12 Ways ChatGPT Can Help You Prep for NaNoWriMo
By Lynn Dickinson (with help from ChatGPT)
(By Lynn:) Every writer knows that the journey from a blank page to a novel filled with rich characters, intriguing plots, and well-developed worlds is a bumpy one at best. Novel writing might look enviable from the outside, but from the writer’s point of view, it’s more likely to be a process filled with exhilaration and angst, certainty and doubt, creative bursts and creative blocks, and all of the above all over again. And again. And… sigh.
As November approaches, writers all over the world are gearing up for the annual literary marathon of NaNoWriMo. Whether you’re a seasoned NaNo vet or a bright-eyed newcomer, the challenge of writing 50,000 words in a month can seem daunting. But fear not, for the first time ever this year, technology — more specifically, ChatGPT can help.
As writers, we now have Artificial Intelligence to help us prep our projects! And prepping is where AI as a tool, is at its most effective, appropriate and ethical.
You can certainly ask ChatGPT to write a draft of your story for you; but it won’t sound like you, it won’t be very good, and most readers won’t enjoy it or want to read anything with your name on it ever again! Writing the actual novel is not an effective, appropriate or ethical use of this tool. But for the prepping and brainstorming parts of the equation, ChatGPT makes an excellent companion and writer’s assistant!
Think of AI as a possible muse, guide, and steadfast companion in your novel-writing adventure. In the preparation stages, it’s natural to seek out tools and strategies to ease the process. From helping you refine character arcs to ironing out plot wrinkles at 3:00am, this tool can be the whispering muse of every writer’s dreams — without stealing your creativity or your humanity.
Here are 12 ethical, effective and appropriate ways that ChatGPT can assist you with your novel preparation:
[Query:] (by Lynn) Hello! Many novelists are preparing to participate in NaNoWriMo next month, by figuring out their outlines, characters and stories in advance. I’m in the process of writing an article for them, entitled: “12 Ways that ChatGPT Can Help You Prep for NaNoWriMo.” Please suggest 12 ways that you might be able to help a writer prepare in advance, for success in November. Please also offer an example query the writer might use for each one, and please make sure your examples cover a variety of possible genres. Thanks!
[Response:] (by ChatGPT) Of course! Here are 12 Ways that ChatGPT Can Help You Prep Your Novel along with example queries for a variety of genres:
- Plot Brainstorming: Bounce off ideas to generate a unique plot.
Example Query: “Help me brainstorm a twist for a fantasy novel where a dragon is the hero.”
2. Character Development: Create deep, multi-dimensional characters.
Example Query: “What’s a plausible backstory for a detective in a cyberpunk mystery?”
3. Setting Descriptions: Get help describing places or settings in rich detail.
Example Query: “Describe a haunted mansion for my Gothic romance novel.”
4. Dialogue Assistance: Improve character interactions and dialogues.
Example Query: “How would a modern-day witch converse with a tech-savvy teenager?”
5. Genre-specific Tropes and Clichés: Learn about tropes to embrace or avoid.
Example Query: “What are common clichés in time-travel sci-fi?”
6. Research Assistance: Get quick facts or deep dives on topics related to your story.
Example Query: “What was daily life like in Victorian England for my historical novel?”
7. World-building: Develop a coherent universe for your story.
Example Query: “What might the politics of a steampunk city-state look like?”
8. Subplot Ideas: Integrate secondary plots that support the main storyline.
Example Query: “Suggest a subplot for a romance that takes place during a heist.”
9. Pacing Guidance: Ensure your story maintains momentum.
Example Query: “How can I create tension in the middle of my thriller?”
10. Theme Exploration: Dive deep into the underlying messages or themes.
Example Query: “How can I explore the theme of betrayal in a dystopian setting?”
11. Conflict Creation: Introduce conflicts that drive your narrative.
Example Query: “What’s a compelling personal conflict for a superhero in a modern-day setting?”
12. Genre-blending Ideas: Combine elements from different genres for a unique tale.
Example Query: “How can I merge elements of horror into my space opera?”
NOTE (by Lynn): for each of the sample queries above, it is assumed that ChatGPT already knows you’re talking about a novel that you’re writing. Be sure to provide that context in your queries if it hasn’t already been provided. For example: “In a novel that I’m writing, I want to….” then add your query as indicated above. You’ll likely get much better results by providing that additional bit if information!
By the way — you’ll rarely use something exactly as provided to you by ChatGPT, but seeing things in an expanded way, and considering the additional ideas it provides can help a lot as you come up with your own unique take on your own unique story!
Conclusion (by Lynn and ChatGPT):
While 50,000 words in a month might seem like a mountain, with tools like ChatGPT by your side and a community of writers cheering you on, each step becomes a little easier. Embrace the challenge, trust in your unique voice, and let your story unfold. After all, every novel, from the classics to tomorrow’s bestsellers, began with a single word. Here’s to yours.
As you journey through the peaks and troughs of your NaNoWriMo experience, remember the essence of storytelling is a dance of imagination and expression. While tools like ChatGPT can offer a supportive hand, it’s your own unique voice that will bring the magic and bring your story to life.
So, when the clock strikes midnight, signaling the dawn of November, take a deep breath, trust your narrative instinct, and dive into the mesmerizing world of your creation. The world awaits your story!
Thank you for reading my article. If you enjoyed it, you may also like this one, too:
https://medium.com/coffeehouse-collective/how-to-prep-your-novel-using-ai-2dde7448ce3
