AI in Writing: Setting the Record Straight

Why Authors Shouldn’t Be Penalized for Using Modern Research Tools

As authors, we’re often asked about our writing process. Recently, while submitting The Adventure in the Magical World to Barnes & Noble, I encountered a revealing limitation in their AI disclosure form. The options were oversimplified:

Did you use AI? Yes/No.
If yes: Assisted or Created?
If assisted: Manuscript, Images, or Other?

What these limited options don’t reflect is the reality of modern publishing assistance. Here’s what I mean…

LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD

Established authors often have access to:

Research assistants
Technical consultants
Fact-checkers
Scientific advisors

As a new author, I don’t have the budget for this traditional support system. Instead, I used AI as a research assistant to:

Verify scientific concepts for Percy’s character
Brainstorm some character names
Check technical accuracy

THE TRUTH ABOUT MY PROCESS

The heart of my book — the story, characters, plot, dialogue, and all creative elements — came entirely from my imagination and collaboration with my students.

AI served the same role as a research assistant or consultant would for an established author, just at a more accessible price point.

This technology simply levels the playing field, giving new authors like me access to the kind of support that has always been available to those with bigger budgets.

It’s not about AI writing the book — it’s about having access to a knowledgeable assistant to verify details and ensure accuracy.

MOVING FORWARD

As the publishing industry grapples with AI technology, we need more nuanced conversations about how authors use these tools. There’s a vast difference between using AI as a research assistant and having it generate content.

For me, writing is my call. Going to AI to write an entire book for me would defeat my call’s purpose. And it would kill all my fun!

Because that’s what writing is for me: fun. I enjoy getting lost in the worlds I create or settings I use, leading my characters through points A to B in search of treasure or clue-finding or just to find Mr. or Mrs. Right. And designing character homes or wardrobes is the way I utilize my design degrees right now.

So I would never delegate such pleasurable tasks to AI. Not for anything. But I am aware that some writers are putting their names to novels crafted solely by artificial intelligence. Yet questionnaires that lump us all together are unfair.

That’s why my next two posts will be about the valid roles AI can play for authors. I think it’s time the industry had that conversation.

What are your thoughts on AI use in writing? Share your perspective in the comments below!

Related Topics: artificial intelligence, writing process, publishing industry, author resources, modern writing tools

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Alicia Strickland

Hi! I write across multiple genres under various pen names. But for nonfiction, I write as myself. As a designer with a love of Old Hollywood and all things creative, I bring diverse perspectives to my storytelling... and to my blog. In the unlikely event that I’m not writing, I enjoy crafting, gardening, or spending time with my flame-point Siamese, Hunter.

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