How AI Writing Tools Are Undermining the Soul of Literature

Why AI Tools Like ChatGPT Are Hurting Literary Quality

When you pick up a book, you expect the words to be crafted by a human. That’s a fair expectation. For centuries, humans have created timeless literature without the aid of machines. The evidence is clear — great writing is possible without AI. But the publishing landscape has shifted.

Genres like self-published romance and fantasy, often called “romantasy,” have surged in popularity thanks to communities on platforms like TikTok. However, with AI writing tools becoming more accessible, some authors are taking shortcuts that threaten the quality and originality of their work.

The Cases of Lena McDonald and K.C. Crowne

Two self-published romance authors recently came under fire for using AI in their novels. Lena McDonald’s Darkhollow Academy: Year Two included a passage that closely resembled an AI-generated response mimicking another author’s style. This wasn’t subtle — it was a clear sign she used AI to imitate a successful paranormal romance writer.

McDonald later apologized, explaining she used AI as an editing tool because she couldn’t afford a professional editor. But her apology was vague, promising “corrections” without clarifying if the AI involvement would be removed or just hidden better.

Similarly, K.C. Crowne’s mafia romance Dark Obsession contained an AI prompt in the middle of a tense scene. Crowne claimed it was an accidental upload of the wrong draft with AI prompts included. While she took responsibility for the mistake, she didn’t address the ethical concerns around using AI in the writing process itself.

Why Not Rely on Human Help?

Some authors justify AI use with convenience or cost. But the problems AI solves can often be addressed with human resources. Need ideas or prompts? There are countless writers and bloggers eager to engage and share insights. Need feedback on clarity or intrigue? Friends and writing groups offer valuable perspectives.

Choosing human interaction supports creativity and community, while AI usage risks isolating writers and degrading originality. Plus, AI’s environmental impact is a growing concern.

Why Are Authors Turning to AI?

Writing a novel is hard work. It involves research, deep thinking about world-building, character development, and countless revisions. Some writers turn to AI because they want to skip the tedious parts.

But skipping these steps comes at a cost. The struggle of connecting plot points, crafting unique characters, and refining language is what builds skill and pride. Using AI to do this work risks stagnation, leading to cliché plots and predictable stories.

Authors relying on AI may find their creativity plateauing, as AI-generated content often recycles familiar patterns. This could lead to a decline in literary quality and reader interest.

Concerns About AI and Publishing

There’s a real fear that AI will “steal” original work or dominate bestseller lists, making it harder for human authors to succeed. Writers who dream of publishing may face tough choices: embrace AI despite misgivings or step away from their passion.

Readers crave unique voices and diverse stories. AI tends to stick to popular formulas, which risks erasing the magic that makes books memorable.

Final Thoughts for Writers

• Trust the process. The hard work of writing builds skills and originality.
• Seek human feedback and collaboration instead of shortcuts.
• Be transparent with your audience about your process.
• Remember that AI is a tool — not a replacement for creativity and effort.

For writers interested in responsibly integrating AI into their workflow without compromising creativity, exploring structured AI courses can provide guidance. Check out Complete AI Training’s courses for writers to learn how to use AI tools ethically and effectively.