I’m charged up and ready to write! This evening, while I fast tv, I am going to do some reading (just a bit) and writing (just a lot). I am excited because after having experienced writer’s block in my writing journey, lately, I have been flowing. God has graced me to crank out either a blog post here or a poem or song there. And now I’m back to writing short stories.
Oh, I forgot to mention: I will be writing while eating me some Chinese food. My favorite Shrimp Egg Foo Young and Shrimp Fried Rice.
I am additionally working on new pieces for a new series titled Persevere and an additional collaborative series with my bestie titled P’osies Cafe.
Welcome, loves, to the P’osies Cafe Series, a new gathering for lovers of language and narrative. Our name, a playful blend of “Poetry” and “Stories,” perfectly captures the essence of what we’re about.
In this series, my best friend, Saneatra, and fellow writer will join me at our virtual writers’ cafe with our laptops, pens, and paper, and a couple of iced mochas or chai lattes.
We’ll be sharing our own work—from whispered verse to sprawling tales—and we invite you to listen, reflect, and get lost in the power of storytelling.
Think of this as your favorite local cafe, but instead of coffee, the aroma is of fresh ink and well-worn pages. Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and let’s get started. We’re thrilled you’re here.
Stay tuned for our first work of this series!!! In the meantime, check out my bestie on Facebook and Instagram: Saneatra polk as well as on TikTok, Saneatrap.
Writing has not only been a hobby of mine but a lifelong companion and confidant: helping me express myself, learn, and now encourage others. Writing allows us to be creative, tap into the recesses of our hearts, and map out the matters within. It gives us space to pour out — although not always seemingly smoothly and freely — the contents of our souls. Through writing, we find our voice. And for me, it’s not just me finding my voice but fulfilling a tentacle of my purpose.
I write to release, to be creative, to learn about the world around me, and more importantly, to encourage and teach others.
Writing is both an art form and a necessity — one that will never be replaced. Writers are essential. We write for speeches, television shows, movies, plays, songs, books, blog posts, research papers, advertisements, news articles, textbooks, obituaries, and so much more.
AI, And the Human Touch
But as the world evolves, so does technology. And its “baby,” AI, has now arrived, rapidly transforming the internet and our world. With a few prompts, one can use AI to produce a paper or even a book.
AI and technology certainly have benefits. They’ve decreased production time, simplified tasks, and brought vast amounts of information to our fingertips. However, the rapid growth and widespread use of AI can be concerning, especially since regulations around its use are still being defined. In the wrong hands, AI can blur the lines between real and fake, and without genuineness or integrity, people can be misled, manipulated, or even put at risk.
Let’s also be honest: many jobs have already been lost due to AI’s rise.
Still, AI is here. And as writers, we can continue to thrive, even in the midst of its rise. We can also use AI with intention and integrity.
Here’s how we can navigate AI as a writer:
Use AI tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming, research, or outlining your ideas.
Let it assist you with editing and tightening your writing.
Generate images to complement your writing projects.
Always fact-check the information AI provides.
Be transparent with your audience about the use of AI-generated content or images.
Cite your sources properly.
Keep your human voice strong and present — that’s your signature.
Remember: AI is a tool, not a replacement.
Freepik: wayhomestudio
To my fellow old-school writers: rest assured that our art form is not lost in the sauce. Keep writing. Keep enjoying the process: the one where you explore and untangle the contents of your heart. Where you take note of the world around you. Where you capture memories and moments. Where you blend words with joy, uniqueness, and creativity. Where you offer encouragement, truth, and hope.
March is Women’s History Month, and to celebrate our resilience, grace, strength, and stories, I thought I would do a feature on one of our Chicagoan sheroes.
Her name is Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs. Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs was a prominent African American artist, educator, and cultural historian, best known for her contributions to the Chicago arts scene and her advocacy for African American history and culture.
To learn about Dr. Burroughs, check out the feature on my YouTube channel.
And let me know what you think about Dr. Burroughs’ legacy?
Tannika Nikeya 