What Goosebumps novels teach us about thriving in the age of AI

I used to love reading the Goosebumps horror novels.

Years later, I watched a Masterclass course with Goosebumps writer R.L. Stine teaching writing for children.

I was fascinated by his approach and business of writing hundreds of short books and becoming one of the world's wealthiest novelists (selling over 400 million books).

R.L. Stine's output was one or even two books per month at one point when he was younger.

Today, I learned that he uses ghostwriters to help him write more books and add even more income from his books. James Patterson does the same.

Some people get angry by this.

So, what's this got to do with AI?

Let's face it. AI is an unbelievable tool. It helps us just like an assistant would.

Like using a ghostwriter to help you write more books, AI can help us expand our output.

R.L. Stine can use outside support to make more books and build even more wealth because he's well-known. He has fans.

Unknown writers who use AI or ghostwriters to write their stuff remain unknown. In fact, they become even more unknown because their writing has become even more devoid of personality.

Unknown and faceless writers who depend on AI will only contribute to a sea of other AI writers.

This is why your personal brand is so important.

R.L. Stine and James Patterson have strong personal brands.

People have grown to love them and their stories over the years.

They built a huge following. So they get away with using ghostwriters because people will buy their books regardless.

And that's the key factor here that will ensure you'll benefit from the rise in AI rather than be ground into the dirt.

Use AI for support, sure, but focus on sharing yourself and your unique story too.

You're not just creating content. Everyone else is.

You're creating the story of you.

You're building an image of YOU.

You're becoming likeable to the people who count.

People gravitate to people, not content.

Bear this in mind as you make a dent in the world. Build your brand - then you will have whatever you want.

This starts by publishing your ideas and stories (and personality) consistently.

If you want to learn how to write well online to develop trust with people and build a brand more quickly, you'll want Online Writing Alchemy course.

Get the course here.

Alex