Sci-Fi, fantasy and speculative Indie Authors Review discussion

Petals in the Hail

I had Chat GPT finish a chapter in my sequel as an experiment. I am now further convinced that it is a very powerful writing tool. I can imagine writing a book, one chapter at a time and very quickly like this.

This is a BAD thing.

On a side note, it selected a very 'new-age oneness' theme. That's not me at all. Maybe there's still space for my writing out there.

** AI sample, below:

Balatu retrieved the small, black glass vial containing the Tiger Tail herb from his satchel. Its appearance reminded him of the potent nature of the substance. He held it up to the dim light filtering through the overhang, its deep, obsidian hue almost appearing to absorb what little illumination there was.

"Princess, this is a rare and potent herb known as Tiger Tail," Balatu explained, approaching Rasheba. "It has the power to induce lucid dreams and connect you with the spirit world. In your case, it may help you communicate with the woman from your dreams."

Rasheba's eyes widened with curiosity and a touch of apprehension. "How does it work?"

Balatu carefully opened the vial, revealing the dried and twisted herb inside. "You'll need to consume a small amount of it, but be warned, it can be intense. It might take you deep into your memories and emotions, but it could also provide answers and guidance."

Aisha, who had been silently listening nearby, chimed in, "I will take it with you, Princess. We can support each other through this experience."

Rasheba nodded in agreement, grateful for her friend's support. "Thank you, Aisha."

Balatu handed them each a small piece of the Tiger Tail herb. "Consume it just before sleep. You may find yourself in a dream where you can communicate with the spirit of the woman from your previous burial."

As the rain continued to pour outside their rocky shelter, they all settled back around the fire, wrapped in damp blankets. Balatu began to chant softly, invoking the blessings of Ardazi and Aluru to watch over them during this mystical journey.

With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, Rasheba and Aisha chewed the bitter herb and lay down to sleep, side by side. The herb's effects began to take hold as their surroundings blurred, and they slipped into a world of dreams and visions.

In this dream realm, Rasheba found herself standing in a misty, ethereal landscape. The woman in mourning whites, the same figure from her recurring dreams, appeared before her. Her presence was both serene and sorrowful.

"Who are you?" Rasheba asked, her voice echoing in the dream world.

The woman spoke, her words carried by a gentle breeze. "I am Isura, a soul lost in the mists of time. I was the one you buried, and your act of compassion touched me deeply."

"Why have you been haunting my dreams?"

Isura's form seemed to shimmer as she replied, "I am trapped between the worlds, unable to move on. I have been waiting for someone with a kind heart, like yours, to help me find peace."

Rasheba's determination shone in her eyes. "Tell me what I must do."

Isura reached out and touched Rasheba's forehead, sending a rush of images and emotions into her mind. She saw glimpses of Isura's past, the injustice she had suffered, and the pain that had bound her to the earthly realm.

"You must seek the lost shrine of Ardazi and perform a sacred ritual there," Isura whispered. "Only by doing so can you release me and set things right in this world."

Rasheba nodded solemnly, committing the details of the ritual to memory. "I will find the shrine, Isura. I promise."

As the dream began to fade, Isura smiled, her form becoming more translucent. "Thank you, Nebati Dar Rasheba. Your compassion has given me hope at last."

Rasheba and Aisha awoke in their damp encampment, their shared dream still fresh in their minds. They knew what they had to do.

Balatu, who had kept a watchful eye on them throughout the night, approached with a concerned expression. "Did you receive guidance?"

Rasheba nodded, her determination renewed. "Yes, Balatu. We have a new purpose, and we know what must be done."

The rain had finally ceased, and they began to prepare for their journey to find the lost shrine of Ardazi, guided by the spirit of Isura. As they packed their belongings and left the shelter of the overhang, a sense of destiny and purpose filled their hearts, driving them forward into the unknown, where new challenges and revelations awaited them on their quest for redemption and peace.

I've had a fiddle with ChatGPT over the last few months and I have to say I'm underwhelmed, and therfore not very worried. I find it great as a sounding board and for throwing up potential avenues that I hadn't considered, and it's good for research (though far from infallible). As you say it takes a very 'utopian Hollywood misty-eyed' stance, but the output is limited to about 2500 words (depending as well on prompt input: this is the freebie 3.5 I'm talking about), and I:ve found 3.5 at least to be internally inconsistent. It also has a very sequential approach to introducing elements such as characters and the subplots, which I would intersperse more in my work. So far I can see it as good for some things, but not replacement for a human - or maybe that's what it wants us to think...