Artificial Intelligence in Creative Writing Studies: Threat or Opportunity

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) systems are changing the world of creative writing. In addition to assisting with grammar and spelling, creative writers can now collaborate with AI, and many find increased productivity and new directions in their work. However, within the field of Creative Writing Studies, a place where writers practice creativity in higher education, while the theoretical definitions of creative practice tend to be fluid, the discipline is generally not radical or quick to change in its pedagogical approaches. Historically, the field has found ways to adapt to technology while maintaining its traditions, but the rapid advances in AI require the consideration of whether there is a need for change and new approaches. This chapter examines the current view of creativity and creative practice as defined by leading practitioners in the field of Creative Writing and discusses the impact of those approaches in relation to current developments in AI.