Absolutely agree that AI (ChatGPT) is an exciting new tool for writers. It hadn't occurred to me to use it as a kind of first draft generator, that you can then transform into your own work. I have 'ripped off' the plot of stories I like in the past, and made them my own, and I feel like my version is in some way a step forward, or that it goes further than the original (or at least in a unique direction with my input).
And I think this is how AI can be a tool that takes us forward as storytellers. You made a key point here:
They're data models, taking in an absurd amount of source data, and programmatically spitting out something 'new' from these component parts.
We're always doing this as writers, beginning with what we've read in the past and writing our own version. But AI can draw from far more than any single human brain can; it can draw from literally every piece of literature ever digitized, and do so more directly than a human brain inspired from stories it read in early stages of development. In this way I think it's a huge leap forward as a starting point for our stories.
I used ChatGPT as a reader for my latest short story, and was blown away with the feedback I got. It was simply 10 times more comprehensive than any reader response I've ever received, in any writing class or writing group, or from any friend reading my story. I used it to analyze my plot for conflict and resolution. It could only really provide a surface analysis; it missed a lot that I was trying to show or imply. But as a writer it's invaluable to know what is readily apparent and what is not. And, it showed me themes I didn't realize were there and a subplot or side plot that I wasn't fully aware of either. In the end I changed one sentence directly based on its feedback, making an overt statement about what the character wanted instead of trying to show it, but I suspect that one sentence made the story work. I don't feel like I fully utilized it as a reader or tool for feedback, but the potential of using it in that way is enormous.
Exactly! And ooo I hadn't even considered using it as a reader! That's a freaking great use of the tool! I'm going to have to give that a try soon.