Tag: worldbuilding

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AI as a Tool

I write a fictional sci-fi story. The Aliens in this story use an energy source that involves Nuclear energy being infused into a crystal using "ingredient X." "Ingredient X" reacts to most radiation, either neutralizing it, or changing its properties to make it easy to infuse into quartz. The energy infused quartz, when powdered, can be manipulated with other types of energy, even made to change colors to produce images, etc. Explain the properties of "ingredient x" and how it works for the science fiction novel.

Yes, I used ChatGPT, this time to help with world building.

Zherosha is built around an energy source that’s created by using what the Inersiens call “stabilizer.” I wanted to see what chatGPT has to say about it, except I used “Ingredient X” instead.

(the chat: https://chat.openai.com/share/130667a6-669a-472d-83d5-5d520f3fc394)

While I still don’t think ChatGPT is a crappy writer, it’s not bad at helping foster ideas, which is what I’ve been using it for.

A few days ago, I needed to write a speech for the Provisional leader of the US in the new short story series. What kind of American speech it would be without mentioning the founding fathers?

Write a paragraph summary of the founding fathers of the US's vision

And I wrote this:

“I was never much for speeches, and I’m sure you’re all eager to go about your day, so I’ll make this short.” He said.  “The founding fathers had a vision based on the ideals of Enlightenment, brought on by a democratic system, and unhindered by a limited government. Unfortunately, their vision of the protection of natural rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness did not extend to women or certain classes of people. It was time to start fresh and become the America that was truly about equality and freedom.” A smattering of applause came from the room. “Regardless of how you handle your local government in this city, I ask that you consider voting for your representative. Each registered city or town can have one, and until the states settle their borders again.” Murmurs rose from the crowd. “Some former states want to change borders and…” He took a moment to look over the entire room. “It is possible that some states may not want to come back into the Union.” More harsh whispers continued until Ezekiel put up his hand. “I did say ‘may,’” he said. “The purpose of this trip is for me to educate my successor and share information, as well as persuade people to give the United States another chance.” Applause rose from the Auditorium. Ezekiel waited until it died down before continuing. “After your chairperson dismisses us, I would like to talk to the heads of the council.”

While I sort of understand why people are concerned about AI, but I believe if used properly, it can help do so much. Use it like a tool, like how we use robots for manufacturing, or cars instead of horses.

How many missed opportunities are due to fear?

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AI Art

craiyon art

I’ve signed up to the DALL-E waiting list, but I haven’t gotten an email back yet. It’s been so long, I’m not even sure what email address I used. So to pass the time, I’ve been using Craiyon to come up with interesting art concepts.

Don’t worry, artists, AI has a long way to go.

I decided to use Craiyon to make some reference images. Taking one of six squares (shown above) and expanding it to the size I need, I can trace it and create my own spaceships for some world-building artwork.

One of these might be on a cover, or rather, my version might end up on a cover.

 Hidden City

Speaking of which – I have to get back to my current WIP.

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May Character Month 18-23th

May is Character Month

18: Elizabeth has some pride in talking herself out of a situation, only to second guess herself later. She is proud of her kids, but she doesn’t talk about them much, because that might mean admitting the possibility that they were casualties of the Third wave pandemic or the riots.

19: Elizabeth is older, so she mellowed out some, but her #1 deadly sin is wrath. It still crops up once in a while, but thanks to her self-defense training, she’s learned to have some control.

20: Not a character quote per se, but a scene…

     “It’s not a big deal…” I paused, realizing the habitual phrase was far from the truth. “Actually, it is a big deal. I mean, two weeks ago, I was just Elizabeth Weinstein; Sub-par author, conspiracy theorist, defunct YouTuber, crunching numbers so that I can expand my properties, and arguing logistics with my rivals. Yet…” My voice trailed off, and I waited until my mind could catch up. “All of that… Everything I thought was important pales in comparison to what I have to do.” My eyes met Roger’s, and I shook my head. “Something important, and I have no clue what it is yet!” I tossed my bag into the trunk of the car and slammed the hood shut, only to realize that too late, my phone was still in my pack.

     “You won’t need it.” Josias circled around me, grabbed my shoulders, and glanced around before looking in into my eyes. “You’re right. You do have something important to do.”

– from: Elizabeth: Kidnapped

21: Elizabeth does like to be alone and until she meets the others, she actively avoids people unless it’s business.

22: Elizabeth thought it was talking herself out of trouble, but then she met the others – and found out she can look into the beyond and see a few seconds of the timeline.

23: She can make friends easily. It’s keeping them through initiating contact that’s hard.

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May Character – 5th, 6th,7th and 8th.

May is Character Month

It’s been crazy the past few months, but I’m also finding easier to do these in “bulk” or at least, a few at a time.

 

5th – Character’s greatest fear is making the wrong choice that negatively affects a large group of people

6th – Elizabeth’s weakness is also her strength. She’s pretty good at talking herself out of trouble. It certainly came in handy several times in the Elizabeth series, as she promised the giant to not use her abilities to fight.

7th- Eh, I couldn’t come up with just a single quote, so here’s a brief scene from Heritage (just before someone gets shot):

     As we walked in, I saw another car pull in and park by the gas pump, and I made a beeline for the cold coffee beverages. Jamie joined me with a few bags of chips and a “Mega-Party Sack” of candy-coated “Chocolate Bits.”

     “Chocolate Bits?” I laughed. “They couldn’t come up with a better name for a knock-off?”

     “But it’s only a dollar!”

     “It’s mostly sugar with maybe some chocolate flavored powder.”

     “Perfect!” He shook the bag with glee.

8th- sort of. She still believes in Christ, but she’s far removed from the narcissistic version of the “religion” her mother tried to instill in her. She questions her faith even more when she finds out who she really is.

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Flash Fiction Friday (CLOSAT Game)

Need a little writing boost?

A little while ago, I wrote about CLOSAT and reusable note cards. I’ve been wanting to do this for a while and I finally picked five random cards from the game. The results:

Character:

A plumber who works in an ultra-rich neighborhood that houses politicians and government employees

 

Location:

Near some unkempt border shrubs.

 

Situation:

Being an undercover P.I. Hired to dig up some dirt on a corrupted boss.

 

Action:

Deciding whether or not to expose unlawful deeds

 

Theme:

Dangers of ignorance.

 

In 1000 words or less, write your story in the comments, or you can post it in the comments on the post on Facebook, or Minds. My short will go up as a separate post (linking to this one).

Remember, the point is to stimulate your creativity. You don’t even have to use all the cards.

Usage rights to the card results: Whatever you want. Even though it’s not required, I would appreciate some recognition in either a donation or a link back to this post. If you come up with some epic thriller, let me know. I’ll check it out.

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Movie Psychology

Clique

When developing characters, it’s always a good idea to check out the plethora of information on psychology found on YouTube. My favorite is the channel called Cinema Therapy.

This channel takes a psychological look at movies and how the characters’ behavior affects everyone around them. The above video delves into social pressures and toxic behaviors.

Featured Image by Alexas Fotos from Pixabay