I recently graduated from an MFA program that required a thesis containing both a full book manuscript and a scholarly introduction+bibliography. I chose to highlight form in my scholarly work because I was specifically drawn to the form of the novella, and I also worked with AI on my project.
Regarding form, I enjoyed 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel by Jane Smiley. In addition, though it arrived at lessons on form through specific craft elements, I enjoyed The House of Fiction by Gordon and Tate. My advisers said that my interest in looking at form and genre analytically--in the way you write in this column-- was just one aesthetic approach to writing among many. I found that interesting. Would you be able to comment on "understanding form as an aesthetic preference"?
Regarding AI, due to personal desires to avoid plagiarizing, the tool did not generate any of my sentences; it simply aided exploratory thinking. In hindsight, I think I would have preferred working with a human creative partner, but at the time, I only felt gratified by the speed and efficiency of on-demand engagement with an assistant. AI makes an adequate substitute for exploratory conversations and brainstorming, but it doesn't fulfill or replace the special event of creating with another human person. As an analogy: in a pinch, bananas can work as binder in baked goods, but eggs really do take the flavor, richness, and consistency to a new level.
Love your column on Prufrock. Thank you for writing.
Dear Mr. Wilson-
I recently graduated from an MFA program that required a thesis containing both a full book manuscript and a scholarly introduction+bibliography. I chose to highlight form in my scholarly work because I was specifically drawn to the form of the novella, and I also worked with AI on my project.
Regarding form, I enjoyed 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel by Jane Smiley. In addition, though it arrived at lessons on form through specific craft elements, I enjoyed The House of Fiction by Gordon and Tate. My advisers said that my interest in looking at form and genre analytically--in the way you write in this column-- was just one aesthetic approach to writing among many. I found that interesting. Would you be able to comment on "understanding form as an aesthetic preference"?
Regarding AI, due to personal desires to avoid plagiarizing, the tool did not generate any of my sentences; it simply aided exploratory thinking. In hindsight, I think I would have preferred working with a human creative partner, but at the time, I only felt gratified by the speed and efficiency of on-demand engagement with an assistant. AI makes an adequate substitute for exploratory conversations and brainstorming, but it doesn't fulfill or replace the special event of creating with another human person. As an analogy: in a pinch, bananas can work as binder in baked goods, but eggs really do take the flavor, richness, and consistency to a new level.
Love your column on Prufrock. Thank you for writing.