About a week ago, I listened to the radio as I drove home from yoga. “This is the analog year!” said the DJ. “I’m amazed how much better I feel since I’ve decided to go analog. I use an alarm clock instead of grabbing my phone first thing every morning. You can read an actual physical book like my husband. Check out what’s available at the library.”
I have a shelf in my office where the library books go. It keeps them from getting shuffled around and lost amid my own books. Still, I wondered what had led to this analog push, so I did some research. Ironically enough, I did the research online.
I found that multiple factors led to this push. Part of it is the concern over AI. Multiple sources mentioned concern over AI in fashion. The only thing I know about AI and fashion is that companies now sell AI generated patterns that are difficult if not impossible to piece together using their equally problematic instructions.
What about AI in writing and publishing? Nothing I read touched on this, but there has been plenty in the news. Platforms like Publishing AI are marketed to help people write and publish “books in record time.” They claim they can help writers write, edit, and publish painlessly. Care to guess what the quality of that work will be? We’re already seeing it in articles that recommend nonexistent books to readers. But that isn’t all. Journals have had to quit accepting manuscripts due to the AI generated content that flooded their inboxes.
Going analog is also appealing because of the demands people face to be connected all the time. You see it when you put aside an entire afternoon to write, but your phone pings with emails, texts, and messages. Even apps ping you to tell you about new content, offers, and . . . and . . . and . . .
It isn’t hard to see the appeal of going analog. Does this mean that I’m encouraging you to quit reading blogs like this one and taking our online courses? Not necessarily though I am telling you to find what works for you. Personally, I must be connected to an extent. I’m in Missouri. My editors are scattered around the country. Connectivity keeps me employed. I also take a wide variety of online classes. Sure, I could find in person classes, but these are more flexible which works with my schedule.
I’m not constantly checking my phone because the only notifications I get are phone calls, texts, and messages. I’ve removed app and email notifications although I check my email multiple times throughout the day.
Some people write without a browser open on their computer. As a nonfiction author who is always having to look up one more thing, that doesn’t work for me. But I do turn off my speakers. I do a lot of my research online, but I am also surrounded by print books. I use things in whatever format I can get my hands on.
When time comes to relax, my husband and I may watch something on Hulu or Netflix. Casual gamers, we are currently watching Fallout.
But I also bake using a wide variety of cookbooks. I knit, crochet and weave. I’m dabbling in watercolor. Hobbies like these are apparently having a resurgence in the early part of this year with people joyfully calling them granny hobbies.
My hope? That you will do what works for you. That may mean breaking out the vinyl and writing on a typewriter. Or it may mean silently keying things on your membrane keyboard and switching screens to look things up online. My path doesn’t need to be your path but don’t be afraid to go analog in ways that will help you reenergize and write.
--SueBE
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Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 80 books for young readers.
- To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog.
She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:
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