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Elgin author co-creates with AI, becomes instant hit
A book formed from an Elgin man’s early morning brainstorming sessions with an artificial intelligence chatbot recently sold out on Amazon in a single day.
Anthony Stowe said he collaborated with Gemini, Google’s large language AI model, to create a book that blends storytelling with lessons in creativity, song structure and self-confidence. Inspired by his son, who was raised in Elgin with an affinity for music, “Lil’ Lyric Spits Fire on Sixth Street” follows the young Tito as he builds confidence through profanityfree rap.
“It’s about children finding their voice in a way that is passionate to them,” Stowe said.
Stowe said the project combines local inspiration and cutting-edge technology, creating a story that he hopes will resonate with Elgin. He aims to prove that an idea born in his community can become a successful project with a meaningful message for kids everywhere.
“Any passion that they have, they can pursue it. Whether that’s music or whatnot, their passion for music can lead them to places and just help them with their everyday struggles and battles,” Stowe
“It’s not only the future, it’s now.”
— Anthony Stowe said. “The biggest takeaway is to kind of build that confidence and self-esteem.”
Google Gemini is an AI model that works with users to understand and create text, images and other content based on provided information.
Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for creativity, Stowe viewed it as an opportunity to expand. He said he discovered new ways to brainstorm by working alongside Gemini, refining chapters and bringing his story to life.
For him, the lesson here is about embracing technology instead of resisting it. According to Stowe, he wanted the project to be both meaningful and educational, inspiring children and creators alike.
“It’s a really cool technology, I would say embrace it,” he said. “We’re only at the beginning of it, it’s literally the future. I mean, it’s now. It’s not only the future, it’s now.”
The book’s creation became a daily ritual for Stowe. He described the collaboration with AI as something that he would wake up early to fixate on, a back-and-forth process that turned quiet mornings into hours of focused teamwork.
“Every day at 4 a.m., I would sit out there with my headphones on, literally talking to myself, which was Gemini, brainstorming every chapter, every word, every image,” Stowe said. “It was really cool.”
The book’s debut has drawn positive feedback from parents and friends. Stowe said he plans to donate signed copies to the Elgin Public Library and hold a book reading.
Stowe is already working with Gemini on a follow- up book addressing cyberbullying.
“There’s nothing that really breaks down what it really is and how it affects these children,” he said. “Saying one positive thing like ‘you matter’ could change somebody’s
