Alberta Author Challenges AI by Writing 34 Books in 34 Weeks
In a quiet town in Alberta, one writer is making a clear statement about the value of human creativity in writing. Allison McBain set out to prove that people can write just as fast as AI—and produce work with far more heart and originality.
Located in Gibbons, about 45 minutes northeast of Edmonton, McBain spends most days in a converted shed behind her home. There, in a brightly painted room filled with photos of her children, she writes between five and eight hours daily. Over the last year, she completed 34 books in 34 weeks as part of her author versus AI project.
Writing Fast, Writing Real
“I write about 1,500 words an hour,” McBain says. She has sharpened her speed over the years but refuses to sacrifice quality for pace. Her goal is to show that one author can come close to the speed of AI but deliver stories with more depth and originality—and without using any AI tools.
The project also gave her a chance to finally tell stories she’s been holding onto for years. Her genres range from science fiction to romance to westerns, reflecting the diverse worlds only a human mind can truly imagine.
Why Human-Written Fiction Matters
McBain points out a key difference between AI and human writing: “AI tends to produce content that feels generic. It filters the vast amount of information online into something small and safe. But fiction isn’t about summarizing information; it’s about capturing the small moments that make us human.”
The nuances, emotions, and unpredictability in storytelling come from lived experience and imagination—something AI cannot replicate.
Inspiring Writers to Keep Creating
The rise of AI has many writers questioning their own relevance. McBain hears it often: “If AI can write stories, why should I spend years working on mine?”
Her message is simple and powerful: writing isn’t just about output. It’s about passion and sharing your unique voice. She encourages writers to push past doubt and write the stories only they can tell.
- Writing fast is possible without sacrificing quality.
- Human creativity brings nuance and emotion that AI can’t mimic.
- Every writer’s voice is valuable—even in a world with AI.
For writers interested in learning how AI tools work and how to use them wisely without losing their unique voice, exploring courses on Complete AI Training can provide practical insights.
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