iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

The beauty of giving myself permission to write a wild first draft that has more flaws than keepers is that it's taking me in directions I didn't imagine.New possibilities surfaced for the story this morning. It's a gift to rediscover joy in my writing! Here's my desk today.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Supplies! So true. The camaraderie seems to be irreplaceable. It doesn't happen in the same way during virtual meetings.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

As I listen to the rain, I'm thankful for a job that I can do from home, on most days. However, I've been thinking about the parts of office culture I miss, like the random conversations that lead to learning and collaboration. If you've worked in an office, what do you miss about office culture?

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

If you need encouragement today, take a lesson from this lone stalk of corn growing along a US highway. It has persisted and grown for weeks and it finally has an ear. In the midst of anything, you can persist.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

If you need to pull away from the heat, or work, or the world for a few minutes, read this month's Goodness of the Garden for a trip to the garden of seasonal fruit. I'm featuring a column by my friend, Emily Toadvine. www.bethdotsonbrown.net/the-goodness...

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

As a gardener, I understand how much work goes into a bag of blueberries. I'm sending a big thanks to my friend Emily who gifted me with these. In July, I'll feature a piece by Emily in my blog, The Goodness of the Garden. You can subscribe through my web page or by messaging me your email address.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

What's on your reading list this summer? ☀️ I just finished The Christie Affair (highly recommend!) so the other two are up next. I'd love to see your TBR pile!

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

I can't remember who said something to me last week about the beauty of the cicada wings. I had noticed it, too (along with those wicked red eyes which aren't so beautiful to me). On my morning walk, I saw one at my feet and had to get a photo. It still had dew drops on it.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

It's been a terribly gray and wet spring in Kentucky. My antidote? Plant flowers that add beauty and perspective even on the grayest of days. A good book will do the same.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Have you heard about the fake books listed in the Chicago Sun-Times' recommendations for summer reading? This is one of the dangers of AI and of losing media that is funded well enough to pay good reporters. Check out this coverage from NPR to gain more understanding. www.npr.org/2025/05/20/n...

npr.org

How an AI-generated summer reading list got published in major newspapers

Newspapers around the country, including the Chicago Sun-Times and at least one edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer, published a syndicated book list featuring made-up books by famous authors.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Yesterday was a writer's dream--reading my work for a crowd of relaxed, receptive listeners on the porch and grounds of historic Penn's Store in Gravel Switch, KY. The weather was beautiful and the creativity was everywhere. I return to my writing inspired.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

When I traveled to Alaska last week, I needed a good book to read on the plane ride. Everything We Thought Was True by Lisa Montanaro totally absorbed me. I definitely recommend this unique story.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

I've been planting lots of wildflowers and herbs. I'm hoping to see lots of those good pollinators.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

When I walk around my yard and there's a breeze, the scent of these beauties surrounds me. What a gift!

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Bob White is the first bird sound I learned as a child. It is fun.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

I have a book called dandelion medicine that I'm about to read.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

The energy at The Plaid Elephant bookstore was fantastic on Saturday. Children burst through the doors excited to see what was new. Their parents followed, some of them looking for an adult novel like mine. Big thanks to Kate Snyder of The Plaid Elephant for the experience.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

I was honored yesterday to receive an award for a short story I entered into the Bluegrass Writers Coalition Kentucky Visions contest. It was quite special to participate in the ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda with a small group of very fine Kentucky writers.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

I look forward to Meet the Authors Day at the Plaid Elephant bookstore in Danville, KY on Saturday. It's such a fun store!

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

I think learning and writing about characters is one of the most fun parts of writing.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Writing is in the revision. Sounds like you're ready for that step.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

What roles have libraries played in your life? Every time I've moved, the library has been one of the first places I visit. They are such a great asset for learning and dreaming. This poster from a past National Library Week expresses how I feel about reading.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Thanks to Sandra L. Young for the short, fun interview with Bookish Road Trip on Facebook. It's a challenge to answer three questions in three minutes!

facebook.com

Redirecting...

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

AS King writes important books. I'm so sorry to hear all of this. This is when community is so important.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

My book blog tour has ended. Thanks to the bloggers who participated. Here's a comment from reading.late.into.the.night: The book celebrates women and their relationships. Friendship, mothers, daughters, family and neighbors. And it offers hope in the face of adversity. It’s an uplifting read.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

I found out today that Meta used my novel in their AI training. It's happening to most published authors. Please support copyright laws and the rights of creators and urge AI companies to stop using the work of writers and other artists without express permission and licensing.

actionnetwork.org

Tell AI Companies They Do Not Have the Right to Use Your Work

I just sent a letter telling AI companies they do not not have the right to use my work. Use the Authors Guild's letter template to send your own.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

On April 8, I'll be representing Partners for Rural Impact in a panel discussion about how integrated student supports can sustain and strengthen school communities in time of crisis. If you're interested, register here. I look forward to a good exchange of ideas. drexel.edu/soe/resource...

drexel.edu

Upcoming Event - School of Education

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

The best part of my day was talking with a graduate of Garrard County Middle School who participated in our after school writing program back in the day. She graduated from Asbury and will be pursuing a master's in screenwriting at Emerson College. Hurray, Allison!

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Are you cleaning out your freezer in preparation for spring? This month's Goodness of the Garden talks about planning for winter by buying fruits in season this spring and summer. Plus, there's a breakfast smoothie recipe. bit.ly/43pjPIk

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

The snow is gone and the crocuses are blooming. I'm celebrating nature and friendships today. What are you celebrating?

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

I love your idea of the photo. I hope you have a wonder-filled year.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

I'm starting my week off right with a homemade cinnamon roll.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

1) Swim lesson teacher 2) Cashier 3) Recreation program leader 4) Babysitter 5) Grants program manager

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

I listened to a presentation from the Author's Guild about authors licensing our books for AI use through a specific company that I'm led to believe is innovating in this area. Writer friends, how do you feel about licensing your books for AI use?

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

What gives you courage? I've been thinking about comments some readers of Rooted in Sunrise made about the protagonist, Ava, being courageous. It made me think about what gave her courage, and what gives me courage. Knowing that I am loved unconditionally sets me up to be courageous. What about you?

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Reposted by Beth Dotson Brown

T.L. Simpson @tlsimpson.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Please and thank you

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

My book blog tour for Rooted in Sunrise begins today! Here's the first stop: www.instagram.com/p/DFnQcwLxCR...

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Thank you to The Authors Guild for providing badges that authors can use to distinguish their work from something that is authored by AI. My hope is that this kind of labeling will become standard. Human creativity is priceless.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

The only time I cried when interviewing someone as a journalist was when listening to a story from a woman who was in a shelter. She told me what her husband did to her. Wow, I can still feel how listening to her made my own body feel beat up. Good luck with your story.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Here's a gem from a small publisher that I enjoyed. The Blue Trunk pulled me into the story about identity and how the people around us are so influential on that identity. I also liked the dual timeline that illustrates similar experiences of two characters during different eras. A great read.

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Sorry you're dealing with that. Relying on the digital world, including reviews, to sell our books certainly presents sinkholes. Focus on those great reviews!

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Beth Dotson Brown @bethdotsonbrown.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

The highlight of my week has been a note I received from a reader of Rooted in Sunrise. She connected with the story as I hoped readers would. She also called it a masterpiece, so there’s that. 😊 Knowing I reached a reader means everything.

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