So I've been binging Chat GPT. No, not to write books (thanks to a super-informative workshop organised by International Thriller Writers I know what legal mess that would end up being), but to compose a corporate-speaky email that needs to be tactful when I need to be ranting, or to find a fresh new way of saying "thank you for inviting me to be bitten my mosquitos for three days while speed-walking in dense vegetaion, but I'd really rather just read a book on the sofa with a G&T in hand".
Anyway, I grew curious what AI would make of fiction, so I asked it to review my book "Serial Wives", a thriller featuring Zero Zimmerman (look out for the sequel coming in 2024). Now, of course I know AI can't think or feel, and its power lies in distilling online information really fast, but hey, the book has online reviews and plot summaries, so go do your thing, right?
Ha! Here's the first paragraph of Chat GPT's attempt:
Yvonne Walus delivers an enthralling narrative in her novel "Serial Wives," where the fine line between love and obsession is masterfully explored. This captivating thriller takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the lives of complex characters, intertwining their pasts, presents, and their desperate attempts to hide dark secrets.
I mean, almost true? Especially the bits about an enthralling narrative and suspenseful journey. Not so sure about intertwining their pasts and presents, but I'll go with it.
Here's the second paragraph:
The story revolves around the enigmatic and charismatic protagonist, Suzanne. Beautiful and intelligent, Suzanne seems to have it all—a successful career, an adoring husband, and a picture-perfect life. However, beneath the surface lies a web of intrigue as she harbors a shocking secret: a trail of past husbands who mysteriously disappeared. As the novel progresses, the reader is kept guessing about Suzanne's true nature, her motivations, and her capacity for love or malevolence.
Wait, what? Who's Suzanne? The three protagonists are Joy, Caro, and the aformentioned Zero Zimmerman. Successful career, adoring husband? What is the robot smoking? But let us continue:
The pacing of "Serial Wives" is superb, with Walus deftly balancing moments of intense action with introspective moments that allow readers to delve into the characters' emotional turmoil. The intricate plot twists and turns keep the pages turning, as unexpected revelations shock and surprise at every corner. Walus has a knack for planting breadcrumbs throughout the narrative, leading readers to form their theories, only to be pleasantly surprised by the final revelations.
You know what? I'm happy with the last paragraph. Like, 100% happy. I'll take the win. Except... except that I didn't. "You got the plot wrong, try again," I told it like an idiot.
Apologies for the confusion. Here's an updated review: The story follows the life of Claire, an enigmatic woman whose past is shrouded in mystery. Married multiple times, each of Claire's husbands meets an untimely and tragic end, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is gripped by the relentless pursuit of truth, driven by a determined detective who begins to unravel the dark secrets hidden within Claire's past.
Yeah, nah. We tried again and again, until the AI admitted defeat. So, on the plus side, I beat Chat GPT. On the minus side... there is no minus side. I'm a masterful writer with a knack for planting breadcrumbs.
(And in case you're wondering, Amazon.com will tell you - accurately - that "Serial Wives" is about a serial killer who murders women and displays their bodies dressed in a white sheet with a fencing mask covering the face.)
