I Asked ChatGPT to Write a Novel. Here’s What Happened.
Is there a legitimate future for AI-generated fiction?
How often have you used ChatGPT in your writing?
I experimented with it a little in my early days. The articles it produced were… sub-par, to say the least.
They looked ok upon first skim-read, but delve a little deeper and they sounded pretty generic.
I think by now, most people who’ve played around with AI would agree it’s a useful but limited tool for writers of fiction.
However, I do love experimenting. So I asked ChatGPT to write a novel.
That’s it, that was my prompt: Write a novel.
Here’s what it came up with:
Title: Echoes of Eternity
Chapter 1: The Enigmatic Heir
In the bustling city of Veridale, nestled between the majestic mountains and the shimmering sea, lived an enigmatic young man named Aiden. With piercing emerald eyes and a mysterious aura that surrounded him, he was known as the city’s most enigmatic heir. However, his true identity remained shrouded in secrecy.
Aiden had been orphaned at a young age, left in the care of the affluent Vanderwood estate. Under the guardianship of the wise and caring Lady Eleanora, he grew up isolated from the world, his only company being the vast library filled with ancient tomes and forgotten tales. He had a deep fascination for the arcane, spending countless hours deciphering cryptic texts and studying lost languages.
Chapter 2: The Unearthed Relic
One day, while rummaging through the dusty archives, Aiden stumbled upon an ancient map buried among the tomes. The map depicted a long-forgotten kingdom hidden deep within the forbidden lands. It promised the discovery of a powerful relic known as the “Echo Stone,” rumored to grant its possessor unimaginable abilities.
Determined to uncover the truth behind the map and the relic, Aiden decided to embark on a perilous journey. However, he knew that such a quest required a group of trustworthy allies. Drawing upon his cunning and charm, he gathered a band of diverse individuals — a skilled swordsman seeking redemption, a nimble thief seeking wealth, a seasoned alchemist seeking knowledge, and a gentle healer seeking purpose.
Chapter 3: The Quest Begins
Their adventure took them through treacherous landscapes, dense forests, and ancient ruins. As they faced deadly traps, cunning adversaries, and their inner demons, their bond grew stronger. Aiden found himself opening up to his companions, sharing the painful memories of his past, and revealing the secrets of his enigmatic heritage.
In the midst of their journey, Aiden and his allies encountered a mysterious sorceress named Seraphine, who seemed to possess an uncanny knowledge of Aiden’s origins. She warned them of the dangers that awaited at the heart of the hidden kingdom and the true purpose of the Echo Stone.
Chapter 4: Trials and Tribulations
As they ventured deeper into the heart of the forgotten kingdom, the group faced trials that tested their mettle and their loyalty to each other. Each member had to confront their fears and past mistakes, finding strength within themselves to overcome their personal demons.
With each trial passed, Aiden’s powers seemed to grow, revealing a connection to the Echo Stone that he couldn’t comprehend fully. Seraphine’s cryptic guidance led them onward, but a nagging doubt lingered in the back of Aiden’s mind. Was he truly destined to wield the power of the Echo Stone, or was he merely a pawn in a grander scheme?
Chapter 5: Betrayal and Revelation
As they drew closer to the relic’s chamber, the group encountered an unexpected betrayal from within their ranks. Dark secrets surfaced, threatening to tear the group apart. Amidst the chaos, Seraphine’s true intentions were revealed, and Aiden learned the shocking truth about his lineage.
The Echo Stone was not a tool of untold power; it was a gateway to a long-lost realm where ancient beings slumbered. Aiden’s ancestors were the guardians of this realm, charged with ensuring that the powerful entities within remained sealed away. The Stone’s purpose was not to grant its wielder power but to maintain the balance between the worlds.
Chapter 6: A Choice of Destiny
With the revelation weighing heavily on his shoulders, Aiden faced a daunting choice — to keep the Echo Stone hidden and protect the world from the awakening beings, or to embrace his heritage and risk unleashing unimaginable chaos.
As darkness loomed over the forgotten kingdom, Aiden’s companions rallied around him, standing steadfast in support of his decision. Together, they confronted Seraphine and her nefarious plans, determined to prevent the catastrophic consequences of the Stone’s misuse.
Epilogue: Echoes of Eternity
In the end, Aiden made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing to seal away the Echo Stone once more and safeguarding the world from the awakened beings. Through his selfless act, he forged a legacy that would echo through eternity, inspiring tales of bravery and sacrifice.
