As an author, I’ve found that having the right professional support can make a significant difference in the quality and performance of a book. I work closely with an experienced editor who helps refine structure, strengthen narrative flow, and ensure each project reaches a high standard. If anyone here is looking for that level of support, I’d be happy to make an introduction and I can also extend a 10% discount for our community. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested.

I used to think it was global warming. Boy was I wrong. If I’m being brutally honest, I am convinced it’s brain rot. Thinking back to a recent statement that I made about AI, I truly believe that too many folks are starting to depend on the tech for ideation. It’s okay to leverage AI but not use it as a crutch though. That leads to brain rot. And the blight doesn’t end there. It’s all about instant gratification these days and I truly commiserate. I don’t like the state of content and by extension, how we as humans process information. Just look at the blazing success of short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube reels dominating an average person’s “me time.” It’s become a preferred alternative to reading a book or enjoying a stimulating podcast. It’s all fast, wham bam, thank you mam. AI-generated galore, to feed a perpetually attention-starved society. And to think people in the silent generation era enjoyed lengthy “talkies”, where one could savor witty dialogues, like a nice, warm, satisfying mug of hot cocoa. There was no need for AI-generated tricks (slop really) or clinically stylised cinematography. People were more focused and had less fleeting attention spans. Sadly, these days, we’re living in the era of “iced water” content. People just gulp everything down in a hurry to relieve their thirst for amusement, even if for just a while. There’s more quantity churned but the quality leaves much to be desired. Standards are bound to plummet and brain rot becomes an inevitability. My question for you today is: what do you think of the prevalence of brain rot and how do you overcome it in your wellness/writing practices?

I started this Skool because I wanted to leave a genuinely positive impact on the lives of fellow writers. I understand firsthand how hard it is to survive in the writing world. It is a place to improve your mindfulness, pick the minds of fellow creatives, and share the excitement of your latest masterpiece. But I'd be remiss if I ignored the technological elephant in the room. With the rise of AI, we have seen a schism in the ranks—those for AI and those utterly against. Unpopular opinion, but I must admit that I used to be a luddite, standing against the march of machines. But then I realized that one can be so much stronger with AI on their side. I'm not saying replace ideation with AI generation. By no means. You'll still need your creative faculties exercised and in top shape to thrive. No, instead, I believe what AI can do for me, is 1. Speed up the research process by sorting curated information based on my keywords. 2. Aligning research according to the latest developments and practices out there. 3. Bouncing ideas of a quasi-human writing companion that can stimulate one's grey cells. At the very least, it makes the solitary writing process more amusing. With that said, the toughest challenge for me is spotting and eliminating hallucinations. Hallucinations are the mistakes generated by AI, which affect the reliability of their responses. I feel that we're still not ready to trust AI information wholeheartedly, especially when it comes to recent or localized details. You simply got to read between the lines and fact-check every time. Like if I am querying about the unique design features of the recently released Air Jordan 1 Union X Fragment models, I might not get an accurate response. AI might muddle the release dates, shoe materials, and other pieces of information that would jeopardize my credibility as a writer if I incorporated them in my work. So yes, that's a pet peeve of mine as a writer who leverages AI for research. I guess the easiest and most reliable way around it is to perform a manual check on key information. Don't think I'll ever let my guard down even if they declare that AI has a 99% accuracy.

What the fuck do you want me to say? That it's been two years since I've been in academia? I'm so tired of wallowing away, not choosing to be lead astray. Yet still being filed away as trivial. Subliminal. Failing all the trials and tribulations. No. I don't wish to reconcile. If it were a crime I would be without parole. I whine on that CV and attempt to sell my soul with decree. Only to receive a computed passage, encased with subtle glee. Unfortunately, you didn't achieve the score required. You just didn't have the highest falsetto in the choir. And what's more, we won't give you a why. Because we the coveted sourdough, you the overpriced rye. We do recommend you apply again next year though. Don't sigh. We know AI discriminates on applications but it saves us time! A pine tree in the shade, never shining. Other acres freed of strife. Can you call it failed potential if I've never had the chance to be monumental? Maybe I should just settle for retail.

My uncle passed today, on Labor Day no less. Quite the irony (and he would probably agree with a smirk) considering how he was constantly griping about the inefficacies of his workmates. This is a difficult post but I felt that it was necessary nonetheless to honor his memory. And at the same time, revisit the concept of momento mori. He was a jovial chap, always filled with joy. He would make the most flippant remarks but one couldn’t ever hate him. He was like Budai, the laughing Buddha. Christopher Daniel Overee, you were a class act. I love you and you were an amazing uncle who has inspired me to become a better person in your unconventional way. But with his sudden passing, I’m reminded of the philosophical concept of momento mori (remember that you must die). To me, it’s about having genuine gratitude for each moment, and a reminder to live to the fullest even when the immediate present is pure bollocks. How does the old saying shape your perception of life and by extension, your work? Once again, bless your soul uncle, and may your legacy of smiles and sardonic wit serve as a reminder to embrace life with a cheeky smile and open arms.