I recently ran into a post on a popular social media site about writing that celebrated AI and its ability to make its users “authors.” Those Luddite writers who objected to using AI needed to move on. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think AI has a place in the writing process. “Can you tell me if this sentence is grammatically correct?” But to claim that you’re an author after publishing a book created by AI does not a writer make. You are a prompt creator, an AI distributor.
In another children’s book group, an author posted six or seven book covers of their newly published children’s book collection. They were cute, but I could tell at least two of the covers were created by AI, and so could others. One thread began with something like, COMMENTER: “Those are AI.” A: “No, they’re not.” COMMENTER: “I can tell; here’s how (extensive details followed).” A: “I just used AI to manipulate my characters.”
I couldn’t take in any more. That’s when I jumped in and replied (paraphrasing):
ME: “Wait. So you did use AI.” A: “No, those are my characters.” ME: “You just said you used AI to manipulate your characters. If you uploaded that book to KDP, you have to check that box.” In KDP “that box” asks if this work has been AI assisted or AI generated.
When uploading to KDP, you’re asked if any of the content of your book is AI generated. Going back to the above example, in order to “manipulate” a character, the AI must generate a whole new image. Amazingly, there were many, many “authors” on the thread that were overjoyed at this person’s accomplishment. You could just feel the wheels turning: get ready for a whole new generation of AI books.
When I asked ChatGPT what it would call someone who published an AI book, this is the answer I got:
AI Author – sometimes used, though controversial, since “author” implies creativity and legal ownership.
AI-Assisted Author – acknowledges the human role in guiding, editing, and shaping.
Curator – emphasizes that the human selects, edits, and presents the AI’s text.
Compiler – old-school publishing term for someone who assembles material from other sources.
Publisher of AI-Generated Works – clear, formal, and accurate.
AI Book Producer – focuses on creation and production.
AI Distributor – not quite right, since “distributor” usually means a company that sells and ships books, not the creator.
Prompt Author / Prompt Engineer – increasingly common; highlights the person’s role in designing the prompts that led to the AI’s text.
Human-in-the-Loop Author – tech-flavored, emphasizes the collaboration.
Am I crazy? The above example post had responders that went so far as to say, “Get over it. AI is here to stay.” Well, yeah, but in the words of Mr. Rogers, “Your own imagination is far more wonderful than any computer could ever be.”
BOOK NEWS
Novel News
The Crimson Bodice (Needle & Quill series) is being uploaded into my formatting program as I type. Well, not right this second, but today, yesterday, and tomorrow. So far everything is rolling along, and I haven’t noticed any huge plot holes or shifts in point of view. I think I’ll be releasing it at the end of this month. Want to get it out in time for Christmas shopping.
Check out another in the Needle & Quill series in featured freebies below.
Real Reader Reviews
“Reminiscent of the old school detective whodunnit this book fails to fall into any dull or lagging spots. I would recommend giving this book a go!" The Playhouse Mysteries
"Remarkable novel that transcends the boundaries of traditional fantasy - captivating!” Keepers of the Oracle
Children’s Books
Book Launch
Edgar Allan Poop: Preposterous Poetry is for kids who enjoy a touch of the macabre but also love a good fart joke, offering a playful introduction to Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic tales. Our hero, the cat, Edgar Allan Poop, or Poopie, as he’s affectionately called, joins Vincent Van Crow to wander through the landscape of some of Poe’s better-known works. Along the way they meet Annabel Bee and Lenore, discovering friends and family are what matters. Not the stuff of nightmares, this rhyming comic-style book takes a fun look at stories and poems that an older child may soon meet in person. Get yours TODAY on Amazon or Barnes & Noble!
Real Reader Reviews
The Fantastic True Story of Santa Claus “was an amazing little book. It was given as a gift, and we love it!” Five-star review on Amazon
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Author Shows
Come check out my books. I’d love to see you! Always FREE gifts
Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Sip, Savor and Discover New Reads
An Afternoon with 16 Local Authors at William Welch Wines, 837 Main Street, Martinez, CA. Admission: FREE.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Walnut Creek
Plaza Escuela, 1192 Locust St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair
Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. Admission: FREE.
Saturday & Sunday, November 22-23, 2025 - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Concord Historical Society Annual Holiday Market
1928 Clayton Road, Concord, CA. Admission: FREE.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
2025 Gift and Craft Fair
Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord, CA 94519. Admission: FREE.
Disclaimer: While I may have gleaned some wisdom from my journey (and have made a fair share of dubious decisions), I claim no mastery of the publishing arts. These musings are but my own. Tread this path at your peril, for no advice here bears legal weight, even if it sparkles with conviction. Newsletter delivery dates: the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Oh, and fellow wordweavers and readers, if you ever want to contact me, please hit reply or head over to my website at: www.RipleyOnline.com —I’d love to hear from you.