Tired of the Whole AI Crusade

 

Lately, I've noticed a surge of comments about supposed authors using AI in various ways, and honestly, I'm tired of the ongoing crusade against indie and self-published writers. Many of those accusing indie authors of relying on AI seem more interested in stirring up drama and attracting views than in any genuine concern about the issue. Ironically, the same individuals who are now criticizing authors for potential AI use are the ones who dismissed indie authors over a decade ago. For instance, I received some pretty harsh reviews for my first book published in the 2000s, which just goes to show that this kind of negativity isn't new, it just has taken on a new face. If you can't see the image, please click on it.

Don’t think that this person would use the ai excuse to put down indie authors now? Well, guess again.

Other Author’s shaming & accusing other authors of using ai:

I saw a comment on Threads about an author who made a video accusing 67 other authors of using AI for their images, book covers, and writing. Apparently, she participated in a contest with them a year ago and might have lost, which could explain her need to vent and criticize the others. In her video, she named these authors and claimed they were using AI, but she provided no evidence to back up her accusations. That was uncalled for. What a bitch, right?

Below is the screenshot of the thread:

It hasn’t changed, it is the same behavior I’ve seen online and in real life toward indie authors. I’m not speaking for all authors, but I do know that most are not using ai for writing however if they used it for images or videos or a book cover, that’s their business, not the accuser’s. If you're judging an author's work based solely on the images or videos, they use to promote their books, it's best to just scroll past. If it triggers you, to a point of insanity, simply move on; it's really that easy. You don't have to purchase their book, especially when there are others that are buying their books. While it's true that AI has disrupted the industry and many innocent authors are caught in the crossfire, indie authors should toughen up and recognize that negativity often stems from jealousy among critics. The woman who accused 67 authors in her video, has taken it down now from YouTube, probably because of all the rage it invoked but maybe that’s what she wanted. Figures, right. A person like her is far from professional and instead of being supportive and actually giving the benefit of the doubt, she chose to be a--well you know what I mean.

Q & A

YouTube

Threads

Ko-Fi

 

There's Nothing Wrong with Adding Images

 

Writers/Authors can add images into their works. Why not? However, I recommend including descriptions of the scene and the characters' appearances to ensure they align with the images. This helps create a cohesive experience for the reader. 

If some readers are triggered by images in books—that's their problem. Personally, I have no issue with authors using images in their works. For instance, Clive Barker included images in "The Thief of Always," and Harry Harrison did the same in "West of Eden." Personally, I believe that images can enhance storytelling, and I plan to continue using them in my own books.

In addition, if you’re triggered by an author using some images in their books, then move on. It’s that simple.

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The Concept of the Backrooms

Here We Go, Once Again...

 

To my fellow indie/self-published authors: It doesn't matter if you're utilizing certain features available on WordDocX via WordDoc 365, you’re still considered an author. I'm frustrated with people criticizing authors who employ specific writing tools to enhance the quality of their writing. Remember, you understand your audience; you know your audience, those who purchase, download, or listen to your books, let them judge. You are an author, whether you are self-published or not!

My Experience: Twenty-three years ago, self-published authors faced significant criticism on social media, a landscape I was not part of at the time since I didn’t have a Facebook account, I only had MySpace. I shared a link to my book, Chandra’s Quest, on forums and MySpace. I was unfamiliar with eBooks, my book was only available on eBay as a paperback. Despite my efforts, sales were minimal, and I was met with harsh comments on forums from users who had never even read my book but only despised my presence simply because I chose the self-publishing route and was sharing my book

Chandra’s Quest, my first novel, was originally written in the first person but was later revised to a third-person narrative in the 2010s. My encounters with online trolls, who seem to thrive on targeting Indie/self-published authors, have shown me that their tactics remain unchanged; they now use AI as an excuse to accuse writers of using it because their books may not be as bad as they first assumed. 

I have read numerous indie books, I can confidently say that many are well-written, and I don’t perceive any AI influence in them, as I focus on the content rather than the medium. I typically prefer purchasing paperback editions, I’m not looking for AI, only Karens do. 

