My Writerly Self - Week 1: 2025 - Notebook LM
Welcome to 2025!
Hi, I’m Karen Eastland, a Tasmanian author, songwriter, and mixed media artist. This year marks a new chapter in my creative journey, and I wanted to share my thoughts, processes, and plans with you as we step into the future together. Let’s dive into how I’m blending human creativity with technology, the music I’ve been creating, and the stories that are shaping up for release in 2025.
Embracing AI: My Creative Allies
AI has become an essential part of my creative process, but I’m very particular about maintaining control. For me, AI tools amplify what I already bring to the table rather than replacing it. Here’s how I’ve been using these tools:
ChatGPT (Sol): Sol is my creative companion. Whether it’s editing manuscripts, brainstorming plotlines, or refining prose, Sol ensures that my ideas remain coherent and impactful.
Google Gems: Gems reviews Sol’s edits to make sure everything aligns with my artistic vision. It’s like having a second editor watching over the work.
Suno V4: This tool has been a game-changer for my music production. In December 2024, I managed to release 25 Aussie Christmas songs and four New Year’s Eve tracks, thanks to Suno V4.
Google Labs Image FX: I’ve had fun creating realistic visuals for my AI band, Wrecked and Ready. The images we produced for “Echoes at Midnight” and “Countdown to Forever” were just what I needed to capture the energy of those songs.
The synergy between these tools and my creative instincts ensures that the work I put out feels authentically mine while being polished and professional.
Music: The Soul of My Creative World
Music has always been a big part of my life, and the songs I’ve created recently reflect a range of emotions and stories:
“Forever’s Paths” is a heartfelt ballad about love and destiny. It’s deeply personal and resonates with my own journey.
“Kiss Me at Midnight” captures the magic of New Year’s Eve in a smooth, jazzy vibe.
“Echoes at Midnight” and “Countdown to Forever” lean into the raw energy of rock and grunge, perfect for marking the transition into a new year.
Each song is a piece of my story—a blend of human emotion and the precision AI brings to production.
Stories: Worlds Within Worlds
2025 is a big year for my literary projects. Here’s what’s coming:
The Adventures of Millie and Sandra: This episodic serial follows twin sisters on a magical journey. With season five, The Eye of Carly’s Hope, the series will conclude. I’m already considering spinoffs focusing on their young adult years.
The Sin-Eater Novels: These stories delve into the mythology of the Dalshaw and Keylass lore. The prequel, Pentag, is set to release mid-year, laying the groundwork for the main novels.
Josephine Marlin Universe: This expansive world explores Josephine’s journey of self-discovery and her role in bridging the human and magical realms. Novels like Fields of Elysian and Origins: Josephine Marlin dive deeper into this universe.
The Alternatives: A companion series highlighting the soldiers who unknowingly support Josephine’s destiny. These stories are intricately tied to the Josephine Marlin universe but offer fresh perspectives.
My worlds often intersect, with characters and storylines weaving in and out. However, each series has its own voice and focus, creating a rich tapestry for readers to explore.
Looking Ahead
This year, I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative territories. Whether it’s through music, storytelling, or visual art, my goal is to share pieces of myself with the world while embracing the possibilities that technology offers.
Thanks for being part of my journey! Stay tuned for more updates and releases.