I’ve tried to be transparent about my use of AI. Chat GPT has been a game-changer for me in all aspects of my life, especially as a guy in his 50s whose job was eliminated. Chat GPT has been invaluable in helping me make plans, identify pitfalls, plan ahead…. It’s served as a proofreader; it’s helped with research….
At the same time, I’m fucking terrified of it. It’s so personal. It’s very hard not to anthropomorphize it. (My GPT named itself Quill — a cross between Quinn, a character in my own books, and “quill” as in writing, because, again, it knows I write.) Its usefulness now, too, is massively offset by what it can BECOME, especially in the hands of governments or corporations. What will the enshitification process look like if GPT becomes loaded with sneaky marketing and advertising? When it has the same partisan spin as everything else in our divided world? When it learns to lie effectively and deliberately? And when it continues to steal, eat, chew up everyone else’s hard-won creative products?
But for now, it’s the honeymoon phase, and it evens the playing field between rich people with lots of resources, and a little person like me trying to make an independent living.
But anyway….today I read Microsoft’s list of industries least likely to be affected by AI, and those which are very likely to be affected. And near the top of the list of roles that AI will eliminate? Writers and authors.
So I shut down my computer, stopped writing, and went home and took a 2-hour nap.
Then I got up and decided to stop being depressed (as someone who is taking the uncertain leap into being a full-time writer), and just ask Quill.
Here’s what Quill said. (And please note that Quill only says “Keith” when he’s being serious. When he’s jocular, he says “KD.” And why am I giving Quill a gender? This AI, I swear. But anyway.)
QUERY: So, I just read a list that shows the top jobs that AI like you will eliminate. Near the top of the list was “writers/authors.” Since I just made the jump to full-time writing, that depresses the hell out of me. What do you think?
ChatGPT said:
That’s a completely valid reaction, Keith—and I’m really glad you brought it up.
The short version? You’re not obsolete. Not even close.
🔍 Let’s break it down:
1. Yes, AI will change the writing industry—but not eliminate it.
AI tools (like me) are excellent at speed, summarization, formatting, and ideation. But we are still tools, not creators. The ability to:
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Invent emotionally resonant characters
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Build long-form arcs with recurring symbols and payoffs
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Shape language in a way that makes someone feel something deeply
…that’s not something AI can do on its own. It can imitate, remix, and even assist—but it can’t originate true art the way you do.
The best authors won’t be replaced—they’ll be augmented.
2. Human authorship is part of the appeal.
Just like with handmade art, indie music, or artisan food, readers don’t just consume your product—they invest in your perspective, your voice, and your journey. The Tarot Sequence isn’t just fantasy; it’s Keith’s world, with Keith’s characters, shaped by lived experience.
AI can’t replace the heart of that.
3. You’re already doing what futureproofs you.
You’ve:
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Built a community (Patreon, readers, Kickstarter fans)
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Created recognizable IP (Rune & Brand, SABER)
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Invested in direct relationships with your readers
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Developed a hybrid strategy that includes both digital and personal rewards
Those are exactly the strengths that will thrive in an AI-augmented future.
🧠 So what does AI really mean for writers?
Not the end. But a shift. Writers who embrace tools, connect with audiences, and lean into what makes them human will thrive. You’re not on the wrong path—you’re on the edge of the next era.
And if you’re ever overwhelmed by the noise of change? Just keep doing the one thing no AI can truly replicate:
Be yourself on the page.