As the group returned to Veridale, they carried the memory of their journey and the bond they had forged. Aiden, now fully embracing his identity, became a beacon of hope for the city, guiding it towards a brighter future.
And so, the echoes of Aiden’s journey reverberated through time, a timeless tale of adventure, friendship, and the choices that define our destiny.
759 words in total. So more of a summary than an actual novel.
As you can see, it’s not terrible. Someone might read that and think, “Huh. I could work with that.” And it might turn into their next book.
But while it reads well enough, it’s also super generic.
The MC “Aiden” charged with transporting the “Echo Stone” could just as easily be Frodo Baggins taking the One Ring to Mordor. The sorceress Seraphine could be Gandalf the Grey (or Saruman the White). There are even some shades of Harry Potter in there.
Anyone who’s into fantasy and understands its associated tropes could probably cobble a story along those lines together in an afternoon.
It makes you wonder: how many literary agents have manuscript samples like that drop into their inbox every week?
Next, I regenerated the response — here’s the new version:
Title: The Echoes of Destiny
Chapter 1: The Enigmatic Encounter
The small coastal town of Havenbrook slept peacefully beneath the shimmering moonlit sky. In the heart of this picturesque haven, nestled within the depths of a quaint bookstore, resided a young woman named Amelia Turner. With her raven-black hair cascading down her shoulders and a curious gleam in her emerald eyes, she possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a yearning for adventure.
Amelia’s days were spent lost in the realms of books, deciphering ancient languages and unraveling the secrets of forgotten civilizations. However, she longed for a journey that would take her beyond the printed pages and into a world brimming with mystique and wonder.
One fateful evening, as Amelia sat engrossed in her studies, the delicate jingle of the shop’s bell announced the arrival of an intriguing stranger. Tall and enigmatic, he had a certain air of mystery that immediately piqued Amelia’s interest. His eyes held a hint of wisdom and a touch of sorrow, as if he carried the weight of untold stories within him.
The stranger approached Amelia with a weathered map clutched tightly in his hands. His voice was laden with urgency as he spoke, “Miss Turner, I am in desperate need of your expertise. This map holds the key to a long-lost relic of immense power, and only your scholarly mind can decipher its hidden message.”
Intrigued by both the stranger’s request and the promise of adventure, Amelia accepted the challenge without hesitation. Little did she know that her decision would set into motion a chain of events that would not only change her life but also reshape the destiny of the entire world.
Chapter 2: The Quest Begins
As the first rays of dawn painted the sky with hues of gold, Amelia and the stranger embarked on a perilous journey across uncharted territories. Guided by the map’s cryptic clues, they navigated treacherous jungles, traversed towering mountain ranges, and delved deep into the heart of forbidden caverns.
Throughout their odyssey, Amelia’s knowledge and resourcefulness proved invaluable. She deciphered ancient scripts, solved intricate puzzles, and unraveled the enigma surrounding the relic they sought. Along the way, the duo encountered both allies and adversaries, each with their own motives and secrets.
As they drew closer to their destination, the weight of the world’s fate pressed heavily upon Amelia’s shoulders. She understood that the relic held not only immense power but also the potential to bring chaos if it fell into the wrong hands. Determined to prevent such a catastrophe, she honed her skills and learned to harness her own hidden strengths.
Chapter 3: Shadows of Betrayal
In the final leg of their journey, darkness descended upon Amelia and her companion. They were betrayed by someone they had deemed trustworthy, and the path ahead grew treacherous. Shadows lurked in every corner, and Amelia’s unwavering spirit was tested to its limits.
As Amelia faced insurmountable odds, she discovered that the power to change the course of destiny lay within herself. With courage as her armor and knowledge as her weapon, she fought against all odds to protect not only the relic but also the fragile balance of the world.
Chapter 4: A New Dawn
Amidst the chaos and the looming threat, Amelia emerged as a beacon of hope. Her unwavering determination, combined with her profound understanding of the relic’s true purpose, allowed her to unlock its full potential.
In a climactic confrontation, Amelia stood against the forces of darkness, her every action guided by her belief in the greater good. As the relic’s power surged through her veins, she unleashed a wave of transformation, healing the scars that had long plagued the world.
With the relic’s purpose fulfilled, Amelia returned to Havenbrook, forever changed by her extraordinary journey. The townspeople greeted her as a heroine, for tales of her courage had spread far and wide. But Amelia knew that her true reward lay not in fame or adoration, but in the knowledge that she had played her part in shaping the world’s destiny.
