Working with Chat GPT Creative Writing coach
It's reactions to my whole book.
Thank you for reading Jasini’s Thoughts and Ideas
Well, about a week ago I finished entering my novel into the Chat GPT Creative writing coach tool. (A bit further than I’ve posted over at Tolly & Glorina.)I posted my earlier interactions with it here:
So, I asked various questions based on the book as a whole. I’m not sure that it totally understood the assignment. I’m going to post the highlights here:
First, a list of characters:
Previous attempt:
Current attempt:
Me: Give me a full description of the chacaters and their relationships with each other.
Chat GPT: Sure! Here's a detailed description of the characters and their relationships with each other:
Main Characters:
1. Glorina Hoi:
Description: A young woman in her mid-20s, Glorina has a delicate appearance but possesses a resilient spirit. She has experienced hardship and trauma, which has left her with some vulnerabilities but also a deep strength. She is intelligent, observant, and has a hidden depth of kindness and loyalty.
Relationships:
Tolly McLichtensen: Glorina’s husband, whom she marries for protection and stability. Their relationship starts as a marriage of convenience but grows into a deep, mutual affection.
Grimald (Grimmy) Malkin: A former lover and close friend who cares deeply for her well-being. He remains a protective and somewhat jealous figure in her life.
Belinda and Jasin: Friends who help support her during her wedding preparations and throughout her new life in the town.
2. Tolliver (Tolly) McLichtensen:
Description: A seemingly middle-aged man with a mysterious past, Tolly is actually around 2000 years old. He is tall, strong, and has a warm, benevolent demeanor. He runs an inn and has deep connections within the town and beyond.
Relationships:
Glorina Hoi: His wife, whom he marries to protect and support. He develops genuine affection for her and becomes her protector and confidant.
Jelana: His sister, who is a water sprite. They share a deep, familial bond and mutual respect.
Grimald (Grimmy) Malkin: A long-time acquaintance and occasional rival. Their relationship is marked by a mixture of mutual respect and tension.
Supporting Characters:
3. Jelana:
Description: Tolly’s sister, Jelana is a water sprite with the ability to transform into water. She appears young, with bright green eyes and a mischievous personality.
Relationships:
Tolly McLichtensen: Her brother. They share a strong, protective sibling bond.
Daved: Her husband, a being who can transform into a tree. They share a deep, mystical connection.
4. Grimald (Grimmy) Malkin:
Description: An older, impeccably dressed man with a small, trim mustache and beard. He is charming, somewhat roguish, and has a protective streak towards Glorina.
Relationships:
Glorina Hoi: A close friend and former lover. He remains protective and somewhat jealous, but ultimately respects her decisions.
Tolly McLichtensen: An old acquaintance and occasional rival. Their interactions are marked by tension and a grudging respect.
5. Belinda:
Description: A matronly woman, she is strong, kind, and very capable. Belinda is married to Jasin and helps run the inn.
Relationships:
Jasin: Her husband. They share a loving and supportive marriage.
Glorina Hoi: A friend who she helps support during the wedding preparations.
Tolly McLichtensen: A close friend and the innkeeper she works with.
6. Jasin:
Description: A competent and supportive man, married to Belinda. He plays a crucial role in the community and the inn.
Relationships:
Belinda: His wife. They have a strong, loving marriage.
Glorina Hoi: A friend and supporter.
Tolly McLichtensen: A close friend and business partner.
7. Daved:
Description: Jelana’s husband, Daved is a mystical being who can transform into a tree. He is wise, patient, and deeply connected to nature.
Relationships:
Jelana: His wife. They share a deep, mystical bond.
Tolly McLichtensen: Respected brother-in-law.
Minor Characters:
8. An:
Description: A competent and caring woman, she possesses a magical necklace that helps her discern truth from lies.
Relationships:
Jasin and Belinda: Her family.
Glorina Hoi: A supportive friend who helps her navigate the complexities of her new life.
9. Zabi (Elvesbreath):
Description: Jasin and An’s grandmother, who appears much younger than her actual age. She is wise, vibrant, and has a mysterious past.
Relationships:
Jasin and An: Her grandchildren. She shares a strong, loving bond with them.
Tolly McLichtensen: An old friend with a deep, shared history.
10. Mattan:
Description: A supportive member of the community who is present during the wedding preparations.
