Clicking Our Heels – How Do You Feel About A1?

Clicking Our Heels – How Do You Feel About A1?

A1 is here, but what do our blog members think about it?

Bethany Maines – I’m a graphic designer in my day job and AI has been steadily creeping into the field for decades. So it doesn’t strike me as particularly evil or out of the blue. Yes, it’s taken a significant leap forward recently, but it still isn’t really “intelligence.” For writing it’s a decent aggregator tool and it can help streamline blurbs or condense text, but it doesn’t think.

Judy Penz Sheluk – I believe using AI as a writing tool is a slippery slope we, as authors collectively, will come to regret. As for characters, I prefer mine to be human and flawed, with occasional flashes of brilliance (or at least good problem-solving abilities).

Paula G. Benson – I loved Donna Andrew’s Turing Hopper mysteries. I think a sentient intelligence would be a great character. Not sure about using AI as a writing tool. I need more information.

Lois Winston – Most of my books are based upon actual events or crimes, mostly current but sometimes cold cases that I’ve read about or seen on the news. AI played a part in the plot of Sorry, Knot Sorry, the thirteen book in my Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Series. However, I’m opposed to any form of AI that jeopardizes the livelihood of authors and artists.

T.K. Thorne – I have tried it, and it can help give me an idea I hadn’t considered, but it is definitely not there yet with a story! I think it will naturally become more of a character as we call upon it. By the way, science fiction writers have long used AI as solid characters (good and bad). They have outpaced reality by a long shot, although sometimes it feels like reality is racing to catch up.

Saralyn Richard – I’m skittish about non-human writing of any kind. I don’t even like auto correct, because it messes up my intended language. I’m concerned about the way humanity, civility, and compassion are disappearing from the modern world, and I don’t think AI has the capacity to bring them back.

Donnell Ann Bell – I suppose we use AI if we use Google, Edge or any of the platforms when doing research. However, those platforms often are not the most trustworthy of sources when it comes to the mystery genre. Too many variables, e.g. location, era and more. In the U.S. alone laws are different between state and federal. So, if I’m unsure of something, I go to a human expert. Oftentimes more than one.

Anita Carter – At this point, I haven’t used AI in a story and don’t have plans to.

Barb Eikmeier – I’m ambivalent about AI as a writing tool although I’m finding myself liking the AI summary of comments on Facebook posts. It helps me decide to read or scroll past.

Mary Lee Ashford – I think we’re still learning about the pros and cons of AI. Though it’s been around a while, recent advances have made its use more user-friendly and brought it into the spotlight. And I think we’re just scratching the surface on this very powerful programming. As a writing tool, I’m not finding it that useful (yet) except in terms of marketing materials. As a character in a book? Hmmm. That makes me think of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey, who certainly is a memorable character and essential to the story. There is maybe some potential there.

Gay Yellen – It’s everywhere in our lives, whether we like it or not, and sometimes it’s useful. But, beginning with the uber-annoying Spellcheck, I am not a fan of using it to aid in the creative process.

Donalee Moulton – AI is new enough that it would make an intriguing character. It is also new enough that I am leery about relying on it too much as a writing tool until I learn more. I don’t want to become over reliant.

Debra H. Goldstein – It’s coming. I just hope it doesn’t overtake us to the point that a Star Trek episode showed, where only the machines operate, and they don’t have the human memory of how things went together. Also hate seeing it put people out of jobs – already film editors and others are seeing their careers being phased out.