How To Create The First Draft Of Your Novel With ChatGPT in 20 Minutes
How To Create The First Draft Of Your Novel With ChatGPT in 20 Minutes
ChatGPT has come with a lot of hype. It’s amazing. It can write fiction. But it can’t do it well without your help. One thing it can do, with direction, is produce the first draft of your novel, that you can then polish.
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Table of Contents
ChatGPT Limitations
We know that ChatGPT is capable of producing competent prose when prompted. But we know two other things as well.
If you prompt: ‘Write a 15000 word hard scifi novel about a human spacefleet repelling an alient attack’, ChatGPT will produce 500 words of rushed, stereotyped boring stuff that isn’t worth the paper it’s written on and certainly won’t serve as your first draft.
The Snowflake Method of Randy Ingermanson.
Randy Ingermanson, a scientist developed an incremental method of writing a novel named after how a snowflake develops complexity after starting as a single ice crystal.
His website sets out the steps here for free, but you can also buy his book here (affiliate link)
We will start the process in a new chat window for ChatGPT. If you can access ChatGPT 4, then use that, but if you only have ChatGPT 3.5, that is adequate.
ChatGPT remembers the contents of each individual chat and it is helpful to prime it by reminding it of the Snowflake method, so we will prompt
Please set out the steps of Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method of Writing A Novel.
This is what it produces:
Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method is a popular writing technique designed to help authors plan and develop their novels in a structured manner. The method consists of 10 steps that focus on starting with a simple idea and gradually expanding it into a full-fledged story. Here are the steps:
- One-Sentence Summary: Write a one-sentence summary of your story, capturing the essence of your novel. Keep it under 15 words and make it engaging, enticing potential readers.
- Expand the Sentence: Turn your one-sentence summary into a one-paragraph summary by outlining the major events or turning points in your story. This paragraph should include the setup, major disasters or conflicts, and the conclusion or resolution.
- Character Summaries: Create one-page summaries for your major characters, including their names, motivations, goals, conflicts, and epiphanies. Sketch out brief descriptions for secondary characters as well.
- Expand Story Synopsis: Transform your one-paragraph summary into a full-page synopsis, delving deeper into the plot and exploring how your characters navigate through the story’s events.
- Character Charts: Develop detailed character charts for your main characters, covering their backstories, personality traits, physical descriptions, and relationships with other characters. This will help you understand your characters more deeply and make their actions and dialogue feel more authentic.
- Expand the Story: Expand your one-page synopsis into a four-page synopsis, adding more depth and detail to each scene. This will help you visualize the structure of your novel and identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the plot.
- Scene List: Create a list of all the scenes in your novel, organized by chapter or section. Include a brief description of each scene, noting the point of view, characters involved, and the scene’s purpose or goal.
- Scene Expansion: Expand each scene in your list into a detailed summary or outline, including the actions, emotional beats, and dialogue. This will serve as a roadmap for writing each scene in your novel.
- Write the First Draft: Using your detailed scene outlines as a guide, write the first draft of your novel. Focus on getting the story down on paper, rather than worrying about perfecting every sentence.
- Revise and Edit: After completing the first draft, revise and edit your manuscript, addressing any inconsistencies or weak points in the story. This step may involve multiple rounds of revisions, as you refine your work and polish it for publication.
By following the Snowflake Method, authors can systematically develop and expand their story ideas, making the process of writing a novel more manageable and organized.
Now some caveats:
- ChatGPT will not produce a 4 page summary and when you ask it to write a scene, it will tend to truncate everything
- ChatGPT has a tendency to rush ahead and fill in the ending when you actually only want it to write a scene
- ChatGPT makes facts up. They are very plausibly made up so you tend to believe them. If facts are important, you should use old-fashioned Google (or Bing!) to check them.
- So let’s check these ten steps against Randy’s website:
Pretty much correct. So it doesn’t lie all the time!
