Just How Useful is ChatGPT for Writing Fiction?

Screaming headlines about using AI for writing (horror! useful? takeover???) appear in the newspapers, Substacks (ditto), and magazines strewn across my bedside, laptop, desk—and everywhere else there’s an available surface for spreading . . . just as I wiggle into my next novel.

I ruminate. First drafts are the hardest part of the equation for me. Outlines are difficult but sort of fun. My synopsis and manuscript are my guiding stars. Revision is my passion. Research is a delight.

All of it takes months, months, and more months. (I’m lying: finishing a book takes years.)

What if I could cheat? And what is deceitful?

Is Googling ‘how to find an agent’ to help with a student’s question deceitful? How about using ChatGPT to define novel genres to help categorize your novel? Can ChatGPT draft a query letter for a beginning writer—one better than my original, the one with which I found an agent?

I put aside my judgment and fear (typewriters? What kind of new-fangled idea is that?), did what I love most, and dove into research. I signed up (easy and probably just as unsafe as everything else I do online) and asked a series of questions (Warning: addictive) on the following:

General Writing Info

1. What are novel genres?

2. How to write a bestseller

3. How to find a literary agent

Writing Content Comparisons

Here I gave ChatGPT information about my already-finished, mostly already-published, novels (descriptions or synopses) and asked for the following, most of which will be in future installments of this growing-by-the-second series:

1. A query letter

2. A novel outline

3. An opening (for an already-written novel, a just-finished novel, and a work in progress)

4. A first chapter based on my synopses of an already-published novel, a just-finished novel, and a work in progress.  (Below is a comparison of my debut novel to Chat’s suggested first chapter.)

Grades for ChatGPT will be based on my totally biased views.

And so, it begins, as I jump between General Writing Info and Content in this multi-part series.

From the ‘general writing section’ I’ll start with:

1. Novel Genres

I asked Chat: What are the different fiction genres?

ChatGPT

There are many different fiction genres, each with its own distinctive characteristics and conventions. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Literary fiction: This genre focuses on character development and explores complex themes and ideas. It is often considered more serious or “high-brow” than other genres.
2. Science fiction: Science fiction (often abbreviated as “sci-fi”) features imaginative and speculative concepts, often exploring the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations.
3. Fantasy: This genre often involves magic or other supernatural elements and takes place in imaginary worlds or alternative versions of reality.
4. Horror: Horror stories are designed to scare or unsettle the reader, often involving supernatural or otherworldly threats.
5. Romance: This genre centers on romantic relationships, often with a happy ending.
6. Mystery: Mystery stories involve a puzzle or crime that the protagonist must solve.
7. Thriller/Suspense: These genres focus on building tension and suspense, often with a protagonist who is in danger or racing against time to prevent a catastrophe.
8. Historical fiction: This genre is set in a particular historical period and often includes real-life people and events.
9. Young Adult (YA): YA fiction is written for a teenage audience and often deals with coming-of-age themes, such as identity and self-discovery.
10. Western: This genre takes place in the American West and often involves cowboys, outlaws, and other characters from that time and place.

There are also many sub-genres within these broader categories, such as cyberpunk, urban fantasy, legal thrillers, and more.

I followed up and asked Chat more questions (based on what was missing from the above):

a) What is women’s fiction?

ChatGPT

Women’s fiction is a genre that primarily targets women readers and explores women’s experiences and perspectives. It typically features female protagonists and deals with themes and issues that are relevant to women, such as relationships, family dynamics, personal growth, and identity. Women’s fiction can encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including romance, domestic fiction, and chick-lit. While women’s fiction is primarily marketed towards women, it can also appeal to readers of all genders who are interested in exploring the complexities of women’s lives and relationships. It’s worth noting that the term “women’s fiction” has been the subject of some controversy, as it can be seen as reductive or limiting, and some authors and readers prefer to avoid the label altogether.

b) What is commercial fiction, I asked?

ChatGPT

Commercial fiction is a genre of fiction that is written to appeal to a wide audience and achieve significant commercial success. It is typically characterized by its engaging and accessible style, fast-paced plotting, and strong emphasis on story and entertainment value. Commercial fiction can include a variety of sub-genres, such as mystery, thriller, romance, science fiction, and fantasy. While commercial fiction is often seen as being more concerned with storytelling and entertainment than literary fiction, it can still be well-crafted and thought-provoking. The term “commercial” refers to the fact that these books are marketed to a broad readership with the aim of generating significant sales and revenue. Commercial fiction is often contrasted with literary fiction, which is seen as being more concerned with artistry and cultural value than commercial appeal. However, this distinction is not always clear-cut, and many books can straddle both categories.

