A Note on My Use of Generative AI

K.R. Gastreich

My fiction is entirely human-written.

Every word of The Silver Web Trilogy, Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds, and my manuscript in progress was written by me: no AI brainstorming, no AI drafting, no AI editing. The Ankala Oracle, including its artwork by Nio Mendoza, was likewise created entirely by human hands.

Where I do use it.

Like many small-press and indie authors, I use AI tools in parts of my business that sit outside the manuscript itself:

• Researching and planning marketing strategy, including convention and event schedules
• Drafting and editing convention pitch copy, which I always review and revise myself
• Creating social media graphics in Canva

I don’t use AI for cover art, interior art, audiobook narration, or translation. If that ever changes, I’ll disclose it — to my publishers and platforms as required, and here.

Why.

I love to write, and I’m not interested in handing that over to a machine. I’m also mindful of the trust my readers place in me, and of the terms set by the platforms and publishers I work with. At the same time, I don’t think AI tools are going away, and I try to stay open-minded and pragmatic about where they’re genuinely useful, such as for research and business logistics, without losing sight of what makes a book mine.

On Meta’s AI label

I am active on two social media platforms run by Meta, Facebook and Instagram. Meta now automatically tags some posts with an “AI Info” label, based on hidden data in the file rather than a judgment call by a person. Because I use Canva’s AI-assisted design features for some social graphics, you may occasionally see that label on a promotional image. It reflects that design tool, not a change in how I write — my books remain entirely human-written, as described above.

On questions and good faith.

AI-related accusations — sometimes accurate, sometimes not — have led to real harassment in the author community. If you ever have a genuine question about my work, I’m glad to answer directly; that’s what this page is for. I don’t think snap judgments serve anyone well, including writers on the receiving end of false claims.

This may change.

This is a living statement. I’ll revisit it as the technology, the industry, and my own practice evolve, and as major publishing organizations update their guidance. If you have questions about a specific book or project, I’m always happy to talk about it directly.

Questions? Please submit your inquiry below.