Relationships:
Tolly McLichtensen: A friend and supporter.
Glorina Hoi: A supportive presence during the wedding.
These characters form a complex web of relationships that drive the story forward, highlighting themes of love, protection, family, and the uncovering of hidden secrets.
This is a decent list, though it puts characters that just show up briefly towards the end on equal with characters who were through most of it.
Me: Are there any scenes in the book that need to be cut out? Are there any scenes not in the book that should be added?
Chat GPT:
Scenes to Consider Cutting:
1. Overly Long Preparatory Scenes:
Scene: The detailed preparation for the wedding, particularly the bathing ritual and dress preparations.
Reason: While these scenes add depth to the cultural context and character development, they might be too lengthy and slow the pacing. They could be condensed to maintain reader engagement without losing essential details.
2. Extended Conversations with Minor Characters:
Scene: The long, detailed conversation between Glorina and Grimmy at the bar.
Reason: While it provides insight into Grimmy's character and his relationship with Glorina, it may be too detailed. Streamlining this scene could help maintain the story's pace.
Scenes to Consider Adding:
1. Glorina's Backstory:
Scene: A flashback or conversation revealing more about Glorina's past before coming to the town and meeting Tolly.
Reason: This would help readers understand her motivations and the depth of her trauma, adding layers to her character.
2. Tolly's History:
Scene: A scene or series of flashbacks showing Tolly’s long life, his past relationships, and how he has maintained his humanity over the centuries.
Reason: This would enrich Tolly’s character, providing context for his wisdom and his protective nature towards Glorina.
3. Glorina and Tolly's Growing Relationship:
Scene: Additional scenes showing the development of Glorina and Tolly's relationship, including moments of tenderness, conflict, and mutual support.
Reason: This would make the transition from a marriage of convenience to genuine affection more believable and impactful.
4. Community Interactions:
Scene: More scenes depicting Glorina's interactions with the townsfolk, showing her integration into the community and building relationships with other characters.
Reason: This would help to establish the town as a character in itself and show Glorina's growth and acceptance within her new environment.
5. Climactic Confrontation:
Scene: A climactic scene where Glorina faces a significant challenge, perhaps related to her past or a threat to her new life.
Reason: This would add tension and a sense of resolution to her personal journey, demonstrating her growth and resilience.
6. Epilogue:
Scene: An epilogue showing a glimpse into the future, revealing how Glorina and Tolly's relationship and life in the town have progressed.
Reason: This would provide closure and a satisfying conclusion for readers, tying up loose ends and showing the long-term impact of the story's events.
By trimming some of the slower scenes and adding moments that deepen character development and plot progression, the story could become more engaging and well-rounded.
Me: Some of those are already in consideration for book 2.
Chat GPT: Great to know that you're planning a sequel! Given that, let's focus on refining the content of the current book for the best reader experience. Here’s an adjusted approach:
Scenes to Consider Cutting or Condensing:
1. Detailed Preparation for the Wedding:
Reason: While rich in cultural detail, the extended bathing ritual and dress preparations can be condensed to maintain pacing without losing the essence of tradition.
2. Extended Conversations with Minor Characters:
Reason: Conversations that delve deeply into side characters' backgrounds can be shortened to keep the focus on Glorina and Tolly. Key information can be conveyed more succinctly.
Highlights Already Present in the Book:
1. Glorina's Arrival and Initial Interactions:
Highlights: Her introduction to Tolly, the sense of mystery surrounding his character, and the initial sparks of their relationship.
2. The Growing Bond Between Glorina and Tolly:
Highlights: Moments that showcase their developing relationship, including their candid conversations, mutual support, and the gradual shift from convenience to genuine affection.
3. Glorina’s Integration into the Community:
Highlights: Scenes where Glorina interacts with townsfolk, highlighting her growth and acceptance within the community.
4. Tension with Grimald:
Highlights: The confrontations between Tolly and Grimald add tension and drama, revealing more about the characters and their relationships.
5. Wedding and Rituals:
Highlights: The cultural richness of the wedding ceremony and the rituals, culminating in their marriage.
6. Post-Wedding Revelations and Adjustments:
Highlights: Scenes showing Glorina and Tolly adapting to their new life together, deepening their bond, and addressing any lingering issues.
