Writing With Technology Webinar Series - AI Creative Writing Practice

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to the inaugural session of the "Writing With Technology" webinar series, focusing on the intersection of creative writing and artificial intelligence (AI). This four-part series is sponsored by the Center for Cultural and Creative Industries (CCCI) at Bath Spa University, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide. The webinars aim to explore various aspects of integrating AI into writing practices. The first session highlights the craft of writing with AI and its implications for the creative writing landscape.

The Panelists

Our webinar featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

• Dr. James Bradley: A prominent writer and critic, author of multiple novels and poetry collections.
• Yatna: An author, data scientist, and journalist from Sri Lanka, known for his works that blend fiction and technology.
• Dr. Mu Chi Lee: An experimental writer and researcher focusing on digital media and culture, whose works explore the aesthetics of digital writing.

Patrick Plummer, Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide, chaired the session, guiding the panel through discussions and audience questions.

Key Themes Explored

The Impact of AI on Creative Writing

The discussion highlighted two main viewpoints regarding AI's role in creative writing:

1. A Tool for Enhancement: Many believe that AI can serve as a valuable assistant, helping writers enhance their creativity by generating ideas and exploring new narratives.
2. A Source of Distrust: Others expressed skepticism, noting that reliance on AI may lead writers to mimic existing tropes and clichés, potentially undermining the authenticity and originality of their work.

The panelists emphasized the necessity of critically evaluating AI's contributions, bearing in mind the ethical, copyright, and environmental considerations tied to these technologies.

Embracing the Weirdness of AI

The conversation turned to the idea of "weirdness," which emerged as a significant characteristic of early AI-generated content. While the current generation of large language models has become adept at producing coherent text, the loss of this eccentricity raises concerns about the originality and creative potential of AI-generated works.

Dr. Mu Chi Lee shared insights on her experimental approach to AI writing, revealing how she found value in the nonsensical outputs of AI, allowing for personal interpretation and creative reimagining.

The Ethical and Material Considerations

Panelists touched on the environmental ramifications and social implications tied to AI technologies. Notably, the technology industry faces criticism for the emissions generated by data centers, as well as concerns about labor displacement and the erosion of creators' rights.

Conclusion

The inaugural webinar offered a platform for innovative discussions on the integration of AI into creative writing practices. As technology continues to evolve, critical awareness and engagement with its implications will be essential for nurturing a creative landscape that values both human and artificial contributions.

Keywords

• AI
• Creative Writing
• Writing Technology
• Experimental Writing
• Originality
• Ethical Considerations
• Materiality
• Weirness

FAQ

1. What is the aim of the "Writing With Technology" webinar series?

   • The series explores the integration of AI into creative writing practices and its impact on the writing landscape.

2. Who are the panelists involved in the webinar?

   • The session features Dr. James Bradley, Yatna, and Dr. Mu Chi Lee, among others.

3. What are the main themes discussed?

   • The impact of AI on creative writing, embracing the weirdness of AI-generated content, and ethical considerations surrounding technology.

4. How can AI enhance creative writing?

   • AI can assist writers by generating ideas, suggesting new narratives, and serving as a tool for experimentation.

5. What are the concerns associated with AI in writing?

   • There are concerns about the loss of originality, reliance on clichés, and environmental and ethical implications of AI technologies.

6. How do panelists view the 'weirdness' produced by AI?

   • Many panelists find value in the strange outputs of AI, believing they can inspire unique interpretations and creative practices.