The Impact of Generative AI on Literary Quality and Reader Expectations in Fiction
- Patricia Leslie
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the literary landscape in profound ways. As writers and readers navigate this new terrain, they are left to ponder a pressing question: will AI enhance the art of storytelling or diminish its essence? This discussion is particularly crucial for fans of historical, fantasy, and literary fiction. In this post, we will dive into how AI affects the quality of writing and reader expectations.
The above paragraph, and the title of this article, were created using Artificial Intelligence. I used prompts to describe what I wanted to write about:
Title: the use of generative artificial intelligence in literature
Topics: Role and impact of generative ai, reader expectations, identifying AI created literature, literary, historical and fantasy fiction
Up to 500 words please...
I was given the choice of three titles. I rather obviously chose "The Impact of Generative AI on Literary Quality and Reader Expectations in Fiction" and though I find it a little clunky have left it as an example of what's on offer. Next I was given this rather informative article with subheadings including
The role of generative AI in literature (which we'll be exploring in this first article)
Reader expectations in the age of AI
Identifying AI-created literature
Final Thoughts on the Intersection of AI and Literature
Not bad at all. The article came with the disclaimer, "AI can make mistakes, so double-check that the results are accurate before using them."
So let's take a look. The indented paragraphs are AI created and my comments are in italics. Note that I've used Wix AI Post Creator for the article and ClaudeAI for checking, plus a fair bit of my own web-searching.
The Role of Generative AI in Literature
Generative AI tools are rapidly becoming part of the writing toolkit, helping authors brainstorm ideas, draft texts, and even co-create narratives. For example, platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT can suggest plot twists or character arcs, allowing authors to explore directions they may not have considered. These technologies can produce captivating prose, adopting different styles and voices. However, there are valid concerns regarding originality in literature.
There most certainly are. While using AI seems a valuable time-saver for writing and researching, more can be said for people doing the "hard yards" themselves. Excellent research shows in the writing. Superficiality, use of incorrect sources, plagiarism, and the impact of all that on readers, I'd say is a Major Concern.
While some critics argue that AI could lead to a uniformity in literary styles, others see it as a chance for growth. For instance, fantasy authors can use AI to explore unconventional themes—like merging science fiction with mythology—expanding the genre's traditional boundaries. The crucial question is how writers leverage this tool to maintain their unique creative vision.
Mmmmm, writers have been "expanding boundaries" for centuries. They can, and do, merge genres as much as they like already. For instance, take a look at this list of Ten works that blue the line between mythology and science fiction, published on Litreactor in 2013 (ChatGPT was not released to the general public until 2022).
I do like their concluding sentence here though. Leveraging of AI as a tool for writing has its benefits. For instance, sourcing information, editing sentences when you're feeling brain dead, and suggesting topics for blog posts. The key is Fact Checking, succinct prompts and disclaimers to advise readers that AI was used (and to what degree). Do you need to advise if you've used it for research? Possibly not, especially if you were thorough about checking your information, but do keep some kind of record (you know, like a bibliography, for when someone keen reader fact checks you).
Impact of generative AI on literary quality
When it comes to writing unique fiction, my recommendation is to just go ahead and write. If you're new to writing, take a course or join a writing group. This is a much better option than asking AI for help. It's possible that the information Artificial Intelligence provides degrades in accuracy and depth over time. Person to person learning is not to be under-rated. If you need to undertake online courses or join online groups, remember you still (hopefully) have a real life tutor/writer providing feedback. Artificial intelligence regurgitates information it has picked from a multitude of sources (with permission and without) which you then need to fact check. People give you inspiration and the benefit of their learned experience. You may still need to fact check them, but their learned experience and sharing of creative vision can not be underestimated or truly duplicated.
The Wix AI post creator also provides images. I don't know where they source their images. I uploaded it to TinEye Reverse Image Search and it found 0 matches so I'm unable to credit the original image creator. Considering the ease of creating images now, I imagine that this one is also an AI creation.
The last time I wrote about using artificial intelligence in writing, Wix did not provide the AI Post Creator. Since then, they've upgraded their system to allow use of AI in SEO tools and marketing as well. I don't mind using it a little in this fashion, however, I enjoy creating my own marketing material so have yet to delve into this facet.
Next week: Reader Expectations in the Age of AI
Previous articles on Artificial Intelligence
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