My Writerly Self - Week 2: 2025 - Notebook LM
Creative Reflections: A Week of AI-Driven Artistry
This past week has been an exhilarating deep dive into the world of AI-assisted creativity. As I welcome 2025, I find myself reflecting on how far I’ve come—not only as a creator but also as someone who has embraced technology to push the boundaries of storytelling, music, and visual art.
One of my first creative experiments with technology dates back to 2008, with my Grandma Claus channel. I used Crazy Talk Pro and static images to lip-sync stories and poetry for my grandchildren, creating whimsical, heartfelt content. Fast forward to 2017, I took a darker turn with Jerrymanders, an interactive multimedia project for my Master’s degree. This project included beat poetry, a satirical in-universe newspaper (Reachville Community News), and an immersive website. These early ventures taught me how digital tools could elevate storytelling in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Today, I’m working at the intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence. My AI assistant, Sol, has become an invaluable collaborator. This week, Sol and I polished several projects, including music releases like Finally Free by my AI band, Cassidy and The Castoffs. Sol’s ability to assist with editing, refine my writing, and even generate ideas has streamlined my workflow, allowing me to focus on what matters most: the heart of the story or song.
Visual art has also been a key focus this week. Tools like Ideogram and Google’s ImageFX have proven instrumental in creating compelling visuals. For instance, Ideogram simplifies the process of designing music album covers, a task that would’ve once taken me days. Meanwhile, ImageFX experiments have inspired new directions for my projects, blending realism and imagination.
While creativity has been front and centre, my journal this week also explored the quirks of working with AI. For instance, Notebook LM’s presenters make me laugh with their almost human-like banter, especially when they veer off topic. These lighthearted moments remind me that while AI is a tool, it has an uncanny ability to surprise and delight.
Looking forward, I’m preparing two novelettes, Josephine and Jason (Josephine Marlin series) and Pentag (Sin-Eater series), for publication. Additionally, I’m finalising The Adventures of Millie and Sandra, a story about identical twin dragonfly shifter witches, for a six-book release. With AI tools like Suno V4 and Sol supporting me, these projects are progressing faster and more efficiently than I could have imagined.
This week reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of AI. It’s not about replacing human creativity but enhancing it—enabling me to craft stories, songs, and visuals that resonate deeply while maintaining my unique voice. As I continue to explore new tools and techniques, I’m reminded of how much potential lies ahead, not just for me but for every creator willing to embrace the possibilities.
Credits
Platforms and Tools:
- Crazy Talk Pro - Early animation and lip-sync software.
- GIMP - Digital art and design tool.
- ChatGPT’s AI, Sol - Editor and creative collaborator.
- Notebook LM - Podcast scripting and fun banter.
- Ideogram - Album cover creation.
- Google Labs (ImageFX and VideoFX) - Cutting-edge tools for visuals and videos.
- Suno V4 - Music and vocal production.
Projects and Channels:
- Grandma Claus: YouTube Channel
- Jerrymanders: Interactive Website
- Reachville Community News: Community Newspaper
Websites:
Music Tracks:
- Finally Free: Listen Here
- Feel the Fire: Listen Here
- Into the Void: Listen Here
- Creator of Dreams: Listen Here
Inspirations and Shoutouts:
- ABlytheCoach - For their thoughtful engagement with my podcast.
- Notebook LM Presenters - For their amusing “human-like” quirks.