Look, regardless of whether a writer is using some form of editing tool for their work, people shouldn’t be quick to judge. Personally, it’s taken me two years to write out my book and I am currently editing it but as I do, I am releasing it in parts on GooglePlay until I can merge all parts together into one full length novel. If you are following me on Facebook and other social media websites, I’m sure you know which one I'm referring to. I PREFER to write out my books before editing them thoroughly. Sorry if you thought otherwise.

Here's a thought: When it comes to AI, it's pretty straightforward- you just need to provide a brief prompt, and the AI takes care of the rest. I've come across one or two AI-generated books, and honestly, they weren't impressive. As I've mentioned before, I'm not interested in AI for storytelling; the two I read felt like they were written by someone who didn't put in much effort into them. That's not my style—I prefer to write my stories and refine them using the editing tools available in Word.

The way I see it is, if you're paying for Office365, you might as well take advantage of those features. In the end, people will always have their opinions, and there will be critics and trolls out there, often just reflecting their own ugliness. Ugly is, as Ugly does.

Below are sceenshots that I took of another user's rant on Wattpad reddit about AI & how it has tainted people's view on indie authors works. Not everything is AI & not all authors, especially indie authors use AI. If you're on a crusade in calling out people who use AI for certain creative endeavors, then you have issues. You're not perfect and before pointing the finger at someone else, look in the mirror.

My Website

Unpopular Opinion

Writers Who Use AI to Produce Multiple Books in A Month

 

 I’ve seen comments posted by anonymous people about writers using AI to churn out multiple books in a month, suggesting that they rely on AI because they didn’t spend a year crafting their stories. 

Is it a misconception to think that? I can't definitively say yes or no, but I've been working on a Time Traveler's Companion since late 2023, and it’s taken me this long to nearly finish the novel. So, am I using AI? If I were, I would have wrapped it up in no time and moved on to my other writing projects. Just saying.

People have mixed feelings about AI these days, and everyone has their own take on it. Personally, I’m indifferent. Whether to use it or not is a choice for each writer, and honestly, some stories I've come across on Wattpad that might have involved AI are indistinguishable from others to me.

 The ones I’ve read are pretty good, however that’s just my opinion and I’m not looking for AI in other writers’ literary works. I’m not the AI police. A little joke there. Feel free to share your thoughts, but please keep it respectful, as I do review comments before posting.

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My other Pen Name

CG Heandez

Here We Go Again

What Can Be Copyrighted

 

I don’t know how many times I must say this, you can copyright almost anything CREATIVE. But keep in mind that copyright doesn't cover ideas, facts, or methods. It only protects how those ideas or facts are EXPRESSED. For instance, you can't copyright the idea of a 'dinosaur,' but you can copyright a drawing or a story you created about one. If an author uses an AI editor to help polish their writing, their books are still eligible for copyright because it's their original story, even if AI played a small role in editing. For those who know, Word-Doc has Co-Pilot a built in AI editor for writers, which might surprise some, but it's true. It comes with a subscription of 365 Word.

I have my own thoughts on AI and copyright. Honestly, I’m not too concerned about what other writers choose to do. You can absolutely copyright your work, even if AI played a small role in the editing process. Ultimately, the story is still the writer's creation. I'm currently working on a Time Traveler’s Companion, and I use Co-Pilot for some of the editing, but since it’s primarily my own writing, it’s taking me a while to finish the novel. I started the book in 2023. Yes, you can copyright almost anything creative. However, names are not copyrighted, you cannot copyright your own name unless it's a very unique name. Please do comment if you wish but keep it civil, I look over comments before approval.

My Website

Other Pen name

CG Heandez Website

My Goal for This Year 2025

 

I'm planning to make a change to the Chandra’s Quest trilogy. In the next few months, I'm going to combine all four books into one big volume and re-publish it as a complete novel. This signifies yet another transformation in the trilogy, but this time it’s permanent. Although Book 4 has received just one rating and review, Chandra’s Quest (the first book) has garnered more feedback.

I'm aiming to wrap up and release, A Time Traveler’s Companion this year. It's going to be a pretty long read. I'll be putting it out in parts on Google Play, but for Amazon and Apple Books, it'll be available as a complete novel.

Last but not least, I'm planning to wrap up A Path Less Taken: The Phoenix Files vol. 2 this year. So I am going to be pretty busy this year regarding my literary works.

 

Cecile Garcia's Website

CG Heandez

Hardcover Books