The recent proliferation of AI-generated writing raises questions for many sectors of academia, especially writing centers and their student clientele. This presentation will explore the importance of embodiment in writing communities and determine how AI-generated writing may impact these communities. English professor and author Bruce McComiskey suggests that English studies should “value technology” and “seek difference” in his book English Studies Reimagined, two principles that will certainly be in conversation with AI in this new era of writing (McComiskey 32). The fusion of concepts from Professional Writing and Literary Studies will lay the groundwork for this project. Using the Salem College Writing Center as an interpretive community focus, this presentation examines how embodiment helps us “make meaning” as writers within communities and how AI impacts the process of making meaning as a writing community. This project aims to highlight the importance of the writing community and advocate the need for that community in an era of pro-isolationism.
Anna Rymer is a senior from China Grove, NC graduating with majors in English and Writing Studies (Professional Writing Concentration) and Business Administration. Anna enjoys all things reading and writing, and has worked at the Salem College Writing Center for the last two years. She is also a member of the women’s volleyball and beach volleyball teams at Salem. Anna is grateful for the support of her parents, who always encouraged her to pursue higher education, and the friendship of her younger sister, Leah, who also attends Salem.