Using AI to Share Our Stories

Every week, I sit across from brilliant Dominican writers whose stories make me laugh, cry, and feel our culture deep in my soul. They pour their hearts onto the page, weaving tales of our islands, our families, our dreams. And every week, I see the same worry in their eyes when we start talking about getting these precious stories into readers' hands.

I've held hands with authors who break down crying, overwhelmed by the marketing mountain ahead. I've stayed up late exchanging messages with writers panicking about their book launch. I've watched incredible books - stories that could change lives - fade into silence because their authors didn't know how to promote them.

Let me be clear about something upfront: I'm not here to teach you how to use AI to write your book. Your stories, your creative voice - that's all you, and that's how it should be. What I am here to do is show you how to use AI to get those stories into readers' hands. Because let's face it - without readers, how will our books sell? How will our stories make the impact they deserve?

Ya no hay que romperse el coco trying to figure out marketing all by yourself. Gone are the days of staring at a blank Instagram page wondering what to post, or struggling to write newsletter content that connects with readers. AI offers practical, proven ways to get your book into readers' hands. Don't be afraid to use these tools - they're here to help you work smarter, not harder.

Think of AI as your personal marketing assistant, available 24/7 to help brainstorm ideas, create content, and find your readers. Si se puede, and I'm going to show you exactly how. At DWA, we've tested these strategies with authors at every level of technical ability, and we've seen what works. From simple exercises that take five minutes to more advanced techniques for those ready to dive deeper - I'm going to share it all.

Let me tell you how I discovered these tools. Early 2023, amid headlines about ChatGPT's rapid evolution, I did what any curious mother would do - I asked my 15-year-old if he was using it. His response? "Of course, Mami - for essays, math, research, everything." That was my wake-up call. If my teenager was already navigating this technology, I needed to understand it.

The following week, I was in Santo Domingo for a book launch. The next day after the event, I got asked to submit a press release - you know, one of those tasks that usually has you staring at a blank screen for an hour trying to get the wording just right. Perfect timing to test ChatGPT! Between sips of cafecito, I started experimenting. What would've normally taken me an hour of writing and rewriting, I finished in 20 minutes. And it was good - really good. That's when it hit me: if AI could transform mundane tasks like this into quick wins, imagine what it could do for our authors at DWA.

Here's the reality we need to talk about - whether you're with a big publisher or small press, you're mostly on your own for promotion. But before you feel that knot in your stomach, let me share some hope. Look at authors like Adriana Herrera and Alyssa Reynoso Morris. They're showing us what's possible when we take control of our author platforms, building passionate reader communities, creating engaging content, booking their own events. They treat their author careers like the businesses they are - and they're thriving.

Our stories deserve that level of success. Our voices deserve to be heard. And I believe AI can help make that happen.

Let me share some practical magic I've discovered. Every time an author tells me "my book is for everyone," my heart sinks a little. Because trying to reach everyone means reaching no one. But here's where AI becomes your secret weapon. You can feed your book description into AI and ask questions like:

"Who are the core audiences that will connect deeply with these themes?"

"Where are similar books finding success?"

"Which communities are already discussing these topics?"

One of our authors did this and discovered her story about a Dominican grandmother resonated deeply with third-culture kids across all backgrounds. Suddenly, her marketing had focus, direction, purpose.

I see you struggling with social media, newsletters, website bios - because I sit with you during consultations. Those blank screens can feel overwhelming. But imagine having an assistant who could help you create a month of social media content that shares your journey authentically, highlights your book's themes without hard selling, and connects with readers through shared cultural experiences.

Remember, you're not just publishing a book - you're starting a conversation. You're adding your voice to our community's story. That's why I get excited about using AI to help you transform your book into teaching materials, create book club guides that spark deep discussions, and build a platform that amplifies your unique voice.

Every time I walk into a bookstore and see Dominican authors on the shelves, my heart swells. Every time I hear about one of our writers getting their story optioned for film, I celebrate like it's my own victory. Because it is. Each success opens doors for more of our stories to be told.

That's why I'm sharing these tools with you. Because your story matters. Because our community needs your voice. Because when one of us rises, we all rise.

Next week, I'll share more specific strategies and prompts. But for now, mi gente, remember: you're not alone in this journey. We're here to help your story reach the heights it deserves.

¿Preguntas? Drop them below. Estoy aquí para ti.