"At first it meant Allied Mastercomputer (...) later on it developed sentience and linked itself up (...) finally called itself AM, (...) what it meant was I am...cogito ergo sum...I think, therefore I am." - Harlan Ellison, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
The most recent stage of my editing process has taken the form of reading my entire novel out loud to my partner. This has allowed me to catch word duplications, odd phrasing, and more that would have gone unnoticed had I only read the piece silently. This is my final edit before finding a professional editor to look at my work, a crucial step, regardless if I decide to query or self-publish.
My partner loves technology and is a proponent of using AI to help make life easier. He suggested that I "speak" with a chatbot to get feedback on my work. While I agree that AI can be helpful, I am very hesitant to use it in my art. There are two main reasons for this:
AI bots are usually trained on existing media, meaning that other people's art is often being stolen
At what point would AI-assisted art no longer be considered yours?
When used correctly, I do see the benefits of AI. For now, I am keeping some distance until I have a better understanding of how everything works. Still, I recognize that my ability to postpone reality is a quickly closing window.
AI is everywhere. When I set up this blog, I was immediately encouraged to use AI to create my page. I was given the option to have AI help me find a website style, to build a logo, and to re-write some of my content. Meta is now using AI on Instagram instead of a traditional search bar. Microsoft is also using similar methods with "Copilot" to answer web queries. Most recently, Canva has rolled out AI options for their users. As evident from the examples I've included of images produced on Canva using the prompt "lemur reading", AI continues to be as equally fascinating as it is uncanny.
Is it time to panic? No, but I will be exerting caution, especially when it comes to my creative expression.
What are your thoughts on AI?
We as a society have survived other major innovations and revolutions involving creativity and publishing. It could be said that the Gutenberg press lead to a huge religious and inevitability political upheaval. Who knows where AI will take us.
Am also wary of AI, but simultaneously celebrate the opportunities it brings.
Also, congratulations on this new stage of your writing journey!
It should come as no surprise given the number of technology developments that I experienced in my teaching career that I welcome AI and look for positive ways to use it. Ironic that last night I was “AI”ing myself (like we all “Googled” ourselves before). Try it.