I’ve been writing again. This time it’s a very different project to the ones that have come before, but I’m excited to see how it turns out. 

My two previous books (one published, one shelved for now) were both fantasy books. Now, as much as I love the freedom that the fantasy genre offers, I wanted to challenge myself too. My latest project is different, and while I can’t tell you too much about it yet, I can say it’s set in the ‘real world’. I think speculative fiction is the best term for it right now, as this story explores what life could look like in a AI-saturated world in the not-so-distant future. 

The book is also set in Brisbane, Australia, my hometown. Most speculative fiction books that I’ve read are often set in the United States, and I wanted to buck that trend to see more Australian representation in the literary world. I also couldn’t write a book set in the States if I tried, because I haven’t been there yet!

During my university years, I took a class on Australian Literature, and it was fascinating to learn more about how this field has developed over our short history. There are lots of different influences, and key figures or stories that have informed Australian Literature, but it’s still relatively new and unknown worldwide. There are a few initiatives working to spread the word, including AustLit , which I got to use during my degree to complete research. It’s definitely a goal of mine to get my work into databases like these, and to keep growing the number and popularity of Aussie works!

Setting the book in Brisbane also presents an opportunity for me to expand my own knowledge of the city I’ve grown up in. Travelling to Rome last year, and then Melbourne a couple of times this year has made it clear how small my city is in comparison! I love Brisbane, don’t get me wrong, but being here for so long has made me a little complacent. I don’t explore as much as I can, and traversing the river is a huge ask. I haven’t given myself a chance to really see my home and get to know it.

In a lot of ways, I think art makes us as much as we make art. As I write the story, it writes me too, leading me around the city as I explore and try new things. One example is going to the Gabba for a couple of AFL games this year, and visiting a few different places I want to add in my book. It’s pushing me to expand as a person, which will ultimately make me a better writer too.

The story blends my own experiences with some of the concerns I have about AI and the shocking stories I’ve already heard. Regardless of how people want to spin it, AI, like any tool, can be used for good or great evil. We shouldn’t run from it, there’s no benefit to doing that, but we must not shy away from the problems it can and already is causing. I don’t want to join the chorus championing AI bots, nor do I want to stick my head in the sand and try to pretend it’s not here. If we want to deal with AI well, we need to be informed about it and that includes looking at the good and the bad. We need solutions that deal with all that AI can do if we want a chance at living with this.

Hence why I’m working on this book. I want my art to be interesting and meaningful. I want it to provoke people and make them think about the world and each other differently. My first novel and series (Tales of Beasts) combines my interests and knowledge from my first degree in International Relations and Literature. It’s an expansive look at power, history, empire and international relations in a fictional world that really isn’t so different from our own. This book however, examines the effects of AI on people and society. I explore how it will change people’s relationships with each other and the world itself.

I also feel it’s important to state immediately and firmly that I have not and will not be using AI to write this story. Otherwise, what is the point? If I had a machine write it for me, it wouldn’t be my story. I’ve seen a lot of concerning discourse around this online, and regardless of your opinion (which you are welcome to have), I am firm in my belief about this. Writing is a craft which you must learn, hone, and improve, like any skill. Getting a machine to write things for you, or help you plan it out—which is also part of the skill of writing is cheating in my eyes. Either you write all of it or you don’t. And if you can’t do it, then don’t. You don’t have amateurs imitating doctors and trying to complete surgery because they want to, or random people just having a stab at being a lawyer. Every great work in life takes effort to learn and develop, and there are no short cuts.

Anyway, I’m still working on my first draft and while there is a long way to go, I’m optimistic. Even with such heavy subject matter, I want to explore these topics in a way that is still interesting and readable. No matter what, we need to address what AI can do, and we need to find solutions that will keep people safe and make the world better too.

Ambitious? Yes, but what’s the harm in trying? I live by that saying, ‘Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.’ Why not aim high and see where you land? You never know how it will all work out.

Until next time! x