There are so many AI tools out there these days. I would honestly be nervous if I was a fresh writer starting out… ChatGPT is just scratching the surface (have y’all tried Perplexity yet?). When I tell people I have to write another book, they smirk and say ‘just use AI, who will know?’

I’ll know. I’m also a weirdo who loves writing, it’s not a chore for me. Even so, while I see the whole ‘man vs machine’ argument for people’s fears around AI, I actually love it. I’m a total techno-optimist.

Plus, if you’ve ever had ChatGPT write a Valentine’s Day card or prompt it to tell you a joke, you’ll know us humans will always have an edge.

That said, I’m also a clear fan of balance - I block my own access to social media many a weekend and I staunchly sit and read big fat books in front of my kids, hoping that they might get off their damn iPads and join me. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’ll keep you posted.

What about you? Are you pro-all things tech or do you wish you could hurl your phone into the sea? Somewhere in between?

Read: Books to Take You to The Future

Here are three books all about AI, our phone addictions and more. Suggested by AI.

The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future

We don’t have crystal balls, but we do have educated projections about what kind of tech might become available in the next 5, 10, 30 years and beyond. If you’re worried about AI taking over the world, this is a good read to give grounded context.

How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price

Our phones are designed to be addictive and we’ve all been caught in the cycle of staring at screens first thing in the morning or last thing at night. This is a tongue-in-cheek framework for how to create a healthier relationship with screens.

The Age of AI by Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt & Daniel Huttenlocher

Pearls of wisdom from industry heavyweights on how AI will influence everything from our personal relationships to economies and security.

Bonus: Artificial Intelligence Activity Book for Kids

If the future belongs to the kids, better get them started on the concept early!

Write: Prompts

Working with AI is all about good prompts - think of it like a brief you would give an agency or colleague working with you on a project.

When it comes to creative writing, I’ve found AI tools to be fantastic at offering prompts to get those juices flowing.

If you suffer from writer’s block or simply want a quick ‘warm up’ exercise (before tackling a key chapter in a novel, an Instagram caption that won’t write itself, or an email to a passive-aggressive boss…), ask your friendly AI Writing Buddy to offer you a creative writing prompt. Here’s what Perplexity gave me:

Inspire: Dubai - City of the Future (& Beaches)

At a work offsite a while ago in Europe, I chatted to an industry colleague who asked me where I had flown in from - he then proceeded to bash all things Dubai. 🧐

He made me extremely uncomfortable in front of my colleagues and put me in a position where I had to defend the city and my own choices. I understand that you can vibe with one city and dislike another, but this guy’s comments were downright inaccurate - and racist. Has this happened to you? And what did you do?

I’ve had the privilege of living in some incredible places including New York, California, Athens, Tunisia, Paris, Barcelona, Florence and London - and traveled to countless others - but I’m convinced Dubai is the best city in the world. I have lived here for 20 years and enjoyed peace, stability and beautiful beaches. It’s a futuristic town that still manages to feel grounded. For me, personally, it’s a place where dreams manifest. I feel grateful every day.

I actually started a travel podcast about the A to Z of all things Dubai - of course, the letter B was all about beaches! Check it out and let me know what you think:

Browse: These Links

If the US presidential election and senselessness in Gaza are making you lose faith in the world, here are random things from the Internet to read:

• New York City turns 400 years old!

• Taylor Swift and George Clooney sway voter opinion in presidential elections (it all feels like a bad reality show anyway)

• Richard Gere says he had no chemistry with Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (everything in life is a lieeee)

• A list of Booktok hits that will be adapted to the silver screen

• A glam stay in a 70s design hotel in the Italian Alps

Countdown to My Novel’s Publication Day:

Thanks for reading! See you next week!

With kindness,

Sara