The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Writing with AI in 2024

Jason Hamilton, a seasoned author and expert in the self-publishing industry, presents an insightful guide on leveraging AI for writing. He explains the concept of generative AI, which predicts the next word based on a given prompt, and emphasizes the importance of 'Prompt Engineering' for achieving desired results. Hamilton shares his personal journey with AI in writing, highlighting how it can assist in various stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to drafting. He dispels common misconceptions about AI replacing human creativity and stresses the responsibility of authors in maintaining quality. The video also explores different AI models and writing tools, such as PSE Pseudoite, Novel Crafter, and Rexy, each with their unique advantages. Hamilton concludes by addressing the question of whether one should write an entire book with AI, advocating for a balanced approach where AI serves as a productivity partner to overcome writer's block and enhance the writing experience.

Takeaways

• 📚 AI, in the context of writing, refers to generative AI that auto-predicts the next word based on the prompt given.
• 💡 The process of achieving desired results with AI is known as Prompt Engineering.
• 🎯 The primary goal of using AI in book writing is to facilitate the writing process, not necessarily to write the entire book with AI.
• 🚀 AI is a productivity partner, assisting in certain areas of the writing process, leaving authors with more time for creative tasks.
• 🤖 Contrary to misconceptions, AI does not eliminate the need for human input; authors remain responsible for the quality of their work.
• 🚫 There are no penalties from major tech companies like Amazon or Google for using AI in writing; however, disclosure may be required for works heavily generated by AI.
• 🔍 A model is a specific large language model (LLM), while an AI writing tool utilizes a model and formats it for specific uses.
• 🌐 Different AI models have different strengths; for example, Claude 2.0 is good for creative writing, while GPT 4 models are more accurate.
• 📈 Open-source models are cheaper to run and uncensored, allowing for a wider range of content creation.
• 🛠️ Tools like PSE Sudowrite, Novel Crafter, and Rexy are designed to assist fiction authors in various stages of writing, from outlining to generating prose.
• ✍️ When using AI for writing, start small and expand, using techniques like the snowflake or fractal method to build upon initial ideas.
• 🤔 While AI doesn't necessarily save time, it can help overcome writer's block and make the writing process more accessible.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video guide presented by Jason Hamilton?

The video guide focuses on how to use AI for writing books, covering various aspects of the writing process and providing an overview of the tools and techniques involved in writing with AI.

What is generative AI and how does it relate to writing with AI?

Generative AI is a type of AI that auto-predicts the next word based on the prompt given to it. In the context of writing, it helps in generating text, making it a useful tool for authors to create content more efficiently.

What is meant by 'Prompt Engineering' in the context of AI writing?

Prompt Engineering is the process of carefully crafting the input or 'prompt' given to the AI to achieve the desired output in terms of text generation. It's a key skill for getting the best results from AI writing tools.

Why might an author choose to use AI for writing their first draft?

An author might use AI for writing their first draft because it can help overcome the difficulty of getting initial text down, especially if the author finds the drafting process tedious or struggles with writer's block.

What are the misconceptions about AI writing that Jason Hamilton addresses?

A common misconception is that AI can write a book with just a push of a button, without any human input. Jason clarifies that AI is more of a productivity partner, assisting with certain areas of the writing process, but it does not replace the human author's creativity and oversight.

What are the potential concerns authors might have about using AI for writing, and how does Jason Hamilton address these?

Authors might worry about being banned or penalized by platforms like Amazon for using AI. Jason reassures that major tech companies are pro-AI and that there are no penalties for using AI in writing, as long as the quality of the book is maintained.

What is the difference between a model and an AI writing tool?

A model refers to a specific large language model (LLM) trained on a large dataset, often created by big companies. An AI writing tool, on the other hand, utilizes a model but formats it in a way that is specific to a certain audience or task, such as fiction writing.

Why would an author choose to use an open-source model for their writing?

Authors might choose open-source models because they are cheaper to run and uncensored, allowing for more creative freedom, including the ability to write content that is not safe for work.

What are some of the AI writing tools mentioned by Jason Hamilton that are specific to fiction authors?

Jason mentions PSE Sudorite, Novel Crafter, and Rexy within the Future Fiction Academy as AI writing tools specific to fiction authors, each with different features and pricing structures.

How does Jason Hamilton suggest authors should approach using AI for writing a book?

Jason suggests starting small and working up, using a technique similar to the snowflake method, which involves expanding a small idea into a synopsis, then an outline, chapter beats, and finally full chapters, using AI to assist in parts of this process.

What is the primary benefit of using AI for writing, according to Jason Hamilton?

The primary benefit of using AI for writing, as stated by Jason, is not necessarily time-saving but rather its ability to help overcome mental blocks and make the writing process more accessible and less daunting for authors.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to AI Writing for Authors

Jason Hamilton, a seasoned author and expert in self-publishing, introduces the video guide on using AI for writing. He discusses his background, the evolution of AI in writing, and the concept of generative AI. The video aims to provide a comprehensive overview of using AI for writing books, emphasizing the importance of prompt engineering and the multi-step writing process. Jason clarifies misconceptions about AI replacing human creativity and addresses concerns about the legality and platform restrictions when using AI in writing.

