THIS IS AI TELLING YOU HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL

The Robots are Taking Over! And the ethics of it all are going to be washed away.

AI is Taking Over Every Aspect of Life. That Includes "Writing" and Recommending Non-existent Books.

Since the day artificial intelligence began being used to “write” fiction, I have been a staunch advocate for not using it. Writing, for me, is an art. It is something one does because one is passionate about reading, and about the craft itself. I started writing when I was sixteen. Bad poems to attract girls in high school. But the girls weren’t what got me started in poetry; I’m not sure what it was. My guess is that I was reading something assigned by an English teacher and found myself being moved by an author’s words. Either way, I’ve been driven for decades since, my choice being writing novels.

My kids were reciting Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay” poem the other day, because a classmate of theirs attributed it to S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. As avid readers and writers, they were not pleased at the misquote by their graduation speaker (I told them to give her a break—it was, after all, after she’d read Hinton’s novel, so that’s what was on her mind). Any kid quoting any book or poem is good in my book, pun intended. But that’s not going to always be the case. I foresee a future where AI and fiction written by writers is going to be so blurred we’ll no longer know the difference. And it’s depressing.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

--Robert Frost

Like many, I fear we’re losing the battle to AI. I’m fifty-three, and I’m already one of the dinosaurs who still remember when computers—Vic-20s, Commodore 64s, IBMs, and Ataris (had to throw in a video game console)—started making their way into everyone’s homes. We can’t control or dictate what younger generations find acceptable going forward, and after running my first true AI test, I understand why. (Just fyi, I was being recruited, as many of us have been, to be an "AI Trainer." I declined.

The seven hundred and fifty-six words below, including the title and subtitle, were written, in seconds, by Microsoft Word’s AI feature, which started popping up on MS Word not that long ago. The AI text box opens up as soon as I open a Word doc (it did it when I opened a new document to write this blog post. So, curious, I tried it (I’ve messed around with ChatGPT and a few others already). I have to say, I’m scared. I’m scared because, in this particular case, which is nonfiction, I can’t really knock the product of my query: “Write an article about the best way to write a 300 page novel.” Naturally nonfiction will produce better results than fiction; just the facts, ma’am, Joe Friday from Dragnet would say. And it makes sense: fiction requires more feeling, more nuance, imagination, and so on. Here’s what my MS Word query produced. THIS IS AI TELLING YOU HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL:

The Best Way to Write a 300-Page Novel: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Authors

Writing a novel can be a daunting task, especially if you aim for a substantial length of 300 pages. However, with careful planning, discipline, and creativity, it is entirely possible to achieve this ambitious goal. Here is a comprehensive guide that outlines the best way to write a 300-page novel.

“1. Planning and Preparation

Conceptualize Your Story

Before you start writing, it is crucial to have a clear concept of your story. Spend time brainstorming and developing your ideas. What is the central theme of your novel? Who are the main characters? What conflicts will drive the narrative? Answering these questions will help you create a strong foundation for your novel.

Create an Outline

An outline is an essential tool for writing a lengthy novel. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures that your story has a logical flow. Break down your novel into chapters and scenes, and jot down key events that will occur in each section. This will give you a roadmap to follow and make the writing process more manageable.

Set Realistic Goals

Writing a 300-page novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic writing goals to keep yourself on track. You might aim to write a certain number of pages or words each day. Consistency is key, so find a writing routine that works for you and stick to it.

2. Writing Process

Start with a Hook

The beginning of your novel should grab the reader's attention and set the tone for the rest of the story. Whether it's an intriguing character, a dramatic event, or a thought-provoking question, make sure your opening is compelling.

Develop Your Characters

Characters are the heart of your novel. Spend time developing their personalities, motivations, and relationships. Make them relatable and multi-dimensional. As your story progresses, allow your characters to grow and evolve in response to the events they experience.

Build Your World

Creating a vivid and immersive setting is essential for a captivating novel. Whether your story takes place in a fantastical realm, a historical period, or a contemporary city, make sure your world is well-defined and consistent. Use descriptive language to paint a picture for your readers.

Maintain Pacing

Pacing is crucial in a long novel. Balance action, dialogue, and exposition to keep your story moving forward. Avoid long stretches of inactivity or overly detailed descriptions that can slow down the narrative. Use cliffhangers, plot twists, and suspense to keep readers engaged.

3. Revising and Editing

Take Breaks

Once you have completed your first draft, take a break before revising. This will help you gain perspective and approach your manuscript with fresh eyes. Use this time to reflect on your story and identify areas that need improvement.

