The conversation around AI and writing is heating up. But too often, it’s framed as a false choice: AI is either “bad” and deceptive, or it’s the ultimate shortcut to productivity.
In this solo episode, I challenge that binary thinking and unpack the real issues at stake for freelance writers. Sparked by a provocative LinkedIn post from Mariya Delano, CEO of Kalyna Marketing, this discussion dives into the myths and misconceptions that keep us stuck in unproductive debates.
I lay out 10 false assumptions fueling the AI writing controversy. And I explain why the future belongs to freelancers who can master what I call “creative synthesis,” which is the ability to skillfully combine human judgment, lived experience, taste, and AI capabilities into something far greater than either could achieve alone.
If you’ve been wondering how to navigate the AI conversation with clients — or how to position yourself to thrive in an AI-enhanced world — this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.
What You’ll Learn
- Why binary debates about AI (“good” vs. “bad”) miss the bigger picture
- The 10 false assumptions about AI that are holding writers back
- How to reframe AI as a tool for amplification (not deception!)
- The concept of Creative Synthesis and why it’s the skill that will set you apart
- The four phases of Creative Synthesis mastery and how to progress through them
Key Insights and Takeaways
- AI doesn’t equal deception: Like Grammarly or Google, it’s a tool. What matters is how you use it and whether you’re transparent.
- Not all AI is the same: There’s a vast spectrum of use cases, from research to brainstorming to drafting, and lumping them all together is misleading.
- Clients care about results, not process: What builds trust is consistent, high-value outcomes. It’s not about whether AI played a role behind the scenes.
- Creative Synthesis is the future: The winning freelancers will be those who can blend AI capabilities with strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and client understanding.
Action Steps You Can Take This Week
- Audit your AI beliefs: Which of the 10 assumptions have you unconsciously bought into?
- Experiment intentionally: Spend 30 minutes testing a new AI workflow for creativity and strategy, not just for efficiency.
- Develop your AI policy: Be ready to discuss openly with clients how (if at all) you use AI in your process.
- Shift your mindset: Stop asking “AI vs. no AI?” and start asking, “How can I combine AI with my skills to deliver extraordinary value?”
Memorable Soundbites
“The debate isn’t AI good or AI bad. The real question is: how will you use it to create something that only you can?”
“Using AI doesn’t make you less original. What makes your work original is the judgment, taste, and perspective only you bring.”
“The freelancers who thrive won’t be the ones avoiding AI or blindly copy-pasting it. To thrive in the years ahead you’ll need to master Creative Synthesis.”
Listener Challenge
This week, pick one client project (current or past) and ask yourself:
Where could AI have enhanced my process—not replaced me, but amplified my creativity, speed, or strategic value?
Then take one small step to test that approach in your next project.
If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow freelancer navigating the AI conversation. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you earn more in less time… doing work you love, for better clients.
Timestamp Overview
00:00:00 – Introduction & Context
Ed introduces the episode, shares his reaction to a heated LinkedIn post about AI in writing, and frames the need for a nuanced debate on the topic.
00:01:48 – The Binary Nature of the AI Debate
He discusses how conversations around AI (like many topics) have become overly polarized—a false “either/or” dynamic that shuts out nuance.
00:03:40 – Mariya Delano’s LinkedIn Post
Reads and summarizes Maria’s post, which firmly opposes the use of AI by writers, citing concerns about quality, authenticity, and trust.
00:06:12 – Valid Concerns Surrounding AI in Writing
Ed acknowledges and empathizes with Maria’s concerns—poor AI content, ethical issues with passing off AI work as original, and the risk of atrophying skills.
00:08:48 – False Dichotomy: AI Bad, Human Good
Ed argues that labeling AI use as purely negative and human writing as purely positive lacks nuance and doesn’t reflect reality.
00:10:27 – Assumption #1: AI Use Equals Deception
Challenges the idea that leveraging AI is inherently dishonest; compares AI tools to Grammarly or hiring an editor, emphasizing transparency.
00:15:51 – Assumption #2: AI Output is Just Regurgitation
Explains how large language models (LLMs) don’t just “regurgitate” the internet, and how a skilled writer can coax unique insights from them.
00:21:02 – Assumption #3: Human Judgment is Compromised by AI
Pushes back on the notion that using AI dulls a writer’s critical thinking, and asserts that responsible use can actually sharpen editorial judgment.
00:24:40 – Assumption #4: AI-Assisted Work Isn’t Original
Addresses the myth that using AI tools makes writing unoriginal, highlighting how all creativity is a synthesis of existing knowledge.
00:26:58 – Assumption #5: AI Users are Lazy or Cutting Corners
Refutes the claim that using AI is lazy, making the case that efficiency and strategic use of tools is not unethical or “cheating.”
00:29:39 – AI and Human Judgment—Creativity Defined
Digs deeper into the claim that AI can’t produce real creativity—underscoring the difference between pattern recognition (AI) and human taste, judgment, and discernment.
00:31:43 – Assumption #6: AI Use is Zero-Sum
Rejects the binary thinking that using AI means abandoning human skills, and stresses the importance of human-AI collaboration.
00:34:29 – Assumption #7: All AI Use is the Same
Draws a distinction between blindly copying/pasting AI content vs. leveraging AI for ideation, research, or supporting other writing phases.
00:36:18 – Assumption #8: AI Reduces a Writer’s Value
Counters the idea that AI makes writers less valuable—instead, those who skillfully blend AI with their craft can deliver far greater value.
00:42:09 – The Future: Creative Synthesis is the Real Differentiator
Argues the future will belong to writers who master “creative synthesis”—combining strategic, emotional, and experiential input with AI’s capabilities.
00:47:27 – Four Phases of AI Adoption for Writers
Describes how writers progress from manual work, to basic AI help, to AI-integrated business operations, to “creative synthesis mastery.”
00:53:07 – The Market Will Decide: Adapt or Miss Out
Concludes that clients will increasingly value writers who can combine AI skillfully with human judgment—those refusing to adapt may get left behind.
00:56:14 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Encourages writers to experiment with AI, develop creative synthesis skills, and avoid getting trapped in black-and-white thinking about tech.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Claim your free book:
Discover the secrets to a thriving writing career in Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. — Download your FREE copy
2. Stop losing projects to better-equipped writers
My AI Advantage Hub gives you new and proven capabilities every month that make you more confident and competitive — better research skills, stronger writing, smarter client conversations, creative problem-solving, and the confidence to say yes to opportunities you’d normally decline. It’s your monthly system for expanding what’s possible in your business. — Learn More
3. Work with me for 90 days
Need a trusted “sparring” partner to tackle your most pressing business challenges? I occasionally offer an intensive 90-day coaching program for freelancers at all income levels. We work together 1-on-1 to identify your most critical business obstacles, come up with innovative solutions and develop a customized, actionable plan. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com with “90-Day Accelerator” in the subject line to learn more.
4. Banish 6-figure burnout
One of my core specialties is helping 6-figure freelancers earn more in less time with less stress. If you’re at that income level but you’re burning out and want to create a business that actually serves you, let’s connect. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Boardroom” in the subject line and I’ll get back to you with more details.
