Let's settle this once and for all: Can novelists use AI ethically?

In this episode, 3x HarperCollins novelist Mary Adkins shares exactly how she's integrating AI into her writing process WITHOUT letting it do the actual writing. Mary breaks down three specific applications that genuinely enhance her productivity while maintaining complete creative control. From multi-dimensional research queries to cleaning up dictated manuscripts, she shows how AI can handle the tedious tasks so writers can focus on what they do best: the creative work. If you've been wondering how to navigate AI as a professional writer—or whether it's even worth using—this episode gives you a practical roadmap for ethical AI integration.

What you’ll learn:

✅ Why Mary chooses NOT to use AI for actual writing

✅ How to use AI for complex research queries

✅ The exact prompts Mary uses to clean up dictated scenes without changing her words

✅ How AI can synthesize key takeaways from messy brainstorming sessions

✅ Which AI platform Mary uses and why

✅ How to maintain creative control while still benefiting from AI efficiency

Resources Mentioned

iPhone Notes app for dictation
Claude AI
Descript - audio/video recording and transcription
The Book Incubator writing program https://www.thebookincubator.com/

What's Next
Next week: How Mary is ethically using AI as a novelist, including post-dictation editing techniques.

Want more?
Apply for The Book Incubator: https://www.thebookincubator.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book.incubator/
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maryadkins

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S09 E05 3 Ways I’m Using AI Ethically as a Novelist (Spoiler: It’s NOT to Write)