AI for Writers

Many writers are showing an interest in speeding up their writing process by using an artificial intelligence text writing application. Even using an AI writer for setting up an outline can be a stress-relieving exercise in addition to saving time.

Yet there are those who adamantly proclaim, “The sky is falling, and it’s the end of the writing profession as we know it.”

We don’t believe those fear-based statements and look forward to supporting authors by any means we can. And that’s all an AI writer is—a tool to support the writing process. Artificial intelligence does a nice job of spitting out clear, grammatically correct English with valid points of interest, based upon what you query. What it cannot do is add your personal message, your unique thoughts or style, or your stories. And that’s what makes your writing different from anyone else’s, and why human authors will never become obsolete.

There are many AI text writers available online, for free. Perhaps in another article, we’ll discuss the most popular options. But today we’ll discuss Canva—a global, multi-national graphic design platform that caters to creatives of all kinds (including writers!) to help them produce professional visual materials, and that now includes AI-supported text and graphics.

One of Canva’s newer applications (unveiled in December 2022) is called Magic Write, the “AI-powered co-author” allowing for 25 free queries if you are using the free subscription service. Subscribers using the Canva Pro (paid)  version have unlimited access.

You won’t automatically see Canva’s Magic Write when you first log in. As of this writing, you must request access since the software is still in its Beta phase. Use this link to request Canva Docs https://www.canva.com/docs/

Canva will state that there’s a waiting list, but I obtained access in less than a day. You may need to wait 24 hours, or simply log out and then log back in. You’ll immediately see the invitation to click the button to Canva Docs, which is where the Magic Write capabilities are located.

And once you’ve used the Doc application, even just to fool around and see what it can do, the next time you log in, you’ll see “Docs” as an option on the upper section of your dashboard.  Like this:

When you first open Docs, you’ll have a blank template like this. See the + that I’ve highlighted:

If you click the plus sign, a window opens with options. Choose Magic Write.

Replace the default suggestion with your own:

Now think of a topic you’d like to write about. I’m going to ask it to write the same article I just published in my blog, written the traditional way (with reading and research, and human brain power to write it).

Here’s what Magic Write came up with – see the six points underneath my request.

I asked Magic Write the same question twice, so now I have 12 ways to differentiate a service business!

 

Now I’ve asked Magic Write to expound upon the first point.

 

Here is what Magic Write composed:

 

As you can see, you could compose a complete article on this one topic by simply asking the AI writer to perform the thinking work for you. In all honesty, I find it a bit too time-consuming to ask the application multiple questions.

 

My preference is to use the tool as an aid to build an outline and then work off that outline to create my own unique article. If you’d like to view the original article, see my blog post, “Six Ways to Differentiate Your Service Business.”

All of this “magic” got me thinking about the millions of people who at one time or another have said, “I’d like to write a book.” Or those who want to write their life story to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren.

Might this be possible one day just by asking an AI writer, i.e., “Write the biography of Jane W. Smith from Akron, Ohio,” etc.?

Here’s Magic Write’s answer to a question you may have on your mind –

I typed:

“Explain why any professional woman might want to leave her corporate job to start her own business as a virtual assistant. What might be the pros and cons?”

Magic Write responded:

Starting your own business as a virtual assistant can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience for a professional woman. The pros of becoming a virtual assistant include the flexibility to work from anywhere, the ability to set your own hours, the potential to make more money than a traditional job, and the opportunity to work with clients of your choice. Additionally, you will be able to build a business that you are passionate about and that you can take pride in.

The cons of starting your own business as a virtual assistant include the potential to experience financial instability, the responsibility of being your own boss and managing your own time, and the risk of not having the same benefits that come with a corporate job. Additionally, you will need to be prepared to face the challenges of marketing, networking, and customer service.

Overall, the pros of starting a virtual assistant business can outweigh the cons, depending on your individual circumstances. If you are looking for more autonomy and the potential to make more money, then becoming a virtual assistant may be the perfect fit for you.

——

So, you see, it does a nice job of spitting out clear, grammatically correct English with valid points of interest. What it cannot do is add your personal message, your unique thoughts, or your stories … and that’s what makes your writing different from anyone else’s.

Give an AI text writer a try! Perhaps it’ll save some wrist wear-and-tear for those prone to acquiring carpel tunnel syndrome 😉