The rise of AI in creative writing has sparked both excitement and controversy. On one hand, AI tools offer unprecedented When people hear that I use AI as part of my writing process, I often get two reactions: curiosity and hesitation. On one hand, AI tools can make writing more efficient and help break through creative blocks. On the other hand, recent discussions about AI and plagiarism, particularly with lawsuits against OpenAI, have raised valid concerns about how these tools are developed and used.

As an author, I value creativity, originality, and integrity above all else. So today, I want to share how I use AI in my writing process, why it’s still very much my story, and where I stand on the important questions being raised about AI and ethical writing practices.

How I Use AI in My Writing

For me, AI is a brainstorming partner—it’s there to help spark ideas, not to take over. Here are some specific ways I’ve used AI while writing The Second Coming of Grace:

• Idea Generation: When I first came up with the concept of a modern-day reincarnation of Yeshua (Jesus) as a woman, I asked AI for story ideas. One suggestion—a struggling actress in Toronto—resonated with me because it tied into my own experiences in the acting world. I took that spark and ran with it, shaping Grace Morgenstern’s character and story.
• Character Depth: AI helped me uncover the meaning behind Sigrid’s name—“beautiful victory”—which added depth to her role as Grace’s rival. While I came up with the name on my own, understanding its significance helped refine how I wrote her character.
• Emotional Blocks: Writing The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra was deeply personal and emotionally challenging. When I found myself too overwhelmed to continue, I used AI to generate phrasing that allowed me to push through those moments. The final version of the story reflects my voice and revisions, but AI helped me move forward when I felt stuck.

Everything AI contributes is filtered, refined, and shaped by me. It’s a tool, not a replacement for creativity.

The Ethical Question: Is It Cheating?

This is a question many writers are asking, and it’s one I’ve asked myself. Using AI can feel like a shortcut, but is it really? For me, the answer lies in how the tool is used.

Writing has always involved tools, from typewriters to thesauruses to spell-check. AI is the next evolution, but like all tools, it needs to be used responsibly. The heart of storytelling still lies in the human touch—our voices, experiences, and emotions.

That said, there are valid concerns about how AI systems are trained. Lawsuits against OpenAI and similar platforms allege that these models may have been trained on copyrighted material without consent. As a writer, I stand firmly in support of protecting intellectual property. Transparency and ethical development of AI are essential to maintaining trust in the creative community.

What AI Can (and Can’t) Do

What It Can Do:

• Spark ideas and suggest alternatives when I’m stuck.
• Provide phrasing or structural suggestions.
• Save time on smaller tasks like outlines or summaries.

What It Can’t Do:

• Replace my creative vision or voice.
• Craft emotionally resonant scenes from lived experience.
• Understand the deeper thematic layers of a story.

AI can assist with the process, but the heart and soul of the story are mine.

My Commitment to Ethical Writing

Platforms like Amazon KDP and certain traditional publishers now ask authors to disclose whether AI tools were used in their work. I think this is an important step toward accountability. Transparency builds trust, and as a writer who uses AI, I want to be upfront about how I approach it.

When I use AI, it’s to support my creativity, not to replace it. Writing is still about showing up, putting in the work, and crafting something meaningful. AI might suggest a sentence, but it’s my hands on the keyboard that make the final call.

Closing Thoughts

AI has become an integral part of my writing process, but it’s just that—a process. The ideas, emotions, and creativity come from me. Using AI doesn’t diminish the authenticity of my work; instead, it enhances my ability to bring my stories to life.

What do you think about AI in writing? Does it excite you, or does it make you wary? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

What’s Next?

In my next post, I’ll explore Liam Russell’s journey to authenticity. From coming out to his conservative family to finding his footing in Toronto, Liam’s story is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to live as your true self. Don’t miss it!