AI Is Beating Writers at Their Own Game (Here’s the Only Way to Win)

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Jan 22, 2026

Explore the thrilling intersection of creativity and technology as the host tackles how AI is reshaping storytelling. Discover the struggle against formulaic writing and the importance of authenticity in a world where machines replicate patterns. Hear about personal experiences with packing and moving, while reflecting on the evolving publishing landscape. The podcast encourages artists to embrace innovation, reject competition with AI, and create emotionally genuine work that resonates with the human experience.

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INSIGHT

Formulaic Writing Is Easy For AI

Kevin observes that much modern writing has become formulaic and thus easy for AI to replicate.
He argues predictability lets machines follow patterns to their logical outcomes, reducing originality.

INSIGHT

Pattern Recognition Built Storytelling

Kevin links human pattern recognition to survival and language development, explaining why storytelling uses patterns.
He notes AI now deciphers those patterns faster, challenging human creators.

ADVICE

Shift From Competing To Reinventing

Stop fighting AI on its terms and intentionally create work AI cannot replicate.
Reinvent storytelling by emphasizing unique human authenticity and soul in your art.

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In this episode, Kevin Tumlinson explores how creativity, storytelling, and human expression can stay ahead in a world where AI is becoming increasingly capable of recognizing and replicating patterns. Drawing on personal experiences and musings about the evolving writing industry, [Speaker A] discusses the need for creators to disrupt patterns, break formulas, and seek authenticity that machines can’t replicate. Whether packing for a big move during a Texas freeze or reflecting on the changing landscape of publishing, it’s a thought-provoking look at the future of storytelling.

Show links:

* Writers’ Inc. Podcast (writersincpodcast.com) – [Speaker A]’s other show, featuring author interviews and discussion

* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com) – VA service connecting authors with skilled virtual assistants

Watch (and subscribe!) on YouTube:

Important Topics & Timestamps:

[00:00:01] – Introduction, Texas freeze & backdrop reveal

[00:01:08] – Packing, moving stories, and storage adventures

[00:02:27] – Weather, bitter cold & living with unpredictability

[00:03:20] – Writers’ Inc. Podcast mention

[00:04:18] – Why [Speaker A] shifted away from interviews on Wordslinger

[00:05:10] – Fun past podcast formats & spontaneous storytelling

[00:06:33] – How AI impacts creativity and the formulaic nature of writing

[00:10:17] – Pattern recognition as a human survival trait

[00:14:27] – The evolution of publishing & breaking old systems

[00:19:01] – Reinventing storytelling beyond formulas

[00:22:36] – Art movements that disrupted patterns in history

[00:23:38] – Authenticity, emotion, and embracing the soul in creative work

[00:25:07] – Wrap up, weather preps, and call to create with purpose

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