I wrote this declaration and posted it on the Fourth of July. I thought it might be worth sharing again as we in the USA approach our country’s 250th anniversary.
Continue reading “Repost: a writer’s declaration of independence”Category: ideas
Crossing the AI Rubicon
What one top literary magazine’s award to a (likely) AI-generated story means for the literary world
In 49 BCE, following a seven-year campaign to expand the Roman Empire into Gaul (much of Western Europe), Junius Caesar, then a general of the Roman army, approached a river that signified an important boundary between Rome and the rest of the world. According to Roman law, if anyone crossed that river–the Rubicon–it would be considered an act of war.
As we know from history, Caesar crossed that line, uttering the words alea iacta est (“the die is cast”), a phrase that has come to mean, “no turning back.”
Earlier this week, a prestigious literary magazine, Granta, crossed a metaphorical Rubicon of its own when it published a prize-winning short story that, evidence strongly suggests, was written not by a human, but by artificial intelligence.
Continue reading “Crossing the AI Rubicon”Friday Five: recent craft-y reads
On submitting short stories, crafting great dialogue, persevering in the face of rejection, and more.
Happy May Day, everyone! And for all you writers in distress–perhaps you’re shouting Mayday! Mayday! into the void right now–I hope the following five essays and articles on the writing craft will help:
Continue reading “Friday Five: recent craft-y reads”Joining the 100-rejection club
Embracing an unusual badge of honor
While analyzing my submission and publication activity of this year, I discovered than I am now a member of the 100-rejection club. I’ve actually surpassed that milestone by receiving 101 rejections of my submitted writing in 2025.
Should I be despondent about this high number of rejections? Not at all. In a twisted, perverse sort of way (and aren’t most writers twisted and perverse?), I see it as a badge of honor.
Continue reading “Joining the 100-rejection club”Friday Five: inspirational quotes for writers and other humans
Are you stuck in a rut? Need some motivation and inspiration? Maybe this a great list of quotations from notable writers, artists, filmmakers, and others can help. This list comes from the good people at MoonLit Getaway literary magazine. Here are five of my favorites from that list (although I could have listed many more).
Don’t risk missing 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Give this list a read.
Continue reading “Friday Five: inspirational quotes for writers and other humans”