Yes. I have and do use AI tools to help create a story - but do not use them to write it. Most of my use for AI is helping fix my grammar and punctuation. I have even asked AI to add a bit of descriptors to help punch up what I have already written - From there, I will turn around and rewrite it so that AI's suggestions are still my own words.
But I've played around with AI enough to learn what AI spits out to be able to tell when an author is using it. I can plug it into an AI checker and it comes out 75-100%, then I know that the author is using them for more than a little assistance to get through a tough scene. They can deny it all they want, saying they are just that great of a writer when it's bullshit - we both know it.
I think if a author is going to be utilizing AI to help write the story they have in their head, have the balls enough to state the fact that they used it.
There are acceptable ways to use AI, and not... For example, I can take a summary of the movie Die Hard and asked AI to write a 5-Act synopsis for a new story along the same lines. It will shoot out 800 words with great ideas. I would not use those 800 words in a story but I might take the first act and ask AI to break it down into 3-5 chapters. Again, it will do the work for what might happen in those chapters. I am not asking AI to write the chapters but more so outline it for me.
It's up to the writer to write it. Now... If I did write the chapter, then asked AI to rewrite it for me so that it sounds better and more descriptive, and then I use it... I think we have a basis for cheating. It will come back as 100% AI - I don't care how much of your brain you used to generate the scene. If AI is gonna write 2000 words of your 800 word summary - that is cheating. ***At least be honest that you used AI. That is my long winded opinion.
Nope. Not using AI for fiction. What is the point of doing that? There isn't one. The act of creating art is what serves society and moves culture forward. AI just churns through things that someone has already created. If you need AI to create, just stop creating.
Couldn't agree more. I actually have a very similar Substack article sitting in my drafts along a similar vein but was hesitant to post it in fear of backlash. I use AI regularly in my marketing job and I use it openly but for some reason I feel hesitant to mention it when it comes to my creative processes. Good on you and I also love the Creative Penn Podcast!
Yeah, people get very passionate when it comes to using AI for a creative process. It’s honestly nothing more than someone who you can bounce ideas back and forth with. Like a good friend who is willing to give you the time to experiment with you.
I think the issue is that AI potentially removes the experience and hard work necessary to create great fiction. Knowing the right prompt for the right AI (neither of which were created by the author) could provide the writer the ability to “jump the line” so to speak.
Toiling for the sake of toiling is certainly not necessary, and I’m sure a middle ground is out there. But I think the shortcut aspect of it all is what makes people fearful.
Thanks for your feedback, Andy. I see your point but I think the fear of “jumping the line” is something people have been afraid of since the beginning of time. I think many might be facing some sort of a resistance to change.
Yes. I have and do use AI tools to help create a story - but do not use them to write it. Most of my use for AI is helping fix my grammar and punctuation. I have even asked AI to add a bit of descriptors to help punch up what I have already written - From there, I will turn around and rewrite it so that AI's suggestions are still my own words.
But I've played around with AI enough to learn what AI spits out to be able to tell when an author is using it. I can plug it into an AI checker and it comes out 75-100%, then I know that the author is using them for more than a little assistance to get through a tough scene. They can deny it all they want, saying they are just that great of a writer when it's bullshit - we both know it.
I think if a author is going to be utilizing AI to help write the story they have in their head, have the balls enough to state the fact that they used it.
There are acceptable ways to use AI, and not... For example, I can take a summary of the movie Die Hard and asked AI to write a 5-Act synopsis for a new story along the same lines. It will shoot out 800 words with great ideas. I would not use those 800 words in a story but I might take the first act and ask AI to break it down into 3-5 chapters. Again, it will do the work for what might happen in those chapters. I am not asking AI to write the chapters but more so outline it for me.
It's up to the writer to write it. Now... If I did write the chapter, then asked AI to rewrite it for me so that it sounds better and more descriptive, and then I use it... I think we have a basis for cheating. It will come back as 100% AI - I don't care how much of your brain you used to generate the scene. If AI is gonna write 2000 words of your 800 word summary - that is cheating. ***At least be honest that you used AI. That is my long winded opinion.
Nope. Not using AI for fiction. What is the point of doing that? There isn't one. The act of creating art is what serves society and moves culture forward. AI just churns through things that someone has already created. If you need AI to create, just stop creating.
Couldn't agree more. I actually have a very similar Substack article sitting in my drafts along a similar vein but was hesitant to post it in fear of backlash. I use AI regularly in my marketing job and I use it openly but for some reason I feel hesitant to mention it when it comes to my creative processes. Good on you and I also love the Creative Penn Podcast!
Yeah, people get very passionate when it comes to using AI for a creative process. It’s honestly nothing more than someone who you can bounce ideas back and forth with. Like a good friend who is willing to give you the time to experiment with you.
Exactly I agree.
I see your point, Michelle. As I said here in the piece, the best strategy is to do what feels right for you and your work.
I think the issue is that AI potentially removes the experience and hard work necessary to create great fiction. Knowing the right prompt for the right AI (neither of which were created by the author) could provide the writer the ability to “jump the line” so to speak.
Toiling for the sake of toiling is certainly not necessary, and I’m sure a middle ground is out there. But I think the shortcut aspect of it all is what makes people fearful.
Thanks for your feedback, Andy. I see your point but I think the fear of “jumping the line” is something people have been afraid of since the beginning of time. I think many might be facing some sort of a resistance to change.