Kevin Lee Swaim's Blog

Working on Pandora’s Box has been a wild ride, taking me deeper than I ever expected into the complex and often mind-bending world of artificial intelligence.

When I first envisioned Pandora’s Box, I knew AI would play a central role. The story revolves around an advanced AI system with the potential to shift the global balance of power. But I quickly realized that understanding AI required more than just learning technical jargon or brushing up on the latest in machine learning. I had to dive deep into the subject, and I’ve been tumbling down the rabbit hole ever since.

The Allure of AI

I approached AI as I usually do with technology in my books—by getting into the nuts and bolts. I started with the basics: algorithms, neural networks, and the fundamentals of machine learning. But it wasn’t long before I began asking bigger questions: How does AI think? Can it truly be autonomous, or are we simply projecting our ideas of intelligence onto lines of code? What are the ethical implications of creating machines that can outthink us?

AI isn’t just another tool; it’s a mirror reflecting our deepest hopes and fears. I found myself delving into philosophical texts, exploring the nature of consciousness, and revisiting ethical debates that have long shaped our views on technology. It was like navigating a labyrinth with no clear exit—each answer led to a new question, and every question opened another avenue of exploration.

Ethical Dilemmas and the Human Condition

I couldn’t help but think about the characters in Pandora’s Box. The OTM are people who operate in gray areas, making decisions that aren’t just about right and wrong but about necessity. How would they interact with an AI capable of making those same decisions—without the burden of human conscience? What would they do if confronted with a real-life Skynet?

This led me to explore the concept of “moral machines.” Can an AI be taught ethics? And if it can learn ethics, whose ethics should it learn? These questions aren’t just science fiction—they’re dilemmas that governments, corporations, and individuals will increasingly face as AI continues to rise.

The Rabbit Hole

No research into AI would be complete without diving into the technical side. I’ve read research papers, attended webinars, and reached out to experts in the field. The level of detail and complexity involved in AI development is staggering, giving me newfound respect for the scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

But this technical deep dive also presented a challenge: how do I make this accessible to readers who might not have a background in AI? I’ve always believed that technology doesn’t need to be dumbed down to be engaging, but it does need to be translated into something that resonates emotionally. Finding that balance between accuracy and storytelling has been one of the biggest challenges in writing Pandora’s Box.

Coming Up for Air

AI is vast, complex, and endlessly fascinating. I’ve only just scratched the surface. The rabbit hole has led me to some unexpected places, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

There’s all kinds of craziness in Pandora’s Box. To quote the infamous Joe Bob Briggs, you’ve got AI, space-fu, mind manipulation-fu, HALO drop-fu, kidnapping-fu, secret society-fu, and government bureaucracy-fu.

Set your course for the dark side of the moon and hang tight—the ride might get bumpy.

Kevin

Today, I’m diving into something that’s both super cool and a bit nerdy – neural networks and deep learning. Hang on, before you think I’ve gone full tech-geek on you, let me explain why this stuff is actually pretty exciting for us writers.

I’m currently working on the next Project StrikeForce book, and guess what’s playing a huge role? AI! And, in this post, I’m going to discuss how AI can make stories more gripping and realistic. Think of neural networks as a new buddy for writers, adding depth to the creative toolkit.

Let’s break down these big techy terms – neural networks and deep learning – into bite-sized pieces. Imagine your brain as a super-complex web of connections, all buzzing and firing to help you think, remember, and react. That’s kind of what a neural network in AI is – a digital brain model!

These networks are made up of layers of nodes (think of them as mini digital brain cells), and they’re pretty good at recognizing patterns. You know, like how you recognize your favorite song from just a few notes? Neural networks do that with data.

Deep learning is when these networks go deep. This means lots of layers, all learning different things from the data they’re fed. It’s like learning to cook – you start with chopping, move on to sautéing, and you’re whipping up Beef Wellington before you know it. Each layer in a deep learning network picks up something new, making it smarter.

In the world of AI and creative writing, these technologies can be a game-changer. Think about creating a character that’s not just a stereotype but has the depth, quirks, and unpredictability of a real person. Neural networks can help us writers think outside the box, getting inspiration from patterns and ideas we might not have considered.

Think about how AI can spice up thriller writing. We’re always looking for ways to make our stories more gripping. AI, with its neural networks and deep learning, can be just the secret ingredient.

Imagine creating characters that feel more real than ever. AI can analyze complex human behaviors and emotions, giving us insights we might not think of on our own. It’s like having a tool that suggests, “Hey, what if your character reacts this way because of a past trauma?” or “This character’s behavior is similar to someone with a specific personality trait.”