Epilogue
Years later, the town of Havenbrook thrived under Amelia’s watchful eye. The bookstore that had once been her sanctuary had evolved into a center of knowledge and enlightenment, attracting scholars and seekers from all corners of the globe.
Amelia, now a respected guardian of history, continued to unravel the mysteries of the past, eager to embrace the unknown that lay ahead. The echoes of her extraordinary journey resonated through the annals of time, reminding all who dared to dream that the power to shape their destiny lay within their own hands.
769 words this time, and a very similar story.
I scanned both versions with Grammarly. There was no plagiarism, and only a handful of writing issues.
I then asked ChatGPT to regenerate the second story for a middle-grade reader.
Here’s what it produced:
Title: Amelia Turner and the Enchanted Map
Chapter 1: The Mysterious Stranger
In the charming town of Havenbrook, where the sea breeze filled the air with a sense of adventure, lived a curious young girl named Amelia Turner. With her wild, black hair and twinkling green eyes, Amelia was always ready for a new discovery. She spent most of her days lost in books, exploring ancient worlds from the comfort of her favorite bookstore.
One day, as Amelia was engrossed in an old tome about hidden treasures, the little bell above the shop’s door jingled, announcing the arrival of a stranger. He was tall and had a cloak that seemed to hide secrets. His eyes held a hint of mystery, and Amelia couldn’t help but feel intrigued.
“Excuse me, Miss Turner,” the stranger said, “I need your help. This map holds the key to a legendary relic, and only your keen mind can decipher its riddles.”
Amelia’s heart fluttered with excitement. A real-life adventure was knocking at her doorstep! She nodded eagerly, eager to join the stranger on this mysterious quest.
Chapter 2: The Quest Unfolds
The next morning, as the sun began to rise, Amelia and the stranger set out on their thrilling journey. They followed the map’s clues, which led them through lush forests, over craggy mountains, and into dark caves. Along the way, they encountered magical creatures, friendly elves, and even some not-so-friendly trolls.
Amelia’s knowledge and love for books proved incredibly helpful. She deciphered ancient writings, solved tricky puzzles, and even read the stars to find their way at night. With each challenge they faced, Amelia felt herself growing more confident and resourceful.
Chapter 3: The Test of Friendship
As they ventured deeper into the enchanted lands, Amelia and the stranger faced unforeseen dangers. They were betrayed by someone they had trusted, and their path became treacherous. Doubt and fear gnawed at Amelia’s heart, but she knew she had to be strong.
In these dark moments, Amelia discovered the true power of friendship. The stranger stood by her side, offering guidance and support. Together, they found the strength to overcome their obstacles and continue their quest.
Chapter 4: Embracing the Power Within
As they neared the final destination, Amelia learned that the relic held not only great power but also the ability to bring harmony to the world. It was a responsibility that weighed heavily on her young shoulders, but she refused to give up.
When the time came to face the ultimate challenge, Amelia realized that the power to change destiny was not in some ancient relic but within herself. With newfound courage and wisdom, she confronted the forces of darkness, showing that even a middle-grade girl could make a big difference.
Epilogue
Back in Havenbrook, Amelia was celebrated as a hero. The townspeople admired her bravery and cheered for her accomplishments. The bookstore she loved became a hub of knowledge and magic, as children and adults alike gathered to hear stories of her thrilling adventures.
Amelia’s journey had not only changed her life but also brought a positive change to her town. The lessons she learned about friendship, courage, and believing in oneself inspired others to pursue their dreams.
As Amelia continued to read, learn, and explore, she knew that there were many more adventures awaiting her in the future. With a heart full of wonder and an open mind, she was ready to embrace every new chapter of her life. And so, the story of Amelia Turner and the Enchanted Map lived on, inspiring generations of young dreamers to believe in the magic that lies within them.
608 words, and honestly, not a bad effort at repurposing the text for a younger reader.
Finally, I asked ChatGPT to rewrite Amelia’s story as an adult horror piece:
Title: The Cursed Relic
Chapter 1: A Dark Encounter
In the desolate town of Havenbrook, where the chilling winds whispered of long-forgotten secrets, resided a solitary figure named Amelia Turner. With her dark, unkempt hair and piercing green eyes, she was an enigma to the townsfolk. Amelia rarely ventured outside, preferring the eerie solitude of her antiquated bookstore.
