Welcome readers, writers, authors,
and bloggers!
We're glad you're here! It's the
First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop
featuring members and guests of the Insecure
Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded
associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we
record our journeys. Check out our monthly
newsletter here.
The
awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are: Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Diedre Knight!
Today’s entirely
optional question: What are your thoughts on using AI, such as GPChat,
Rapter, and others with your writing? Would you use it for research,
storybible, or creating outlines/beats?
I’ve been skeptical
all along – not so much about using, but about trusting AI. Don’t believe
everything you read or hear, right? And that was before Chat or any of that. The
Internet has always seemed (to me) to be “THE Edge” that people either jumped
from or steered clear of.
Nevertheless, I
tried it. However, not for writing. Because that would be cheating, skimping
even. How could I put my name on something I didn’t write?
A friend and fellow
member of this group makes an excellent point regarding exactly where AI gets
the information we so eagerly consume…which brings me to my recent first and,
so far only, adventure into the world of Artificially Intelligent (how
reassuring is that?) bot-forms who live in your computer writing for and about
anything; including you and anyone else who deems them trustworthy, simply by
updating my resume.
The new resume wasn’t
terrible. It just didn’t seem right. Or real. And I didn’t write it. It was
lightning-fast though! Where I simply listed “Author” it inserted genres and
websites and enough information to fill an entire page in a matter of seconds.
Would I use AI for
research? Yes. I guess I already do. I love research, and AI makes it so easy…I
just need to believe in the validity of the information I read. How about you?
Since I have the honor of co-hosting this month’s IWSG, I’ll be around to read
your thoughts on the subject.
Happy Writing!
I've not tried AI for writing, although I know people who've spent time training their AI in order to sound like they do and who swear by its efficacy. But I enjoy writing, so plan to continue doing it myself. I can see that it has its uses in terms of research. But I'd be the same as using Wikipedia - it may signpost me to something I didn't know about, but I'd still want to verify the facts with quality sources.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for co-hosting this month!
Debs posting today from Fiction Can Be Fun
Also found at Debs Despatches
Hi, Debs!
DeleteEnjoyment is (and should be) at the core of every writer's heart. That's where the magic is. "Training" AI to write like you do seems rather like adding to a vast collection bin where others take what they need and call it theirs. I appreciate your insight, thanks for visiting ;-)
Using it for a resume - interesting! It would at least give you a good starting point.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today!
My pleasure, Captain!
DeleteSurprisingly, the resume not only included truths I'd forgotten, but in some cases embellished outcomes. Not a bad thing, I know. But it made me uncomfortable;-) I'm grateful for the opportunity to hear what others have to say about this topic - thank you. And Happy 14th IWSG Anniversary!
Thanks for co-hosting with me. Yes, I think Al can help with a resume and with research. Like Alex said, it's a starting point.
ReplyDeleteHi there, Natalie! It's a pleasure to co-host with you;-) Misgivings notwithstanding, AI is pretty irresistible, don't you think?
DeleteIn business, my husband LOVES using AI (prompted by all his specific thoughts) to write letters of recommendation for co-workers, which he then goes in and revises. I see nothing wrong with this since it's his ideas and the tool assists him with getting them out there in a busy work day, but the key is that they are his ideas being used and then reshaped. It's when we become too reliant on this wonderful assistant and give up our intellectual integrity that we end up in trouble, eh?
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal!
DeleteI'm still in mild shock that it was actually my husband who urged me to try AI - ha! And yes, my favorite sticking point: Integrity. Thanks for your input ;-)
I never thought of using AI for actual research. Thank you for cohosting!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Cathrina! I hope to one day be more comfortable with AI because I can almost imagine the benefits.
DeleteI haven't used it for research but can see how it would be helpful, but absolutely NOT for writing! Thank you for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Liza. I'm happy to be here. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteWhen my search engine produces an AI summary, I generally skip down to the sources it pulled from and read one of those instead. I've found too many inaccuracies to trust an AI answer without further research. @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Hi Samantha!
DeleteA wonderfully welcome tip - thanks so much!
Like you, I prefer to write my own stories.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, authors who have harnessed the power of AI to write novels say that so much prompting and editing is required during the process of turning their basic idea into a complete book, that it still is there unique story. Some even feed it samples of their own writing to train it to write like their author voice.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Hi, Melissa!
