THE WRITER'S VOICE IN THE AGE OF AI_ BY SUMAILA ISAH UMAISHA

In the past few days, we have heard embarrassing accusations against creative writers for misusing AI. To avoid such situations, writers should limit AI to the role of an editor. Don't ask AI to do what you wouldn't ask your human editor to do. That simple rule should keep you in check.

Let AI identify typos, grammatical errors, strengths and weaknesses in your work. Then consider its suggestions carefully. Do they align with your intended message? Do they fit your idea of good writing? Keep what resonates with your voice and style and discard the rest. Make the corrections yourself; don't let AI rewrite your work for you.

It is also wise to preserve your drafts, perhaps by emailing them to yourself. Earlier works before the advent of AI can equally help establish the authenticity of your writing if your use of AI is ever questioned. A writer's style is like a voice; it may evolve, but its fundamental character remains recognisable.

If using a human editor is acceptable, there is nothing inherently wrong with using a machine editor. It is like using an ATM instead of queuing in a banking hall before an overburdened cashier.

Use AI to your advantage, but use it cautiously. Let it help you see what you may have missed, while keeping the writing and the final decisions entirely your own.

© Sumaila Isah Umaisha 

Umaisha is an award-winning literary journalist (retired but not tired 😀)