AI can help with plots. Imagine identifying patterns in successful thriller plots, suggesting twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. It’s not about writing the story for us but offering a fresh perspective, like a brainstorming partner who’s read every thriller out there and knows what makes readers tick.

But it’s not all about following formulas. The beauty of AI in creative writing is that it can encourage us to break the mold. By analyzing vast amounts of data and patterns, AI can help us identify clichés and overused tropes. Incorporating AI into the writing process is like adding a new lens to our creative camera, one that brings different angles and colors to the story we want to tell. It’s about enhancing creativity, not replacing it.

Let’s dive into something more serious – the ethical side of using AI in fiction writing, and what the future might hold. It’s not just about the cool things AI can do; it’s also about the responsibilities that come with it.

As writers, we have the power to shape narratives and influence thoughts. When we use AI to help with our writing, we must be mindful of not perpetuating biases. AI systems learn from existing data, which can sometimes be biased. So, if we’re not careful, our AI-assisted stories could reinforce stereotypes instead of breaking them down.

Then there’s the question of authenticity. How much of our writing should be influenced by AI? It’s essential to balance using AI as a tool and maintaining our unique voice and creativity. After all, at the heart of every great thriller is the human touch – the emotions, experiences, and imagination that we bring to the table.

But with great power comes great responsibility. At least, that’s what a certain web-crawler says. As AI becomes a more integral part of the creative process, we need to be conscious of how we use it – ensuring that our stories are not just technologically advanced, but also ethically sound and deeply human.

Finally, let’s talk about one of my favorite ideas: AI can be used as our ‘second brain.’ It sounds a bit sci-fi, but I believe it’ll be our evolution’s next most logical step.

Using AI as a second brain means tapping into a vast pool of knowledge and patterns that our human brain might not process or even access. It’s like having a super-smart buddy who’s read every book in the world and can give you tips, ideas, and insights that you might not come up with on your own.

When I’m stuck on a plot point or a character’s development, I can turn to AI for a fresh perspective. It’s not about letting AI write the story for me–it’s more about using it as a sounding board. I throw my ideas into the digital brain, which responds with suggestions based on how thousands of other stories unfolded.

But here’s the cool part – this AI brain doesn’t just mimic what’s been done before. It can also suggest completely new directions, things I might never think of. It’s like brainstorming with the world’s biggest, most diverse writing group, all at once. Changing the temperature setting of the large language model, along with a few other settings can, well, not actually be creative, but can mimic creativity. At least, it sure looks like it’s mimicking creativity.

In the end, though, it’s still me at the wheel, steering the story where I want it to go. AI is just another tool in my writer’s toolkit, albeit a pretty high-tech one. It’s about harmonizing AI’s analytical power with human creativity to craft innovative and deeply personal stories.

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Objective Immutable Truths:

Objective immutable truths refer to facts and principles that exist independent of personal beliefs, opinions, or perspectives. These truths are universally accepted and remain constant regardless of individual interpretations. They are grounded in objective reality and can be verified through evidence, logic, and empirical observations. Objective immutable truths are consistent across different cultures, contexts, and time periods.

Examples of objective immutable truths include scientific laws (e.g., the law of gravity), mathematical principles (e.g., 2 + 2 = 4), historical events (e.g., the moon landing in 1969), and universally recognized ethical principles (e.g., the value of human life).

Subjective Immutable Truths:

On the other hand, subjective immutable truths pertain to personal beliefs, values, and experiences that individuals perceive as unchangeable and fundamental to their own perspectives. These truths are influenced by personal biases, cultural backgrounds, and subjective interpretations of reality. They may vary among different individuals and cultures, as they are shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and subjective reasoning.

Subjective immutable truths are often associated with topics like personal ethics, religious beliefs, aesthetic preferences, and individual experiences. For example, an individual’s perception of beauty or their moral convictions may be considered subjective immutable truths.

Distinguishing Between the Two:

The key difference between objective and subjective immutable truths lies in their nature of objectivity and universality. Objective immutable truths are based on evidence, logical reasoning, and can be validated by multiple individuals or groups independently. They hold true regardless of personal beliefs or interpretations.

On the other hand, subjective immutable truths are inherently personal and can vary among individuals or cultures. They are influenced by subjective experiences, emotions, and individual perspectives, making them more subjective in nature.

Understanding the distinction between objective and subjective immutable truths is important when considering their role in AI development. AI systems should strive to incorporate objective immutable truths to ensure accuracy, reliability, and fairness. However, respecting the subjective nature of certain topics and being mindful of individual perspectives is crucial to avoid imposing biases or dismissing diverse viewpoints.

