AI -AI- Aye -Yaye -Yaye!

If you know anything about me at all, you know I dislike computers in general and technology as a whole. I am not tech-savvy and find it difficult (to say the least) to learn the algorithms that change every five minutes. Have you noticed? 😜

I am here to tell you that I will not EVER use AI for my writing. My stories are based on a thought or event that strikes me as publish-worthy for children. Each of my books thus far is based on personal experience. Next, I outline some of the ideas and elaborate on the storyline.

Here's where I employ a program that can give me an age and grade level. The latter dictates the "word count" and verbiage, i.e.-how many letters in a word, how many words in a sentence, and how many sentences in a paragraph. I may need to simplify or step up the language. That means going back to do rewrites. It's a process "traditional writers" appreciate. If some don't, enter AI. You can learn the full backstory on each of my books from the podcast I was on.

I must admit, the wonderful marketing person I use employs AI from that perspective, the perspective of using AI as an assistant and researcher. Given the 100s of thousands of children's books that come out each year, it's a great way to find the target audience and/or buyers and display your published works most effectively. Results = buyers.

In this digital world, I stand by my conviction that a face-to-face discussion with parents, grandparents, teachers, and school social workers is my favorite way to promote my books. It does limit me to local events. So here's where you come in!

Can you answer a few questions to help me look into the crystal ball 🔮 before I move forward with my fourth book, yet to be published?

The only identifier I ask is where you are located. If you are in South Carolina, a city can help me plan. If you're in another state or country, please indicate which one. Then, please answer a few simple questions on this form. Below are the questions so you'll know what I'm asking. At the end of the blog is a button to do the survey for me.

• Where do you live?

• Do you have a favorite place to buy children's books?

• If on-line, which place(s) do you buy from?

• What age group(s) do you buy for:

  • Birth - pre-school age 4?

  • Easy-reader ages 4 - 8?

  • Elementary school ages up to 10 years old?

  • "Tweens" / middle school ages 9 to 15?

• Are you a parent buying for your own child(ren)?

• Are you a relative: Grandparent? Other?

• Do you work with children as:

  • Teacher?

  • Social Worker?

  • School Librarian?

  • Other?

• Do you believe children should have:

  • a book in hand?

  • read on a tablet / Kindle?

  • listen to audiobooks?

  • any option available that gets them to read?

Your input is greatly appreciated! The results will be published in a future Blog.

Start a reading list for summer reading with/for the kids! I'd love if you add my books to the list.

Sincerely!

Halina Schafer, Author

Take the Survey. Thank you!

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