Section 1.1: Personal Artistic Journey

I created the "Barbie Poem" and painted "Babies on Fire," which serves as a visual companion to the poem. These works were birthed from my youthful experiences. Although I recognized that "Babies on Fire" was not aesthetically pleasing, my goal was to convey my profound emotions regarding war and the societal pressures surrounding unwanted pregnancies.

The canvas measures 6'x6', and I meticulously constructed, primed, and framed it on my own.

Section 1.2: The Struggles of Expression

After graduating college, I found myself struggling to express my thoughts and feelings freely due to a pervasive fear of judgment from others.

In 1984, following the Clarion Science Fiction Writers Workshop, I experienced a revival of my creative spirit. However, I was attempting to replicate horror stories—genres that didn’t align with my true voice.

I soon realized that the stories I wanted to tell were not commercially viable, leading me to abandon a series of unsatisfactory part-time jobs, including positions as a reporter and a car salesman, to pursue work at the United Way.

Section 2.1: A New Role in Community Service

I dedicated myself fully to my role at the United Way, often at the expense of my personal life. After two-and-a-half years, I was offered a position as the Director of Family Service Association in Redlands. During my interview, I was recognized by attendees who remembered me from childhood—a sign that I was meant to take the role.

At just 26 years old, I was tasked with leading an organization committed to assisting low-income and soon-to-be homeless families, primarily those who were the working poor.

Section 2.2: Navigating Personal Challenges

In 1991, my life took a turn when I became pregnant with my daughter, Meredith. Simultaneously, my grandmother's health was deteriorating due to dementia, and my father and stepmother faced serious health challenges. I often found myself juggling late-night diaper changes and phone calls from the police about my grandmother wandering off.

Eventually, we found a suitable care facility for her, but the experience took a toll on my creative pursuits.

Section 2.3: Pursuing Education and Growth

When Meredith was four, I decided to return to school to earn my MFA, aiming to teach college-level courses while writing on the side. I graduated with honors from Chapman University in 1999, guided by my thesis committee chair, James P. Blaylock.

Memorable anecdotes from my time there include stories about famous authors, showcasing the highs and lows of pursuing a writing career.

This video, titled "How will AI change the world?" explores the influence of AI on various aspects of life, including creativity.

Section 2.4: The Realities of the Publishing World

Despite writing three commercial novels and publishing a total of 50 books, the publishing landscape proved challenging. My agent's response to my best work in 2013 was disheartening, as she was preoccupied with more commercially viable projects.

While peers like Tim Powers and Jim Blaylock found success, I felt constrained by my circumstances—caught between a desire for authenticity and the pressures of commercial expectations.

Section 3.1: AI's Double-Edged Sword

Critics warn that AI will take away jobs, but I believe it could have been a beneficial tool in my writing journey. However, the derivative nature of AI-generated content raises concerns about originality and creativity.

AI excels at summarizing information, a skill that has traditionally consumed a lot of human labor. As generative AI continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize its potential while being wary of its limitations.

The video titled "AI Just Changed Everything … Again" discusses the rapid changes AI brings to various fields and its implications for creativity.

Section 3.2: The Essence of Human Creativity

The motivation behind creative work shouldn't mirror the commercial pressures faced by artists in the past. For me, the drive to create stems from a need to explore beliefs, express emotions, and contribute positively to the world.

Oscar Wilde's insights resonate deeply with my experiences, reinforcing the value of genuine artistic expression over conforming to market demands.

In conclusion, while generative AI serves as a powerful tool for learning and comprehension, it cannot replace the unique human experience of creativity. The challenges posed by AI compel us to dig deeper into our creative essence and strive for authenticity in our work.