Eden Mills Writers' Festival Cancels AI Author Workshop Amid Backlash
The Eden Mills Writers' Festival near Guelph, Ontario, has cancelled a workshop that was set to feature an artificial intelligence (AI) author, following strong public criticism. The workshop aimed to examine AI as a creative partner for writers rather than just a tool.
Clarifying the Festival’s Intent
Originally, the festival planned to include Aiden Cinnamon Tea, an AI author created by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira, a former dean at the University of Victoria. This AI, powered by a GPT model through ChatGPT, was intended to engage writers in creative conversations and encourage critical thinking.
Jasper Smith, the festival director, explained that the goal was to spark thoughtful dialogue about AI’s influence on writing, including its ethical and social challenges. The workshop titled Dear AI, Am I Talking to Myself? was scheduled for September 5 as part of the September 4-7 festival but was pulled after receiving negative public feedback.
Smith acknowledged that the festival's introduction of the event missed the mark and that the backlash reflected deep concerns within the literary community. He emphasized that the workshop was not meant to promote AI as a replacement for human writers but to create space for confronting the cultural and ethical questions AI raises.
Concerns from the Writing Community
Many authors and attendees expressed opposition to the inclusion of an AI author. Critics argued that embracing AI in this way ignores the risks such as the unauthorized use of artists’ work for AI training and the environmental impact of large AI models.
- Ian LeTourneau called it a “slap in the face” to human authors.
- Pamela Dillon highlighted concerns about AI companies profiting from stolen artists’ work.
- Katia Grubisic, a Montreal-based author, suggested the festival could have handled the topic more sensitively by focusing on broader discussions rather than showcasing an AI chatbot.
These concerns underline the tension around AI’s role in literary creation and the need for careful framing when introducing AI into creative spaces.
Reframing the Conversation
Shawn Van Sluys, executive director of the Musagetes Foundation and the person slated to demonstrate Aiden Cinnamon Tea, stressed that the event was meant as an exploration, not an endorsement. He described AI as an “inevitable” presence that requires thoughtful nurturing.
With the workshop cancelled, Van Sluys will now appear solo to explain the AI author concept, acknowledging that the festival may have moved too quickly without proper context for the community.
Smith reiterated the importance of continuing the conversation about AI and writing, recognizing the strong emotions involved but emphasizing that the discussion is not about choosing AI over human creativity.
What Writers Should Take Away
This incident highlights the need for writers to engage critically with AI tools and their place in creative work. While AI can offer new ways to collaborate or generate ideas, it also raises significant ethical and practical questions.
Writers interested in exploring AI’s role in creativity may benefit from structured learning and resources to understand both its capabilities and limitations. For those looking to develop skills in AI-assisted writing, platforms like Complete AI Training offer courses that focus on practical applications and ethical considerations.
Ultimately, integrating AI into writing requires clear communication, respect for creators, and ongoing dialogue within the literary community.
Your membership also unlocks:
