Often, writing is thought of as a solitary act. While technically it is physically solitary, we bring our experiences, dreams, and imagination from our lifetime.

In my novels I name “people” names that I either like or that represent a person who is dear to me. That doesn’t mean that they are the character, I only borrow their name.

It is possible to write a story that isn’t a personal experience? Kathryn Barnett does that expertly in her book, Trust Me On This One, Emily. Kathryn has no firsthand experience with thalidomide, but with research she is able to immerse herself in that experience, and then bring it to the reader in her beautiful tale of human spirit overcoming obstacles.

That is the beauty of fiction. If we can dream it, we can write it. Of course, knowing the basics of writing well, makes a difference in the end result.

What about AI? Will AI write fiction? AI will, at some point, and in some sense of writing, create a novel. The real question is can AI, ARTIFICIAL Intelligence, write with the passion of the human experience? I don’t think so, at least not in my lifetime, if ever.

The point is, if you are inspired to write, do so. Learn whatever you need to learn to write well. Write passionately, artfully. My grandmother used to tell us, “Tell me a story.”