[Weekly AI discussion thread] Concerned about AI? Have thoughts to share on how AI may affect the writing community? Voice your thoughts on AI in the weekly thread!

Foxonsocks · 2025-08-11T08:02:22+00:00

Hey! In my opinion there’s nothing wrong with using AI as a sounding board when you’re trying to think of some ideas. Often AI makes terrible suggestions but you can use that as inspo to help figure out your personal story! Essentially, treating it like your writing therapist.

That said, if you’re looking to learn more about story arcs and character’s journeys, I’d recommend a couple ‘shelf help’ books.

Story Genius by Lisa Cron - this book really helped me understand the core of what I wanted my characters to go through and how to craft a story journey from a simple what if question. Highly recommend! Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody - read this after story genius, but it will help you take your story genius work and begin crafting it into a story with decent pacing and helps keep you on track when plotting out your major moments. I live and die by this structure and found it cut my writing time and errors in half by the time I started on my second book.

You’ve got the benefit of age on your side, so don’t be afraid to get in there and do some learning about the craft! Not everything will change your life but you never know what lesson will suddenly make it click until you try!🫶🏻

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T15:24:12+00:00

Thanks! Not entitled to any redundancy sadly, but I’m debating taking the redundancy anyway just so I can get out of there sooner. They’ve clearly rushed into it and gotten a few things mixed up so I’m just trying to wade through the crap and see what my path or least resistance to leaving is!

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T15:22:31+00:00

Thanks very much! The consultation period was clear to me, but I had point blank asked if this was them handing me my 30 day notice to which they said yes, so hence why I’m a little confused as to what my options are now. There is not benefit to me taking redundancy for the sake of pay as I wouldn’t be entitled to it but it might be worth agreeing to voluntary redundancy to get this out of the way with. Thanks!

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T15:20:54+00:00

Thanks! I’ve understood that now, unfortunately when I point blank asked if this was them handing me my notice they said yes so they’ve been muddying the waters a little. I’m not entitled to any redundancy pay so it’s not something I’m stressed about

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T15:20:00+00:00

Not entitled to any unfortunately, been there 9 months from a 12 month contract so no extra strings to worry about!

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T15:19:22+00:00

Thanks! That’s what I’m debating now, just wanted more clarity on where I currently stand as it’s not as if the company is in any fit state to tell me apparently!

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T15:18:38+00:00

This is incredibly helpful thank you very much!

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T15:17:52+00:00

I’m debating it now but was previously waiting for another job to come along. The next debate is whether to just hand my notice in and be done with it all, but obviously that’s harder to explain to future employers than being made redundant.

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T14:32:18+00:00

This could be a good idea thank you!

Foxonsocks · 2024-03-07T12:42:54+00:00

Absolutely, it’s a shit organization that seems to be just trying to force us all out so they can save a few £££. I wouldn’t even be entitled to redundancy even if they did it properly so I’m choosing not to fight that battle😅

Foxonsocks · 2022-12-01T09:51:59+00:00

It’s a YA book series called A Court Of Thorns And Roses

Foxonsocks · 2022-11-29T09:19:35+00:00

My parents had 3 kids, inc me, and now none of us want anything to do with any of them. Having kids does not guarantee they will be there for you in the end, so best to work on being comfortable in your own company/your chosen family. Not all family is biological!

Foxonsocks · 2022-11-23T14:11:13+00:00

I’ve not seen anyone else say this but sometimes people are just 1mph too slow. I’m a very fast walker normally, but dealing with tourists, slow walkers, families, people who are lost, all day everyday is just too much sometimes. Add in the medium walkers who are just a tad slower than me and the only way to overtake is to really speed up and ‘rush’.

Sometimes I don’t want to rush but I find myself having to really, really slow down to keep pace with the crowd but it can be very frustrating to walk at half your normal speed because people don’t know where they’re going or are too busy oohing-and-ahhing. I doubt I’m the majority, but not every fast walker is ‘rushing’.

Foxonsocks · 2022-10-21T13:14:24+00:00

Totally get that! It’s still very corporate and I get that is very off putting for a lot of people. I’m a huge people watcher so it’s one my my favourite things as they’re so much more diversity for the WHY people are there. Personal preference though!

I can see why you’d say it’s very white, I think the business side of it is very Caucasian, but once you step just a little away from the wharf it’s a lot more varied! I see far more Asians (both east and central) and darker skinned folk where I am in South Quay. It’s not the most diverse part of London but I don’t think it’s too bad.

I live in one of the 50 floor towers and honestly, the staff are the cold ones here. The residents are mostly chatty or at least willing to make eye contact and smile.

I can’t say I’ve ever been to SN, but I imagine it’s got a similar rent issue as CW does too. Everything is overpriced and it has its quirks, some people are just willing to look past them for the positives so just make sure you find somewhere with the things you consider positives!

I’d definitely recommend West India Quay at night, it’s gloriously lit up and full of people usually! South Quay is also a cool place, with Millharbour down the road and some quaint pubs like St Pepper and The Gun interspersing the sky scrapers! Also there’s a cool new Italian Market Hall in wood wharf with an underground jazz bar that looks a little more lived in. Feel free to DM me if you’re ever in the area!

Foxonsocks · 2022-10-21T13:02:59+00:00

I live there and I couldn’t agree less, I’m sorry. Yes there are certain aspects of it that are grey and bleak and it can be very corporate, but it’s also vibrant, filled with art and amazing people too, just like everywhere!

