Book Reviews

Books are read by me, and the original review is written by me. I read each and every book I review from the front cover to the back cover. I read every author’s note and acknowledgment. If there are book club questions, I read them through as well. I even read the copywrite page.

While I read, I take notes and then write up the original review. The original review is all in my own words, and I don’t go looking on the internet to see what others have stated about the book until after my second draft (if ever – most of the time I don’t bother because it is personal opinion). And yes, because I am an English teacher, I have multiple drafts of my review before you ever see it.

How do I use AI in my writing and on my blog?

After I have finalized my original review, I go to an AI model and I ask it for the following items.

1. Underline existing SEO keywords: While I would love to say that people find a blog by chance, the reality is that the SEO (Search Engine Optimized) words are what drives people to a site. I can’t always recognize if I have them in my writing, so I ask AI to do it. I ask the AI model to show me what words in my review are already SEO and bold it so that it is clear. I read through the review and decide if that is enough SEO to be noticed, or if it is too much.
2. Bold in new SEOs: Then I ask the AI model to add in SEOs where appropriate, and to write them in bold. If the AI model changed the writing around the SEO then it is also labeled in bold per my AI model request. I then read over the new version, and if I feel that the SEO is needed (including the wording changes around it), I go back to the original review and make some editing changes to incorporate the new SEOs. I do not include every SEO, and I do not agree with every change, so not all of the AI model’s work goes into the review.
3. Make style edits for clarity, flow, or readability in italics: I put the review in the AI model for a 3rd time and ask it to read through the review, and make changes for clarity, flow, or readability and show it in italics. I use the AI model as an editor. I would love to say that my writing is perfect every time, but the truth is I am a human being who is bound to make mistakes. I put my original review on one screen, and the AI model update on another screen. I go line by line and make changes if necessary. Sometimes I agree with the AI model, but I don’t change every line. I use the AI model as an editor who can tell me how to make it better, but I get to make the choice on if I agree with those changes.
4. Quick Read: I post the original review, and then ask AI for a SEO-optimized blog post format of the original review. I then label this as a quick read and post it in addition to my original review after carefully going over the AI model’s work for discrepancies. I would love it if everyone read a full review, but I am also a busy mom. I respect that sometimes we just want to know what is a good potty book I should buy, and I don’t have time to read everything. People are busy, and sometimes they want that shorter review. AI can give them a simpler, faster version of my long review. My hope is that they like the recommendations enough that they come back to read more.

How will I use AI in the future?

My hope is to spend the first six months getting this blog going by writing reviews and getting a few visitors. My eventual plan is to add on Pinterest and other social media at a later point. Since this is not something I excel at, I will most likely use AI to create pins or other items. I will do my best to point out where I used AI on my site so as to be transparent to all those who come here.

Current Items in the blog that use AI

My About Me page – I wrote the original page about a dozen times, and then asked an AI model to use the information and make it better. I liked the version that was created and I was frustrated that I couldn’t get it right. Sometimes very personal things are the hardest to get right on a first attempt. I have left up the AI edited version. My plan is to really think on it, and replace it later on with my own writing. But for right now it says what I need it to, and I need space and time to think on how else I could present that information. Sometimes you have to walk away when you are frustrated by your own writing.

Website: I am not a website designer, and WordPress offered an AI generated website. The WordPress AI generator helped to build this website, but I actively add pages and make changes. Some of the little sections of writing in the set up of the website I have left, but I will eventually over time probably add my own voice to it. The AI generator also had several stock pictures that I have left. I am slowly replacing them with real pictures, but it takes time.

Quick Reads: This are completely AI generated SEO optimized shortened versions of the original reviews. The AI model is not pulling from the internet, they are merely changing my own words and making it simpler and faster for people to read.

My Logo/Coming Soon: I was not great at Canva (although I am working and getting better all the time). I asked the Canva AI editor to create this logo. In time, I will probably change it, but I wanted something when I launched and I didn’t have the money or skills to build it myself. I hope in time to change my skill level. I also had Canva create the Coming Soon picture that you see.

If you have any questions or concerns about my AI use, please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. I believe the best path forward with AI is honesty, and that honesty starts with me.