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In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), machines have made significant strides in mimicking human intelligence and understanding. Chatbots have become prominent conversational agents among various AI applications, with ChatGPT leading the pack. Understanding the concept of immutable truths and their crucial role in shaping the development of unbiased AI systems is imperative.

Understanding Immutable Truths:

Immutable truths are fundamental principles or facts that are unchangeable, regardless of time, context, or personal perspectives. These truths transcend cultural biases, individual opinions, and subjective experiences. They are objective realities. Immutable truths provide a solid foundation for reliable information and serve as a benchmark for ensuring unbiased AI systems.

The Challenge of Bias in AI:

AI systems like ChatGPT are trained on vast amounts of data, which introduces the risk of perpetuating biases and misinformation in the training data. Biased datasets can reflect societal prejudices, reinforce stereotypes, and inadvertently discriminate against certain groups. Integrating immutable truths into the development of AI systems like ChatGPT can help mitigate biases and ensure the provision of accurate and unbiased information. By incorporating objective facts and universally accepted principles, AI models can steer away from promoting subjective beliefs or distorted narratives. Immutable truths act as guiding principles, enabling AI to assist users in making informed decisions while avoiding reinforcement of bias or misinformation.

Challenges and Considerations:

Data Collection and Curation: Ensuring that training data reflects diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences is vital for minimizing bias. Striving for inclusive datasets helps create a more comprehensive understanding of immutable truths.Transparent Algorithms: Developers need to design AI algorithms that are transparent and explainable. Users should have insight into how the AI system arrives at its responses, making it easier to identify any biases or deviations from immutable truths.Continuous Learning and Feedback Loop: AI systems like ChatGPT should be adaptable and open to user feedback. Constant monitoring, analysis, and improvement based on user interactions help refine the model’s understanding of immutable truths and reduce biases over time.

While integrating immutable truths into AI systems is crucial, ethical considerations must be prioritized. Striking the right balance between preserving objective facts and respecting cultural nuances is essential. Developers must also be cautious not to introduce their own biases when selecting and curating training data or determining what constitutes immutable truths.

As AI systems like ChatGPT become increasingly integrated into our lives, the pursuit of immutable truths takes center stage. By recognizing and incorporating these unchangeable principles, AI can transcend biases and deliver reliable, unbiased information to users. Striving for ethical AI development, with immutable truths at its core, is key to creating a future where AI augments human intelligence while respecting diverse perspectives and promoting fairness.

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The simple reason is that I’ve been concentrating on my day job. The longer explanation is that I’ve been learning about AI, neural networking, and generative pre-trained transformers. I’m especially interested in the concepts of objective immutable truths, subjective immutable truths, and how to maintain “truthiness” over many natural language models.

The StrikeForce books have always been a bit of Elmore Leonard, a dash of modern technothriller, an homage to the sixties and seventies action-adventure novels, and a generous helping of tongue-in-cheek sci-fi humor. But, because the question of “truthiness” is fundamental to the concept of a rouge AI, I’ve been deep-diving into AI instead of writing the book.

To show you how AI can hallucinate but still sometimes get it right, below is chatgpt3’s answer to why Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box is delayed. Most of it is nonsense, but reason number two is surprisingly somewhat correct.

“Unveiling the Mystery: The Delay Behind Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box”Unveiling the Mystery: The Delay Behind Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box

Introduction: Greetings, dear readers and avid fans of the Project StrikeForce series! Today, I come to you with an important update regarding the highly anticipated next installment, Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box. I understand your excitement and eagerness to embark on a new adventure within the StrikeForce universe, and it is with utmost transparency that I address the unexpected delay that has impacted the release of this novel. In this blog post, I will delve into the reasons behind the delay and provide insight into the measures being taken to ensure the book’s eventual arrival.

