Generative AI Statement

If you know me, then you probably are well aware of my disdain for using generative AI in writing and art. As an autistic person, verbal communication can be a struggle for me; finding the exact words that convey what I mean in a short response time is a real challenge, and I often come away feeling like I've fallen short. Storytelling is my way of reclaiming my voice, and no way would I trust an unfeeling statistical machine to speak for me. Nonetheless, I thought it was about time I posted an official generative AI statement.

I firmly believe that generative AI should not be used in any aspect of the creative process.* The words I commit to the page are my own. Furthermore, the members of my editorial and cover teams also oppose the use of generative AI in creative works and, to the best of my knowledge, have not used it anywhere in their feedback or art.

*Software concerns: Many writing software tools may use generative AI in some capacity. I'm not a tech person, so I don't know the ins and outs of each of these software tools. However, my issue is with generative AI doing the creative element, not with accessibility tasks like converting speech to text or a basic spell checker, so my use of my chosen software programs is consistent with my stance. Here's a breakdown of the software I use to draft, edit, and format my manuscripts, with a brief explanation of how I use each one: 

Voice Notebook—I use this speech-to-text software to compose and edit my manuscripts. They don't have automatic spelling or grammar checkers, so it's just me putting my words on the page.

Google Docs—Since Voice Notebook files are difficult to navigate if they get too long, I create files for each individual chapter in Voice Notebook and then copy and paste the text over into Google Docs to create a single document that contains the complete manuscript. If Google Docs does correctly catch typos, I will accept the changes, as leaving in typos would look unprofessional and decrease readability.

Atticus—I use Atticus to format my manuscripts. They do have a built-in spell checker as well, and if they catch a typo I make while inputting edits from my final proofread, I will make the changes.