these events are great ways to connect with authors and show your support. Plus, you might get to see an author in their natural habitat (usually caffeinated and slightly disheveled).
  4. Spread the word: Loved a book? Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and that person you always see at the bus stop. Word of mouth is powerful stuff.
  5. Be patient: Human authors can’t churn out books at the speed of AI. But trust me, the wait is worth it for that hand-crafted, artisanal story goodness.
  6. Engage with authors on social media: Just don’t ask us when our next book is coming out. We’re sensitive creatures.
  7. Support indie bookstores: These literary havens often champion human authors and can recommend hidden gems.
  8. Join or start a book club: Focus on reading and discussing works by human authors. It’s like a support group, but with more plot discussions and snacks.
  9. Enter Goodreads giveaways: This is a fantastic way to discover new human authors and potentially win free books! Speaking of which…

Goodreads Giveaway Alert!

Hey, you made it this far, so here’s an opportunity for you to take a stand. I’m currently running a Goodreads giveaway for my latest book, “Jon Bragg Giant Problem.” It’s a chance to get your hands on a human-authored paperback (yes, books are still printed on paper) signed by your truly for free! Check it out:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Jon Bragg Giant Problem by Kenney Myers

Jon Bragg Giant Problem

by Kenney Myers

Giveaway ends August 31, 2024.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

The Final Chapter (For Now)

As we navigate this brave new world of AI-assisted everything, let’s not forget the value of human creativity. AI might be able to write a book, but can it tell you about the plot twist on page 57 that happened when the author had a brilliant idea at 3 AM? Can it share the story of how a chance encounter on a rainy day inspired an entire character arc?

Human authors bring more than just words to the page – we bring a piece of ourselves, our experiences, and our unique way of seeing the world. And that, my friends, is something no algorithm can replicate.

So, the next time you’re looking for a new read, why not take a chance on a human-authored book? It might not be mathematically perfect, but it’ll be perfectly human. And in a world that’s becoming increasingly automated, isn’t that something worth celebrating?

Why Writing Means So Much To Me

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Writing has always been a significant part of my life, a cherished creative outlet that I have nurtured from a young age. As someone who writes both novels and TV shows, I find that the act of putting words on paper holds deep personal meaning and serves multiple purposes in my life. Here are five reasons why writing is so important to me:

1. Writing as a Lifelong Creative Outlet

From the time I was in grade school, writing has been my primary form of creative expression. I used to create tiny little books, scribbling stories on any scrap of paper I could find. These makeshift books were then shared with relatives, who, I imagine, were both amused and touched by my early attempts at storytelling. They weren’t fancy, but they were mine, and they allowed me to tell stories that sprang from my imagination. Writing has always been a way for me to explore new worlds and create characters that live within them.

2. Recording Personal Experiences

One of the joys of writing novels is the opportunity to weave my own experiences into the fabric of my stories. This not only adds authenticity to the narratives but also serves as a way to record memories for future generations. For instance, in my book “Jon Bragg Blue Essence,” the main character hails from a town called Grinwell, which is a nod to my own school days in Gladbrook. Nearby, there’s a town called Green Mountain, which I transformed into Bluehill in the book. These personal touches make the writing process more enjoyable and meaningful to me, as they preserve bits of my life within the fiction.

3. Embedding Morals and Values in My Work

I believe that stories have the power to convey important messages and values. Whether I am writing a book or creating a TV series, I strive to incorporate themes that encourage readers and viewers to be comfortable with who they are and to celebrate their differences. In my novels, characters often grapple with self-acceptance and the importance of diversity. Similarly, my animated TV series, “Kindly Kenney,” was designed to teach children values and the difference between right and wrong. Writing allows me to share these lessons with a broader audience in an engaging and relatable way.

4. Memorializing People and Places

Writing also provides me with a way to honor and memorialize people and places that have had an impact on my life. In “Jon Bragg Blue Essence,” for example, I named a character after a classmate of mine, David Ryan, who tragically passed away at a young age. We shared many years of making music together, and using his name in my book felt like a fitting tribute to his memory. This act of memorialization ensures that the people who have shaped my life continue to live on through my stories.

5. Creating a Legacy for My Family

Perhaps one of the most special aspects of writing for me is the hope that my work will be shared and enjoyed by my children and their children. I dream of a day when my kids pass down my books and TV shows to their own families, offering a glimpse into my creative mind and the values I hold dear. Writing is a way for me to leave a legacy, something tangible that connects my family across generations. It is my hope that my words will touch their lives and bring them joy, just as creating them has brought joy to me.

Writing is more than just a means of expression; it is a way for me to show my love and appreciation for those around me. For example, I often write poems for family members on special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or Mother’s Day. These poems are my way of expressing how much they mean to me in a unique and personal way.

To bring this to a close, I am a writer for many reasons. Writing is about more than just putting words on a page; it is about creating, preserving memories, sharing values, honoring loved ones, and building a legacy. I hope that other writers feel the same passion and find as much fulfillment in their writing as I do. Writing has the power to change lives, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my stories with the world.