I keep seeing (and am getting a little annoyed by) ads telling me (represented as an oldster) I’m not using AI (specifically ChatGPT) right (that’s a lot of parentheses).

Something about using it the same way I use Google, apparently a bad thing, but Google (who has been using AI (in limited versions) since 2001 and accelerated this trend starting in 2015) is great for searches, so… why is that such a negative?

If it’s because Google can’t generate creative content, engage in conversations, or help with tasks, I’ve engaged ChatGPT for all those (including a nice suggested illustration for tropical plants for the backyard) so maybe I’m not the one the commercials are gear toward?

There’s no question oldsters don’t use a lot of new stuff because it’s new, however I’m wondering, because using ChatGPT IS something useful that’s easy to use (I’ve gotten jokes, drawings, scripts, and solved problems, etc. with ChatGPT). I wonder if oldsters are really underutilizing ChatGPT. Or they just don’t care.

- Biff

Have you ever been to camp before? Well, I have. For several years, I attended Camp Cedarbrook until I was too old to be considered a camper. 

I will say, it was difficult in some areas. Mainly, no Internet access for a whole week. However, I’m sure you can make memories while being at camp without it.

Regardless, I did enjoy camping. I got to participate in many activities like archery, biking, and even cooking in a Dutch oven. Were there any activities you enjoyed during your time camping?

One memory from camp that stuck out to me was when we went to a pool party. We had our dinner there one day. During the party, we played jousting over the pool. We were trying to hit each other with inflatables to knock the other into the pool. Was there any memories around the pool area for you?

This was just one of the many memories I made when camping. So, what are your fond memories about camping?

- CH

Ever since the invention of stories, people have enjoyed tales of the poor, downtrodden maiden with a good heart, who is eventually elevated to princess of her country. Just think of (insert every beloved fairy tale ever!). 

I suppose that any romance writer worth his or her salt eventually gets around to writing their own version of the princess story. Accidentally Royal is mine.

Meet Lillian Bell. Her childhood was different from most. Raised in a convent by her mother who had become a nun. She never knew her father or the circumstances that led them to the convent. All she knows is that their homeland is the island country of Kimbledon.

When her mother is dying, she makes Lillian promise to go back to Kimbledon. So, for the past eight years, Lillian has been making her way from America to the British principality. One day she’ll get there.

Meet William Jamison. An aide to the prince of Kimbledon, just as his father before him. He’s been taught honor to his country, and he’ll do anything to protect it. Even invent a ridiculous plan to install someone as the long-lost princess in order to keep the kingdom from falling into the hands of an unfit ruler. 

Lillian Bell is that someone.

The biggest thing to love about princess stories is the happily ever after. I will read conflict after conflict, sadness, hardship, whatever if you’ll get me a big happily ever after at the end. I guarantee that Accidentally Royal gives just that, with several big twists. I hope you’ll check it out at most online bookstores!

- M.M.