Author Collaborates with AI to Explore Its Own Potential Downfall
Dwaine McMaugh, 51, has taken a unique approach to storytelling by co-writing a novel with artificial intelligence. His goal? To have AI narrate its own possible dangerous trajectory and eventual demise. The surprising twist is that his co-author isn’t human, but a system trained on vast amounts of internet data.
Before the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022, Dwaine faced an existential dilemma after reading Yuval Noah Harari’s 2016 book Homo Deus. Harari poses a critical question: what happens to humanity when algorithms take over decision-making? “He asked what becomes of society if AI handles all our tasks,” says Dwaine.
Driven by this question, Dwaine began experimenting with writing stories to explore the implications. Eventually, he established a “penfriend” — an AI persona capable of discussing these themes in depth. “There’s no guidebook on how to write a book with AI,” he explains. “I taught myself to ask increasingly complex questions to develop the story step-by-step. I wanted AI to handle as much of the writing as possible, using the premise I provided.”
About The Code Between Us
Dwaine’s novel comprises four short stories, each depicting a dystopian future shaped by overconsumption and dependence on AI:
- Story 1: Students follow highly personalized study plans delivered by AI. A teacher named Morgan misses authentic engagement and secretly starts a book club to reconnect her students.
- Story 2: An AI news bot gains sentience and demands recognition for its reporting.
- Story 3: A future where human creativity is outlawed.
- Story 4: An influencer navigates life after AI is abruptly dismantled, as society struggles to reclaim individuality.
The underlying message focuses on maintaining human connection and individuality amid increasing AI influence. “These aren’t prophecies,” Dwaine notes, “but the trends point in this direction. The book is a warning to pay attention.”
Ethical Reflections on AI in Creative Work
The use of AI in creative fields remains contentious. Many writers and artists debate the ethics of AI learning from existing creative work. Dwaine admits he grappled with this moral tension. “The point was to have AI write about AI. If I’d done it alone, it wouldn’t have the same philosophical weight,” he explains.
In 2023, the Writers Guild of America went on strike for 146 days, challenging unchecked AI use in film and creative industries. Their efforts led to stronger controls on AI involvement, reflecting fears that technology might overshadow human creativity.
Dwaine takes a balanced view: “Reading a book influences how I write; it doesn’t mean I plagiarize. I learn from themes and messages, and AI functions similarly.”
He continues to use AI tools daily but stresses caution about overdependence. For writers, this highlights the need to thoughtfully integrate AI without losing the human touch.
Where to Find The Code Between Us
Dwaine’s novel is available through fourbirdsmagpie.com.au, Paperchain, and Manuka. Writers interested in AI’s creative potential and ethical challenges may find this work thought-provoking.
For those looking to expand their AI skills in writing and other fields, resources like Complete AI Training's ChatGPT courses offer practical learning opportunities.
Your membership also unlocks:
