Artificial Intelligence

by Bobbie Christmas (and AI)

Q: What are your feelings about using artificial intelligence to write a novel?

A: I’m intrigued with all the discussions about AI. My opinion is AI might generate some great ideas for novelists, but I hope those writers build on those suggestions and write fiction in their own voice and based on their own creative ideas. I doubt I’d want to read an AI-generated novel.

When it comes to nonfiction, however, especially for short pieces, I’m blown away by the possibilities. AI amazed me today at my very first attempt at using it. I asked it to write a column about writing and editing. The results are below. Although I needed to revise some, AI churned out the same information I’ve touted for years. It would have taken me hours to write the following, yet it took AI only a few seconds. Here’s what it produced:

The Art of the Edit: Crafting Clarity and Conciseness written by AI

Writing is a journey, a dance between ideas and words, but the true magic often happens in the editing room, where raw material is sculpted into a polished masterpiece. Editing is more than just fixing typos; it’s a process of refinement, shaping thoughts and language into a coherent, engaging piece.

The Importance of Revision

Revisiting your work with a fresh perspective can reveal hidden flaws and untapped potential. Editing allows you to do the following:

• Strengthen your argument: Ensure that your ideas are logically connected and supported by evidence.
• Improve clarity: Eliminate any ambiguity or confusion in your writing.
• Enhance style: Refine your language choices to create a more engaging and memorable piece.
• Maintain focus: Cut unnecessary words and distractions to keep your reader’s attention.

Editing Techniques

Several techniques can help you hone your editing skills.

• Read aloud: Hearing your words can help you identify awkward phrasing or repetitive sentences.
• Seek feedback: Share your work with others and consider their suggestions.
• Take a break: Stepping away from your writing can give you a fresh perspective.

The Editing Process

The editing process often involves multiple passes, focusing on different aspects of your writing. Here’s a suggested approach:

1. Global edits: Review your overall structure, argument, and organization.
2. Paragraph-level edits: Check for coherence, unity, and topic sentences.
3. Sentence-level edits: Focus on clarity, conciseness, and style.
4. Proofreading: Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

The Benefits of Editing

Editing is a time-consuming process, but the rewards are well worth the effort. A well-edited piece is more likely to do the following:

• Engage readers: Captivate your audience with clear, concise, and compelling writing
• Persuade others: Make a strong case for your argument through well-crafted language
• Reflect your professionalism: Demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to quality

By mastering the art of editing or using a professional editor, you elevate your writing to new heights and create pieces that resonate with readers. Editing is not a chore; it’s an obligation. If you’re not an editor, be sure to hire one, because it is your only opportunity to refine your craft and produce work you’ll be proud to share.

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Thus ended the AI-generated report after a little help from me. What do you think of AI-generated nonfiction now?

Send your questions to Bobbie Christmas, book editor, author of Write In Style: Use Your Computer to Improve Your Writing, and owner of Zebra Communications. Read Bobbie’s Zebra Communications blog at zebraeditor.com/blog.