AI Lessons from the Writing World

A Conversation with The Nerdy Novelist Jason Hamilton

AI’s remarkable progress is revolutionizing creativity in unprecedented ways. I recently interviewed The Nerdy Novelist, Jason Hamilton, on my YouTube channel; we discussed how artificial intelligence is changing creative writing and its implications for other creative fields.

One of the most striking insights from our discussion was the concept of “working smarter and harder” in an AI-enabled world. I have already written about this idea in a previous post. As Hamilton points out, while AI tools make creative work more efficient, they don’t eliminate the need for hard work. Instead, they shift the nature of the work. When everyone has access to the same AI tools, simply using them isn’t enough to stand out. Success comes from combining these tools with focused effort and expertise.

This transformation is particularly visible in education. Traditional skills like basic writing or design are becoming augmented by AI, leading to a shift in what we need to teach. Instead of focusing solely on technical execution, education may need to emphasize higher-level thinking, strategy, and the ability to effectively direct and refine AI-generated content. As Hamilton suggests, writing courses might evolve from pure writing exercises to discussions about creative decisions and narrative strategy.

Perhaps the most forward-thinking aspect of our conversation was Hamilton’s perspective on future business models in creative industries. With AI making content creation more accessible, the value of individual creative products (like books) may decrease. In response, Hamilton advocates for a community-based approach, where the relationship between creator and audience becomes the primary value proposition. This mirrors what we’ve seen in the music industry, where live performances and fan engagement often generate significantly more value than recorded music sales.

Focusing on process, community, and not just the product itself may be crucial for success in the AI-driven creative world. While AI can generate content, it cannot replicate genuine human connection and community building. This suggests that future creative professionals might need to be as skilled in community engagement as they are in their creative craft. Perhaps authorship will one day be considered a performance art.

For a deeper dive into these topics and more insights about the intersection of AI and creative work, including detailed examples from the writing world and thoughts on ethical considerations, I encourage you to watch the full interview with Jason Hamilton on my primary YouTube channel.