To AI or Not to AI, That Is the Question

“I used AI to write my entire novel. That’s okay, right?”

The writer sitting across the zoom call looked genuinely puzzled when I explained her our stance on using AI for writing.

She continued explaining, “Everyone’s using it now!”

I nodded sympathetically, “Indeed, AI has absolutely thrown a cat among the pigeons in the writing community.”

It’s time we addressed this technology elephant – or should I say, this algorithmic cat – head-on.

The Great AI Divide

Artificial Intelligence has split the writing world into distinct camps, each defending their position with passionate intensity.

First, there are writers who previously struggled with language mechanics. They have latched onto AI like lifeboats on a wrecked ship. Unfortunately, many now rely more heavily on algorithms than their own writing expertise.

Conversely, writers who pride themselves on linguistic mastery trust their instincts and knowledge implicitly. They view AI with suspicion, many times even contempt.

Meanwhile, everyone positioned between these extremes either openly admits AI usage, or quietly denies it while secretly pressing ‘generate’ when nobody’s watching.

“I only use it for grammar,” one writer recently told me, despite his manuscript reading suspiciously uniform throughout. Another claimed complete originality when her dialogues matched AI patterns perfectly.

As publisher, establishing clear policies became essential. We needed definitive answers about whether to say ‘Aye’ or ‘Bye’ to AI.

Our Journey towards AI Nirvana

Reaching our current position with guidelines on usage of AI required considerable contemplation and evaluation. We spent weeks delving deeper into the technology, testing multiple AI apps, and critically analysing results.

Eventually, after many brouhaha sessions, vigorous debates, and passionate arguments, we attained our share of nirvana, over cups of coffee, and conclusively belled the cat in the pigeon-zoo.

Here’s what we have to say: AI represents an excellent tool that assists writers in numerous beneficial ways, however, it cannot absolutely substitute for creative, nuanced human storytelling.

“But technology always improves writing!” argued one writer during a workshop.

“Does it?” I countered. “Or does it simply change how we write?”

Technology as Secretary, Not Boss

Many endlessly debate whether technology undermines quality writing or if AI is even factually correct. Frankly, we prefer hushing that noise and focusing on practical realities.

Throughout history, mankind has progressed by finding solutions to problems that leave scope for human errors and inconsistencies glaringly wide. Language and writing represent exactly one such area where AI now functions as an efficient secretary.

Notice I said secretary, not boss. This distinction matters enormously.

Currently, humans still possess nuances and creative flair that AI struggles to replicate convincingly. Algorithms can mimic patterns but rarely capture authentic emotional depth or unexpected creative turns that make stories memorable.

“Think of AI as your personal assistant,” I told Ash, the novelist I had mentioned about earlier. “Would you let your assistant write your love letters?”

He laughed. “Absolutely not, but a little help is welcomed!”

“Exactly. AI can proofread those letters brilliantly, but the emotions and instances must come from you.”

Finally, TWAGAA’s Guidelines on Use of AI

Here are our simple guidelines for writers wishing to publish their work. We hope this clarity helps us navigate the AI technological waters confidently, ethically and efficiently.

Say ‘Aye’ to AI for genuine benefits it delivers. Say ‘Bye’ to AI where this new kid still requires considerable development before matching daddy’s creativity.

Use everything that genuinely improves your writing quality. Dismiss everything that makes your work seem plagiarised, impersonal, or artificially generated.

That’s precisely how mankind has overcome challenges with ingenuity and continues to make authentic progress.

✅ Ethical AI Usage We Encourage

We actively encourage responsible AI use by writers before submitting manuscripts for publishing consideration.

AI may appropriately assist with:

• Spelling corrections across your entire manuscript
• Grammar improvements that clarify meaning
• Punctuation refinement for proper technical accuracy
• Syntax adjustments that enhance readability
• Sentence flow optimisation for smoother reading experiences

However, writers must ensure something critical remains untouched: the creative voice, genuine originality, and emotional depth of their story must stay authentically theirs.

“Can I use AI to brainstorm ideas?” asked Janette during our recent anthology workshop.

“Certainly,” I replied. “Just ensure the final story reflects your unique perspective, not generic AI suggestions.”

⚠️ AI Misuse We Actively Reject

Our editorial process includes filters identifying and eliminating submissions that appear heavily AI-generated. Consequently, we reject manuscripts showing:

• Obvious lack of originality in plot, character development, or narrative voice
• Weak narrative structure that follows predictable AI patterns
• Absence of human and language nuances in emotional scenes or character interactions
• Missing literary quality that distinguishes memorable stories from forgettable ones

Stories reading like generic, templated outputs will mostly likely not survive our editorial scrutiny. Furthermore, we’ve developed decently experienced eyes for spotting artificial prose patterns.

“How can you tell?” writers often ask.

AI-generated content typically displays certain characteristics: unnaturally perfect grammar, repetitive sentence structures, emotional flatness in critical moments, and peculiar word choices that sound technically correct but emotionally hollow, and heavily repetitive in the AI universe.

✍️ Our Practical Advice for Authors

Based on years of evaluating manuscripts, here’s our straightforward counsel:

Treat AI as your supporting tool, never as a substitute for genuine creativity.

Use it strategically to polish existing writing while letting your original ideas, authentic voice, and vivid imagination lead consistently.

Ask yourself regularly: “Does this truly feel like my story?” If you’re uncertain, that hesitation probably signals excessive AI dependence.

Additionally, understand this important reality: if your beautifully written story gets eliminated during our editorial process, it could result from AI misuse in creative development rather than poor writing quality.

The Bottom Line

Recently, Vandana submitted a revised story after our initial rejection. Her first version read beautifully but felt emotionally hollow – classic AI overdosed!

Her revision? Absolutely stunning. Same plot, same characters, but infused with authentic human emotion and unexpected creative choices that made me laugh, then nearly cry.

“What changed?” I asked her.

Vandana smiled. “I stopped asking AI what to write and started asking it to help me write what I already envisioned.”

That’s the difference we’re seeking.

Technology serves us best when it amplifies our humanity rather than replaces it. AI can sharpen our language tools magnificently, but only we can create the art with our vision and uniqueness.

Therefore, let’s use AI wisely. Let it handle mechanical improvements while we focus on what truly matters: telling stories only we can tell, in ways only we would tell them.

At TWAGAA, we’re pro technology. We’re committed to ensuring it enhances rather than diminishes the beautiful, messy, gloriously humanness of original, awesome, authentic storytelling.