C. What is upmarket fiction, I followed up.

ChatGPT

Upmarket women’s fiction is a genre that combines elements of both commercial and literary fiction. It is often characterized by its strong writing, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes and issues. Upmarket women’s fiction typically appeals to a broad audience of women readers, but it also incorporates elements of literary fiction that set it apart from more purely commercial genres. It may feature more nuanced characterizations and explore social and psychological issues in a more in-depth and sophisticated way than other forms of commercial fiction. Upmarket women’s fiction may also incorporate elements of genre fiction, such as romance or mystery, but with a greater emphasis on literary quality and thematic depth. The term “upmarket” is used to reflect the fact that this genre is designed to appeal to readers who are looking for more sophisticated and thought-provoking reading experiences than what is typically offered by purely commercial fiction.

c) What is “men’s fiction?” was my final genre question

ChatGPT

The term “men’s fiction” is not widely used as a standalone genre in the same way as “women’s fiction.” However, there are some types of fiction that are often associated with male readership and interests. These might include action and adventure novels, military fiction, sports fiction, spy and espionage thrillers, and crime fiction. These genres often feature male protagonists, high-stakes action, and themes that are traditionally seen as appealing to men, such as competition, heroism, and survival. However, it’s worth noting that many books in these genres are also enjoyed by female readers, and there is a growing trend towards more diverse and inclusive representation of gender in fiction. The use of gender as a marketing tool or genre label can be controversial, as it risks perpetuating stereotypes and limiting readers’ choices based on their gender identity.

My grades on ‘What are genres’:

Based on the answers’ fullness and how the question was answered on other sites: A

Based on a follow-up being needed to include commercial, women’s, upmarket women’s, and men’s fiction B.

Now, the meaty part: How much use is Chat in writing fiction (and the adjunct bits and pieces, such as query letters, outlines, etc.?) My first research was on ‘first chapters’ using my debut novel, The Murderer’s Daughters, as a case study.

I used my own work as a comparison in all circumstances when testing ChatGPT; thus, my grades are suspect and way open to your opinions.

2) Opening a book: The First Chapter

The Murderer’s Daughters was my first published book—and luckily, I hold onto everything; thus, I can see how ChatGPT handled the shaping/creating of this novel compared to me. For those who are considering using Chat to write their novel—here you go—a comparison of Chat vs. me, beginning here, in Part One of this series, with seeing how Chat does writing chapter one. (And, me.)

What could be more important than the opening of one’s novel? Lots, I guess—but if you’re like me (and many others), few will make it there if your book doesn’t take off until page 30. When browsing in libraries and bookstores, I always read the first page. Always. And if it doesn’t lead me to page two, my wallet (or library card) usually stays put.

My below question to Chat is based on my first published novel, The Murderer’s Daughters. Here I planned to compare their proposed opening to mine—to see if I could have used the Chat version as a template for my novel.

(In other words, would cheating have paid off?)

My question to Chat was:

What would be a good opening for the below-described novel?

After their father murders their mother, Lulu and Merry Zachariah are shuffled from uncaring relatives to a survival-of-the-fittest orphanage, to an inept foster family. Merry visits her father in prison, but Lulu refuses to participate and eventually forces Merry to pretend he is dead—a theme throughout the book. As adults, the sisters continue to grapple with their shared history. Lulu, a doctor, still hides her childhood, even from her daughters, while Merry, a probation officer, wants Lulu to acknowledge their father. Collateral damage from their mother’s murder continues to impact everyone close to the sisters. The Murderer’s Daughters asks how far forgiveness can stretch and explores sibling loyalty, the aftermath of family violence, and the possibilities of recovery even under the worst circumstances.

Below are the first 600 words of Chat’s proposed first chapter:

Chapter 1: Shattered Innocence

The crack of a gunshot shattered the tranquility of the Zachariah household, piercing the stillness of the night. Lulu and Merry Zachariah, huddled together in their shared bedroom, froze in terror. Their innocent world had just been torn apart, their mother’s life extinguished by the hands of their own father.

Wide-eyed and trembling, Lulu, the elder sister at ten years old, instinctively reached for Merry’s hand, desperately seeking solace in the midst of the chaos. The sound of shattering glass and anguished cries echoed through the house, mingling with the heavy weight of fear that hung in the air.

As the sirens wailed in the distance, Lulu’s heart raced, her mind unable to fully grasp the gravity of what had just occurred. Their once loving home had transformed into a crime scene, stained with tragedy and forever altered by the actions of their father.

Their father, the man they had once idolized, now a murderer.

Time blurred as police officers rushed past their bedroom door, their urgent footsteps a grim reminder of the reality they could not escape. Lulu could feel Merry trembling beside her, her small frame trembling with each breath. The sisters clung to each other, their bond growing stronger in the face of unimaginable horror.

Minutes turned into hours as the authorities meticulously combed through the house, collecting evidence and piecing together the puzzle of their mother’s untimely death. Lulu’s mind raced with questions, her thoughts consumed by a maelstrom of emotions. Why did their father do this? How could someone they loved commit such an unforgivable act?

Morning broke, casting a dim light through the window, and the sisters found themselves in the company of grim-faced relatives who had arrived to take them away. Uncaring eyes scanned over them, their grief and confusion invisible to the outside world. They were mere pawns in a game they didn’t understand, shuffled from one indifferent relative to another, each one a temporary sanctuary that offered no true solace.