Write A Book With AI
ChatGPT is good at generating ideas, but it is lazy. From my expermentation, if you give it free rein and ask it to write a gothic horror story, it always comes up with a woman going to a spooky house where terrible evil was done in the past and she often finds she has psychic powers and enlists a couple of locals. It sounds like a Netflix special.
If you let it choose a science fiction story, it tends to come up with a young woman scientist working on a project that leads to first contact with aliens who mean us harm and her heroic struggles to save the earth.
But maybe I was just lucky.
Anyway, I think we can start off by picking our own genre. What interests us? Let’s say Grimdark Fantasy. We will first ask ChatGPT if it knows that that is.
Grimdark Fantasy
Yes, I am familiar with the grimdark fantasy genre. Grimdark is a subgenre of speculative fiction, particularly fantasy and science fiction, characterized by its bleak, gritty, and morally complex world. The term “grimdark” is derived from the tagline “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war,” which originally appeared in the tabletop wargame Warhammer 40,000.
Grimdark stories often feature morally ambiguous characters, brutal violence, dark themes, and a general sense of hopelessness or despair. The worlds depicted in grimdark fiction are typically harsh and unforgiving, with societies plagued by corruption, war, and other forms of suffering.
Some notable grimdark fantasy authors and their works include:
Joe Abercrombie – ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>A Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons)
Glen Cook – The Black Company series (The Black Company, Shadows Linger, The White Rose, and others)
The grimdark genre has gained popularity in recent years, as readers and viewers are drawn to its complex characters and morally nuanced storytelling. However, it has also faced criticism for its excessive violence, nihilistic outlook, and potential to normalize or glorify suffering.
Let’s go with Grimdark.
Grimdark Fantasy Ideas
I asked it to suggest 5 high-fantasy set grimdark story scenarios.
can you suggest 5 story scenarios for a grimdark story set in a high fantasy world
- The Cursed Kingdom: A once-prosperous kingdom has fallen under a mysterious curse that causes its citizens to slowly lose their sanity. The protagonist, a disgraced knight seeking redemption, is tasked with uncovering the source of the curse. As they navigate a dark and twisted world filled with treachery and mutated creatures, they must confront their own inner demons and make morally ambiguous choices to save the kingdom or potentially doom it forever.
- The War of Ascension: In a high fantasy world divided by powerful magical factions, a brutal and devastating war rages for control of the land. The story follows a group of misfit mercenaries, each with their own tragic pasts, who are drawn into the conflict. As they navigate the brutal realities of war and witness the atrocities committed by both sides, they must decide whether to pursue personal vengeance or unite against a common, darker threat.
- The Soul Thieves: An elite group of magical assassins known as the Soul Thieves has gained notoriety for their ability to steal and consume the souls of their victims, granting them immense power. The protagonist, a young mage seeking to avenge the death of their mentor, infiltrates the ranks of the Soul Thieves only to discover the true extent of their corruption and the existence of an even darker conspiracy. Faced with the temptation of power and the cost of their humanity, the protagonist must make difficult choices to determine the fate of the world.
- The Godslayers: In a world where the gods have become tyrants, a group of rebels known as the Godslayers conspires to kill the deities and free the world from their oppressive rule. As they embark on their dangerous quest, they discover that their actions may be causing more harm than good, as they unleash ancient and powerful evils that threaten to consume the world. The Godslayers must grapple with their convictions and confront the consequences of their actions while trying to save a world on the brink of annihilation.
- The Last Bastion: A once-great empire lies in ruins after the unleashing of a powerful, malevolent force that has ravaged the land, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The story follows a group of survivors who seek refuge in a hidden fortress known as the Last Bastion. As they struggle to rebuild their society and defend against the relentless onslaught of the dark force, they uncover dark secrets about the origins of the Last Bastion and face difficult moral dilemmas that test the bonds of their newfound community.
