By: Shannon Bussnick, LSW
There was a time when writing came effortlessly to me. It flowed through my thoughts, even with grammatical hiccups and sentence structure issues scattered throughout. But in recent years, something has changed. Whether it’s the daily stressors, a lack of mental stimulation, inconsistent access to education, or even my medications—I’ve lost that natural rhythm. It frustrates me. I feel confused, unsure how to approach the next idea that sparks in my mind because I can’t seem to express it with the potential I know it has.
I don’t know if I can regain that ease, or if this is my new normal. One thing I do know: rushing through it isn’t the answer. This leaves me with a dilemma—should I take my time on a piece, risking fewer impressions? Or do I lean on large language models to help me organize my scattered thoughts, hoping to boost my analytics?
I know the “right” answer is to slow down and trust the process. But I can’t deny how much the world is changing. Technology is evolving, whether through task-completing robotics or the ease of large language models at our fingertips. Things are different. But what else changes? Do our values and perceptions shift too?
All I know is this: I need to reconnect with where I once was and trust that somehow, I can get back there. Maybe that’s the answer—allow myself the freedom to explore my mind again, letting go of what no longer has purpose or contributes to the life I envision leading, all while leaning into large language models if I’m stuck and could use an extra set of hands to help me out of the mud.
Right now, I think the important thing is transparency—or at least that’s what I’m finding. We must be honest about the means of our creative production. Yes, creativity exists whether or not a device assists in its expression, but is it at the same grade when there’s no buffer, no enhancement, and no improvement? Maybe the motive behind the creation is what matters. I’m not sure. All I know is that AI brings in a new dimension of creation, of art, that I never imagined would exist in my lifetime. Honestly, I never thought about the potential of technology much in my free time. My mind didn’t dance among all the possibilities of the future, but I’m not sure many of ours did. Here we are though, and there’s no turning back.
While I’m not entirely sure how to use these models most effectively while remaining an ethical creator, I’m grateful to witness it all unfold and to have the open-mindedness to embrace the learning curve.
If you’re also interested in embracing the learning curve that LLMs (large language models) present, here are some tips to stay ahead with your knowledge base while practicing transparency and humility with your audience:
Note: An LLM did help create this list based on the prompts I provided.
Tips for Embracing Technology While Staying True to Yourself
- Be Honest With Your Audience
Let your readers know when you’re using tools like large language models. Transparency fosters trust and shows that you’re adapting without losing your authentic voice. The blend of human creativity and technological assistance can be beautiful, but honesty about that process keeps you grounded. - Use Technology as a Tool, Not a Crutch
While LLMs can help organize ideas and spark creativity, don’t let them replace the core of your writing. Use them to enhance, not overshadow, your thoughts. Your unique perspective is what makes your writing special. - Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Technology is constantly evolving, and staying curious about these advancements will allow you to use them to your advantage. Take the time to understand how these models work and how they can best support your goals, without compromising your originality. - Focus on Ethics
As writers, we have a responsibility to use technology ethically. Avoid becoming overly reliant on AI and remember to maintain your own creative integrity. Balance is key—embrace technology, but stay true to the human element of your craft. - Keep Your Values at the Forefront
Just because technology allows for certain conveniences doesn’t mean your values should change. Whether it’s in your writing process or the topics you cover, staying connected to your core beliefs will help you remain authentic in a digital world.
As technology continues to shift, so will the way we create. The challenge is learning how to navigate these changes while remaining true to ourselves and our audiences. We’re on a path of discovery—both in terms of technology and our personal growth as writers. There’s a beauty in that.
Vienna Lane 
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