Using GAI to jumpstart your creative process
There are a lot of fear mongering articles about Generative AI subverting the role of creatives such as actors, screenwriters, and other authors. While the fear is real, I’m not convinced the threat is. Rather than taking the articles against GAI at face value, I wanted to explore what the current state of the art is. Here are my findings and observations.
I’m running LM Studio and the Meta Llama-Llama-2 model on my MacBook Pro. I prefer running local models for greater flexibility and data security, since nothing leaves my machine unless I choose to post it somewhere. Other online tools likely will provide similar results.
As a reminder, output from a GAI model starts with a prompt, which can be in the form of a question or directive as input to the model.
My prompt: “As a published author of fantasy-based romance stories, draft a scene introduction for an exotic forest glen with the first meeting of a human and elf destine to find love for one another, despite the cultural hatred between their two races. Write in the first-person, with the human being the viewpoint character.”
Here’s what the model produced:
I trudged through the dense undergrowth of the exotic forest glen, my weary limbs protesting each step. My heart ached with longing for home, but the allure of the rare and valuable herbs that grew within this enchanted woodland kept me pressing onward. The sun was beginning to set, casting dappled light through the canopy of leaves overhead, painting the forest floor in intricate patterns of shadow and sunlight.
Suddenly, I heard a rustling in the bushes nearby. My hand instinctively reached for the hilt of my sword as fear gripped my heart. But then, instead of the snarl of an enemy, I was met with the sweet melody of an elven voice.
“Greetings, traveler,” it called out, its tone soft and musical. “You are not from these woods, are you? I have not seen a human in these parts for many moons.”
I hesitated, my grip on my sword loosening as I took in the figure that emerged from the shadows. A beautiful elven woman stood before me, her skin an otherworldly shade of green, her eyes shimmering like sapphires. Her delicate features were adorned with intricately woven vines and petals, a testament to the magical bond she shared with the forest.
Despite the enchantment of her appearance, I was wary. The humans and elves had been at odds for centuries, their cultures clashing and their prejudices running deep. But as I looked into her eyes, I saw only kindness and curiosity. My heart raced as I realized that perhaps there could be more to this relationship than hatred and mistrust.
“I am Eolande,” she introduced herself, extending a graceful hand towards me. “And you are?”
My throat went dry as I took her hand, feeling the gentle touch of her fingers on my skin. “I’m Roran,” I stammered, unsure of what to make of this moment. But as I looked into her eyes once more, I knew that I wanted to explore this connection further, despite the odds against us. The forest held its breath, waiting to see if we would let our preconceptions and hatreds stand in the way of love.
Not bad, but it is not something I would cut a paste into a story. As a standalone start for a story, it does not do much to engage the reader’s senses, relying on the words from the prompt “exotic forest” and descriptions that are almost cliches in the fantasy genre. Why must elven maidens be beautiful and have green-cast skin? It also does not provide much background on why humans and elves have had culture clashes and animosity toward one another. I also don’t like the cliche of the man being “enchanted” by her beauty. I think a more interesting tale would be if they grew on one-another rather than him having “love at first sight” feelings.
However, it does give a good starting point for my own imagination and style to begin fleshing out into a story. I like the character names. I think the reason Roran is in the woods gives me some ideas on why he would venture into a potentially hostile situation. Maybe he strayed further in the woods for some reason….maybe he needs the herbs for a medicine for someone close to him, or they are an easy source of money to help him get something he needs. For Eolande, I want her to have more depth as well. Why is she in the forest? does she live close to where they meet or is she too looking for something? If there is a history of conflict between the races, why is she so open and willing to engage with him?
Given this simple example, I don’t think GAI will quickly replace writers unless readers settle for flat re-working of existing tropes. In my next post, I’ll explore adding to the prompt to see if some these concerns can be address. I do think it is a good tool for creatives to use for ideation.
Comment to share your perspectives on the good and the bad of GAI.
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