Brave New Bookshelf Episode 30: Legalities, Workflows, and Transformative Use with Alicia Wright

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite spoke with Alicia Wright, an intellectual property (IP) attorney specializing in AI-related legalities and a seasoned writer. The conversation explored the intersection of AI, copyright law, and authorship—breaking down myths, legal nuances, and practical applications for writers navigating this evolving landscape.

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Meet Alicia Wright: IP Attorney and Science Fiction Author

Alicia Wright is uniquely positioned to discuss the crossroads of technology and creativity. With a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Computer Science and 17 years of experience as an IP attorney specializing in patent law, she has been engaging with AI long before it became a trending topic in publishing.

Beyond her legal work, Alicia writes mystery, science fiction, and science fiction mystery novels under the pen name Alicia Ellis. Her expertise in law, technology, and storytelling makes her an invaluable resource for understanding AI’s role in the publishing world.

Debunking AI Myths: Plagiarism and Copyright Concerns

One of the biggest concerns authors have about AI is whether it threatens their intellectual property rights or creative integrity. Alicia dispelled some of the most common fears:

• AI Outputs Aren’t Plagiarism: Generative AI models are trained on vast datasets but do not copy verbatim. They generate new content based on learned patterns, making plagiarism concerns largely unfounded.
• Fair Use Considerations: Legal battles around AI training data are ongoing, but courts often favor transformative use. If AI-generated content is significantly different from its source material, it is more likely to be considered fair use.
• Your Work Remains Yours: Using AI as a tool in your writing—whether for brainstorming, editing, or structuring—does not impact your copyright ownership. The unique expressions and decisions you make remain protected.

Ethical and Legal AI Usage in Writing

Alicia emphasized responsible AI use in publishing, reminding writers that AI should enhance creativity, not replace it. As she put it, “AI plus me still includes me.” Ethical AI usage involves respecting copyright laws while embracing innovation.

For authors concerned about AI training datasets using their work, Alicia advises paying attention to licensing agreements. If courts ultimately rule that AI training falls under fair use, opportunities for licensing compensation may decline.

Alicia’s AI-Assisted Writing Workflow

Alicia shared insights into how she integrates AI into her writing process without compromising her voice:

• Brainstorming Ideas: Using tools like Claude 3.5 Sonnet or GPT O1, she explores story concepts and refines creative ideas.
• Outlining Stories: She relies on AI for structuring scenes and developing subplots, utilizing tools like Save the Cat beat sheets.
• Drafting with Dictation: Alicia dictates her first drafts into Novelcrafter, allowing AI to assist with refining transitions and descriptions.
• Developmental Editing: AI helps her maintain character consistency and enhance setting details throughout her manuscript.
• Tracking Progress: A unique aspect of her workflow involves keeping a chapter-by-chapter log, using AI as a virtual beta reader to maintain story coherence.

By treating AI as a “junior collaborator,” Alicia ensures it supports rather than dictates her storytelling.

Addressing Common AI Misinformation

Misinformation about AI-generated content is widespread. Alicia tackled some of the most persistent myths:

• “AI Steals Your Work” – AI models do not store or regurgitate specific inputs, making the fear of direct idea theft highly unlikely.
• “AI Outputs Are Plagiarized” – While some instances of direct reproduction have occurred (like historical texts appearing verbatim), this is not the norm in typical AI usage.

Authors should approach AI tools critically yet optimistically, validating outputs while leveraging AI’s strengths.

The Fair Use Debate: What It Means for Writers

Ongoing legal battles between creators and AI companies raise questions about whether training data usage infringes on copyrights. Alicia provided insights on how courts might approach this issue:

• Transformative Use: AI-generated content differs from its source materials, a key factor in fair use rulings.
• Legal Precedents: Previous court decisions have ruled that even entire copyrighted works can be used if applied transformatively.
• What Authors Can Do: While legal outcomes remain uncertain, writers shouldn’t let fear prevent them from exploring AI’s potential benefits.

Alicia’s Favorite AI Writing Tools

For authors looking to incorporate AI into their workflow, Alicia recommended:

• Claude 3.5 Sonnet – Excellent for big-picture brainstorming and resolving plot challenges.
• GPT O1 Reasoning Model – Ideal for creating detailed outlines and ensuring logical story progression.
• Novelcrafter Codex – A helpful tool for refining dictation and enhancing draft coherence.

As AI continues to reshape the publishing industry, authors have an opportunity to harness its potential while maintaining control over their creative processes. With insights from experts like Alicia Wright, writers can navigate this new frontier with confidence and clarity.

For more insights from this episode, visit the podcast website.