Days turned into weeks, and the sisters found themselves in the cold embrace of an uncaring orphanage. Surrounded by countless other children who bore the scars of their own fractured lives, they quickly learned that survival was a matter of resilience and adaptability. The orphanage was a merciless battleground, where only the strongest, the most cunning, could navigate the treacherous waters of despair.

But Lulu and Merry had each other, their bond an unbreakable lifeline that tethered them to a glimmer of hope. Together, they endured the cold nights, the empty stomachs, and the taunts of their peers. The horrors of their past had forged an unspoken promise: they would protect each other, always.

Months turned into years, and the sisters were thrust into the unsteady world of foster care. Each new family brought its own brand of dysfunction, a constant reminder of their shattered childhood. Some families were neglectful, others abusive, but none could provide the warmth and security they desperately craved.

It was during one of Merry’s visitations to their father in prison that a rift formed between the sisters. Merry, desperate for connection and understanding, clung to the last remaining thread of their father’s presence. Lulu, however, refused to acknowledge him, refusing to participate in the charade of maintaining a relationship with a man who had destroyed their lives.

Their differing paths led to a painful decision. Lulu, the protector, compelled Merry to pretend their father was dead—a symbol of their severed ties and a way to shield themselves from further heartache.

Now, as adults, Lulu and Merry find themselves still grappling with the weight of their shared history.

Below are the actual first 600 words of the first chapter of The Murderer’s Daughters, which was published in 2010:

I wasn’t surprised when Mama asked me to save her life. By my first week in kindergarten, I knew she was no macaroni-necklace-wearing kind of mother. Essentially, Mama regarded me as a miniature hand servant.
   Grab me a Pepsi, Lulu.
   Get the milk for your sister’s cereal.
   Go to the store and buy me a pack of Winstons. Then one day, she upped the stakes.
   Don’t let Daddy in the apartment.
   The July our family fell apart, my sister was five going on six, and I was turning ten, which in my mother’s eyes made me about fifty. Daddy didn’t offer much help, even before he left. He had problems of his own. My father wanted things he couldn’t have, and he hungered for my mother above all else. Perhaps growing up in the shadow of Coney Island, Brooklyn’s fantasy world explained his weakness for Mama’s pinup façade, but I never understood how he missed the rest. Her sugary packaging must have kept him from noticing how much she resented any moment that didn’t completely belong to her. Mama and Daddy’s battles were the heartbeats of our house. Still, until the day my mother kicked him out, my father was the perfect example of hope against knowledge. He’d return from work each night looking for supper, a welcome home kiss, a cold beer.
   Mama considered his homecoming her signal to rail against life. “How many hours a day do you think I can be alone with them, Joey?” Mama had asked just days before he moved out. She’d pointed at my sister, Merry, and me playing Chutes and Ladders on the tiny Formica table stuck in the corner of our undersized kitchen. We were the best-behaved girls in Brooklyn, girls who knew that disobeying Mama brought a quick smack and hours spent staring at our toes.
   Alone?” Beer fumed off Daddy’s lips. “For God’s sake, you spend half the day yakking with Teenie and the other half painting your nails. You know we got a stove, right? With knobs and everything?”
   Mama’s friend Teenie lived downstairs on the first floor with five sons and an evil husband whose giant head resembled an anvil. Teenie’s apartment smelled like bleach and freshly ironed cotton. Ironing was Teenie’s Valium. Her husband’s explosions left her so anxious that she begged Mama for our family’s wrinkled laundry. Thanks to Teenie’s husband, we slept on crisp sheets and satin-smooth pillowcases.
   I dreamed of deliverance from my so-called family, convinced I was the secret child of our handsome mayor, John V. Lindsay, who seemed so smart, and his sweet and refined wife, who I knew would be the sort of mother who’d buy me books instead of Grade B faux-Barbie dolls from Woolworth’s junky toy section. The Lindsay family had put me in this ugly apartment with peeling paint and Grade C parents to test my worth, and I wouldn’t disappoint. Even when Mama screamed right in my face, I kept my voice modulated to a tone meant to please Mrs. Lindsay.
   Mama sent us to take a nap that afternoon. The little coffin of a bedroom Merry and I shared steamed hot, hot, hot. Our only relief came when Mama wiped our grimy arms and chests with a washcloth she’d soaked with alcohol and cold water.
   Lying in the afternoon heat, impatient for my birthday to arrive the next day, I prayed that Mama had bought the chemistry set I’d been hinting about all month. Last year I’d asked for a set of Britannica encyclopedias and received a Betsy Wetsy doll. I never wanted a doll, and even if I did, who wanted one that peed on you?

(if you want to continue reading, here’s the link to the entire first chapter.)

My grade for ChatGPT? I give Chat a grade of D based on lack of specifics, rushing, and trying to cram too many huge generalities into 600 words.

Of tremendous interest, for you, for me, is this: If you feed only a small amount into Chat, you will get a vanilla, non-specific, could-be-any-book result.

Could Chat do better if more specific information is fed in?

Stay tuned for the continuing saga of this case study: Me vs. Chat