Resistance isn't just self-doubt; it's an intelligent, negative force that radiates from any creative endeavor. Personifying it this way makes it an external enemy to be fought, rather than an internal failing. This mindset shift is key to overcoming it.

We unconsciously frame abstract concepts like 'argument is war' or 'a relationship is a journey' using concrete metaphors. These are not just figures of speech but core cognitive frameworks that dictate our approach to negotiation, conflict, and collaboration. Recognizing them is the first step to changing your perspective and outcome.

Early AI agents are unreliable and behave in non-human ways. Framing them as "virtual collaborators" sets them up for failure. A creative metaphor, like "fairies," correctly frames them as non-human entities with unique powers and flaws. This manages expectations and unlocks a rich vein of product ideas based on the metaphor's lore.

Margaret Atwood reveals she trained as a young writer by intentionally mimicking famous authors. This practice, rather than being plagiarism, is a powerful exercise for understanding stylistic nuances and ultimately developing a unique, original voice. It is a form of deliberate practice.

Our fascination with danger isn't a flaw but a survival mechanism. Like animals that observe predators from a safe distance to learn their habits, humans consume stories about threats to understand and prepare for them. This 'morbid curiosity' is a safe way to gather crucial information about potential dangers without facing direct risk.

Atwood argues AI fails at original writing because it lacks a singular human mind or "soul." It can mimic formulas but cannot create a genuine voice or understand core principles of storytelling, like the constraints of a dystopia where characters cannot simply leave.

Atwood dismisses the tech industry's term "hallucination" for AI errors. She argues that machines make factual mistakes, whereas hallucinations are complex human experiences. Using the term is a deliberate attempt to make AI seem more human and conscious than it actually is.

A story's core mechanic for engagement is not just emotion, but the constant betrayal of the audience's expectations. People are drawn to narratives, jokes, and songs precisely because they want their predictions about what happens next to be wrong. This element of surprise is what makes a story satisfying and compels an audience to continue.

Drawing from an "Alice in Wonderland" metaphor, Margaret Atwood explains that escaping torment requires a psychological shift: realizing the bully's power is not inherent but granted by the victim's belief in it. Once you can say "you're nothing but a pack of cards," their power dissolves.