Writing with AI
I don’t advocate using AI to write the text of your story. First, AI tends to write in a flowery, dramatic style which doesn’t always fit the scene. The longer the text, the more likely the AI will introduce plot holes, merge characters, and go astray. In these cases, it would probably take as much work to fix up the AI text as it would to write it from scratch.
Most importantly, I don’t think it’s ethical to put your name on something that you didn’t create. (There are plenty of writers who disagree.)
Where I do think AI can be very helpful is to assist in the writing process, especially when you get stuck. See the following prompts for examples.
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 it 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. Sometime 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]