Instagram Cover Results - FIRST SET

Number 1: 10

Number 2: 34

Number 3: 2

Number 4: 5

Number 5: 24

Number 6: 34

"When I was working with ChatGPT, I requested book covers tailored to different target ages. Numbers 1 and 3 were aimed at GenZ, but it seems they didn't resonate much with that demographic. Number 4 was designed for 30-year-olds, and Number 5 for 50-year-olds – it even has '50' on the top of the cover. Numbers 2 and 6 were designed by ChatGPT for 75-year-olds!

I noticed a pattern in ChatGPT's design approach: the older the target age, the more muted the colours, and the covers tended to be more serene and peaceful. Conversely, the younger the audience, the more intense and vibrant the covers, often with a sense of 'battle readiness.'

Your responses to the covers were surprising, yet they led me to an important realisation. My book delves into the very real spiritual battle we face and underscores the importance of donning the full armour of God. It concludes with the liberation from the enemy's harassment and oppression. What struck me is that most of us aren't necessarily enthralled by the battle itself or the meticulous process of putting on each piece of armour. What we truly desire is the peace that follows. This insight is pivotal and will significantly influence my writing and editing process. Thank you, everyone, for your invaluable feedback!"

AI-Assisted Creativity: The Unexpected Journey of Designing Book Covers

Many of you are aware that I recently ventured into exploring various book cover designs, thanks to the capabilities of AI. This exploration led to the creation of several distinct versions of potential covers for my book. Then, just for fun, I dropped some of these AI-generated options to you on my instagram and invited your votes and opinions.

The response was nothing short of astounding. Engaging with you through this process of selection has been an eye-opening experience. This process has not only influenced the visual direction of my book but has also reverberated back to the very core of my writing. Your feedback has led me to reevaluate and even tweak the title of my book.

I am eagerly awaiting the final tally of votes, and once all your opinions are in, I plan to share the results of the vote. None of the current examples will be the cover but it is shaping what the final cover will look like.

Stay tuned for this upcoming post, where I'll showcase the results and share how your voices have influenced the narrative and visual journey of my book. This experience has reinforced a valuable lesson: in the process of creation, every voice matters, and every opinion can be a guiding light. I can only laugh at myself at how wrong I have been when it's come to what I have thought of as amazing covers. Apparently I have a unique and not widely held book cover taste! Ha.

Navigating the World of Writing with ChatGPT: A Pastor's Perspective

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT has sparked a variety of reactions, especially within the realms of creativity and authorship. As a pastor and an aspiring author, I've found myself at the intersection of these discussions, leading me to clarify how I am utilizing ChatGPT in my journey of writing a book.

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: the notion that using ChatGPT might be considered 'cheating'. The ethics of AI in creative processes is a complex and nuanced topic. For some, the idea of leaning on an AI for any part of the creative process might seem like a shortcut. But here's how I view it: every tool has its place and purpose, and it's all about how we use it.

In the crafting of my book, the core of the writing - the heart, soul, and message - comes entirely from me. These are messages that I have personally written and delivered in the past. The challenge, however, lies in the transformation of these spoken messages into written chapters suitable for a book. This transition requires significant rewriting, especially at the beginning and the end of each piece, to adapt the content from an auditory medium to a literary one.

After I complete the initial rewrite of my messages, I turn to ChatGPT as a digital assistant for proofreading, focusing on grammar and spelling - areas where I openly admit to needing some support. Following this, I seek what I call 'brutal feedback' from ChatGPT. I ask for honest, constructive criticism on the strengths and weaknesses of each chapter. This feedback is invaluable, offering me a fresh perspective and sometimes prompting further revisions.

I view ChatGPT as an editorial tool, a digital counterpart to the traditional human editor. It's a learning process for me as well, enhancing my understanding of what constitutes effective writing. There was an instance where, purely as an experiment, I asked ChatGPT to convert one of my messages into a book chapter. The result was awful. That exercise reaffirmed my belief that the essence of my writing - the unique voice and message - can only come from me.

In conclusion, my use of ChatGPT is circumscribed and specific: it serves as a proofreader and a source of feedback. It's a tool that assists in the refinement process but never replaces the personal touch and authenticity of my own writing. In this journey of authorship, my commitment to maintaining the integrity and authenticity of my message remains unwavering. As I continue to learn and grow in my writing skills, I embrace the support that technology offers, while firmly holding onto the essence of what makes my writing uniquely mine.