Writing with AI
My Take on AI
I don’t advocate using AI to write the text of a story for the following reasons:
- I don’t believe it’s ethical to put my name on something I didn’t create.
- Having an AI write for me doesn’t allow me to practice and elevate my craft.
However, I do believe AI is a useful tool when used responsibly. All writers use tools like a thesaurus, a spelling checker, or Google Search. Do these tools mean the writer isn’t using their own words? AI tools can be used to assist the writer, especially with tedious work, like finding inconsistencies or plot holes.
The prompts and suggestions below are meant to demonstrate some of the capabilities (and limitations) of what AI can do.
Finding the right word
Sometimes you don’t know what something is called. A thesaurus doesn’t help. AI can serve as a “reverse dictionary” — you supply the definition and the AI will tell you what the word is.
Prompt Examples
What’s the word for the silver trays that a caterer might use to store food for a buffet? The trays sometimes have a lid and a burner underneath to keep food warm.
Once you have the word, it’s easy to verify the definition (in case the AI has hallucinated).
Perhaps you have a photo of an object whose name you don’t know (an unknown type of tree, car, cloud, etc.). You can upload your image and ask the AI what the object is called. Most AI chatbots support uploads of documents or images. Look for a + button to upload your file.
In the attached photo, what’s the architectural detail along the roofline called?
Grammar
While most word processors have built-in spelling and grammar checking, you can use AI to explain grammatical rules. By learning the rules, you become a stronger writer.
Prompt Example
In my story, I have several names that end in the letter s. When is it appropriate to use an apostrophe s to denote possession? For example, are these examples correct? Mr. Thomas’s briefcase, Darius’s boss, ATS’s corporate values, his boss’s boss, James’ grin.
Show, don't Tell
Show don’t tell is an important concept in writing. Sometimes it’s difficult to come up with ways to show an emotion rather than to tell it. AI can help.
Prompt Examples
- What are 10 ways to show a character is happy without explicitly telling the reader?
- I’m writing a scene that takes place on a busy street corner. List twenty background details in this setting that would enhance my story.
Use this prompt sparingly, so you don’t become over-reliant on the AI to show. This is a good skill to practice.
Rewrite for Clarity
This is another prompt to use sparingly and only on small portions of your text. After running it, study the result to learn what it changed. Clarity is an important skill for writers.
Prompt Example
Rewrite for clarity: [SENTENCE]
Overcoming Writer's Block
Prompt Example
Read the following, which represents the first part of a scene. Suggest three different endings. Make general suggestions and do not write them out for me. [PASTE SCENE]