CollaborAItion: Creative Writing Using AI

Introduction

In a recent forum, Mr. Felix Chong, an esteemed author, discussed the potential of AI in creative writing and its impact on various industries such as finance, interpretation, and translation. He presented his own experiment in collaborating with AI, specifically with ChatGPT, to explore the boundaries of writer-AI co-creation. While AI has already been utilized in the arts for some time, the accessibility of models like ChatGPT has sparked a surge in AI-generated creative works. However, there are still unresolved challenges, including copyright infringement, job security, creative agency, and the nature of AI-generated creativity.

Future Is Already Here: AI in the Arts

AI's presence in the arts is not a novel concept. Various musicians, bands, painters, and filmmakers have already employed AI techniques to create music, paintings, and short films. AI-generated novels, poetry, graphic novels, and children's books have also emerged. However, there are concerns regarding copyright infringement, artist recognition, job displacement, accelerated creative processes, and the role of human creativity in AI-generated works.

Felix Chong's Collaboration with AI

Felix Chong's creative practice involves merging poetry with the graphic novel format. One of his recent works, "The Year of the Virus," integrates poetry into a graphic novel exploring the impact of global events. When tasked with writing a graphic novel based on the disappearance of an influential politician and a stripper during 1966, Chong turned to ChatGPT for assistance. Through multiple iterations and prompts, Chong experimented with ChatGPT's ability to generate ideas, outlines, and even poetry. However, he discovered limitations in plot development, character coherence, and the tendency of AI to produce cliche or contrived endings.

Keywords

Collaborative Writing, AI in the Arts, Creative Agency, Creativity, Challenges, AI-Generated Works, Job Security, Copyright Infringement, Accelerated Creative Processes

FAQ

Q: Can AI fully substitute human creativity in writing? A: While AI models like ChatGPT can offer suggestions, generate ideas, and assist in the creative process, human creativity and input are still vital for shaping and refining the final product. AI cannot replicate the depth, nuances, and unique perspectives that human writers bring to their work.

Q: What are the challenges associated with AI-generated creative works? A: Challenges include potential copyright infringement, issues surrounding artists' recognition and compensation, job security concerns, the speediness of AI creative processes, and maintaining the agency and originality of human creators.

Q: How can AI be useful in creative writing? A: AI models like ChatGPT can serve as a creative tool, providing templates, generating ideas, and offering a sounding board for brainstorming sessions. They can help writers overcome writer's block, stimulate new perspectives, and facilitate collaboration between humans and AI in the creative process.

Q: What are the limitations of AI in creative writing? A: AI often struggles with details, tends to produce generic or cliched plots, can introduce abrupt or random elements, and may overlook or forget important characters. Additionally, AI-generated endings may come across as contrived or overly optimistic. These limitations call for human intervention and creative agency to ensure coherence and quality in the final work.

Q: How can AI be used to enhance the creative process? A: AI can assist writers by suggesting ideas, providing starter prompts, and offering alternative perspectives. By engaging with AI models, writers can stimulate their own creativity and expand their imaginative boundaries while retaining full control over their work.