Suggested Scenes to Consider Adding:
1. Flashbacks to Glorina's Past:
Reason: To provide deeper insight into her trauma and motivations, making her character more relatable and her growth more impactful.
2. Glorina and Tolly's Developing Relationship:
Reason: Additional scenes showing their relationship's evolution, particularly moments of tenderness, mutual support, and conflict resolution, to make their bond more believable.
3. Tolly’s Long Life:
Reason: Brief flashbacks or anecdotes that reveal Tolly's past, his experiences, and how he maintains his humanity, enriching his character.
4. Glorina Facing a Major Challenge:
Reason: Introducing a climactic challenge that Glorina must face and overcome, demonstrating her growth and resilience, would add tension and provide a satisfying resolution to her arc.
5. A Satisfying Epilogue:
Reason: An epilogue showing a glimpse into the future, revealing how Glorina and Tolly’s relationship and life in the town have progressed, providing closure and setting up potential threads for the sequel.
By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure that the current book stands strong on its own while laying the groundwork for future stories.
Me: What would you tell others about my book?
Chat GPT: Title: A Marriage of Convenience
Blurb: In the tranquil town of Haranbeth, Glorina, a young woman escaping a dark past, finds herself betrothed to the enigmatic and seemingly ageless Tolly. What starts as a marriage of convenience quickly becomes a journey of healing, love, and discovery. As Glorina integrates into Tolly's tight-knit community, she uncovers deep-seated secrets and faces challenges that test her resilience and courage. With the support of her new family and friends, Glorina learns that true strength comes from within and that love can be found in the most unexpected places.
What to Tell Others About the Book:
1. Engaging Characters and Relationships: The novel shines with its richly drawn characters. Glorina, the resilient and courageous protagonist, and Tolly, her complex and compassionate husband, form the heart of the story. Their evolving relationship, from a pragmatic arrangement to a profound and loving bond, is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. Supporting characters like Belinda, An, Jasin, and Grimmy add layers of intrigue, warmth, and humor, making the community of Haranbeth feel real and alive.
2. Richly Woven Cultural and Magical Elements: Set in a world where ancient traditions and subtle magic coexist, the book immerses readers in its unique cultural rituals and practices. The wedding preparations, the significance of the Star-Stone, and the mystical elements of Tolly's extended lifespan are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding depth and fascination to the story.
3. A Tale of Healing and Personal Growth: At its core, this is a story about overcoming trauma and finding a place to belong. Glorina's journey from a haunted past to a hopeful future is compelling and inspirational. The novel thoughtfully explores themes of healing, self-worth, and the transformative power of love and community.
4. Intriguing Conflicts and Resolutions: The book balances internal character struggles with external conflicts, such as the tension with Grimald and the challenges posed by Glorina's past. These elements create a dynamic and engaging plot that keeps readers invested in the characters' outcomes.
5. Beautiful Prose and Emotional Depth: The author's writing style is evocative and rich, capturing the emotions and experiences of the characters with clarity and poignancy. The dialogue is natural and meaningful, and the descriptive passages bring the setting and atmosphere to life.
6. A Heartwarming and Satisfying Ending: The novel concludes on a hopeful and uplifting note, with Glorina and Tolly's future together looking bright. The resolution of their story is satisfying and leaves room for potential sequels, promising more adventures and developments in this enchanting world.
Recommendation: A Marriage of Convenience is a beautifully crafted tale that will appeal to fans of character-driven fantasy and romance. It offers a perfect blend of emotional depth, cultural richness, and magical intrigue, making it a captivating read from start to finish. Whether you're drawn to stories of personal growth, mystical elements, or heartwarming relationships, this book has something for everyone.
Note, I didn’t ask for a title. And they are not in Haranbeth. People come from Haranbeth. Haranbeth is a huge city a few hours drive away.
I had asked earlier for a blurb, and it gave me one, quite similar, with the title “Safe Haven”. However, it, and several other questions I asked, vanished between the time I asked, and the time I was thinking about writing this post. So, that is yet another reason to be wary of AI (don’t trust it), things that you put in or it answers might not be there later.
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Um.. Chatgpt's suggestions change the tone of the book, as we've read it so far.
I thought you had given some of glorina's background... She's on the run/escaping from her previous master, who tortured her.
I know we haven't read about the wedding rituals, because I would have remembered those.
What do you think about the suggested changes?
Very interesting!