These grimdark story scenarios are set in high fantasy worlds and feature morally complex characters, challenging choices, and harsh, unforgiving environments. They provide a foundation for exploring themes of power, corruption, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions.
The one that tickles my fancy is the Soul Thieves. Feel free to borrow the others!
Let’s take 3. The Soul Thieves back to the Snowflake Method
Prompt Engineering & The Snowflake Method
Step 1.
“Please use 3. The Soul Thieves scenario and set it out using Step 1 of the Snowflake Method”
Using Step 1 of the Snowflake Method, here’s a one-sentence summary for the “The Soul Thieves” scenario:
A vengeful young mage infiltrates a feared group of magical assassins, the Soul Thieves, to avenge their mentor’s death, only to uncover a dark conspiracy and face the ultimate choice between power and humanity.
Step 2.
Please develop that story according to Step 2 of the Snowflake Method
A young mage, reeling from the loss of their mentor to the infamous Soul Thieves, vows to avenge their death and infiltrates the ranks of the magical assassins. As they learn the Soul Thieves’ dark art of stealing and consuming souls, the protagonist gains power but questions their own morality. As they climb the ranks, they uncover a sinister conspiracy involving the Soul Thieves and a powerful political figure, threatening to plunge the world into chaos. Torn between the allure of power and the desire for justice, the protagonist faces a harrowing choice: to bring down the Soul Thieves and expose the conspiracy or embrace the darkness and lose their humanity forever.
Step 3.
Please use step 3 of the snowflake method to further develop this story
Protagonist: The Young Mage
Name: Kaelin
Motivation: Seeking justice for their murdered mentor
Goal: Infiltrate the Soul Thieves and destroy them from within
Conflict: Struggles with the allure of power and maintaining their morality
Epiphany: Realizes that true strength lies in embracing their humanity and fighting for a better world
Antagonist: The Soul Thieves’ Leader
Name: Seraphis
Motivation: Accumulate power and influence over the world
Goal: Control the political landscape by manipulating key figures
Conflict: Wants to keep Kaelin close due to their potential, but fears their growing influence within the group
Epiphany: Understands too late the danger of underestimating Kaelin’s conviction and the power of compassion
Mentor: The Slain Mage
Name: Master Elara
Motivation: Teach and protect Kaelin, their apprentice
Goal: To guide Kaelin in becoming a powerful and morally upright mage
Conflict: Killed by the Soul Thieves, leaving Kaelin vulnerable and without guidance
Please use step 3 of the snowflake method to further develop this story Epiphany: None, as they are deceased, but their teachings continue to influence Kaelin throughout the story
Love Interest: The Enigmatic Thief
Name: Lysander
Motivation: Survive and protect their younger sister, who is also part of the Soul Thieves
Goal: Help Kaelin expose the conspiracy and dismantle the Soul Thieves from within
Conflict: Loyalty to their sister vs. their growing feelings for Kaelin
Epiphany: Discovers that love and trust can be powerful weapons against darkness
Supporting Character: The Political Figure
Name: Lady Isolde
Motivation: Maintain her power and status
Goal: Use the Soul Thieves to manipulate and control other political figures
Conflict: Her ambition blinds her to the destructive consequences of her actions
Epiphany: Realizes that her pursuit of power has cost her everything she once held dear
These character summaries provide an overview of the key players in “The Soul Thieves” story, offering insights into their motivations, goals, conflicts, and epiphanies. This will help shape the narrative as it develops in subsequent steps of the Snowflake Method.
Step 4
Please use step 4 of the snowflake method to further develop this story
Kaelin, a young and gifted mage, loses their mentor, Master Elara, to the enigmatic and feared Soul Thieves – magical assassins who steal and consume souls to gain power. Swearing vengeance, Kaelin begins a dangerous journey to infiltrate the ranks of the Soul Thieves and destroy them from within.
