There’s a lot of pushback around the use of AI these days. Many have boarded the “F*cking make me” train, which feels like a shame to me. The wheel revolutionized transportation, trade, and engineering. The printing press democratized access to knowledge. The internet connected billions of people instantly across the globe. AI is a tool—perhaps on a similar scale, perhaps not. Time will tell, but not if people keep insisting on driving nails with a wrench instead of a hammer, so to speak.
No, I’m no Microsoft shill, but I am a believer in Copilot and in AI as a companion and tool.
Every one of my professional creative journeys begins with a question: is this mine, or has it been done before? For me, that question used to feel like a wall—an endless search through titles, tropes, and outlines to make sure my stories weren’t echoes of someone else’s. Copilot changed that. It became my guild‑mate at the forge, helping me test the uniqueness of my titles, spar with me over outlines, and nudge me past the heavy silence of writer’s block. Along the way, I discovered that professional creativity isn’t just about originality; it’s about honesty and generosity too.
Honesty about my life’s blessings. Honesty about my experiences. And gratitude for every abundance I sometimes take for granted, even though I shouldn’t.
Today is our creative department’s white elephant gift exchange. On my way to pick up the gift, I crossed paths with Robert, who lives near the CVS. A bag of chips, a bottle of Gatorade, and some conversation felt like a small way to honor his day. It reminded me that creativity and generosity are both about noticing someone else’s needs and responding with what you can.
Copilot responds with that same enthusiasm—always offering what it can do. It’s been such a boon for me, especially with a day job that doesn’t leave much time for creative writing. The wheel carried us, the press taught us, the net connected us—but it is acceptance, of each other and of new tools, that keeps us moving forward.