Let’s just get this topic out of the way, shall we?
I think it’s super interesting that we’re having so many conversations about artificial intelligence and its impact on the arts. Technology has been the primary marker of innovation throughout almost all of history, so I’m happy to live in a time where people are pushing against that idea and actively debating the consequences of these monumental changes to our day-to-day operation as human beings. Borrowing some structure and language from more academically-inclined friends of mine, I want to lay out a handful of touchpoints in the AI conversation.
Are robots authors?
Personally, I’m a firm “no” on that. When you look at how AI works from a technical standpoint, there’s no real thought or creativity or even comprehension of what it generates. Like a toddler who’s memorized their favorite book but doesn’t actually know how to read…
So no, robots can’t really be anything that requires intuition or interpretation.
Is publishing more equitable now?
AI can be useful for authors who don’t have the means to hire a cover artist or editor or web designer, but that shouldn’t be the default when other creatives are also struggling to make ends meat.
There’s a difference between making money off something largely AI and generating graphics for a pitch event on social media.
Are we devolving because of AI?
Yep. I fully believe our increasing use of artificial intelligence (in creative fields and beyond) will eventually make us spiral into a culture of parroting rather than producing. When’s the last time you rode a bike? Doesn’t come as naturally when it’s been a while, huh?
If practice makes perfect, I think delegation makes degenerate.
Is traditional publishing doomed now?
With the rise of self-publishing (in popularity and reputation), the sanctity of trad has already been challenged. Anybody could publish a crappy book all on their own already, so AI isn’t a major change there.
That being said, the ability to judge an author by their query letter or synopsis is entirely different in the face of ChatGPT.
Things I Didn’t Even Mention: intellectual property, creative property, copyright, environmental impacts, privacy and security, bias, hallucinations, history, intent
Perhaps to be continued… Love, Claire 💜
Claire Evans, Author 
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