Two more authors have been added to the witch-hunt.
Although I’d feel sorry for Thélyson Orélien if he hadn’t admitted to plagiarizing.
So he and Simbarashe Kundizeza join the list of authors who have been accused of using AI to write their books.
And yes, they are both people of color.
And let’s add Jamir Nazir. Fortunately, after investigation he was cleared and received his prize. Although he was required to prove himself which is something no writer should have to do.
And I’ve seen where publishers are requiring writers to prove themselves by providing things like dates and times things were written and a declaration of how and why you used programs like ProWritingAid. And yes, I was still using PWA. When I was searching for a new agent, I skipped one because as part of their submission policy, they stated that any writer would be subjected to a long discussion about AI. Sounding like an interrogation.
I said in my previous post that I don’t feel I should have to prove myself to anyone.
No author should have to do that.
Look at my bio. I have been writing since I was FIVE YEARS OLD.
There wasn’t even an internet back then. Hell, there weren’t even computers. At least not personal ones. Wait…
1971: The First Commercial PC (Kenbak-1)
While many associate the birth of the personal computer with the garage hobbyist era of the late 1970s, the Computer History Museum officially recognizes the Kenbak-1 as the world’s first commercially available personal computer. Invented by John Blankenbaker and released in 1971 for $750, this early machine lacked a modern microprocessor, relying instead on standard integrated circuits. It featured a mere 256 bytes of memory, using switches for input and a row of blinking lights for output. Only about 40 to 50 units were ever produced before production ceased, making it a rare and foundational milestone in digital history.
Computer History Museum. (n.d.). Personal computers: Kenbak-1. Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing. computerhistory.org
So, even if they were available in stores, I doubt my grandmother would spend that kind of money whether she had it or not. And she supported my writing as well. And even if she had, AI as we know it today didn’t exist. And again, neither did the internet. I started writing all my books and stories by hand until my aunt gave me that typewriter. I used typewriters until the mid-90’s when I splurged on an $80 Brother word processor. In fact, I didn’t own a PC until the late 90’s. Bought second hand. It had two gigs of ram and it worked with dial-up and those CD’s you could pick up at most stores for free, if you wanted Microsoft software. Give a shout-out if you’ve ever done that.
The sudden rise of automated text scanners and online panics has triggered what industry commentators call a literary “AI witch-hunt,” leading major publishers to cancel highly anticipated multi-million dollar contracts over unverified allegations, as documented by The New York Times and The Guardian. [1, 2]
Loffhagen, E. (2026, July 31). $2m crime novel deal collapses amid questions over AI use. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/jul/31/crime-novel-deal-collapses-questions-ai-jerry-falade-call-me-ill-hide-the-bodyAlter, A. (2026, March 19). Horror novel ‘Shy Girl’ canceled over suspected A.I. use. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/books/shy-girl-book-ai.html
Which just started in 2025.
Will this witch-hunt ever end? I can’t say. In the past, certain advances in technology that were thought of as destructive, eventually became acceptable. But the situation with AI is much different. I want the witch-hunt to end BUT not because using AI to write whole books is OK. What’s the solution then? You mean besides publishers and agents going back to trusting authors without a shadow of a doubt? Pardon the cliche.
I’ve said many times in the past, I love writing. And retired or not, I always will. But I’m not going to sacrifice my principles to justify myself to anyone. Believe me or not, it’s up to you.
This post was NOT generated by AI.
Peace –
Wendy