How People are Using AI to Write Novels and Other Creative Works

AI, while incredibly advanced, doesn't experience emotions and therefore may produce content that resonates less with readers seeking authenticity and emotional connection.

In recent years, artificial intelligence has gone from being a distant, futuristic concept to something we interact with daily—often without even realizing it. Now, AI is entering the creative realm, helping writers brainstorm ideas, overcome writer's block, and even draft portions of novels. While some may view AI as a helpful tool for the writing process, others see it as an encroachment on the artistry of storytelling. So, how exactly are people using AI to write novels, and what are the implications for the future of writing?

Many writers today use AI as a "creative co-writer." Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Sudowrite are popular choices that can suggest plot twists, develop character backgrounds, or even generate dialogue. Rather than taking over the writing process, these tools often serve as brainstorming partners, offering writers fresh ideas and perspectives they might not have considered. For writers looking to experiment with genres, voices, or even entire chapters, AI can be a powerful way to spark creativity and save time.

Some writers turn to AI when they're stuck, using it to move past creative roadblocks. For instance, if you're struggling with how a scene should play out, you can input a prompt, and the AI will provide potential paths to explore. This can be particularly helpful in genre writing, where pacing and structure are essential but can feel repetitive. AI can help outline scenes that fit genre conventions while still leaving room for originality.

Writing a novel is an enormous undertaking, and for many, time is a major constraint. AI can speed up certain aspects of the writing process by generating drafts, rewriting clunky passages, or suggesting stylistic changes. Writers who balance multiple projects or jobs find that AI allows them to tackle more without sacrificing quality.

One of the significant productivity benefits of AI is that it can act as an "assistant editor," identifying grammar and stylistic issues and suggesting improvements. While many authors still rely on traditional editing, AI tools can provide that first layer of feedback, making it easier to revise before sending it to a human editor.

While AI can be a helpful tool, it also raises important questions about originality and authorship. When you use AI to generate content, how much of that content is truly "yours"? If an AI co-writes part of your book, should it be credited? Or, when AI suggests a plotline that resonates with you, can you still call the story entirely your own? These are questions writers, publishers, and readers are still grappling with.

Some authors argue that AI doesn't have experiences, emotions, or a worldview to draw from, and therefore, any AI-generated text lacks the depth and nuance that comes from human experience. Others point out that as long as the writer is actively shaping, editing, and personalizing the AI's suggestions, the work remains theirs.

I have no doubt that many authors have successfully used AI to enhance their writing. For example, to flesh out scenes or create unique settings, saving them hours of work. However, there are cautionary tales as well. Relying too heavily on AI can lead to work that feels mechanical or lacks a personal touch. AI, while incredibly advanced, doesn't experience emotions and therefore may produce content that resonates less with readers seeking authenticity and emotional connection.

Additionally, AI-generated text sometimes mimics clichés or patterns it has "learned" from other books, making it essential for writers to review, edit, and revise any content AI produces. Used thoughtfully, AI can be a valuable asset, but without careful oversight, it can produce writing that lacks originality.

If you're interested in incorporating AI into your writing process, here are a few tips to get the most out of it while staying true to your own voice:

1. Use AI as a Brainstorming Tool, Not a Crutch – Let AI help you explore new ideas, but don't rely on it to write entire scenes or chapters without heavy editing. Consider AI's input as one of many ideas, not the final word.
2. Keep Your Voice and Style Front and Center – AI can sometimes produce text that feels bland or overly formal. Make sure to infuse any AI-assisted text with your unique voice. Editing AI-generated content is essential to ensure it aligns with your style.
3. Experiment with Parameters – Many AI tools let you adjust settings to change the tone, length, and complexity of responses. Experiment with these to find the settings that work best for you and your genre.
4. Stay Open to Feedback – AI can be incredibly helpful in providing suggestions, but don't let it override your instincts as a writer. Trust your creative judgment, and don't hesitate to reject AI's suggestions if they don't align with your vision.

In the end, AI is a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how it's used. Some writers will find it transformative, while others may prefer to keep their process completely human. Whichever approach you choose, it's clear that AI is reshaping the writing world—and offering new possibilities for those willing to explore its potential. As always, it's up to each writer to decide how (and if) AI fits into their creative journey.

Is Using AI Really Cheating?

In many writers' groups that I'm a member of on Facebook, the topic of AI in writing sparks intense debate. The mere mention of using AI tools often leads to accusations of cheating or even plagiarism, with some writers arguing that relying on AI undermines the integrity of the creative process. But is it really plagiarism or cheating to use AI as a writing tool?

The answer depends on how AI is used. If AI is merely generating ideas, providing draft text, or offering stylistic suggestions that a writer then edits and personalizes, it may be more accurate to see it as a creative assistant rather than a replacement. However, when AI is used to produce entire chapters or books with minimal human involvement, the line between assistance and authorship becomes blurred. Plagiarism typically involves passing off someone else's work as your own, but with AI, it's not as clear-cut since AI doesn't "own" its creations. That said, some AI-generated content may draw on public sources, which could accidentally replicate phrases or ideas from other works.

Ultimately, whether using AI is "cheating" depends on the writer's intentions and the extent of their own input. As with any tool, AI should ideally enhance rather than replace the writer's voice and vision. Writers who thoughtfully integrate AI while retaining control over their work are more likely to see it as a collaborator rather than a shortcut.

So, while AI can be a powerful asset, the question of whether it is ethical or "authentic" to use in creative writing is one that each writer must answer for themselves.