Writers and AI: What You Need to Know

When:
January 22, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
2026-01-22T19:00:00-05:00
2026-01-22T20:30:00-05:00
Where:
Salem Athenaeum
337 Essex St.
Salem
MA 01970
Cost:
Free to Members | $20 Non-members
Contact:
Salem Athenaeum
978.744.2540

Artificial intelligence has worked its way into nearly every aspect of our lives, particularly in the publishing world. Concerns about intellectual property and copyright contend with a barrage of tools and technologies promising to make writers’ lives easier – but often open the door to other risks. This discussion will look at a variety of pressing AI topics, including:

  • Not all AI is AI – understanding the tools
  • The legal side – protecting your work and respecting others 
  • How do I keep up? Staying informed as technology evolves 

Matthew Phillion is the Salem-based author of the Indestructibles series of YA superhero novels, the spinoff series Echo and the Sea, and the fantasy NA series the Dungeon Crawlers, as well as the former creative director of the Ravenfolly Institute Presents podcast. A former journalist, actor, and filmmaker, Matt also writes about healthcare, cybersecurity, and data privacy. 

Peter Sampieri is a professional stage director, playwright, musician, puppeteer, and has served as university professor in performance/directing at Salem State University for the last 17 years. He has served as guest faculty artist at New York University, Brown University, Providence College, New England Conservatory, Huntington Theatre Company, Northwestern University, and The Brown/Trinity Consortium. His professional directing credits include the Off-Broadway world premiere of On The Line at The Cherry Lane Theatre and The Three Same Guys at The Public Theatre, in NYC. His original play Kafka in Tel Aviv was the recipient of three national awards from the Kennedy Center in 2014, and an O’Neill playwriting semi-finalist in 2015. He was a 2002 recipient of a Pell Award Scholarship for Artistic Excellence.

Free to Members | $20 Non-members | Card to Culture

This is a hybrid event. Zoom link will be sent to all registrants an hour before the program starts.

Sign up

Ticket Policies
Tickets are refundable if canceled up to 24 hours before the event.

By attending an event at the Salem Athenaeum, you may be photographed or recorded. Your presence indicates consent to the use of your image, voice, and name in any media related to the Salem Athenaeum’s work, including on websites, social media, news, and promotional materials.

If you have questions regarding accessibility, please email staff@salemathenaeum.net

Upcoming Events

View Entire Calendar