05:01

🤖 Understanding AI Models and Writing Tools

The video explains the difference between AI models and writing tools, highlighting that models like GPT 3.5 and GPT 4 are created by major companies and are used by writing tools to generate text. It discusses the pros and cons of different models, such as speed and creative capabilities, and touches on the importance of selecting the right model for the task. The video also mentions open-source models, which offer cost-effectiveness and fewer content restrictions, making them useful for specific writing needs.

10:01

🚀 AI Writing Tools for Fiction Authors

Jason explores various AI writing tools designed for fiction authors, including PSE Sudoite, Novel Crafter, and the Future Fiction Academy's Rexy. He discusses the advantages and limitations of each tool, such as cost, ease of use, and the level of control they offer over the writing process. The video also emphasizes the importance of using these tools to enhance the writing process rather than relying solely on AI to produce high-quality work.

15:03

🎨 AI Tools for Creative Writing and Beyond

The video touches on the use of AI tools for creating books, including the general process of starting with a small idea and expanding it through various stages of writing. It also mentions the use of AI art tools like Dolly 3 and Midjourney for authors, which can be beneficial in various contexts. The speaker shares his personal experience with AI, noting that while it doesn't necessarily save time, it helps overcome writer's block and mental hurdles, making it easier to start and maintain writing.

20:04

📝 Should You Use AI for Writing Books?

In the concluding section, Jason addresses the question of whether authors should use AI to write their books. He affirms that AI can be a valuable tool but stresses the importance of maintaining high-quality output. He shares his personal experience with AI during a period of burnout, highlighting how AI helped him overcome the challenge of starting to write. The video ends with an invitation to join a membership for more information and community support.

Keywords

💡AI

AI, or artificial intelligence, is the main focus of the video. It refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. In the context of the video, AI is used to assist in the writing process, with the host discussing how AI can predict the next word based on a given prompt, a process known as generative AI.

💡Generative AI

Generative AI is a type of AI that is capable of creating new content, such as text, based on input data. In the video, the host uses generative AI to write parts of a book, emphasizing that it auto-predicts the next word to create a coherent output.

💡Prompt Engineering

Prompt engineering is the process of carefully crafting the input or 'prompt' given to an AI system to elicit the desired output. The host explains that getting the best results from AI involves skillful prompt engineering, particularly in the context of writing books.

💡First Draft

The first draft refers to the initial version of a written work. The host mentions using AI to assist with getting the first draft down, as it can be a challenging part of the writing process for some authors.

💡Productivity Partner

The term 'productivity partner' is used to describe the role of AI in the writing process. The host views AI not as a replacement for human authors, but as an assistant that can help speed up certain tasks, allowing authors to focus on more creative aspects.

💡AI Writing Tools

AI writing tools are software applications that utilize AI models to assist in the writing process. The video discusses various AI writing tools like PSE sudorite, Novel Crafter, and Rexy, which are designed to help authors with different aspects of writing, from generating ideas to crafting full chapters.

💡Language Models

Language models are AI models that are trained on large datasets of written language to predict and generate human-like text. The video mentions several models, including GPT 3.5 and GPT 4, and discusses their different capabilities and suitability for creative writing.

💡Open Router

Open Router is a third-party tool that allows users to access various AI models. The host uses it to demonstrate the ability to switch between different models based on the writing task, which can be beneficial for authors seeking specific outputs.

💡Non-Disclosure

Non-disclosure in the context of the video refers to the requirement by some platforms for authors to disclose if their work was generated using AI. The host clarifies that while some disclosure may be necessary, there are no penalties for using AI in writing books.

💡Quality of the Book

The quality of the book is emphasized as the author's responsibility, regardless of whether AI was used in the writing process. The host stresses the importance of ensuring that the book aligns with the author's vision and meets a high standard of quality.

💡Fractal Technique

The fractal technique, similar to the snowflake technique, is a method for expanding a small idea into a full book. The host describes starting with a simple concept, then developing it through a synopsis, outline, chapter beats, and finally into a complete chapter, which can be aided by AI tools.

Highlights

AI in writing is generative AI, auto-predicting the next word based on the prompt given.

The process of achieving desired AI writing results is known as Prompt Engineering.

AI can assist in various stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to world-building.

AI is a productivity partner, not a replacement for human creativity in writing.

Major tech companies like Google and Amazon are investing in AI and are not banning AI-generated content.

There's no penalty for using AI in writing; however, the author is responsible for the book's quality.

AI models and writing tools are different; models like GPT are used by tools tailored for specific audiences.

Different AI models have pros and cons; for example, Claude 2.0 is preferred for creative writing.

Open-source models are cheaper and uncensored, useful for specific writing needs.

Pseudorite is user-friendly for beginners in AI writing, offering features like one-click chapter generation.

Novel Crafter is a cost-effective tool that connects to Open Router for model access and pay-as-you-go generation.

Rexy by Future Fiction Academy is an advanced, comprehensive tool for serious AI fiction writers.

Using AI can help overcome writer's block and mental hurdles in the writing process.

AI writing tools should be used judiciously, focusing on quality over quantity.

The general process of creating a book with AI involves starting small and expanding, similar to the snowflake technique.

AI can significantly reduce the barrier to entry for writing and assist with creativity.

For non-fiction writing, tools like Claude or Chat GPT might suffice, while fiction may benefit from specialized tools.

AI art tools like Dolly 3 and Midjourney can complement the writing process, especially for visual storytelling.