DeleteSounds like writing your own unique story might be easier ;-)
It's an honor to co-host today, thanks for having me. And, thanks for coming by ;-)
AI is helpful for research, but it isn't always accurate, from my experience. And I wouldn't pass off anything written by AI as my own work. As you said, that is cheating!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie!
Delete"Isn't always accurate," is my issue. I don't want to have to jump through hoops to prove the validity of the information (If that's even possible). It would probably take forever;-)
Good to see you!
At least you've tried AI, checked the box, and came away with an informed opinion. I admit to using Grammarly and Pixabay, but nothing else -
ReplyDeleteHi, PJ!
DeleteYes, I checked the box ;-) Grammarly and I go way back! Thanks for coming by!
Lots of mistakes in AI research, as there are in search engine research. I like that Grok (my favorite) provides its sources so I can go back and draw my own conclusions.
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqui!
DeleteA good point and a new source! Thank you Ma'am ;-)
I'd be interested in using it for research, but I'm not sure how. I'll figure it out eventually. So far I've only used art AI for doing concept art for my worlds and characters. It makes it easier to show my kiddo who is an artist and wants to do the artwork for my future books.
ReplyDeleteAI for art sounds like a great idea, Renee! It's something I want to explore since I have a whole new set of questions regarding that particular use of AI. Thanks for tuning me in!
DeleteLike you, if I don't come up with a story and use my words, then I'd be ashamed to put my name on it. Besides, where's the fun in it. I've told people using AI to "create" your stories is like sending a friend to kiss your lover.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today!
https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/
Ha! You have a way with words, my friend. I'm in stitches ;-) And I agree entirely. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI too have been thinking that Ai could be used for research, but I have to read a couple of good books about it first.
Thank you for co-hosting.
shalom shalom
Hi, Pat!
DeleteFunny thing when you have to research the search results ;-) But we can't be too careful, I guess. It's a pleasure to co-host today, thanks for having me. And thanks for coming by!
Hi Diedre - I'd worry about the veracity of the information AI gave me ... I like to think that I have enough common sense to know it's not all correct information. I like Lee's note above ... about sending a friend to kiss your lover!! - Cheers HIlary
ReplyDeleteGood to see you, Hilary! I agree about using common sense. I hope I'm as smart as I think I am;-) and not just afraid of internet ghouls. I enjoyed Lee's comment as well. She's a brilliant hoot ;-) And spot-on in this case.
DeleteHope the season is colorful where you are!
AI have their use but not for writing. How can we allow AI to do the work we are to do? I can't claim the work is mine if I didn't write it.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
Exactly right, Lissa! A lovely day to you, as well. Thanks for coming by;-)
DeleteThanks for co-hosting, Diedre! It's a big job, but it's also fun. I want to write my own words. Like you, it wouldn't feel right to me. What's the point of writing if I'm not the one writing my words? All the bet to you in September!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Fundy Blue! Thanks for having me. I can't imagine a point at all if the writing isn't your own. I appreciate your thoughts ;-) Happy Autumn
DeleteI think AI is a natural tool for research. As is the internet in general. Of course, you have to take anything you read online with a grain of salt and check its validity, but most often than not, the internet does provide the correct information about most subjects. Note that not always, and not on every subject, but alas, the same could be said about human sources as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Olga!
DeleteYou make a great point for both sides ;-) I appreciate your thoughts!
I guess AI for research is here whether we want it or not. But anything I research with AI I feel like I have to follow up with some good old fashioned research to see if it’s correct or if the old AI made stuff up again.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca!
DeleteI feel the same way. Now, more than ever ;-)
Thanks for coming by!
As someone who has had to look at resumes recently, it was clear some folks had used AI and some had used "plug-in" style templates (which is fine, as long as the info plugged in is theirs, but one actually forgot to remove one of the instructions for "insert groups you've been in here").
ReplyDeleteHa! A perfect example of how/when we probably shouldn't use it. Did you smile?
DeleteThanks for sharing ; -)
I think seeing AI's warning that the info they share may not be true is laughable!
ReplyDeleteHi J.Q.
DeleteThere's actually a warning? That is funny ;-)