As Kaelin learns the dark arts of soul-stealing, they gain power and influence within the group. However, they struggle with the moral implications of their actions and the corrupting allure of power. Kaelin’s convictions are further tested when they meet Lysander, an enigmatic thief within the Soul Thieves who is trying to protect their younger sister. Kaelin and Lysander form an uneasy alliance, and their growing connection forces Kaelin to confront their own humanity and the true cost of vengeance.
Kaelin’s rise through the ranks catches the attention of Seraphis, the cunning and ruthless leader of the Soul Thieves. Seraphis views Kaelin as both a valuable asset and a potential threat, seeking to manipulate Kaelin for their own purposes. Unbeknownst to Kaelin, Seraphis is working with a powerful political figure, Lady Isolde, who aims to use the Soul Thieves to control the political landscape and maintain her influence.
As Kaelin and Lysander work together to expose the conspiracy, they uncover the true extent of Seraphis and Lady Isolde’s treachery. The duo realizes that the Soul Thieves are merely pawns in a larger game, and the world is on the brink of chaos. With the stakes higher than ever, Kaelin must choose between seeking vengeance or risking everything to stop the conspiracy and save the world.
In a climactic confrontation, Kaelin and Lysander rally allies against Seraphis and Lady Isolde, leading to a brutal battle that leaves many dead or wounded. Kaelin faces off against Seraphis, with both their souls and the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Ultimately, Kaelin rejects the corrupting power of the Soul Thieves, embracing their humanity and the teachings of Master Elara.
Kaelin defeats Seraphis and exposes Lady Isolde’s machinations, dismantling the Soul Thieves and preventing the world from plunging into darkness. The story concludes with Kaelin and Lysander parting ways, their bond strengthened by their shared experiences, as they set off on new journeys to heal the scars left behind by the Soul Thieves and build a better future.
This full-page synopsis delves deeper into the plot of “The Soul Thieves,” exploring the characters’ development, the story’s central conflict, and the narrative arc. The synopsis serves as a foundation for further expansion and refinement as the story progresses through the remaining steps of the Snowflake Method.
Step 5
Please use step 5 of the snowflake method to further develop this story
Kaelin (Protagonist)
Age: 23
Physical Description: Average height, lean build, shoulder-length black hair, green eyes, and a distinctive scar across their left cheek from a childhood accident
Personality Traits: Determined, resourceful, empathetic, introspective, and stubborn
Backstory: Orphaned at a young age and taken in by Master Elara, who recognized their magical potential; trained in both combat and magic, with a natural aptitude for the arcane arts
Relationships: Loyal apprentice to Master Elara; forms an uneasy alliance and later romantic bond with Lysander; contentious relationship with Seraphis; disdain for Lady Isolde
Seraphis (Antagonist)
Age: 45
Physical Description: Tall, imposing figure with long, silver hair and piercing blue eyes; often clad in dark, elegant robes
Personality Traits: Ambitious, manipulative, charismatic, intelligent, and ruthless
Backstory: Born into a once-powerful noble family that fell from grace, Seraphis turned to dark magic to reclaim their lost power and influence; founded the Soul Thieves to consolidate their control over the magical underworld
Relationships: Leader of the Soul Thieves; wary of Kaelin’s potential; a reluctant partnership with Lady Isolde
Lysander (Love Interest)
Age: 25
Physical Description: Tall, athletic build, with short, messy brown hair and hazel eyes; often seen wearing practical leather armor and wielding twin daggers
Personality Traits: Witty, charming, resourceful, protective, and cautious
Backstory: Grew up in poverty with their younger sister; joined the Soul Thieves to provide for their sister and keep her safe; seeks a way out of the group without endangering their sibling
Relationships: Protective of their younger sister; drawn to Kaelin, first as an ally and later romantically; distrustful of Seraphis and opposed to Lady Isolde’s machinations
Lady Isolde (Supporting Character)
Age: 52
Physical Description: Elegant and regal, with long, wavy auburn hair streaked with gray and cold brown eyes; favors opulent, jewel-toned gowns and intricate jewelry
Personality Traits: Ambitious, cunning, ruthless, prideful, and calculating
Backstory: A powerful noblewoman who rose to prominence through strategic alliances and manipulation; seeks to expand her power by using the Soul Thieves to control other political figures
Relationships: Uses Seraphis and the Soul Thieves to achieve her goals; disdains Kaelin and Lysander as obstacles to her plans
These character charts provide more in-depth information on the main characters in “The Soul Thieves,” including their physical descriptions, personality traits, backstories, and relationships. This detailed understanding of each character will help make their actions and dialogue feel more authentic as the story continues to develop through the remaining steps of the Snowflake Method.
