A Word About A.I.

All the talk around the use of artificial intelligence in creative work these days is complex and often contentious. It’s something that deserves open and honest discussion. I’ve seen the passion and concern from creators across many fields, and I want to be transparent about how I use these new tools in my work.

I understand and respect the deep-seated disdain some hold for AI’s role in the creative arts. Creativity, at its core, is a deeply human act, born from personal experience, emotion, and an inimitable spark of originality. I believe this wholeheartedly, and it is why my pledge to you is to use these tools with careful consideration and, above all, sparingly.

how i use A.I. in my work

My work is, and will always be, the product of my own imagination and effort. All characters, plot lines, overarching concepts, and the core ideas that define my creations are original to me. I do not use AI to generate these foundational elements.

However, I do embrace AI as a tool to assist with specific tasks that streamline my workflow and enhance the final product. Specifically:

For Visuals and Research: I utilize AI to generate images that serve as visual aids or supplemental content for my website. I also use it as a research assistant to quickly sift through information and organize data, which helps me stay efficient and focused on my creative work.
For My Writing: The use of AI in my writing process is minimal and strategic. I primarily use it to stay organized, explore and refine thoughts, and maintain continuity and structure within my manuscripts. It acts as an aid for outlining and keeping complex narratives on track. Still, it never writes the story or dialogue. The voice, soul, and substance of my writing are entirely my own.

a commitment to human creativity

Great stories or amazing pieces of art are amazing because of the unique human energy poured into them. AI is a tool, not a creator. Just as a hammer doesn’t build a house on its own, AI doesn’t create art without the guiding hand and distinct vision of an artist.

This is my commitment to you: I will always be transparent about my workflow, utilizing AI as a deliberate and controlled assistant, while maintaining the originality and integrity of my work. My goal is to use every tool at my disposal to bring you the best and most authentic stories I can, while honoring the sacred space of human creativity.

Thank you for your trust and support.

Todd von Dölven