If you feel like technology is moving faster than your brain can catch up, you are not alone. I use tech every day, and I still feel overwhelmed at times. Just when I get comfortable with a program, it updates. Just when I learn a term, five more show up. Algorithms? File formats? Platforms? Sometimes I laugh and say, “There is no limit to what I do not know.”

The truth is that technology will always change. The encouraging news is that we can learn new things, no matter how far behind we feel. We just need to approach it with curiosity and confidence, not fear.

Let me give you my best technology tip: when something feels too advanced or intimidating, ask a young person for help.

I recently taught a KidsU Creative Writing Camp, and I asked the students to show me how they use AI tools like ChatGPT. We had a great time experimenting and learning together. Here is what I learned.

The way you prompt AI matters. You can find hundreds of articles and books on how to improve your prompts. But the best way to learn is to play with it.

ChatGPT is one of the most accessible AI tools available. You can try it here: https://chat.openai.com

For example, I typed, “Write five sentences that include the literary device alliteration.” ChatGPT responded immediately with this:

  • The shimmering sun slowly sank below the serene sea, casting a soothing, silvery sheen across the shore.

  • In the forest, the fragile ferns flourished, forming a lush, green carpet beneath the towering trees.

  • The mischievous monkey made a mess, munching on mangoes and making merry in the middle of the market.

  • The mysterious, moonlit night was filled with murmurs and melodies, as the wind whispered secrets through the willow trees.

  • The brave knight battled the beast with his gleaming sword, their clash echoing through the cavernous castle corridor.

When you are researching a book or brainstorming content, ChatGPT can be a powerful tool. I also asked it, “List three ways a cat can help someone who lives alone,” and it generated this:

  1. Emotional Support
     Cats provide emotional comfort and companionship. Their presence can reduce feelings of loneliness and bring a sense of purpose. Petting and interacting with a cat can release oxytocin, improving mood and lowering stress.

  2. Stress Reduction
     Spending time with a cat can be calming. Petting a cat may lower blood pressure, and a purring cat can offer a soothing, almost therapeutic effect.

  3. Routine and Structure
     Cats create rhythm in daily life. They need to be fed, played with, and cared for, which brings structure and responsibility to the day.

If you feel intimidated by AI or technology in general, you are not alone. But do not give up. If you cannot find a teenager to help you, reach out to me. I have three in my house.

Technology is more complex than this example shows, but it is also simple enough to try. I have used ChatGPT to help me brainstorm menus, write house chore checklists, and even identify plants.

I would also like to thank my client, Charles Hargis, Professor Emeritus of The University of Tennessee, for advancing my knowledge of AI. Watch for his upcoming book, Easy Readers: From Mabel O’Donnell to OpenAI, which is perfect for parents and teachers supporting young readers.

If you want to learn more about how AI works or how it may impact education, Charles also shared this helpful article from the New York Times:
 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/31/technology/ai-chatbots-benefits-dangers.html

Give AI a try. You may be surprised how helpful it can be as you write, plan, and grow your author platform.

If you want help learning how to use these tools in your writing or publishing process, schedule a free call with me today:
 https://calendly.com/jodydyer/free-first-consultation

Jody Dyer
Founder and CEO, Story Mountain Media