Step 6
Paragraph 1:
Kaelin, a young and talented mage, is devastated by the loss of their mentor, Master Elara, who is murdered by the Soul Thieves, a group of magical assassins that kill their targets and consume their souls to increase their power. Grief-stricken and seeking justice, Kaelin vows to infiltrate the ranks of the Soul Thieves and destroy them from within. Kaelin’s journey begins with gaining the trust of the Soul Thieves by proving their magical prowess and willingness to engage in morally ambiguous acts. As Kaelin delves deeper into the world of the Soul Thieves, they encounter a web of deceit, treachery, and darkness that challenges their convictions.
Paragraph 2:
As Kaelin learns the dark arts of soul-stealing, they become more powerful and influential within the Soul Thieves. However, the corrupting nature of the Soul Thieves’ power and the moral implications of their actions weigh heavily on Kaelin’s conscience. Kaelin’s internal struggle intensifies when they meet Lysander, a skilled thief within the Soul Thieves who is trying to protect their younger sister from the group’s darker aspects. Kaelin and Lysander’s uneasy alliance gradually evolves into a deeper connection, forcing Kaelin to confront their own humanity and question the true cost of vengeance.
Paragraph 3:
Kaelin’s rapid rise through the ranks of the Soul Thieves attracts the attention of Seraphis, the cunning and ruthless leader of the group. Seraphis views Kaelin as both a valuable asset and a potential threat, seeking to manipulate Kaelin for their own purposes. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Kaelin, Seraphis is working with a powerful political figure, Lady Isolde, who aims to use the Soul Thieves to control the political landscape and maintain her influence. The alliance between Seraphis and Lady Isolde is fraught with tension, as each seeks to use the other for their own ends.
Paragraph 4:
Kaelin and Lysander join forces to expose the conspiracy between Seraphis and Lady Isolde, uncovering the true extent of their treachery. They discover that the Soul Thieves are merely pawns in a larger game that threatens to plunge the world into chaos. Faced with the enormity of the situation, Kaelin must choose between seeking vengeance against the Soul Thieves or risking everything to stop the conspiracy and save the world. With Lysander’s support, Kaelin finds the strength to fight for a better future, even as they grapple with the darkness within.
Paragraph 5:
In a climactic confrontation, Kaelin and Lysander rally allies against Seraphis and Lady Isolde, leading to a brutal battle that leaves many dead or wounded. Kaelin faces off against Seraphis in a duel that tests both their magical abilities and their souls. Ultimately, Kaelin rejects the corrupting power of the Soul Thieves, embracing their humanity and the teachings of Master Elara. Kaelin defeats Seraphis and exposes Lady Isolde’s machinations, dismantling the Soul Thieves and preventing the world from plunging into darkness.
Paragraph 6:
The story concludes with Kaelin and Lysander parting ways, their bond strengthened by their shared experiences and the challenges they faced together. Each sets off on a new journey, seeking to heal the scars left behind by the Soul Thieves and build a better future for themselves and the world. Kaelin dedicates their life to teaching a new generation of mages, passing on Master Elara’s wisdom and ensuring that the darkness of the Soul Thieves never takes root again. Lysander, now free from the Soul Thieves, focuses on providing a safe and stable life for their sister and using their skills to help those in need. Though they walk separate paths, Kaelin and Lysander’s love and trust endure, a testament to the power of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit.
