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ChatGPT Can Write How-To Inspo Pieces
But it sucks at fiction
I’m doing some research to put together questions for an author who has a new book out about how writers can use AI as a creative aid (in a way that is entirely different from how I use it below for my own amusement), and as a writer, myself — who was never curious about ChatGPT but who was instead critical of it without having any idea what it really was — I figured I’d better try it out so I at least have some familiarity with how it works from a technical standpoint.
I created an account, saw the wide open prompt window, and gave my first command (just for fun and not because it has anything to do with me personally, obviously):
“Write a paragraph about a frustrated writer”
The frustrated writer is a person who feels stuck and unable to fully express themselves through their writing. They may be plagued by self-doubt, a lack of inspiration, or the feeling that their work is not good enough. They may have a strong desire to create, but feel that they are not living up to their potential…— ChatGPT
I have to admit this response (which went on for another paragraph) read not entirely unlike some pieces I’ve read on Medium. Which isn’t to say it’s bad — it’s not — but that it’s kind of pat, even if pretty…
