A Tale Born of MacArthur and Murasaki Shikibu’s Banter: Generative AI, Wondrous and Strange

Abstract

This work introduces the concept and practice of "Tuning Fiction," a new literary form created in collaboration with generative AI. Rather than treating AI as a mere tool, this approach regards AI as a dialogic partner, responding with unexpected narratives to human prompts. The human writer then adds emotional and intellectual resonance to the AI's output. Based on actual university classes, the book features fictional and historical characters—including Murasaki Shikibu and General MacArthur—engaged in transcendent dialogues. Through these interactions, the work explores the poetic, educational, and cultural implications of storytelling co-created with AI.