Willem Van Lancker highlights that AI threatens to strip away "productive friction" in creative work—the struggle and learning that come from failure and critique. Jack Cheng expands on this by emphasizing the value of personal experience in creative expression, coining the term "thisness" to refer to the unique details only an individual can bring to their work. As AI makes surface-level creativity easier, the depth and specificity of personal experience become more essential. Jack White's observation that the ease of use can undermine creativity resonates today as AI democratizes creative tools. The author, who has a diverse background in creative fields, notes that as generative AI eliminates some challenges, it also changes what remains difficult and valuable. Different creative fields evolve similarly to competitive gaming, where the "meta" shifts with new strategies and techniques. This evolution can lead to the obsolescence of certain writing styles, as trends in language and expression change over time. The piece also touches on the paradox of trying to avoid clichés associated with AI-generated work. Writers may find themselves trapped in a cycle of anticipating and reacting to trends, reminiscent of Vizzini from "The Princess Bride." Instead of getting caught up in this mental game, the author suggests focusing on what remains constant and valuable in creative work. Drawing from personal experience—what makes a story unique—can create resonance with readers. Specific details rooted in one's life can transform a narrative into something universally relatable, standing out in an era increasingly influenced by AI.