Late one stormy night, thunder rumbled ominously as the door creaked open, revealing a stranger cloaked in darkness. His haunted eyes bore into Amelia’s soul, and his voice sent shivers down her spine. “Amelia Turner,” he rasped, “I have a map that leads to an ancient relic of unimaginable power. I need your expertise to unlock its dreadful secrets.”
Though terror gripped her heart, Amelia couldn’t resist the allure of the unknown. She reluctantly agreed, not knowing that she had just invited a curse into her life.
Chapter 2: Unholy Descent
With the map in hand, Amelia and the stranger embarked on a treacherous journey that took them to the very edge of sanity. They ventured through haunted forests, where ghostly apparitions lurked, and braved treacherous swamps, where the whispers of vengeful spirits echoed in the air.
As they delved deeper into the darkness, Amelia’s fascination morphed into dread. The map’s cryptic clues seemed to taunt her, and every step felt like a descent into madness. Her nights were filled with nightmares, and she questioned whether the stranger was truly human.
Chapter 3: The Betrayal Unveiled
In the heart of the cursed lands, Amelia discovered the dark truth about the relic they sought. It was not a source of power for good but a malevolent force that thrived on chaos and suffering. Betrayed by the sinister stranger, she realized that she had become a pawn in a sinister game.
As shadows closed in around her, Amelia’s only solace was her unwavering determination. She vowed to break the curse and free herself from the clutches of evil.
Chapter 4: Confronting the Abyss
The final confrontation with the cursed relic was a nightmarish ordeal. Amelia faced ghastly apparitions and demonic forces that sought to consume her soul. The boundary between reality and nightmare blurred, and she had to rely on her wits and newfound strength to survive.
In a harrowing battle, Amelia embraced the darkness within herself to overcome the malevolence of the relic. The battle was gruesome, testing her resilience, but she emerged victorious, though forever changed.
Epilogue
Having banished the cursed relic back to the depths of darkness, Amelia returned to Havenbrook, a haunted shell of her former self. The townspeople sensed the darkness that now clung to her, and they whispered fearful rumors about the once-beloved bookseller.
Haunted by the horrors she had witnessed, Amelia withdrew from society, choosing to spend her days lost in the darkness of her store. The bookstore, once a sanctuary of knowledge, transformed into a haunting place where eerie shadows danced and ghostly whispers beckoned.
Amelia’s tale of horror and despair became a cautionary legend, a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked in the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. In her solitude, she became a living warning, a broken soul forever marked by the cursed relic’s malevolence.
And so, the story of Amelia Turner and the Cursed Relic was etched into the annals of Havenbrook’s sinister history, a grim reminder that sometimes, the pursuit of knowledge can lead one to the edge of darkness, where nightmares lurk in the shadows.
The shortest yet at 576 words (was the bot getting bored with me?).
This version paints a better picture of ChatGPT’s limitations. For instance, this line…
“Betrayed by the sinister stranger, she realized that she had become a pawn in a sinister game.”
…sounds like something a 9-year-old might write. There’s some lazy word repetition in there, too.
It wasn’t exactly scary, either.
So what?
No-one’s ever going to write a book using ChatGPT, right?
Well, I hope not.
Based on the content it produces now, in terms of both fiction and non-fiction, it’s certainly a poor substitute for actual human creativity.
Yes, there are other AI tools available that are better suited to fiction writing than ChatGPT. A quick Google search will pull most of them up.
But my point is, no matter which tool you use, all Generative AI models are incapable of genuine original thought. What they produce can appear original, but they can only draw upon knowledge that already exists, which is why the stories in this article sound so generic.
That’s my understanding, at least.
Will I ever use AI to write a novel? No, I don’t think so. Where’s the fun in that? Where would the sense of accomplishment come from? Why would I (or any of my readers) care about a story that’s just a thinly-veiled rip-off of countless other stories in the same genre?
In the near future, I’m sure we’ll able able to type prompts into Amazon and it’ll spit out a ready-made book tailored to our exact specifications, cover and all.
And I’m equally sure some people will be completely enamoured by it, and Amazon will make a ton of money.
But honestly, I can’t think of anything more boring.
Originally published by Practice in Public on Medium.
I agree that AI is a useful tool and that any novels written would be lacking in originality, skill and voice. An interesting experiment though.
People say they think AI will replace authors, but like, come on. AI can't write "Catcher in the Rye" or "the Great Gadsby." It's not creative enough for that.