The prolific author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz has admitted to using ChatGPT “all the time” during his writing process, though he confessed the practice makes him feel nervous, per independent.co.uk.
Speaking at the launch of his latest novel, A Deadly Episode, the 71-year-old creator of the Alex Rider series likened the use of artificial intelligence to “cheating in a school exam” and questioned the technology’s impact on literary integrity.
Despite his reservations, Horowitz acknowledged the utility of AI for gaining immediate knowledge, contrasting it with his traditional research methods for series such as Foyle’s War.
However, he stressed that human discernment remains vital, noting that AI suggestions often lack the nuance required for fiction. He recalled rejecting a ChatGPT suggestion of the word “ellipsoid” to describe a potato, citing it as an example of where AI fails to match human intelligence.
The author, who has written three James Bond novels and contributed to Midsomer Murders, believes the enduring popularity of the crime genre stems from a public desire for “absolute truth” in an era of fake news and conspiracy theories. He suggested that murder mysteries provide a rare sense of closure and justice, offering readers a feeling of a “community that is healed” through the resolution of a crime.
Horowitz also discussed his departure from social media, having left X two years ago to escape “toxic” content. The writer, who was awarded a CBE in 2022, has replaced his digital habits with personal rituals such as reading poetry and classic literature. He noted that rereading works by Thomas Hardy later in life provides a unique perspective on how much he has changed as a reader.
Addressing the future of the James Bond franchise, Horowitz declined to name a preferred successor for the role but stated that casting a female lead would be a mistake. He argued that existing characters like Modesty Blaise already fill that archetype, though he admitted he intends to steer clear of the wider casting debate.
Horowitz’s admission comes as the publishing industry grapples with the ethical implications of generative AI. While some authors view the technology as a threat to copyright and creativity, others are increasingly adopting it as a sophisticated research and brainstorming tool.
•Featured image: Anthony Horowitz/Victoria Jones/PA
