AI isn't going anywhere. It's here. And if you haven't embraced it yet, it could be time. BUT … there's a way to do it without losing yourself or selling your soul.

I've been thinking a lot about the push for "realness" in an AI world and what it actually means for us as writers and creators. Many people are stuck in the duality thinking, the either-or, where you're either all-in on AI, or all-out.

But AI is a tool, and the key is learning to use it to support and tap into your authentic voice.

For me, that means leaning into speaking my rambling thoughts using a talk-to-text app, getting the transcription, and then using a tool like Claude to summarize, organize, and streamline the text. The words and energy are still mine; I'm not asking AI to write a post from scratch. (I shared a behind-the-scenes video of me actually talking out a Substack essay the other day for Studio members).

Some somewhat troubling examples of how some business owners are using AI popped up the other week — recording every word they say all day to train their tool, using ChatGPT to "add warmth" to naturally direct communication, and relying on AI to filter hundreds of newsletters they've subscribed to.

Much of this behavior leads to a performance, not realness, and creates a whiplash experience when you meet the person in real life. True authenticity is about being the same person in your writing, speaking, and in person.

Being real is more about subtraction — unlearning old conditioning from family, school, or corporate life — than addition. The goal is to show up with your true essence in all contexts, even if your first draft is a messy voice memo.

• AI as a tool, not a ghostwriter: Use AI (like Claude) to organize and streamline your transcribed thoughts, not to generate your first draft.

• Be aware of performing: Constant "warming up" your communication for the sake of presentation undermines your authentic self and creates a disconnect with your audience.

• The power of speaking without a filter: Recording your rambling thoughts captures your genuine energy and allows you to move while creating, leading to faster writing. Treat it like a surrendered first draft (SFD).

• Authenticity is subtraction: Being real is a process of unlearning conditioning and peeling away layers and expectations.

• Embrace the authentic draft: Instead of starting with a structure or outline, capture fragments and let them be messy, knowing you'll edit later.

• My weekly Substack email

• My free workshop: Writing with the Moon

• Pre-order the Writing with the Moon e-book

• Writing with the Moon paperback (available May 19th)

00:00 Realness in an AI World

00:47 Getting Out of Your Head

01:39 Using AI Without Losing Your Voice

03:37 When AI is Too Much

06:34 Why Authenticity Matters Everywhere

08:52 Craving More Realness

09:48 Unlearning and Subtraction

10:59 Free Moon Writing Workshop

• The Intuitive Writing Studio

• Private Coaching & Writing Support

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

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I'm so happy to be back talking with you after missing a week. My voice decided to take a break right as Uranus moved into Gemini for the next seven years — a transit that rules communication. And instead of fighting it, I saw it as an energetic upgrade. Now my voice is back and stronger than ever.

With all this fast-moving energy, AI-generated content everywhere, and the media cycle is getting louder, faster, and more confusing, traditional writing advice is dying.

The old way of writing … working within a linear train of thought, long stretches of focus, a meticulous outline, and the ability to write for hours, isn't going to cut it.

The challenge is no longer about writing faster or harder — it's about staying connected to your body and soul while you think.

The writers who will thrive in this next era are not the most productive or the best at AI prompting — they're the most anchored.

When your nervous system is overwhelmed, everything feels urgent and fuzzy, and your voice gets buried. We're writing differently over here.

Discover:

• Why the biggest challenge right now isn't writing, but staying connected to yourself, your body, and your soul while you think

• Why forcing yourself to write more, faster, or using AI to write in your voice won't help

• Five ways to write and think differently in the age of Uranus in Gemini

• How to recognize the difference between regulated writing (intentional, calm, flowing) and reactive writing (rushing, restlessness, urgent, shallow breathing)

• Why making time for quiet and stillness when nothing seems to be happening on the page is your edge right now

00:00 Welcome Back (and my voice energetic upgrade)

00:39 Uranus Entering Gemini — a 7-Year Shift

01:38 GenAI and Writing Speed

03:38 Why Grounding Matters Now

05:36 Anchored Writers Thrive

08:11 Write Differently in This Era

09:21 Five Simple Practices for Clarity

13:22 Regulated vs Reactive Writing

15:03 Next Episode and Book Release

• Join the Intuitive Writing Studio (to access the full "Writing at the Speed of Thought" workshop recording)

• Sign up for Substack to be the first to know when my new book, Writing With the Moon is available and to get all the book release goodies and details about a free workshop I'm hosting

• The Intuitive Writing Studio

• Private Coaching & Writing Support

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• LinkedIn

• Instagram