Am I the Literary Asshole O’Clock? Wild Writer Drama, Ghosted Friendships, and Surviving AI Advice from Your Mom

Am I the Literary Asshole O’Clock!

Welcome back to the quirkiest advice column on the block, where literature meets unapologetic honesty—and yes, a splash of margarita. It’s July in Florida: sun-soaked days, tequila-fueled nights, and writers with questions that don’t quit. Today’s lineup is packed with raw, real-life dilemmas every writer can relate to. Let’s get into it.

Question 1: Ghosted by a Writing Friend

You connected deeply with a fellow writer, sharing work and thoughts for almost three years. Suddenly, they pulled back, leaving you with silence despite their active social media presence. Feels like ghosting, right? And you’re left wondering if you’re the one overreacting.

First, your feelings are valid. Artistic connection runs deep and when it fades unexpectedly, it stings. But remember, social media posts rarely reveal the full picture. They could be dealing with personal issues you can’t see. That said, if this silence feels like a breach of respect, it’s okay to mourn the loss of that relationship.

Before jumping to conclusions, consider reaching out gently through a mutual contact for insight. Be prepared for answers that might not feel great, but don’t let one setback stop you from seeking out other creative alliances. Writing thrives in community; the right collaborators will come.

Grieve the loss, then focus on new connections that support your growth. And maybe pour yourself a margarita to toast resilience.

Question 2: Burning Out Mid-Project

Midway through a writing project, excitement fizzles and burnout sets in. You start strong but flame out at around 30,000 words, then start fresh repeatedly. Sound familiar? Good news: this is normal.

Writing is a practice, not always a sprint of inspiration. When the middle drags, shake things up:

• If you usually outline, try letting the story lead you without constraints.
• If you prefer freeform writing, introduce a detailed plan to guide you.
• Keep the project to yourself at first. Sharing excitement too early can add pressure and fear of failure.

Also, not every project will become a finished piece. Every word you write builds your skills and brings you closer to the work that matters most. When you find a topic you can’t stop thinking about, that’s when the middle won’t drag you down.

Stay patient. You’ve got this.

Question 3: Dealing with AI-Obsessed Parents

Parents who won’t stop pushing AI tools like ChatGPT on your writing can be maddening—especially when it leads to arguments instead of understanding.

This frustration is common. The rise of AI has sparked endless debates, and many writers feel their creative process is misunderstood or undervalued. A calm but firm response often helps: "The joy of my writing is in creating it, not just the result." This sets a boundary without shutting down conversation.

Still, expect resistance. If the topic is important to you, don’t shy away from standing your ground. It’s okay to challenge the assumption that AI is the answer to everything. These conversations matter.

If you want to explore how AI tools can be integrated thoughtfully—without sacrificing your voice—you can check out resources like Complete AI Training’s ChatGPT courses.

Now, time to make another pitcher of margaritas and face the next round of questions with some liquid courage.