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nuxvomica

(14,221 posts)

15. I learned a truth about fiction after a death in my writing group

Tue May 19, 2026, 08:19 AM

Tuesday

I belong to an online sci-fi writing group where we write stories of the same theme each month, competing for votes. When I learned a longtime member had passed away, I was devastated. I had enjoyed much offline messaging with him over the years and felt especially sad that I could no longer connect with him. Then I started re-reading some of his stories and it was like he was alive again. The truth I learned was that reading fiction, regardless of genre, is a one-sided conversation with the author. It is, fundamentally, not just entertainment but a human connection. Where does AI fit in all this? It doesn't.

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Highlight:

NBC: Why the CEO of Barnes & Noble would support selling AI-written books in stores [View all] TheProle Monday OP

AI has been helping with books for years... WarGamer Monday #1

True enough... but the onslaught of AI written FalloutShelter Monday #3

AI is destroying the arts... FalloutShelter Monday #2

Indeed. OldBaldy1701E Tuesday #13

Funny you reference Skynet. FalloutShelter Tuesday #14

Sadly, it is already gone. (n/t) OldBaldy1701E Tuesday #17

Sad indeed. FalloutShelter Tuesday #18

Same with music. Some of it sounds good Melon Monday #4

Its a book sarisataka Monday #5

they can dump human authors, sell AI books, and save wads of cash...it's the spotify model nt msongs Monday #6

Sorry, Daunt GenThePerservering Monday #7

Exactly. The generative AI industry is built on theft. highplainsdem Monday #8

Yes, it is. SheltieLover Tuesday #11

Absolutely! SheltieLover Tuesday #10

fuck those AI books. fuck that AI music. fuck the AI art. orleans Tuesday #9

"... as long as it... isn't ripping off somebody else..." eShirl Tuesday #12

I learned a truth about fiction after a death in my writing group nuxvomica Tuesday #15

I'm rather curious if he understands TVguyCards Tuesday #16