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What happens to creative writing—and to us as writers—when artificial intelligence becomes part of the conversation?

In this solo episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I share why I'm introducing video to the podcast in 2026, and then dive into a thoughtful, deeply human conversation about AI and creative writing. 

This is not a how-to episode on using AI to write your book. Instead, it’s an invitation to slow down, think critically, and decide—intentionally—how (or if) AI belongs in your creative process.

I begin by acknowledging that many writers are curious about AI, and that some are already using it to help finish their books. I also share a resource, from my friend Ana Del Valle of The Novelists Studio, for those who feel strongly that AI is right for them, pointing to tools designed with ethical and copyright considerations in mind. 

But I want to be very clear: when it comes to my own creative work, I choose not to use AI—and I explain why in this episode.

At the heart of my perspective is this belief: in an age of rapidly advancing technology, human creativity matters more than ever. We come to books to feel less alone, to understand what it means to be human, and to experience the world through another person’s voice. 

👉 No large language model can replicate lived experience, imagination, or the emotional truth that comes from a real human mind wrestling with language.

I also share research suggesting that reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT may erode critical thinking skills over time. Writing is a “use it or lose it” practice. Brainstorming, problem-solving, and shaping language are muscles—and if we stop using them, they weaken. That’s why I still reach for my favorite brainstorming technology: a notebook and a pen.

Beyond creativity and cognition, I also want to raise ethical and environmental concerns. From hallucinated information and unreliable outputs to troubling experiments showing unethical behavior by AI systems under pressure, I just want writers to think carefully about what we’re participating in. 

I'm also very much concerned about the environmental toll of large-scale AI infrastructure—energy use, water consumption, and resource extraction—especially in a world already facing climate crisis.

Finally, I circle back to what matters most: your voice. Your way of seeing the world. Your metaphors, rhythms, and instincts. Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, your work is needed—not despite the rise of AI, but because of it.

If you’ve ever wondered, “If AI can write books, what’s the point of me writing mine?” this episode is your answer. The point is you. And the world needs your very human stories now more than ever.