Today, I am writing on Apple Pages. It is something I have not done for many years. Possibly decades. My preferred writing software has always been Microsoft Wordperfect. This morning, when I opened Word to work on my novel, Word did an update, which is very normal. But today’s update—Microsoft installed its AI, Copilot, directly on my document.

As a creative writer, I took extreme offense to such an intrusion into the sanctuary of my creative workspace. Once my novel is finished, I do plan on publishing. But publishing will take place when I determine the novel is complete and has gone through the editing process—not as part of the AI feeding frenzy. My creative work is mine. Microsoft and the other Big Tech companies can stay the hell out of it.

As a writing assistant, AI is great for emails, memos, reports, and other noncreative writings. Increasing productivity in the workplace is important. I am all for it. When it comes to creative writing, the writer should determine whether or not an AI assistant is on the page during the writing process—not the software developer.

Using an AI editor to check for spelling and grammar should be a choice for the writer. Inserting AI into a document with no way to remove it is not a choice. Having the Copilot icon directly on my novel is a deal breaker. So, goodbye Microsoft Word.

Now that I have said goodbye to Word, the search for a new writing software program begins. I doubt if I will stick with Pages. It is possible. Since my search begins today, I rule nothing out—except Microsoft Word.

Edmond Rane