#11 Failure is Progress...
And the Wonders of AI...
Last week, I announced a big challenge.
Fellow HIMYM fans will know what that means: never make a sweeping declaration.
On Friday, I told you about how I kind of failed the challenge within the first few days. So, that was it then, right?
Never! That's where you really fail with a challenge—if you let the first roadblock be the end of it.
Embracing the Shift: From Nonfiction to Fiction
Last week I announced a big challenge.
Fellow HIMYM fans will know what that means.
Never make a sweeping declaration.
On Friday I told you about how I kind of failed the challenge within the first few days.
So, that was it then. Right?
Never!
That’s where you fail with a challenge. If you let the first roadblock be the end of it.
I had started down a nonfiction path I wasn’t feeling. I could have continued down that path and lost my will to write.
It wasn’t healthy.
It left me with two choices.
Force myself to do it, or listen to my subconscious.
I decided on the latter.
And now I’m writing something I dig.
Post-apocalyptic superhero science fantasy!
Yeah! It’s happening!!!
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t sometimes power through. Sometimes that’s the right thing to do.
This time it wasn’t.
The bigger lesson? Let failure guide you to progress.
That almost sounded deep.
Action tip: When you fail pick yourself up.
Using AI to Overcome Creative Blocks
Now, as I’m heading down the path of fiction. Especially something like post-apocalyptic superhero science fantasy there will be times where I need to describe something I only have a vague idea about.
AI to the rescue.
At some point in my story, my heroes needed a vehicle for their escape. I did have a vague idea, but to describe it I needed a bit more. ChatGPT to the rescue.
Create an image of the vehicle. All I know is that it is awesome, cool and gritty and in terms of technology it will mostly be mechanical to avoid tampering by technomaster.
That gave me this:
I don’t plan on using a lot of images in my story, and I don’t plan on using this one either, but boy does it give me something to work with when I need to describe it.
I could not have asked for more.
This is the type of thing I think AI is great at doing.
Let’s try another example:
Provide 5 descriptions of rain falling on a roof that shows it using all 5 senses and incorporates character opinion and world-wiev. Write it as one paragraph narratives.
Now, this one is more ad-hoc so I have no clue what we’re going to get.
Isn’t it exciting?
Sure! Here are five descriptions of rain falling on a roof, each engaging all five senses and incorporating a character's opinion and worldview: 1. The Optimist: The gentle patter of rain on the rooftop was music to Claire’s ears, each drop a soothing note in nature’s symphony. The scent of wet earth wafted through the open window, filling the room with a fresh, clean aroma that reminded her of new beginnings. She ran her fingers along the damp windowsill, feeling the cool, smooth surface beneath her touch. The taste of rain-kissed air, slightly metallic and invigorating, danced on her lips as she breathed in deeply. She watched the droplets race down the glass, their patterns like abstract art. To Claire, this rain was a blessing, a reminder of the earth's ability to cleanse and renew. 2. The Pessimist: John groaned as the relentless drumming of rain on the roof echoed through his house, a monotonous and grating rhythm that felt like a persistent reminder of his stagnant life. The musty odor of dampness permeated the air, a smell he associated with decay and neglect. His fingers brushed against the peeling paint on the window frame, the rough texture a testament to years of wear and tear. The taste of humidity was heavy and oppressive, lingering on his tongue like a bad memory. He squinted through the rain-streaked window, barely making out the world beyond. To John, the rain was a nuisance, a symbol of the gloom that seemed to follow him everywhere. 3. The Romantic: Sophie closed her eyes, letting the steady beat of the rain on the roof create a perfect backdrop for her daydreams. The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of petrichor, a fragrance she found irresistible. She traced the cool, slick surface of the windowpane with her fingertips, savoring the tactile sensation. The taste of the rain-chilled air was crisp and refreshing, like a sip of pure mountain spring water. She gazed at the raindrops, imagining each one as a tiny messenger of love. To Sophie, the rain was enchanting, a catalyst for her most whimsical and romantic thoughts. 4. The Realist: Michael listened to the rain pelting the roof, the rhythmic sound a steady reminder of the cycle of nature. The air was thick with the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil, grounding him in the reality of the moment. His hands felt the cool, steady drip of water from a small leak, a problem he’d need to fix soon. The taste of the moist air was slightly salty, a tangible sign of the approaching storm. He observed the droplets collecting in small pools on the windowsill, each one a testament to the rain’s persistence. To Michael, the rain was a natural phenomenon, neither good nor bad, just a part of life that required practical responses. 5. The Dreamer: Lila lay back, letting the rhythmic cascade of rain on the roof transport her to another world. The air was infused with the sweet scent of rain on flowers, a bouquet that sparked her imagination. She felt the cool touch of a stray raindrop on her hand, a fleeting connection to the heavens above. The taste of rain in the air was like a hint of the ocean, briny and full of promise. She watched the droplets create intricate patterns on the window, each one a story waiting to be told. To Lila, the rain was a portal to fantasy, a trigger for her most vivid and colorful dreams.
Now, I’m never going to use any of those “as-is” but it sure gives me a lot of different cool ideas to work with.
Action tip: Try using AI for inspiration.
Embrace failure and let it guide you to progress. Use AI as a tool for inspiration and overcoming creative blocks. Keep pushing forward and explore new paths with confidence.
See you next time!