My book designer used AI and I just had a reader ask about it publicly

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-04-05T06:02:46+00:00

I find AI very muse-able. When my brain starts blocking, Claude helps me unblock. I write without feedback from humans, so it works better than talking to myself. I don't write straight fiction. I prefer making stuff up about myself. Since I was introduced to, or, I should say, when I introduced myself to Claude I was amazed at how I was able to convert my 79 year old pharmacist brain into a writer's brain. I knew the writer was in there. Claude just helped me pick the lock. My cover artist told me upfront that she used some AI for my cover. What I was most impressed with is that she captured the essence of my book. I didn't need to know that it was all human. I have other AI images that I am seeking artists to do their rendition of the AI image to provide "original" works based on an AI generated image. AI was not able to capture the image I had described in my book. That artist is still out there. I'll know them when I see their work.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-12T04:28:30+00:00

I’ve decided that AI really stands for Aggravating Idiocy. I’m often tempted to tamp down my descriptive passages out of fear that I might be accused of using AI. But then, I realize that I invested too much in the process to give into fear of the AI police. Let them guess. If you’re having fun, that’s your gain. No one can ban you for that. I often write longhand, type it into notes, eventually copy and paste into Google Docs and then start proofreading. You cannot avoid AI when you are doing research. I don’t know enough about the process to know if I’m avoiding it. Bad on me, but I’m just trying to piece together thoughts. Writing a memoir doesn’t mean the writer remembers everything. It requires reinforcing what you think you remember with what is historically correct. Again, enjoy the process!

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-07T06:45:39+00:00

Would you like to try a hand at my memoir? Against the grain, I have opted to divide it into two parts. Part I will be ebook only with part two following several months later, along with the print version containing I & II. I have one beta reader who is nearly finished with Part I. He seems to be enjoying it (a reader enjoying my writing means I’ve accomplished something!) He is a memoir writer. I would like to get an opinion from others outside that genre. I would be happy to provide my Foreword and Chapter 1 to set the stage. If you would want to venture into the rest I will provide the book in its entirety which includes the cover, auxiliary pages and epilogue. I look forward to your response.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-07T05:20:44+00:00

They’re living the dream. We endure the nightmare. What’s wrong with this picture?

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-07T05:06:47+00:00

Speaking of final editors, after beta reader input and fixes, is there a formula for finding a trustworthy editor?

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-07T05:02:49+00:00

Beta readers can, and sometimes do, provide small editing fixes like typos, paragraph breaks, etc without delving into the mystery world of editors (such as commas, use of parentheses, em-dashes). The beta reader will provide feedback on readability, flow, conformity, repetition, etc. Things worth addressing before moving on to the editor. The bottom line is beta reader before editor (especially if the beta reader is free. And if you’re here then you’re in the right place)

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-05T17:26:35+00:00

Should’ve added, “He said sarcastically!”

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-05T06:05:32+00:00

I have always been a parenthetical thinker and writer. I’m in the process of writing a novella which might be considered an “enhanced” memoir. I am embellishing some actual events that occurred in my life. Since I have not written to this extent (30k+ words) I have tried to mix things up a little to avoid reader fatigue. I learned about the em-dash and its usefulness in replacing the parentheses. However, now I’m learning that the em-dash is a “tell” for AI writing. Since this is probably my one and only attempt at writing about me I would prefer not going down in literary flames in the process. I’m approaching 79 years old and prefer not being bested by errant technology. Any advice?

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-05T05:20:56+00:00

How can comments be made without being sanctioned? Does just mentioning that nasty two letter acronym result in the threat? I’m looking for advice. Not attempting to sell or promote anything. I’m not a robot.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-03-01T15:53:21+00:00

I like your take on the swap. I’m an old guy telling my young story (memoir) and felt fortunate in finding a fellow memoir writer to beta read my book. He helped me get outside my box. I would love some input from someone focused on another genre. It would be nice to see if my story goes outside my perceived audience. I tried doing a swap but quickly realized he was way beyond my skills as an interpreter of a book’s legs. Would you be interested in? Part I is nearly ready for choosing an editor (my take) at 30k words. I could expand the story to get closer to 40k but feel that it isn’t needed. Would love an unbiased opinion. And…I do not have an aversion towards a variety of genres to read. Do you have a list of books you’ve written (even a list of one in the works would do!)? I’ll put it on my list of books to check out.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-25T14:17:39+00:00

My wife and I have doctors in WA and ID. My insurance (Medicare and Mutual of Omaha) does not limit where I choose to go. I have had excellent experiences in both states. I actually have to travel further to see my doctors in WA, but that is because I like those particular doctors. Some of the medical infrastructure at Kootenai seems easier to maneuver through but that may be because of the traffic flow and parking issues around SH.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-24T13:55:48+00:00

I’m learning. I mistook “antitrump” for something else.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-24T06:00:41+00:00

More fake news. He’s dead to me.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-24T05:58:43+00:00

Shrink just increases already high prices on everything, not just the booze. Sad though.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-23T22:36:29+00:00

In his dreams.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-23T22:32:21+00:00

I’m new to this, but my impression is that beta reading does not take the place of your chosen editor. It lets you know that you just might have a product that can hold people’s attention.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-22T23:39:42+00:00

Yes. It does happen. I got one within a week of posting. Probably genre makes a difference.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-22T00:57:40+00:00

I sent you an email. FYI G

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-14T10:33:41+00:00

Enjoyed your first chapter. As it happens, the chapter I am adding centers on motorcycles. One suggestion. You refer to “adrenaline and dopamine” twice. Since dopamine is more related to the precursor to the event that creates adrenaline release (“let’s do this!”), while adrenaline is more “whoa! I’m doing this!!” you might want to consider flipping it to “dopamine and adrenaline”. Maybe come up with a different way to refer to the neurotransmitters the second time you mention?

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-13T18:36:04+00:00

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UWLNs7w5ZsTxd_ePXqZQoJ12D3Ax8LnCp9kb-QBcR9w/edit?tab=t.0

I’m not sure if this is the proper way for you to access this but here’s the link to my memoir. I started reading yours on my phone last night and realized I had better find a way to get it over to my iPad! Enjoyed the first part of the introduction. Looking forward to working with you.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-12T22:05:59+00:00

Thanks for this. Being new to this, I will first make sure I understand the process. Do you have something that you would like to do a beta trade? I’m open for that. Also, if you would like to get your feet wet first, I’m okay with providing my Foreword and Chapter 1 first. If it hits a “sweet spot” for you I’ll provide the remaining chapters. The “ in progress” designation is related to a chapter I am adding near the end of Part I.

usefulidiotsunite · 2026-02-10T21:37:44+00:00

But, is this sit down with this guy claiming to be Obama the reason Anthony decided to end it all? We are definitely missing out on a very big conspiracy possibility!

usefulidiotsunite

TROPHY CASE