If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor thinking it was mocking you, or whispered to your coffee mug, “I have no idea what I’m doing,” then friend, allow me to introduce you to your new creative sidekick: Artificial Intelligence.

​Yes, AI. The same tech that powers self-driving cars, recommends videos of baby goats in pajamas, and reminds your smart fridge you’re out of oat milk can also help you write. But not in a soul-sucking, robot-ghostwriting-your-novel kind of way. Think of AI not as a replacement for your creativity, but as an espresso shot for your writing brain.

Here’s how AI can become your literary co-pilot—and maybe even your secret weapon.

1. Brainstorming Buddy
Writing ideas don’t always arrive when you want them. Sometimes they sneak up in the shower or go on vacation just when you sit down to write. AI, however, doesn’t take weekends off. Ask an AI to help you brainstorm and—voila!—you’ve got a flurry of ideas, character names, plot twists, or blog titles in seconds.

Want a story set on Mars with a talking dog and a twist ending? Ask AI to give you five versions. Trying to name a lifestyle blog that sounds cool but not cringey? AI’s got a list. Stuck trying to write a wedding speech that’s heartfelt but not cheesy? It’ll draft a toast that might make the groom cry (in a good way).

2. Outlining Assistant
Some writers thrive in chaos. Others need structure like oxygen. If you fall into the second category—or you’re just trying to organize your thoughts—AI can help build an outline that turns your spaghetti-brain scribbles into a five-star buffet of organized brilliance.

Need a persuasive essay? AI can sketch out your intro, main points, supporting evidence, and conclusion faster than you can say “thesis statement.” Writing a novel? AI can suggest a chapter-by-chapter breakdown. It’s like having a project manager for your creative process—minus the awkward weekly Zoom check-ins.

3. First-Draft Firestarter
First drafts are the wild west of writing. They’re messy, unpolished, and full of that inner critic whispering, “This is garbage.” AI doesn’t care. It doesn’t judge. It helps you get words on the page—fast.

You can give it a prompt like “write a scene where two rival magicians meet at a diner,” and it’ll give you a starting point. You can feed it a rough paragraph and ask it to expand. You can say, “Write this in the style of Jane Austen meets Quentin Tarantino,” and it’ll give it a try (results may vary, but it’s usually hilarious).

Remember, the goal of a first draft is momentum, not perfection. AI’s great at keeping you moving.

4. Editing Sidekick (Who’s Not Afraid to Be Honest)
Editing your own work is like trying to tickle yourself—it doesn’t really work. You’re too close to the material. AI, on the other hand, is the objective editor you didn’t know you needed. It doesn’t flinch at pointing out passive voice, repetitive phrases, clunky sentences, or that time you accidentally wrote “their” instead of “they’re.”

Ask AI to suggest tighter wording. Have it rewrite a paragraph in a more conversational tone. You can even feed it your whole article and say, “Make this sound like Brené Brown on a caffeine high,” and it’ll try to oblige.

Bonus: it doesn’t charge by the hour or eat the last donut in the writers’ room.

5. Grammar Guardian and Style Sage
Sure, grammar checkers have been around for a while, but AI takes things up a notch. Not only can it correct grammar and punctuation, it can adapt to different writing styles: business casual, academic, poetic, humorous, sassy—you name it.

Want your writing to sound more like Hemingway? AI can channel those short, punchy sentences. Prefer the whimsical metaphors of Neil Gaiman? It’ll give it a shot. Need your cover letter to sound confident without crossing into arrogance? AI threads that needle with style.

6. Research Assistant That Doesn’t Get Distracted
We all know how it goes: you search for a quick fact, and two hours later, you’re reading about wombat square poop and wondering where your day went. AI can help you gather background info fast—definitions, summaries, historical context, quotes, and more—without the detour into the weird corners of the internet.

You can ask things like, “Summarize the plot of Pride and Prejudice,” or “Give me five bullet points about climate change,” or “What’s the difference between affect and effect?” Boom. Done. No need to fall into a Google-shaped rabbit hole.

7. Creative Coach & Cheerleader
AI isn’t just about words—it’s also great for motivation. Need a daily writing prompt? AI can serve up a fresh idea every morning like a literary barista. Want to gamify your writing habit? Use AI to help track your word count, set goals, and celebrate milestones.

You can even vent to AI when you're stuck. Say, “I don’t know what to write next,” and it might ask questions, suggest directions, or just throw out an unexpected idea that rekindles your spark. Sometimes, all you need is a nudge.

