The power of community in uncertain times...

Author Support Across The Globe

In the past weeks, social media has seen more and more authors sharing a raft of emotions ranging from despondency to downright outrage and fury, in the face of AI training for tech conglomerates appropriating their work with no recompense in return.

While the global economy is toyed with by those in power and businesses are feeling more than a pinch, many in the creative and book communities are fearing for what the near future holds.

Hanging on to the following tangibles here feels like a powerful and meaningful way of at least surviving (perhaps, thriving) in the current climate. Firstly, the undiminished power of storytelling - to what your books bring to so many readers who rely on them to transport, to inform, to entertain and inspire, is one way to "rise above" feelings of negativity around the cruel realities involved when authors who have worked so hard to create their books, market them and get them in front of readers, now face having their books stolen from under their noses. With not even a library lending fee given back in return.

The other powerful reality to be mindful of is community. Since entering the indie and self publishing sphere a few years ago, I've often remarked on the extraordinary strength of support and solidarity within this community, that reaches around the globe. Authors everywhere united by their shared love of writing, first and foremost, of books and the written word being often the thing that has provided solace to people when they have struggled in their lives, or that has provided relief or joy when needed.

In March this year, I attended both the London Book Fair and the inaugural Ireland’s Publishing Show in Co. Clare. Two different events in scale and size, but both absolutely packed with a feeling of enthusiasm, hope and that unerring sense of support that surrounds authors and industry alike, when they gather together in the same rooms (or vast galleries in the case of LBF.)

Expression through writing itself has for so many authors I've spoken to, prevented them from feeling lonely, feeling misunderstood and feeling overwhelmed when faced with other forms of interaction (as we know that many authors value their moments of solitude.)

Through the written word we're able to reach so many people that we wouldn't be able to otherwise. Books have the power to carry our thoughts, messages and imaginative creations to people and places we will never meet or know. That is magical in itself.

But the supportive, sympathetic and encouraging community of authors; of writers, as well as those who support writers in all manner of capacities, is truly a force to be reckoned with. Long may it continue.

I have recently signed this petition from Change.org to show solidarity with authors who have had their work taken for AI training: ​Petition Here