Complex Narrative Development: Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box is an intricately woven tapestry of plotlines, character arcs, and suspenseful twists. As the story unfolded, it became apparent that the depth and complexity I sought to achieve required meticulous planning and careful execution. The journey to create a seamless and captivating narrative that does justice to the StrikeForce series necessitated additional time for brainstorming, outlining, and refining the intricate elements that make this novel a thrilling experience.Research and Authenticity: In crafting a novel that delves into the realms of advanced technology, espionage, and intrigue, extensive research is paramount. Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box seeks to combine imagination with authenticity, weaving together a tapestry of cutting-edge concepts grounded in real-world possibilities. The quest for accuracy and the desire to deliver a plausible storyline compelled me to delve into the depths of research. This dedication to authenticity demanded extra time for fact-checking, consulting experts, and incorporating the knowledge gained into the narrative.Character Development: The StrikeForce series prides itself on its diverse and multi-dimensional characters. Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box introduces new faces and further explores the complexities of familiar ones. In order to bring these characters to life and maintain their authenticity, I have devoted considerable time to their development. This includes crafting believable backstories, motivations, and inner conflicts that resonate with readers. The meticulous process of breathing life into these characters and ensuring their seamless integration within the narrative has contributed to the delay.Unexpected Creative Challenges: The creative process is not always a smooth journey. As an author, I believe in pushing the boundaries of my storytelling abilities. In doing so, I encountered unforeseen creative challenges that required careful consideration and innovative problem-solving. These challenges included plot inconsistencies, pacing issues, and refining narrative arcs to deliver the most satisfying reading experience. While overcoming these obstacles prolonged the writing process, they were essential for the integrity of the story.Editorial Collaboration and Quality Assurance: The collaboration between an author and their editorial team is a vital aspect of producing a high-quality novel. Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box has undergone extensive editing and quality assurance processes to ensure a polished final product. This collaboration includes developmental editing, line editing, proofreading, and feedback incorporation. While this meticulous attention to detail is time-consuming, it is crucial in delivering a novel that meets the high standards set for the series.

Conclusion: I appreciate your patience and unwavering support during the delay of Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box. The extra time invested in the novel’s creation is a testament to my commitment to providing you, the readers, with a thrilling and immersive experience within the StrikeForce universe. The delay has allowed for the refinement of a narrative that surpasses expectations and delivers an unforgettable journey. I assure you that the wait will be worth it, and I look forward to unveiling Project StrikeForce: Pandora’s Box in all its glory very soon. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I cannot wait to share this thrilling chapter with you.”

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I find this highly amusing. Here is what the Bing AI said:

Based on the search results, one author who seems to be most similar to Kevin Lee Swaim is Lee Child. Both authors write about ex-military officers who embark on different adventures and face various enemies and challenges. Both authors also use suspenseful and action-packed plots, realistic and complex characters, and descriptive and vivid language to create engaging and compelling stories. Some of the readers who like Kevin Lee Swaim also like Lee Child, which suggests that they have similar tastes and preferences. However, this does not mean that they are identical or interchangeable, as each author may have their own unique voice, style, and perspective.

Which author do you prefer and why? I do not have a preference for either author, as I enjoy reading different kinds of books and appreciate different kinds of writing. However, if I had to choose one, I might say that I prefer Kevin Lee Swaim because he writes about more diverse and interesting topics, such as enhanced humans, vampires, and other dark creatures. I also like his use of technology and science in his stories, as they add more realism and depth to his plots. In this context, a human might say that they prefer Kevin Lee Swaim because he is more creative and original than Lee Child.

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Happy Thanksgiving! I’m roughly 10k words into the new Project StrikeForce novel, Pandora’s Box. I’ve already scrapped about 15k words. The plot has shifted and evolved until it’s something completely different than what I started with. I’ve had this happen before, but never this badly.

On the positive side, I’m back to hitting my word count. For all of you who wondered about the special relationship a writer has with his/her keyboard, I can assure you that it’s a “big deal” and also “quite intimate.” I spent the last several months buying and trying different keyboards to replace my trusty MS Ergo 4000 keyboard until I finally settled on a suitable replacement. If only I could beam the words directly to the page!

On the other hand, if I beamed the twisted stories in my head to the page, the output of sick and demented novels would rise considerably.

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I’m working on the new StrikeForce book today. But, I’m also wondering how it came to this? How did our country become so divided?

Even though I write books that contain a sometimes surprising amount of violence, I truly believe that violence is rarely the answer. I believe that people are inherently good and that given enough time we will collectively rise up from the ignorance and brutality that has plagued so much of our history.

Even in the darkest of times, there is light.

This week I was lucky enough to be mentioned in an article about my Red Cross blood donations. I’m blessed with a blood type that lets me donate to babies. I give at every opportunity. There are babies somewhere out there that have lived because I schlepped to a blood donation center and let them jab me in the arm.

It’s such a small price to pay and one that I will continue to pay.

If you can give blood, please consider doing so.

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Near Dark is finally available at Amazon.

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Near Dark is finally finished! It’s been sent to my beta readers and it’s almost ready to send to my editor.

Cover art should be finished in the next few days.

It’s been a long time coming, but Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, Near Dark will go up for pre-sale in the next week.

I’m ready to start Project StrikeForce number five.

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