The Nuances of Using AI

In recent years, using AI in creative writing has become a hotly debated topic. Some see it as an invaluable tool, while others worry it could undermine the authenticity of the art. The reality, though, is not black and white. AI already plays a role in everyday writing that most of us accept without question—spellcheckers and grammar checkers in word processors are forms of AI, quietly enhancing our work by catching small mistakes. These are generally seen as helpful aids. However, allowing an AI to generate entire stories with minimal input is more controversial. Between these two extremes lies a wide area of nuanced uses where AI can either enhance or potentially replace elements of the writing process. Personally, I don’t see AI as a threat to creativity; instead, I view it as another tool in the creative toolbox, akin to other technologies we use to aid our craft. As with any tool, how it’s used determines its impact on creativity and originality. Used thoughtfully, AI can support a writer’s process without overshadowing their unique voice.

In my own creative process, I integrate AI in several small but meaningful ways. Like most people, I rely on spell and grammar checkers to polish my drafts, but I also use AI to help with tasks that can be time-consuming or creatively challenging. For instance, I often struggle with titles, so I turn to AI to help me brainstorm ideas, sparking directions I might not have considered on my own. I also use it to generate keywords for SEO, so my work is easier to find online—a small adjustment that makes a big difference in visibility.

Another way AI supports my process is by summarizing scenes or chapters for easy reference. In a novel, it can be difficult to keep track of each part without constantly rereading. AI-generated summaries help me quickly see where I’m at in the story without having to go back through thousands of words. This saves time and allows me to focus on crafting the plot rather than keeping track of its structure.

Additionally, I find it helpful to use AI for readability insights, especially since I sometimes struggle with maintaining a specific reading level. AI can scan my draft, report the reading level, and even offer feedback on pacing and thematic direction. This can be valuable when writing with a particular audience in mind; if, for instance, I’m aiming for a young adult horror novel, and the AI detects a higher reading level or sees the genre as leaning more toward fantasy, I know I might need to adjust my approach.

I also use AI as a “name manager” of sorts, keeping track of character and place names to avoid accidental repetition or names that sound too similar. When building complex worlds, it’s easy to unintentionally create names that feel redundant or confusing. With AI checking my name choices, I avoid these issues and keep the world more distinct.

In conclusion, I feel that these uses of AI have not diminished my creativity but rather increased my productivity, allowing me to focus more on the heart of writing itself. By handling the more mechanical or organizational aspects, AI frees up my creative energy for storytelling. But I’m curious—how do other writers feel about AI in the writing process? Do you use it to support your work, and if so, how? Let’s share our experiences and see if, together, we can better understand the balance between creativity and technology.