New Rotarian Jamil “Jim” Maroun, an author, writing coach and founder of Aspiring Authors Hub, shared his journey as a writer and how his initial reluctance to use artificial intelligence evolved into more than 2,000 hours exploring how AI can enhance writing, creativity and productivity.
Jamil’s journey began with writing his own book, a process that took eight years before it was published in 2023. After repeatedly hearing readers say, “I should write a book. How did you do it?” he realized he could use what he had learned to help others. That idea eventually became Aspiring Authors Hub, a coaching business designed to help aspiring writers transform their ideas and experiences into finished books.
As a writer, Jamil was initially skeptical of AI and concerned that using it might compromise his own creativity and authorship. His perspective began to change when he experimented with ChatGPT and discovered its usefulness for research, brainstorming and organizing ideas. He later used it to help develop a Rotary recruitment flyer and build his Aspiring Authors Hub website.
Jamil stressed that he does not view AI as a replacement for the writer. Instead, he approaches it much like an editor or writing assistant. He begins with his own ideas, drafts and objectives, asks AI for feedback and pushes back when the results don’t reflect what he wants to say. Sometimes that means considerable back-and-forth before arriving at a finished product that still represents his voice and intent.
“It’s my ideas. It’s my story. It’s my vision,” he explained, emphasizing that the person — not the technology — should remain in control.
As an example of AI-assisted creativity, Jamil passed around books he recently created based on seasonal decorations he and his wife make for their home. Using his photographs of the decorations as a starting point, he worked with AI to create illustrations and scenes, including a Halloween edition.
Jamil also discussed his approach to helping aspiring authors. Rather than insisting that someone sit down and write an entire first draft or devote a prescribed number of hours each day to writing, he encourages writers to brainstorm and capture their ideas first. Those thoughts can then be organized and developed over time until the story begins to take shape.
While enthusiastic about AI’s potential, Jamil also expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of the technology and emphasized the importance of safeguards and responsible use. His overall message was that AI can be a powerful tool, but human creativity, judgment and responsibility need to remain at the center of the process.
For those interested in learning more, Jamil will host Human First AI, a focused, two-hour interactive workshop designed to help participants use AI with confidence, discernment and purpose. The workshop will be offered via Zoom from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 24.
The cost is $125 per person or $99 per person for Rotarians and friends. If our club helps secure registrations, 20% of the proceeds will be donated back to the club. To sign up, visit AspiringAuthorsHub.com. For more information, contact Jamil.