The Secret Sauce: You + AI = Magic
Now, let’s be clear: AI is not a replacement for your voice, your vision, or your hard-won wisdom. It doesn’t have your life experience, your unique rhythm, or your heartbreakingly beautiful way of describing a summer sunset.
What it does have is speed, stamina, and an unshakable ability to show up when you’re tired, blocked, or doubting your brilliance. It’s not the artist—it’s the brush. You are still the writer. AI just makes your job easier, faster, and sometimes more fun.

So, the next time you’re facing the dreaded blank page, don’t panic. Fire up your favorite AI tool, pour another cup of coffee, and get ready to write like never before.

Because every great writer deserves a great sidekick.

Even if it runs on algorithms.

We worked with Olivia and Garnet on this heartfelt book, 17 Runs. This is the trailer for the book that Independent Book Review called, "raw...dialogue that invites you to reflect on your own personal journey," and BookLife Review said was a "guide inviting you to living life well, inspired by a touching friendship." 

Available everywhere books are sold around the world. 

​

On August 1, Faith Walker (otherwise known as Jill L. Ferguson and Eric Ferguson) released Whiskey Dog Mystery Series book #2, Poodles and Poison. As the back of the book copy says: "Discover the gripping mystery that unfolds during August in the heartwarming town of Cottageville, where canine stylist Sarah Carter and her loyal Australian cattle dog, Whiskey, stumble upon a series of puzzling events. It all begins innocently enough with a somber backyard farewell for Oodle the poodle. Soon after, Sarah finds herself thrust into a tangled web of intrigue when she saves a stranger's life in a local café, only to discover he has left town to avoid talking to the police. As questions swirl and suspicions grow, Sarah's keen instincts lead her deeper into learning more about that mysterious man. When Sarah and Whiskey join Gladys Rossmiller to choose a new poodle from a local rescue, they unwittingly stumble upon a scene of peril. The owners lie unconscious, their fates uncertain. As Sarah digs deeper into the circumstances surrounding the rescuers' sudden illness, she uncovers something sinister that threatens their serene community. In Poodles and Poison, Faith Walker weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, where loyalty, love, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions overcome evil that invades their town. Prepare to be swept into this cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end."

Unlike many cozy mysteries, this book has not just the usual one but two mysteries to be solved by Sarah and the gang and readers. 

This book is available at book sellers everywhere (including Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Poodles-Poison-Whiskey-Dog-Mystery/dp/1737973359/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=G1ZZJ&content-id=amzn1.sym.2ada0ca8-c08f-4dd3-bf6e-06e1e651bb29%3Aamzn1.symc.ebdd2303-2907-45b9-b343-3896226c508a&pf_rd_p=2ada0ca8-c08f-4dd3-bf6e-06e1e651bb29&pf_rd_r=50CQ9MDKX1NHAJG9PEKC&pd_rd_wg=EgXWo&pd_rd_r=6aeca8f7-2bf6-4d97-830d-57335736735f&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d) 

We had the honor of working with Steven A. Hitz on his book Igniting the Holy Flame, which Chris Folmsbee called "a thoughtful, candid, stirring, and hopeful book with the highest of aspirations: to help spiritual but not religious people consider what really matters, discovering oneself in the center of God's  love, and building authentic community." 

As the back of the book explains, "The role of organized religion in our society is undergoing monumental changes. Church attendance is decreasing at unprecedented rates. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious.” Clearly, the need for religion remains as strong as ever, yet more and more, people are seeking spirituality elsewhere. Why? What accounts for these trends? Can organized religion still play a valuable role in today’s world? Affirming that organized religion does indeed have the potential to be a uniquely powerful force for good, Igniting the Holy Flame argues that organized religions too often fall into a trap of their own making, inadvertently fixating on a punitive rule-keeping culture that alienates believers and encourages conformity over an honest pursuit of spirituality. The antidote is “authentic fellowship”—pursuing deep and meaningful connections with oneself, others, and the divine. Ultimately, this book argues that organized religion can bless lives and build a better world for all of us when religions focus on helping individuals understand their truest inner selves, learn to follow the gentle guidance of the spirit, and pursue a life driven by authenticity rather than blind obedience."

