writing

We’re Training Students To Write Worse To Prove They’re Not Robots, And It’s Pushing Them To Use More AI

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AI detection tools in education are forcing students to simplify their writing to avoid being flagged as using AI, which ironically leads them to actually use AI for self-defense against false accusations. This “Cobra Effect” damages creativity and penalizes good writing, pushing students toward mediocrity. The approach needs to shift from monitoring to teaching responsible AI use, allowing students to engage in genuine learning rather than navigating a surveillance atmosphere that discourages originality.

https://www.techdirt.com/2026/03/06/were-training-students-to-write-worse-to-prove-theyre-not-robots-and-its-pushing-them-to-use-more-ai/

Tropes.md

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AI Writing Tropes to Avoid: A guide for improving AI-generated text by identifying and avoiding overused phrases and patterns. Tropes include unnecessary adverbs (e.g., “quietly”), fancy nouns (e.g., “tapestry”), complex sentence structures (e.g., “It's not X — it's Y”), and superficial analyses. Patterns like excessive repetition, filler phrases, and vague attributions should be minimized. Aim for varied, human-like writing to increase authenticity.

https://tropes.fyi/tropes-md

Separate Writing and Formatting

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Focus on one task at a time is crucial for effective writing; multitasking leads to inefficiency. Writing involves distinct processes: drafting, structuring, and formatting, each requiring different cognitive functions. To enhance writing quality, separate these tasks and avoid switching modes, as it drains attention and energy. Identifying distractions and developing new, focused habits can improve writing enjoyment and efficiency. Remember, the key to good writing is protecting focus and maintaining clarity through dedicated effort.

https://ia.net/topics/separate-writing-and-formatting

Separate Writing and Formatting

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Focus is crucial for writing; multitasking hinders productivity. To write effectively, separate tasks: draft, structure, then format. Switching between these modes drains energy and attention, leading to frustration and inefficiency. Embrace clear boundaries to enhance focus and enjoyment in writing. Recognize distractions, develop focused habits, and prioritize clarity over immediate formatting to achieve a satisfying flow in writing.

https://ia.net/topics/separate-writing-and-formatting

Michael Amherst’s Debut Novel Made It to New Yorker’s List of Best Books of the Year

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Michael Amherst is a British author whose debut novel, The Boyhood of Cain, was recognized as one of the best of 2025 by The New Yorker. He began writing in childhood but faced challenges, including periods of disconnection from writing. His novel is inspired by themes of selfhood and relationships, influenced by authors like J.M. Coetzee and Steinbeck. Amherst's writing process is exploratory, often discovering the narrative while creating. He emphasizes the importance of experience in shaping creativity, values discipline alongside freedom in routine, and finds that his writing evolves within tools like Ulysses. Post-publication, he has gained opportunities and connections in the literary world and is currently working on a new novel.

https://stories.ulysses.app/michael-amhersts-debut-novel-made-it-to-new-yorkers-list-of-best-books-of-the-year/

Staff Journalists Sacked and Misleadingly Replaced With AI Writers

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UK gaming sites replaced human writers with AI, creating fake authors and content. Clickout Media acquired The Escapist, Videogamer, and Esports Insider, leading to staff layoffs and AI-generated articles. Discontent among remaining staff is high regarding AI's implications for journalism, highlighted by a controversial AI review on Metacritic, which was removed due to authenticity concerns.

https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/staff-journalists-sacked-and-misleadingly-replaced-with-ai-writers/

Write Now With Scrivener, Episode No. 60: John Garrison Marks, Historian

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Historian John Garrison Marks discusses his book, Thy Will Be Done: George Washington’s Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory, examining Washington’s significant role as an enslaver and its historical perception. He explores the tension between Washington's accomplishments and his slavery legacy, revealing that debates on this issue have persisted for over 250 years. Marks highlights the challenges of reconciling Washington's image as an American icon with his human flaws and discusses the political implications of interpreting his history. He emphasizes the utility of Scrivener in his writing process.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/write-now-with-scrivener-episode-no-60-john-garrison-marks-historian

Pluralistic: No One Wants to Read Your AI Slop (02 Mar 2026)

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AI chat logs are often uninteresting to others; sharing them is intrusive. Generating responses from AI without understanding the context is inadequate and burdens others for explanations. Effective dialogue requires genuine comprehension, not AI-generated outputs. Strangers aren't obligated to review unverified AI content. Seek knowledge before debating; AI can't replace human understanding and insight.

https://pluralistic.net/2026/03/02/nonconsensual-slopping/

Making a Literary Future With Artificial Intelligence

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LARB discusses AI's impact on literature through a panel of writers and researchers. They address the mixed feelings toward large language models (LLMs), emphasizing the technology's effects on writing and ethics. Authors argue for creative access to AI and caution against corporate control, advocating for diverse and unique AI models. They explore how LLMs fit into literary history and propose ethical considerations for integrating AI in literary creation. Overall, the conversation aims to navigate AI's role in shaping future literature.

https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/artificial-intelligence-literary-future-chatgpt-large-language-model/

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