UK Book Club discussion

Hi everyone. I don't chat much, but I've been a member for a while.

I understand the subject of AI is probably a well-trodden path, but recently I have felt it necessary to post a disclaimer on all my novels that states: No AI has been used in the creation of this novel. The reason for the statement is because I understand now that many authors use AI in number of ways during the production of the book. For me, writing is a process and I love that process. Time consuming? Yes! Absolutely, but even when on the seventh draft, I see threads that should be developed into yet another subplot and invariably I sit back and smile in satisfaction that I spotted the opportunity to say something that adds to the story.

So, no, I don't use AI at all myself, although I am not anti AI. However, I do feel a reader may be reassured that AI has had zero to do with the creation of the story.

I'm interested in other peoples views on this?

I do not use it for my writing but I do ask it for feedback once I have published, just out of interest in what the various AI say, and some are a great deal better than others.
I think it can be useful for research, highlighting areas to look at that perhaps I was not aware of or had not considered.
I would never cut and paste AI into my own work, but I see no issue with using it to research a topic I am unfamiliar with. It can save me time, not least because it reduces the number of rabbit holes I can dive into and lose a whole day of writing.

Yes, I agree, Paul. I'm writing science fiction adventure at the moment so I'm 100% using my imagination. Interesting about what you say with regard highlighting areas where you hadn't been aware of the potential for development. It made me stop and think about if I had used AI for development, could I claim no AI has been used in the creation of the novel?

I think the disclaimer may become important for readers who want to read a story created by a human or uncontaminated (is that right term?) by AI... Interesting...

Re: Research. If I go to the British Library Reading Room and ask to see material connected with XYZ a human will source books, papers, etc using their knowledge and expertise. I can then digest that material and follow up other avenues and in time begin to construct a narrative.
I'm not sure that AI does any different except it is in my experience less knowledgeable than a librarian.
If I pick up OED to check spelling, or, Fowlers or Harts to check grammar is that not the same thing as using AI, Grammarly etc. (I prefer the books as I have a liking for spending hours reading about such things.)
Of course if I reference something in an essay then I have to provide provenance that goes without saying. But if I google; how far is the edge of the galaxy from earth? (I have no idea). Is that not just the same as using Gemini to obtain the same answer.
I am old enough to remember the days of Encarta, much more interesting than a shelf full of encyclopaedias and a lot easier to use.
Its a big subject. I don't think there is a right answer other than do not use AI to write the text.