I love that story, Ruth. It's one more reminder of why Dancing Letters means so much to me. Sometimes the most meaningful titles find us long before we understand why.
John, this is written with the honesty that I always know I can count on. It starts or adds to a conversation that many are having. Yes some writers are cheating with the way they use the technology but that is on them. I think that the bigger issue with Ai is that people hate to be fooled. They sit around a photo trying to discern whether it’s real or fake. It is that fear that makes them pause when so much that they hear isn’t true. Thank you for your honesty, for addressing the issues and challenges brought to you as writers wanting to use the newest technologies, and also for being honest about your own challenges. People find themselves in your writing. That can’t be faked. The experience shared comes through. Let the conversation begin but this definitely added to it….
Thank you Mary. I think you’ve touched the heart of it. Trust matters more than the tool. If readers can still find themselves in our stories, then we’ve honored the craft.
John, a beautiful piece that reaches the depths of honesty.
Your lighthouse image, not stopping the storm, just reminding people where home is, that's exactly what true writing does, and it's what you've done here with The Positive Pen.
"AI-assisted writing begins with the human. AI-generated writing begins with the machine." That line articulated something many writers have sensed but might be struggling to express with such precision.
Thank you for writing this the hard way, dictated, edited, revised, approved, and for trusting us enough to show the process.
Thank you, Rhonda. That means more than you know. If my words remind even one person where home is within themselves, then every revision was worth it.
Beautifully written, John! And it is true, we use these apps for polishing and making corrections, but that doesn't mean we didn't think of it or that it isn't our story. You explained it perfectly.
"No software can measure honesty, kindness, or the courage it takes to tell your story."
Thank you so much Neha! That’s exactly how I see it. The tools can polish the words, but they can never replace the heart, the experience, or the courage behind the story.
John, you are through and through genuine! Even if you use the coffee machine or teapot for brain support, your heart speaks from every line of every publication and each conversation! 🫶♥️🫶
I didn't realise you have dyslexia. My godson has it, inherited from his mother. Every tool that can help is a bonus for people like you, and dictation is a huge bonus. I have to type my thoughts; I can't dictate them! We're all different in our strengths and weaknesses. My godson eventually got a PhD in mathematics. I wouldn't stand a chance in a million years.
You’re very clear on why you use assistive technology and as a person with an amputated finger and arthritis, I can see what you’re saying. I may have to adjust my statement a bit. Thanks!
Thank you, Debi. Your perspective means a lot. Assistive technology helps many people in different ways, and conversations like this help us all better understand one another.
When my daughter was around three years we were traveling the new train in our town in Colorado.
We passed by train cars that were sitting still with graffiti sprayed along the sides.
My daughter saw that and happily exclaimed, "Dancing letters, Mama!"
It was a sweet, joyous moment.
I love that story, Ruth. It's one more reminder of why Dancing Letters means so much to me. Sometimes the most meaningful titles find us long before we understand why.
I so love your title too, John!…So playful, imaginative and fun!
Thank you
John, this is written with the honesty that I always know I can count on. It starts or adds to a conversation that many are having. Yes some writers are cheating with the way they use the technology but that is on them. I think that the bigger issue with Ai is that people hate to be fooled. They sit around a photo trying to discern whether it’s real or fake. It is that fear that makes them pause when so much that they hear isn’t true. Thank you for your honesty, for addressing the issues and challenges brought to you as writers wanting to use the newest technologies, and also for being honest about your own challenges. People find themselves in your writing. That can’t be faked. The experience shared comes through. Let the conversation begin but this definitely added to it….
Thank you Mary. I think you’ve touched the heart of it. Trust matters more than the tool. If readers can still find themselves in our stories, then we’ve honored the craft.
John, a beautiful piece that reaches the depths of honesty.
Your lighthouse image, not stopping the storm, just reminding people where home is, that's exactly what true writing does, and it's what you've done here with The Positive Pen.
"AI-assisted writing begins with the human. AI-generated writing begins with the machine." That line articulated something many writers have sensed but might be struggling to express with such precision.
Thank you for writing this the hard way, dictated, edited, revised, approved, and for trusting us enough to show the process.
Thank you, Rhonda. That means more than you know. If my words remind even one person where home is within themselves, then every revision was worth it.
Beautifully written, John! And it is true, we use these apps for polishing and making corrections, but that doesn't mean we didn't think of it or that it isn't our story. You explained it perfectly.
"No software can measure honesty, kindness, or the courage it takes to tell your story."
Thank you so much Neha! That’s exactly how I see it. The tools can polish the words, but they can never replace the heart, the experience, or the courage behind the story.
100% agree with your thoughts and John’s quote sums everything perfectly .
John, you are through and through genuine! Even if you use the coffee machine or teapot for brain support, your heart speaks from every line of every publication and each conversation! 🫶♥️🫶
Thank you. I may borrow a little help from coffee, but every word still begins with the heart. I truly appreciate you.🙏🤗✌️
👍🖖
right here with you with dyslexia. and the editing tools to support writing have given me the confidence to show up.
Thank you, Megan.
I didn't realise you have dyslexia. My godson has it, inherited from his mother. Every tool that can help is a bonus for people like you, and dictation is a huge bonus. I have to type my thoughts; I can't dictate them! We're all different in our strengths and weaknesses. My godson eventually got a PhD in mathematics. I wouldn't stand a chance in a million years.
Thank you, Ella. Stories like your godson's prove challenges never define potential. The right tools simply help our strengths shine.
Genuine, honest and written in a way that shows what tools are used for and the difference between doing the work or AI doing the work.
I appreciate the time, effort and transparency in the way you shared.
You removed the hidden shame and questions those that use AI in a honorable way. Thanks for removing the shadows 🧡
Thank you. AI is just a tool the heart, honesty, and lived experience still belong to the writer. That's where every meaningful story begins.
A post written with utter honesty always stands out John.
Niceeee👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
💜☮️☮️💜
Thank you, Uma. Honesty has a way of finding readers. If the words are genuine, they'll always connect with the hearts meant to receive them.
You’re very clear on why you use assistive technology and as a person with an amputated finger and arthritis, I can see what you’re saying. I may have to adjust my statement a bit. Thanks!
Thank you, Debi. Your perspective means a lot. Assistive technology helps many people in different ways, and conversations like this help us all better understand one another.