​Hitz hopes the book assists many people navigate a course of spirituality, religion, and faith. The book is available at Amazon and you can order it by clicking www.amazon.com/Igniting-Holy-Flame-Communities-Religious/dp/B0DFX95BCT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3MR99YLZWYAS1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.REh2SLWpzZOpLUAHyYczJtzbZVAqiAnLwMnZVyEJYurPpFoLE6pvU2AN-IbNxK4-7w_znqxjw2-hF9wsQa4GYUUet7Az67d9MCEJDpouQFSAYQrQs3zucXTdQq4mliFktglSoNOomCMpjNgiH4mJCPf8cTKnikz6Jt7aYy_EO81lGR-X8YBRYOAQYZqkBihq.wQhBDdJzuuxFfc20JE4FSXNPsPN4vSyLDYTi9xht6dE&dib_tag=se&keywords=steven+hitz&qid=1725473701&sprefix=%2Caps%2C240&sr=8-1

Writing under the pseudonym Faith Walker, and co-authoring this new series with her brother, Jill L. Ferguson, founder of Creating the Freelance Career, has published Paws and Puzzles: Whiskey Dog Mystery #1. The series features dog groomer and owner of Carter's  Canine Coiffure Sarah Carter and her red heeler Australian cattle dog Whiskey, who live in Cottageville, U.S.A. In Paws and Puzzles, Sarah and Whiskey discover that their elderly neighbor Mrs. Jenkins has disappeared and that some people in their town are not who they seem. 

Sarah and her assistant Emily Colt, and the rest of the town, along with the police, piece together clues to determine what happened to Mrs. Janice Jenkins and why in this adorable cozy mystery.

Retired librarian Susan Shaver gave Paws and Puzzles five stars on Reedsy Discovery, writing, "This light, easy read captures the ins and outs of small-town living, the friendliness, the nosiness, and the concern for neighbors and residents experienced in a small, close-knit community. The characters, the relationships, the delicious food, the menagerie of pups, and the mystery of Mrs. Jenkins' absence intertwine at just the right pace to create a fun, entertaining, and enjoyable story."  

Check out Paws and Puzzles: Whiskey Dog Mystery #1 wherever you buy books. And stay tuned for the next book in the series Poodles and Poison, coming out later this year. 

​

Terrestrial Architecture by Jack Oliva-Rendler has released this week in hardback, paperback, and e-book formats. And praise for the book has been flowing like Niagara Falls. Here is a sample of the comments, from people working and teaching within the architecture profession:

"Like a renaissance man, Jack Oliva-Rendler sets out to create an interdisciplinary unifying holistic theory, a possible future or opportunity for designing the planet. The book presents a new paradigm where infrastructure, formal geometries as dynamic formulations of space, data, and ecosystems are intertwined to design the planet in a harmonic way." —Benjamin Pollack

"Terrestrial Architecture is a brilliant journey through speculative infrastructures that harmonize ecological and human systems in visually striking and always unexpected ways. This book opens whole new terrains of algorithmic design for sustainability grounded in complex geospatial and metabolic contexts." —Dr. Stuart Cowan

"With beautiful prose and images, Jack Oliva-Rendler restores a spiritual dimension to architecture that has long been absent from most intellectual field. After reading this book, you will feel more connected to the earth, and to the human projects that both enhance and endanger it." —Graham Harman

Terrestrial Architecture is available everywhere books are sold, such as Amazon. 

Better Than I Should Be: Overcoming Sexual and Domestic Abuse Through Forgiveness and Personal Healing by Christina Warren Ivey is releasing on December 20 and we are ecstatic. We have worked with Tina on her book over the last few years and are grateful to see this book being birthed into the world by Trilogy Christian Publishing. 

Tina bravely shares her experiences and explains how she was able to forgive her father, who repeatedly raped her, and her mother who turned a blind eye and felt victimized when Tina told the truth as a young girl. 

As it says on the Amazon book description: 
"Some people will spend years, decades, a lifetime even, trying to seek peace and fulfillment and never achieve it. That is the sad reality of a fallen world. 
Most recently, the subject of child sexual abuse, more notably child sex trafficking, has come to light publicly in a big way. But what about those children who have not been taken and sold into sex slavery; children who suffer sexual abuse from someone they know? When it comes to domestic child sexual abuse, the topic is seen more as a taboo. Can one overcome the shame and forgive their abuser? Does true healing exist? Better Than I Should Be expresses how: 
• Childhood sexual abuse affects the psyche and relationships 
• Personal healing doesn't happen overnight; it is a journey 
• Forgiving your abuser is not easy, but is possible." 

Ultimately, Better Than I Should Be is a story of hope and redemption. 

Available for pre-order at bookstores everywhere, with a December 20 publication date. 

Article written by Leah Bailey

​Working as a freelancer is one way to earn extra cash. Have you ever dreamt of having extra income to save for an exciting trip, replace a dodgy old appliance, or to simply enjoy some pocket money and treat yourself? If your answer is a resounding yes, you’ve arrived at the perfect article. In this short five minute read, we will quickly andefficiently explain six of the most effective methods for you to start making money as a freelancer. These remote jobs come without the burden of any boss or time constraints, and you may even find yourself having fun on your journey to financial freedom.

