Why do you write?
With the revelation that Meta used a known pirate site to train their AI, I’ve heard so many cries of rage and bemoaning of authors wondering why they even write if their work is just going to be stolen. But if they don’t write for their work to be read, why do they?
Yes, I know that with their work uploaded to AI others can have the computer mimic their style to write new books, but unless those books are published under that author’s name (which is a serious violation), I don’t know why this is a huge problem.
A computer, even fed with all of a particular writer’s work, can never truly write with the heart, voice, and creativity of the original author. It will always sound off. Wrong. Or just not be original.
I’m certain you have heard people say that if you write novels to become rich there are much easier and more assured ways to make money. Ninety percent (or more) authors do not earn enough to make a living off their writing alone. This is why authors are encouraged to diversify, to use their talents in some other way aside from just publishing books.
So, if you don’t write to earn a living (since you’re unlikely to do so), why do you do it?
To be honest, I asked myself this question a lot when first began writing. In fact, I got pretty damned depressed when I realized I was never going to be rich or famous through my writing.
I am happy to say that I have matured since then. I have come to terms with my lack of riches and fame. I’ve accepted it.
I write to entertain — both myself and my readers. I write to escape from the real world and provide the same for others. I write romance set in a fantasized version of early nineteenth century England — a world where poverty isn’t that bad or doesn’t exist, one where workers and farmers are treated well, where there isn’t child labor or slavery. Ignored are all of the injustices (except when they add interesting conflict to my story), all of the smells from horses and unwashed bodies (my characters bathe at least once every few days and brush their teeth every day), and most of the maimed (mentally and physically) men who fought in the Napoleonic wars who, after serving their country, are not forgotten nor left with no way of supporting themselves or their families (they are cared for or given jobs by wealthy noblemen who fought with them or appreciate their sacrifices). My world has an unlimited number of dukes and nearly all the women and men are beautiful. As I say, a fantasy world.
I do this because I enjoy writing and I’ve got stories to tell, because I love delving into the human psyche, because I love exploring why people fall in love.
So, do I care that most of my books have been pirated? Not a great deal, to be honest. Do I think someone is going to get Meta’s AI to “write a novel in the style of Meredith Bond” and earn tens of thousands of dollars from it? Nope. I haven’t been able to, so why should anyone else?
Yes, its a little annoying that my work has been taken without my permission, but it was inevitable.
I am not up in arms over this, are you?
Caveat: Despite all of the above, I still think it’s important for companies to know that they do not have the right to simply take our work without permission. If you agree, please visit https://actionnetwork.org/letters/authors-guild-author-letters-to-ai-companies?source=direct_link& at the Authors Guild and join the letter writing campaign.