While browsing LinkedIn, I came across an individual who boldly claimed that you shouldn’t call yourself a writer if you use writing tools. As writers, we most likely have used writing tools already. A spell-checker, keyword search tool, and AI are all tools we can use to improve our writing craft. So, with that perspective in mind, does using writing tools make you less of a writer?
In my opinion, the answer is no, as long as the writing is your work.
A Writer Isn’t Born Overnight
Like any other craft or profession, writers are not born overnight. Writing requires constant practice, keeping up with new styles and changes, and understanding the latest technology. To stay relevant amongst all other writing, you must keep yourself updated on current trends. To do so, you may set up Google Alerts for specific subjects like writing and SEO. Alternatively, you may read newly released books with advice from those with more experience. Regardless, all of this requires using writing tools.
Proper keyword research to determine whether you can compete in the subject may require using tools like Semrush. Semrush is well-known for its “keyword magic tool.” You enter the keyword in question and then will see how difficult it is to compete with other companies for its use. Additionally, it will provide you with other keywords related to the searched term and show you the difficulty in competing using those.
Why Make Writing More Difficult by Avoiding Tools?
As a writer, it’s hard to stop writing once inspiration strikes. Many writers are not fans of editing, so they may become frustrated if they spend longer manually editing their pieces over using writing tools. Writers have plenty to consider while writing without the concern of “Did I spell this correctly?” Probably the most used writing tool online is a spell checker. While with practice, your errors will likely become fewer while you write. You are not perfect and that is okay. A spell checker can ensure that basic grammar, spelling, comma use, and more are correctly done.
As a writer, your time is valuable, and if you spend more time manually inputting corrections than using a digital spell checker, that is time wasted when you could be planning or producing new content. A digital spell checker will not catch everything, so we must read through and edit ourselves. However, if we don’t have to focus on checking the spelling of each word, our comma placements, and other basic grammar, that allows us more time to focus on the quality of the content.
What About AI?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is likely the source behind that individual’s bold claim about real writers not using writing tools. AI causes anxiety and anger in many writers and artists because of the fear of being replaced or deeming human work as lesser. Those concerns are valid, and I share those anxieties. However, some uses of AI can be an advantage for writers and artists. Ironically, using AI to check if certain content is AI-written is one. If you want to ensure your source is credible, research where it came from. If you discover that your research is all AI-based, you may feel less inclined to base your content on it. Additionally, the same process could ensure a piece wasn’t plagiarized.
Another AI source that many may bring up is tools such as ChatGPT. Many people use ChatGPT to produce ideas, research tags, or help identify places of research. ChatGPT and AI alike can help conduct general research. However, if you plan to use that research to support your writing, do your due diligence in fact-checking and being aware of where that information comes from. AI can help answer “how-to” questions. Such as getting a general idea of “How to check my website’s accessibility?”
You Are Not Less of a Writer Because You Use Writing Tools
Writing tools include spell checkers, keyword research, AI use, and more. Using writing tools does not make you less of a writer, but passing off someone else’s (or AI’s) work as your own does. Using work that is not yours speaks negatively to your credibility. Writing tools are meant to support writers, not to replace them. However, do not let anyone make you feel bad for utilizing tools to better your craft or help make the editing process quicker. As writers, we need to support one another over shaming reasonable use of writing tools.
This article is an opinion piece by MF Writing.