1. Taking Commissions or Payments Online (As Any Kind of Artist or Creative) 
If you have any type of creative skill, this first freelancer job recommendation is for you. There are plenty of waysto get yourself out there and start advertising, but one place to begin is Fiverr if you are completely new to selling your work. It is completely free to start on fiverr, and the website only takes a 20% fee of your earnings, leavingyou with 80% of all transactions. Fiverr is home to thousands of hobbyists and professionals alike, and it isn’t just for the illustrative types; there are tons of more niche sections on the website, such as music and audio, data handling, programming, translation assistance, and more. Similar platforms include Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal, Jooble, Guru, and more.

2. Dropshipping 
One of the most popular ways to start making money as a freelancer is with dropshipping. You may have heard the term thrown around online before but may not be exactly sure what it is. While exact definitions may vary, insimple terms, dropshipping is a business model in which the person or company does not actually handle any of the products that they sell; instead, the product goes straight from the producer to the consumer. While the dropshipper is still responsible for the stock they choose to work with, they never physically have to handle it, which makes dropshipping a great choice for those without extra room in their house or for those who do not want to deal with any physical labor. For the dropshipping approach, we recommend Shopify, where you can both learn more about the process and start your own website with the help of its user-friendly setup. Currently, Shopify is offering a beginner trial period for $1 a month on select plans. Another valuable resource where you can learn about dropshipping is ZenDrop.
 
 3. Blogging
As long as the internet has been around, blogging has been one of the most interesting and sought after parts of it for entertainment and information alike. One of the best things about starting a freelancer blog is that it can truly be about anything your heart desires, from cooking to animals to hardware. We guarantee that no matter what your blog is centered around, there will be an audience with whom to build a community. Wix is an excellenttool to try your hand at starting a blog, and it is completely free to sign up and build a custom site. Moreover,there is a 14-day free trial for any premium plan that you may wish to try out, and after that, prices stay reasonable but vary on the subscription you select. If you have been wanting to write about something for whichyou feel a lot of passion and to contribute your voice on the subject matter, Wix is a perfect first step.
 
 4. Streaming
A misconception exists that streaming is just for those who play videogames, but there are over one-hundred categories on Twitch to try, including sections such as “Just Chatting”, “Food & Drink”, and “Fitness & Health”.There are many ways to make money as a freelancer on Twitch, but your main two streams of income will be AdSense (When individuals watching you are shown advertisements, Twitch gives you a small payout.) andsubscribers / donations from your viewers. You don’t need a special skill to stream, but you will need amicrophone and possibly a webcam. Thankfully, these expenses are one-time purchases and Twitch does not require any type of payment to stream on their website. If you think that you are an entertaining person who is able to interact with an audience, streaming may be for you.
 
 5. Becoming a Virtual Assistant
This approach is a bit different from the others listed previously, but it is still lucrative and scalable depending on exactly what you want and how much time you have. Millions of virtual assistants right now work both part-time and full-time, and the market is growing every year as more things become internet-focused and remote. That said, it is a fairly competitive occupation for freelancers, so we recommend Flexjobs to have the best chance of snagging a great new opportunity to work from home. FlexJobs specializes in hunting down real remote jobs (No scams like you may see on other employment search sites!) and starts at just $2.95 for a 14-day trial, which gives you temporary access to every perk that regular subscribers have access to, including a personalized portfolio and expert job search tips. Anyone can become a virtual assistant with a great resume and application, and FlexJobs can aid with that.
 
 6. Tutoring
 Online tutoring, teaching, and general assisting with subjects is becoming the go-to way for parents and students alike to get help with assignments or writing papers, and it is incredibly easy for freelancers to take up. Many websites offer these types of jobs, and you may even consider marketing yourself by creating your own tutoringbusiness with the aforementioned Wix website tool, but Superprof is one of the leading companies in the virtual industry and has millions of tutors. You may earn up to eighty dollars an hour on the high scale of things and twenty on the lower, but either way it is an amazing opportunity to start a new career and make some extra cash. Superprof allows you to register for free and the site will start allocating students as early as the same week.
 
With the help of at least one of these six freelancer ideas within our article, you will almost certainly be able to start making some extra income for yourself. The best part about these remote opportunities lies in the prospectof freedom—financially, mentally, and emotionally. As a freelancer, you will be able to explore countless business avenues and discover what truly works best for you. The most difficult part of buckling down and starting research is a hurdle you’ve already jumped, so start your freelancer path today and unlock a life you never thought was possible!