Brace yourselves, I just created a romance novel by ChatGPT and it’s really quite spectacular.

Recently I ran into writer’s block. This isn’t unusual for me, it’s the reason I’m not more productive in my writing efforts, and it most often takes the form of my arch nemesis: procrastination. I believe in a former life I must have been the mother of procrastination, for it’s a clingy, irritating, persistent presence in my life, much like a small child. 

Anyway, on this particular day I was getting quite harsh with my self-talk (you know, the shit you say in your own head, as if you’re a superior version of yourself, berating yourself). Well, I’m quite strict about certain areas of self-care and one of them is squashing negative self-talk as soon as it starts.

Over the years I’ve trained myself to be kind in my self-talk. So when I found me admonishing myself by saying, “For fuck’s sake, Briar, ChatGPT could do better than this!”, I immediately set about disproving that rather negative assertion.

Surely, AI couldn’t write a better novel than me? Surely, even in the midst of block when I was penning poorly constructed sentences and allowing myself to indulge in endless dialogue, surely, AI couldn’t do a better job?

Well, I asked ChatGPT to write the chapter I was currently working on, explaining the parameters of the story and characters. If you’re interested in what happened, check out the reel I made of it afterwards…

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An Enemies To Lovers Romance Novel By ChatGPT

While my inner critic was satisfied that ChatGTP was not, in fact, a better writer than me, it did make me curious.

What exactly would be the result of getting this artificial intelligence to write a whole romance novel?

And since disproving the negative talk had done nothing to dispel the procrastination I though, “I know, instead of finishing this chapter of my novel, I’ll get ChatGPT to write a whole other novel instead.

Because procrastination is, as I said, as relentless as a toddler. 

I kept it quite simple, providing the AI with the following parameters:

Write the first chapter of a 20 chapter romance novel that’s enemies to lovers with a love triangle. Chapter one should be a meet cute between the main character, Charlotte, a school librarian dreaming of becoming a writer, and Ethan, an English teacher at the same school. It’s Charlotte’s first day of work, Ethan has been at the school for years. The novel should be in first person from Charlotte’s perspective.

Why enemies to lovers? Well, it’s my favourite Romance Trope. Why Charlotte? I just finished watching Queen Charlotte. She’s a librarian because I love books (duh), and he’s an English teacher named Ethan because that was (for whatever reason) the first thought that randomly popped into my head.

I have had ChatGPT write the full novel, but here for your entertainment is the unedited, unaltered first chapter that ChatGPT provided…

I nervously adjusted my glasses and took a deep breath, trying to steady the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Today was my first day as the new school librarian, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The hallways of Northridge High School bustled with students and faculty, their footsteps echoing against the linoleum floors. This was the start of a new chapter in my life—one that I hoped would lead me closer to my dream of becoming a writer.

As I made my way through the maze of corridors, I glanced at the signs on the doors, searching for the library. Finally, I spotted it—a modest yet inviting space filled with the promise of knowledge and adventure. I hesitated for a moment, my hand hovering over the doorknob, before gathering my courage and stepping inside.

Books lined the shelves, their colourful spines beckoning me closer. The smell of ink and paper filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. This was my haven—a place where imagination thrived and stories came to life. I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to fuel my own creative aspirations.

“Excuse me, are you the new librarian?” a voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned around to find a tall, well-dressed man standing there, a stack of papers clutched in his hands. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his eyes sparkled with a mix of intelligence and mischief. It was clear he took pride in his appearance, and his confident aura commanded attention.

“Yes, I am,” I replied, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness. “I’m Charlotte Anderson.”

“Ethan Collins,” he introduced himself with a warm smile. “I’ve been an English teacher here for a few years. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Charlotte.”

I extended my hand, and he shook it firmly. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, igniting a curious mixture of fascination and wariness. As our hands parted, I couldn’t help but notice the fleeting intensity in his eyes, as if there were more behind his polite demeanour.

“So, Charlotte,” Ethan began, his tone casual yet intriguing, “how are you finding your first day so far?”

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, trying to regain my composure. “It’s a bit overwhelming, to be honest. But I’m excited to be here. This library has so much potential, and I can’t wait to start making it a vibrant space for the students.”

Ethan nodded, his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. “Well, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Northridge High School is filled with talent and potential, and I have no doubt you’ll fit right in. If you ever need any help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

His words were kind, but something about the way he said them made me wonder if there was an ulterior motive hidden beneath his charming exterior. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I had learned to be cautious around people who seemed too perfect.

“Thank you, Ethan,” I replied, mustering a smile. “I appreciate your offer. I might take you up on that.”

As I turned to leave, my heart began to race. There was an undeniable connection between us, but it wasn’t the kind that promised smooth sailing. Rather, it felt like the beginning of a storm, an unpredictable whirlwind that could either leave me breathless or tear me apart.

Little did I know that this encounter would be the first thread in a complex tapestry of emotions, as my journey at Northridge High School unfolded. The path ahead would test my resilience, challenge my beliefs, and force me to confront the deepest desires of my heart. And standing at the center of it all, like an enigmatic figure, was Ethan Collins—the man who would become both my greatest ally and my most formidable adversary in this twisted dance of love, secrets, and shattered illusions.

Here ends Chapter One.

Since this little exercise amused me I shall be having it write the full novel, and posting each chapter on the blog, so make sure you pop back for the next exciting instalment of…crap, it doesn’t have a name does it? 

Okay, I asked ChatGPT to name the novel, and it decided on Blossoms Of Redemption.

Make of that what you will.

And because I do so like to be a little EXTRA, I decided to also have ChatGTP create a cover and blurb for the spectacular new romance it has penned. I’m sure you all can’t wait to see what it kicked out.

Blossoms Of Redemption: The Blurb

In “Blossoms of Redemption,” Charlotte, a hopeful school librarian with aspirations of becoming a writer, finds herself caught in a web of love, betrayal, and second chances. As she begins her new job, she crosses paths with Ethan, an enigmatic English teacher with a troubled past. Their connection is undeniable, but so is the rivalry between Ethan and Liam, a charismatic history teacher. Charlotte must navigate the complexities of her heart and the weight of the love triangle that threatens to unravel their lives.

Amidst the backdrop of their shared workplace, Charlotte’s dreams clash with the secrets and tensions that permeate the halls of the school. As the layers of their intertwined stories are peeled back, Charlotte grapples with her own desires, torn between the enigmatic Ethan and the magnetic Liam.

In a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and redemption, Charlotte must confront the ghosts of the past, unravel the truth that binds them all, and find the strength to heal. Will the blossoming love between Charlotte and Ethan be enough to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way? Or will the scars of the love triangle forever haunt them, denying them the redemption they seek?

“Blossoms of Redemption” is an evocative and captivating tale of enemies turned lovers, where the fragility of trust and the power of love intertwine amidst the backdrop of blossoming cherry trees. Will Charlotte and her companions find solace in the blossoms of redemption, or will they forever be entangled in the thorny branches of their past?

The Cover

I was actually presented with numerous choices, but this is the image I’m going with…