To AI or not to AI

To AI or not to AI

I love AI, at least when it comes to general use. I work at a leading tech company that actively encourages us to harness AI tools to boost efficiency in our daily tasks. Why? Because when used responsibly with the right levels of security, AI allows us to automate repetitive tasks and free up valuable time to focus on what truly matters: problem solving, providing unrivalled service excellence, and executing our strategic intent. Ultimately, it helps us create mutually beneficial relationships with our customers, partners, stakeholders, and even the planet.

But when it comes to my author life, it is a different story.

Do I use AI to generate my stories? No.

Every word I write comes from me, my creativity, my heart, and my experiences. Writing is deeply personal. It is the thrill of crafting complex characters, weaving emotional arcs, and exploring the infinite layers of human connection. For me, the storytelling process is the art. I would not feel creatively fulfilled if a machine wrote my stories.

That said, I am beginning to exploring AI tools for editing, but only as a way to improve efficiency. I cannot explain how many times I write and rewrite passages, tweaking them endlessly. However, no matter how useful AI can be for refining drafts and editing, my books will always go through human editing. This step is non-negotiable for me because I need real human feedback to ensure my writing achieves the emotional connection I strive for. Currently, I work with Reach Publishers in South Africa and also use the excellent services of Cheryl from Willow Trading South Africa for proofreading.

But what about other authors who do use AI for creative writing?

I respect their choice. Some people have incredible ideas but struggle with the execution, and in those cases, AI tools can be empowering. If generative AI helps someone bring a creative vision to life that might have otherwise stayed locked in their mind, who am I to judge?

The Real Dilemma: Intellectual Property (IP)

The deeper conversation around AI use in creative spaces is not just about whether it can be used but whether it should when it comes to ownership and originality.

Who owns a story when AI generates part of it and those tools are trained using the words of other authors? How much human input is required to claim authorship? At what point does a piece of work become more artificial than authentic? These are complex questions we are only beginning to explore as AI technology evolves. This is where tools like Quillbot plays an amazing role (I discovered this tool recently, and rand the three books I am working on through it - my work came out as 0% AI generated).

I believe the heart of storytelling lies in personal voice, emotional depth, and human connection, qualities AI can only attempt to replicate, not genuinely create. Yet, as the lines between human creativity and AI assistance blur, the conversation around intellectual property rights is growing more complicated.

My Final Take:

AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. It can empower, inspire, or even accelerate the creative process, but it can also risk diluting originality if relied on too heavily.

For me, the magic will always be in the human experience behind the words. But for others, AI can be a gateway to storytelling that might never have existed otherwise.

So, to AI or not to AI? That choice belongs to each creator. What matters most is integrity, transparency, and staying true to your creative vision, whatever form that takes.
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