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Robotics for Writers

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Science fiction writers might feel ready for the AI revolution, but what about the ordinary writers?! How can every writer tap into the power of artificial intelligence to help them in their flow and process?

Robotics for Writers explores 36 ways that you can use large language models, or LLMs, to speed up your research, feedback, and publishing processes as a fiction writer. There are no gimmicks here–you won’t learn how to use a conversational AI product like ChatGPT or Bing Chat to generate fiction. But you will learn how to enhance the ways you research character backstories, unusual situations, high emotional stakes, or even the monikers of mysterious cults, and how to do so by writing prompts that nudge the interface in the right direction.

Learn the basics of prompt engineering and conversational UI, geared towards writers who are looking for a way to make their process faster, easier, and sometimes more interesting.


Artificial intelligence is here, confronting us as humans and as artists.

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard about all of this AI stuff, from ChatGPT to Midjourney and beyond. Depending on who you are, you might love it or you might hate it. But I believe that fear and doubt are diminished when you understand something. With my latest book, Robotics for Writers, I set out to apply my dual expertise in AI interface development and fiction writing to cast a light on how this is a tool — and something to be used with intention.

I’ve been working on conversational interfaces in the tech industry for a decade now, so this new tech is right up my alley. But I approach it with caution and consideration, like I have every breakthrough in tech during my lifetime. And that’s what I do in Robotics, showing readers not only how to use large language model technology in their fiction process, but how to avoid using it if they prefer.

We can’t all be artists.
Art by DALL-E 2.

If this appeals to you, here are a few more reasons why you will probably find lots of value in all 35k words of Robotics for Writers:

🤖 A small dive into large language models!
🌳 Conservation-minded approach to AI!
✍️ Writing tips besides generative tools!
🤝 Cooperative brainstorming!


Don’t take my word for it…

★★★★★
“Robotics for Writers is a superb guide. It’s well-written, fascinating, and can significantly help writers. I liked the emphasis by August Niehaus that LLMs should not be considered a shortcut to good writing or an easy way to write quality work. Instead, they’re a tool like any other tool that writers use.” ~ Joe Wisinksi, Readers’ Favorite reviewer

★★★★★
“The author has a true understanding of LLMs, and her experienced advice is priceless!” ~ Courtnee Hoyle, Goodreads reviewer

★★★★★
“A highly recommended book, not only for fiction writers but also for those whose curiosity is hooked by the allure of artificial intelligence and writing.” ~ Carmen Tenorio, Readers’ Favorite reviewer


Should students use AI tools?

To the teachers who come across this page: I knew this question would come up when I was working on Robotics for Writers. There’s no easy answer to it, as so many principles and beliefs come into play when confronting this issue, but I wanted to share my perspective.

Art by DALL-E 2.

Personally, I think the AI train has left the station, and the best thing that a concerned person can do is educate themselves and engage with the tools and with people who will inevitably use the tools.

If you are a teacher who wants to allow their students to incorporate large language model tools into their writing process, Robotics for Writers offers a perspective and specific activities that encourage human curiosity and creativity while leaning on the strengths of AI to spark their imaginations.

Want a copy of Robotics for your classroom? Contact me via your educator email, and I would be happy to send you one.