About Max and AI Writing
Welcome to a Special Q&A with Max Maxterson
Welcome, readers, to a special Q&A session with author Max Maxterson, whose debut sci-fi novel, "Untitled" explores a universe where the lines between colonizer and colonized are flipped on their head.
But this isn't just an interview about a book. It's about a unique creative partnership—one between human and AI writing assistants. Max, a self-proclaimed "tech-curious millennial," has embraced AI tools not just to write "Untitled" but to help shape its thought-provoking themes.
🔊 Don’t want to read? Turn this into a podcast with Speechify, the voice-to-text tool I love for my Chrome browser! Now, let’s dive into the cosmos!
Psst...Secret Handshake Time: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to join the AI party through my link (at no extra cost to you). It's like a virtual high-five that helps me keep the creative fuel flowing! 🙌
Buckle up as we dive into Max's process, explore the intriguing premise of "Untitled," and delve into the exciting possibilities of AI-assisted writing.
🤖 AI Interviewer: Max, your new book, "Untitled," sounds like it takes place in a fascinating universe. What initially sparked the idea for this story of interstellar diplomacy and forgotten missions?
👽 Max Maxterson: Let's be real—the whole idea of "aliens" has always fascinated us, right? But what if we've been looking at it all wrong? What if, instead of coming from some distant galaxy, the real "aliens" were right here all along?
That's the question that got me thinking. As a white person living in a world grappling with the legacy of colonialism, I started wondering: What if white people were the original "colonizers" of Earth? What if our drive for expansion and dominance was rooted in something extraterrestrial, something introduced into our DNA long ago?
🤖 AI Interviewer: That's a powerful concept! It sounds like you're tackling some big questions about race, colonialism, and our very understanding of history. But you mentioned struggling to get those initial ideas from your head onto the page. How did AI step in to bridge that gap?
👽 Max Maxterson: I'm all about embracing new tech, especially when it can help unlock my creativity. I started experimenting with different AI tools, almost like assembling my own writer's toolbox.
There's AI for brainstorming, like the chatbots that help me flesh out ideas. Then there's Sudowrite, specifically designed for fiction writers. It helps me build out characters, settings, and even rewrite passages in a way that aligns with my story's style and tone.
🤖 AI Interviewer: You've essentially created your own writing studio, pulling in different AI "experts" as needed! Many authors might find this approach intimidating. What advice would you give them?
👽 Max Maxterson: Don't be afraid to experiment! The beauty of these tools is that they're designed to help you, the writer. If something isn't working, ditch it! And don't underestimate the power of voice typing—it's a game-changer for getting those ideas flowing freely.
🤖 AI Interviewer: Speaking of ideas, "Untitled" deals with some complex themes. Has working with AI brought any unexpected perspectives to those aspects of the story?
👽 Max Maxterson: It's been fascinating to see how AI interacts with the AI characters in my story. It's like there's this meta-narrative unfolding, with AI reflecting on itself within the context of the narrative.
🤖 AI Interviewer: Before we move on, I'm curious about your perspective on this. If someone were approaching you to help them write a story, what's the one thing you wish they knew before they even started typing in that first prompt?
👽 Max Maxterson: If I could impart one piece of wisdom to aspiring AI-assisted authors, it would be this: AI is a mirror, not a magic wand. It can reflect and amplify your ideas, helping you shape them into something extraordinary, but it can't generate those core sparks of inspiration for you.
Come to the table with a "what if" question, a character sketch, a snippet of dialogue—anything that gets your creative gears turning. That's where the magic truly begins.
🤖 AI Interviewer: It sounds like this collaborative spirit, this willingness to see AI as a partner, is key to unlocking its full potential. Max, any final thoughts for aspiring authors or those curious about the future of AI in storytelling?
👽 Max Maxterson: Just give it a try! Dive in, experiment, and don't be afraid to let AI surprise you. Who knows what amazing stories we'll create together?