Revise for Structure

During the revision process, focus on the structure of your novel. Ensure that your plot is coherent and that each chapter flows smoothly into the next. Look for any gaps or inconsistencies and address them. This is also a good time to refine your outline if needed.

Edit for Clarity and Style

Editing is about polishing your prose. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Ensure that your writing is clear and concise. Check for repetitive phrases and awkward sentence structures. This is your chance to enhance the readability of your novel.

Seek Feedback

Feedback from others can be invaluable. Share your manuscript with trusted friends, family members, or writing groups. Listen to their constructive criticism and make necessary revisions. Consider hiring a professional editor for a thorough review.

4. Final Steps

Proofread

Proofreading is the final step before publication. Carefully review your manuscript for any remaining errors. This includes checking for typos, formatting issues, and consistency in names, places, and timelines. A polished manuscript reflects your dedication and professionalism.

Prepare for Publication

Consider your options for publishing your novel. Whether you choose traditional publishing, self-publishing, or digital platforms, research the best method for your goals. Prepare a query letter, synopsis, and other necessary materials if you plan to submit to agents or publishers.

Promote Your Novel

Once your novel is published, promotion is key to reaching readers. Utilize social media, book signings, and literary events to spread the word. Connect with your audience and build a community around your work.

Writing a 300-page novel is a rewarding endeavor that requires dedication, creativity, and perseverance. By following these steps and staying committed to your vision, you can bring your story to life and share it with the world.”

  I have to say, I’m scared. I’m scared because, in this particular case, which is nonfiction, I can’t really knock the product of my query: “Write an article about the best way to write a 300 page novel.”

The rough part of the above AI passage about writing a novel is that I can’t criticize it. Yes, it’s not complete, nor thorough. But the basics are there. The passage is clearer than a lot of advice I’ve seen on writing websites, blogs, and even in some undergraduate and graduate courses in creative writing that I’ve attended. Of course, all of the above information was stolen. It was pilfered from the work of real writers who’ve learned the craft of writing over decades. Who’ve studied the craft of writing and failed and kept at it and learned what works and what doesn’t work and still, against all odds, continue to produce the works we love because they are writers. The writers who’ve put the 10,000 hours in to becoming a skilled writer. Because they are craftsmen and craftswomen who have this thing within them that never quits pulling them to the page. To creating stories and epics and worlds that help us make sense of the world we live in and the pain and joy and anger and sadness that makes us human. AI shouldn’t steal our work anymore than it should steal money from a bank, or rob people on the street. But it does.

Let me be clear: I don’t like that there’s this thing out there created by developers and AI and machine learning experts that steal intellectual property under the guise of helping society. Yes, AI can help improve the lives of millions through its work in healthcare, in problem solving, in automating repetitive tasks, in speed and accuracy, in reducing physical risks, and innumerable other ways. And yes, AI may, eventually, be able to replace fiction writers. I hate that, but it’s a fact, no matter how much I don’t want that fact to ever come true. But just in my lifetime I’ve seen more advances made than all those made and refined over the hundreds of years that came before my birth. Writing, no matter how much we want it to be different, isn’t. Machine learning learns. That’s what it’s meant to do. We can knock it. We can ignore it. We can sabotage its rise and dominance however we wish. Unfortunately, that’s not going to stop what’s already happening. What’s already happened. I’d like to say I have an answer for what we’re going to do as writers, but I don’t. I don’t think any of us does.

Here Are The Key Components of AI. Source: Spiceworks

The truth, for me anyway, is this: I will always write. I will always be a writer. There are books that sell a million copies that I think aren’t worth the paper or screen they’re printed on. There are others that I’ve read that haven’t been published that I think absolutely should be published, they’re that good. But the publishing industry is what it is. There will be crappy books published today, tomorrow, and next year, and there will be great books that never see the light of day. My take is that the same will hold true with AI and the novels and short stories hack writers produce using such technologies. Perhaps in the short term there will continue to be a stigma associated with “writers” who “write” using AI. I just don’t see that remaining so once the real writers who came before AI are gone. If all you know is AI, which is what the world will be like in fifteen to twenty years, you’ll not miss what came before. And that’s a shame. Once a machine takes away our creativity, once it eliminates human-created art, the only thing that’s left are things created by entities without hearts, without souls, and without the pain and glory that drove those artists to create something of worth, something original, something true. AI, whatever excuses people make for it, is derived from the works of those artists. AI may write the next War and Peace, but it’ll be Tolstoy who it’s plagiarizing. And that, in my opinion, is a travesty to this thing we do.

Cully Perlman is an author, blogger, and Substantive Editor. He can be reached at Cully@novelmasterclass.com 

Me. Pondering How to Get Rid of AI in Writing.