Summary of "Crafting Story Worlds, Creative Control, And Leveraging AI Tools With Dave Morris"

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers hosted by Joanna Penn delves into the intricate aspects of writing craft and creative business. In Episode 810, released on May 26, 2025, titled "Crafting Story Worlds, Creative Control, And Leveraging AI Tools With Dave Morris," Joanna engages in an insightful conversation with veteran author and game designer Dave Morris. Spanning over 40 years in the publishing industry, Dave shares his experiences, strategies for maintaining creative control, and the evolving role of AI tools in storytelling.

1. Dave Morris: A Legacy of Creativity and Independence

Background and Longevity

Dave Morris introduces himself as an author, comic book writer, and narrative/game designer with more than 70 books to his name. Best known for interactive series like Dragon Warriors and Fabled Lands, Dave's career highlights his ability to adapt and sustain relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

Maintaining Independence and IP Ownership

A pivotal moment in Dave's career was his decision to work with smaller publishers, allowing him to retain ownership of his intellectual property (IP). "By keeping the IP, it means I'm still earning from those things 40 years on because I still control them" (17:20). This choice contrasted with joining major franchises like Dungeons and Dragons or Fighting Fantasy, where IP ownership often resides with larger entities. Dave emphasizes the long-term benefits of this independence, including accruing foreign rights over the years.

Adapting to Changing Publishing Landscapes

Dave reflects on the shifts in the publishing world, noting how early acceptance of technology and self-promotion have become essential. He remarks, "They are always late with these things. I mean, they're aware of that now, but it probably makes it harder for authors, as I say, to get established" (37:14). His adaptability underscores the importance of evolving alongside industry trends to maintain a successful writing career.

2. Embracing AI in Storytelling and World-Building

AI as a Research and Creative Assistant

Joanna and Dave discuss the transformative impact of AI tools on the writing process. Dave illustrates how AI can streamline extensive research tasks, citing his experience with AI tools like NotebookLM and ChatGPT. For instance, Dave recounts how AI assisted him in naming a mountain range in his Vulcanverse series, saving hours of manual searching: "NotebookLM was able to tell me, no, you never gave a name for those. And when I presented it to ChatGPT, it said, would you like me to come up with some names based on the names in the area that you've already named?" (22:00).

AI Enhancing World-Building and Narrative Systems

Dave highlights the potential of AI in creating dynamic and immersive storytelling environments. He envisions AI-driven non-player characters (NPCs) in gaming that exhibit rich, emergent narratives, making virtual worlds more lifelike. "The AI can become the storyteller in real time. So I think that's going to completely transform massively Multiplayer games. You won't even know if the character you're talking to is a person or an AI." (57:36).

Collaborative Creativity Between Humans and AI

The conversation underscores a collaborative dynamic where AI serves as an intelligent assistant rather than a replacement for human creativity. Dave emphasizes that AI can handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing writers to focus on the creative aspects of storytelling. "It's like having another mind in the room that's smarter than I am." (51:42).

3. Navigating the Economics of Modern Publishing

Shift Towards Author-Controlled IP

Dave discusses the evolving economics of publishing, noting that contemporary publishers often seek control over IP unless the author already has an established audience. "If you're not a celebrity who's willing to do cosy murder... you pretty much have to walk in with your IP already a bit established." (37:06). This shift necessitates that new authors build a strong personal brand and audience before approaching publishers.

Challenges in Marketing and Promotion

With the decline of traditional marketing support from publishers, authors are now more responsible for their own promotion. Dave shares his reliance on AI tools to assist with marketing strategies, despite admitting his own limitations in this area: "Knowing I'm bad at publishing, I do occasionally ask the AI to advise me..." (40:39). This reflects a broader trend where authors must diversify their skill sets to include marketing and self-promotion.

AI's Role in Streamlining Publishing Tasks

AI tools are highlighted as essential for modern authors to manage the multifaceted demands of publishing. From optimizing book pages for search engines to generating marketing content, AI enables authors to efficiently handle tasks that were previously time-consuming and required specialized knowledge.

4. Future Horizons: AI and the Evolution of Gaming and Fiction

Advancements in Gaming with AI

Looking ahead, Dave anticipates significant transformations in the gaming industry driven by AI. He envisions NPCs with enhanced intelligence and emotional depth, creating more engaging and unpredictable gaming experiences. "Stories emerge one step at a time. And the AI can do that. It can become the storyteller in real time." (57:36).

AI's Influence on Fiction World-Building

In fiction, AI is poised to revolutionize how authors craft and manage complex story worlds. By handling intricate details and maintaining continuity across extensive narratives, AI allows writers to explore more ambitious and expansive storytelling projects without being bogged down by logistical constraints.

Ethical Considerations and Creative Confidence

Both Joanna and Dave acknowledge the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, such as the potential displacement of creative jobs. However, they advocate for embracing AI as a tool that can augment human creativity rather than replace it. "We have to figure out how to get the good wishes out of them, not the bad ones." (53:18). This perspective encourages writers to maintain creative confidence and integrate AI thoughtfully into their workflows.

Conclusion: Embracing the Synergy Between Human Creativity and AI

The episode underscores a harmonious relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Dave Morris exemplifies how seasoned authors can leverage AI to enhance their storytelling capabilities, streamline research, and manage the complexities of modern publishing. By maintaining creative control and embracing technological advancements, authors can navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and ingenuity.

Notable Quotes:

• "By keeping the IP, it means I'm still earning from those things 40 years on because I still control them." — Dave Morris [17:20]
• "It's like having another mind in the room that's smarter than I am." — Dave Morris [51:42]
• "Stories emerge one step at a time. And the AI can do that. It can become the storyteller in real time." — Dave Morris [57:36]
• "We have to figure out how to get the good wishes out of them, not the bad ones." — Dave Morris [53:18]

This comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights for writers seeking to harness AI tools while preserving their unique creative voices and maintaining control over their intellectual properties.