Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 291 – AI Tips for Writers

Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson (Kevin Tumlinson, the Wordslinger) dives deep into practical, creative, and sometimes surprising ways writers can use AI tools to supercharge their writing process—without letting AI write the book for you! Whether you’re seeking richer scene descriptions, faster transcription, or a fresh take on editing and cover design, this episode is packed with actionable tips and real-world examples.

Tune in to discover:

How to use AI for research and authentic descriptions when you can’t visit a place

Ways AI can streamline handwritten manuscripts and transcriptions

AI-driven editing to catch typos, plot holes, and logical inconsistencies

Creative strategy for using AI’s predictive power to defy formulaic storytelling

Insights on ethical considerations and how to keep your unique voice at the forefront of your art

🔗 Show Links:

ProWritingAid — Writing, editing, and grammar tool for authors

NotebookLM — Google’s AI for manuscript analysis and creative brainstorming

ChatGPT — AI assistant for research, editing, formatting, and more

MidJourney — AI-powered art generator for book covers

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⏰ Important Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Intro, weather talk, and what’s coming up

[00:01:28] – Why authors are talking about AI (and addressing the controversy)

[00:02:24] – AI tips for writers: research, worldbuilding, and scene-setting

[00:06:48] – Using AI for handwriting transcription and audio dictation

[00:08:43] – AI as your copy editor: grammar, style, and error catching

[00:11:44] – Deep-dive: NotebookLM for manuscript analysis

[00:13:37] – Why you shouldn’t fully trust AI (and how to use it instead)

[00:15:33] – Subverting AI’s predictions to keep your stories fresh

[00:21:07] – Cover design and AI-generated art: ethics and best practices

[00:23:31] – Navigating publishers’ AI policies and platform rules

[00:28:17] – AI and authenticity: writing, art, and originality

[00:32:10] – Wrap-up, call for audience AI tips & feedback

Looking for more writing and publishing strategies?

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Have your own AI tips (or creative hacks) for writers? Share them in the comments and help our community grow together!

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 290Discover more at Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 290

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In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson explores how creativity, storytelling, and human expression can stay ahead in a world where AI is becoming increasingly capable of recognizing and replicating patterns. Drawing on personal experiences and musings about the evolving writing industry, [Speaker A] discusses the need for creators to disrupt patterns, break formulas, and seek authenticity that machines can’t replicate. Whether packing for a big move during a Texas freeze or reflecting on the changing landscape of publishing, it’s a thought-provoking look at the future of storytelling.

Show links:

* Writers’ Inc. Podcast (writersincpodcast.com) – [Speaker A]’s other show, featuring author interviews and discussion

* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) – VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants

Watch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:

Important Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:01] – Introduction, Texas freeze & backdrop reveal

[00:01:08] – Packing, moving stories, and storage adventures

[00:02:27] – Weather, bitter cold & living with unpredictability

[00:03:20] – Writers’ Inc. Podcast mention

[00:04:18] – Why [Speaker A] shifted away from interviews on Wordslinger

[00:05:10] – Fun past podcast formats & spontaneous storytelling

[00:06:33] – How AI impacts creativity and the formulaic nature of writing

[00:10:17] – Pattern recognition as a human survival trait

[00:14:27] – The evolution of publishing & breaking old systems

[00:19:01] – Reinventing storytelling beyond formulas

[00:22:36] – Art movements that disrupted patterns in history

[00:23:38] – Authenticity, emotion, and embracing the soul in creative work

[00:25:07] – Wrap up, weather preps, and call to create with purpose

Looking for more writing and publishing insights? Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! 🔔

Wordslinger Podcast, Episode 289 – “Analog Rebellion”Discover more at WordslingerPodcast.com

🎯 Sponsor Spotlight: Author AnchorWant to focus on your craft and ditch the admin grind? Author Anchor connects you with a skilled author assistant for just $7.50/hr. Delegate marketing, promotions, editing, social media, and more. Book your FREE, no-obligation discovery call at https://authoranchor.com.

In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson takes us deep into the heart of the “Analog Rebellion”—today’s growing movement to reclaim physical media and hands-on experiences in a world dominated by digital subscriptions, licensing, and relentless algorithms. From the resurgence of vinyl records to journaling by hand, Kevin shares personal stories and cultural insights on why tactile experiences and true ownership matter now more than ever.Tune in for a reflection on why so many are ditching the cloud, getting picky with their collections, and escaping the digital jail bars for creative freedom and authenticity.

Show Links:

* The Artisan Author by Johnny B. Truant - Book for artisan-minded authors: https://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Author-Johnny-B-Truant/dp/B09X5ZV56L

* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) - VA service for authors: https://authoranchor.com

* Kevin’s Substack for updates and insights:

Watch (and Subscribe!) on YouTube:

Key Topics & Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Introduction: The “Analog Rebellion”[00:02:09] – Kevin’s lost vinyl collection story[00:05:15] – Renaissance of vinyl, Polaroids, and analog tech[00:06:19] – Digital jail bars: ownership v. licensing[00:07:32] – Resurgence of physical books and media[00:14:05] – Escaping the algorithm: media, ads, privacy[00:17:49] – Analog writing process: pen, paper, and mindset[00:22:01] – Typewriters, smart typewriters, and focused writing tools[00:26:08] – Building a personal media server; ditching streaming[00:28:10] – Subscription fatigue and digital ownership[00:30:20] – Dangers of algorithmic censorship[00:31:42] – Wrap-up: Call to action & listener engagement

✨ If the analog rebellion speaks to you—or you’re just tired of digital gatekeepers—hit subscribe and ring that notification bell for more Wordslinger goodness! Drop your comments below: What does “Analog Rebellion” look like in your life?