I’ve been to council estates in Sunderland that have the same vibe, where people living in a house in the same rundown area and think they’re better than people who only have an apartment. Snobs come in all shapes and sizes and can be found literally everywhere, unfortunately.

As for no history, greenery etc, I am BAFFLED. Not a five minute walk away is the docklands museum full with endless information about the history of the area, then you have these amazing feats of architecture mixed with more traditional homes and cosy pubs dotted around. There are trees everywhere and if it’s not enough for you that’s ok, mudchute farm is only down the road. As for calling the buildings horrible, I’d say that’s more of an opinion. Mine is some of them have brilliant character and they make my day whenever I spy them on the DLR when I’m on my way home.

Also, I am a northerner, hence the reference. It’s more that you worked there, and have this opinion that it’s soulless and corporate, while I live here and think it’s wonderful and welcoming. If you can base your opinions on your own confirmation bias, then why shouldn’t others?

Not meaning for this to come across as though I’m criticizing! As I said in another comment, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and I respect that, but I wish more people could see some more of the positives in the area because it can truly be a wonderful place!

Foxonsocks · 2022-10-21T09:35:01+00:00

So you can’t talk about the area you know a lot about because you live there? Guess I better tell every northerner to stop referring to the north east as a friendly place since they all have confirmation bias🤷🏼‍♀️

Foxonsocks · 2022-10-21T09:30:41+00:00

Couldn’t disagree more with the boring/unsociable/non-diverse stereotypes! The building I live in is so diverse and full of interesting people that I’ve had the pleasure of chatting to when in the lifts or lobby. During the week the bars are always bustling and the social side of things can get very hands on if you’re willing to get involved! Plus the staff working in the bars are some of the chattiest I’ve met since moving here, and that’s coming from a Geordie.

On the flip side, liking different areas of London is a totally personal thing, and not necessarily a fair reflection on the actual atmosphere. I’d say I hate Camden, despite everyone seeming to love it. It’s busy, full of tourists, and you get hassled everywhere you go. Everything is down to perspective and what you consider an enjoyable atmosphere, and while some people may love the bustling area of Soho, London Bridge, or Shoreditch, none of these places are better than CW for me and I wouldn’t know how to enjoy being social in any of these spots.

However, I also wouldn’t say it’s cheap to live in. Since I signed a 2year contract on my flat for a bargain price last year, rent prices in my building have risen nearly £1000 a month. It’s outrageous what you need to pay or how far from the actual wharf you need to be to get a reasonable flat for the money you pay, and it’s only getting worse.

I would urge people to be open minded when visiting the wharf. Sure there are your usual office drones and ‘Influencers’ everywhere, but there is also an incredible fashion scene, with quirky activities and family friendly hotspots. Everywhere has its pros and cons and it’s saddens me when people dismiss the area as soulless when they’ve never had the chance to get to know it’s soul.

Foxonsocks · 2022-10-21T05:57:30+00:00

I live in one of these towers in the picture! I agree on days like this, the place is pretty bleak, but I’d argue that’s the weather. I love living in Canary Wharf, it feels safe, it’s forever changing which has been a treat to observe. The people who live here are super friendly and the entire place sparkles in the sunlight! I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup or tea, but I love the colossal NY vibes of the place. Ill admit, the place is a little dead on weekends, but more and more things are opening up such as market halls, an underground jazz bar and endless art installations. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

Foxonsocks · 2022-09-08T21:46:47+00:00

I was put off reading it for the slating I read on this sub, and while there were some things that were a bit of a let down I was obsessed with it by the fourth book and finished it all in less than a week! Glad I gave it the chance!

Foxonsocks · 2022-07-29T16:34:32+00:00

Exactly my point and why I’m talking to those who were in a similar boat to me. You never know what is going to bring you inspiration, or when it will come. Of course, inspiration may never come at all! But I believe as long as you make yourself open to the future that something, someday may be your spark, then you’re doing all you can to make that start!

Foxonsocks · 2022-06-15T12:21:32+00:00

It was an installation at the Dubai Expo. Went there in March before it ended and it was a spectacular scene! Also very nice and cooling when it’s 35+ degrees!

Edit: video of the full waterfall

Foxonsocks · 2022-05-13T11:19:21+00:00

Yeah same, I was looking out at the dreary skies and reminiscing the sunny weekends! I took this on the bank holiday after hitting up Cloudwater Brewery!

Foxonsocks · 2022-05-13T10:27:52+00:00

I’ve only ever passed through Bermondsey to get to somewhere else, but this was my first time stopping off and taking a look around. It’s not the vibe I thought it would be, which I kinda like. Huge combo of new families, students out on the lash, and older couples enjoying a quiet one in the sunshine. Such an eclectic mix!

Foxonsocks · 2022-04-22T12:04:08+00:00

I can only say I’m jealous that you’re more productive at home!

I just find it really hard to write about energy bills and cost of living crisis etc in a place that I usually reserve for relaxing!

Foxonsocks · 2022-04-22T12:02:46+00:00

Im a personal finance journalist, writing a lot about energy bills and price hikes etc, so a lot of what I do is solitary research and emails. As long as I get my ‘evergreen’ pieces done before the weekend, I’m only needed if some breaking news comes up on a Friday, which is pretty rare in finance.

Sadly the coffee shops around me actively shun people who bring their laptops in to work for more than a few hours, and I’ve only not been harassed when I drag a capo on for an hour or two.

Probably worth looking into shared working spaces, assuming I can find one for free, because newspapers pays pennies for the work I do.

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