This four-page summary provides a more detailed outline of “The Soul Thieves” plot, delving into the characters’ development, the central conflict, and the narrative arc. The summary serves as a strong foundation for further expansion and refinement as the story progresses through the remaining steps of the Snowflake Method.
Step 7
Using Step 7 of the Snowflake Method, let’s create a list of scenes for “The Soul Thieves” by working through the four-page summary (Step 6). Each scene will have a brief description and will be listed in chronological order. Since a detailed list of all scenes may be too long for this response, I will provide key scenes from each paragraph of the summary:
Kaelin’s journey begins:
Scene 1: Kaelin discovers Master Elara’s lifeless body and swears vengeance against the Soul Thieves.
Scene 2: Kaelin researches the Soul Thieves and devises a plan to infiltrate their ranks.
Scene 3: Kaelin proves their magical prowess to the Soul Thieves by completing a challenging initiation task.
Scene 4: Kaelin meets the various members of the Soul Thieves and begins learning the dark art of soul-stealing.
Kaelin’s internal struggle:
Scene 5: Kaelin meets Lysander during a mission and learns about Lysander’s motives for joining the Soul Thieves.
Scene 6: Kaelin grapples with their own morality after using their newfound powers to kill an enemy.
Scene 7: Kaelin and Lysander form an uneasy alliance and work together on a difficult mission.
Scene 8: Kaelin and Lysander’s bond deepens, forcing Kaelin to confront their feelings and question the cost of vengeance.
The conspiracy unfolds:
Scene 9: Kaelin gains Seraphis’s attention and is promoted within the Soul Thieves.
Scene 10: Seraphis manipulates Kaelin to test their loyalty and further their own agenda.
Scene 11: Kaelin and Lysander discover the alliance between Seraphis and Lady Isolde, and the threat it poses to the world.
Scene 12: Kaelin and Lysander make plans to expose the conspiracy and dismantle the Soul Thieves.
The final confrontation:
Scene 13: Kaelin and Lysander rally allies for a battle against Seraphis, Lady Isolde, and their forces.
Scene 14: A brutal battle ensues, with Kaelin and their allies fighting to save the world from chaos.
Scene 15: Kaelin confronts Seraphis in a duel that tests their magical abilities and the strength of their souls.
Scene 16: Kaelin defeats Seraphis, exposes Lady Isolde’s machinations, and dismantles the Soul Thieves.
The aftermath and resolution:
Scene 17: Kaelin and Lysander say their goodbyes, parting ways to embark on new journeys.
Scene 18: Kaelin establishes a new school for mages, passing on Master Elara’s wisdom.
Scene 19: Lysander focuses on providing a safe life for their sister and helping those in need.
Scene 20: Kaelin and Lysander’s love endures, demonstrating the power of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit.
This list of scenes serves as a blueprint for “The Soul Thieves” story, providing a clear structure for the narrative as it develops through the remaining steps of the Snowflake Method.
Step 8
Using Step 8 of the Snowflake Method, let’s expand the list of scenes from Step 7 into a comprehensive narrative. For brevity, I will provide an example of how to expand a few scenes from the previous list into a more detailed narrative.
Expanded Scene 1: Kaelin discovers Master Elara’s lifeless body and swears vengeance against the Soul Thieves.
Kaelin returns to their shared home after a day of training and is shocked to find the door ajar. As they enter the house, they notice the signs of a struggle and immediately fear the worst. Kaelin follows the trail of destruction to Master Elara’s study, where they find their mentor lying lifeless on the floor, their soul stolen. Overcome with grief and rage, Kaelin swears to avenge Master Elara and destroy the Soul Thieves.
Expanded Scene 5: Kaelin meets Lysander during a mission and learns about Lysander’s motives for joining the Soul Thieves.
Kaelin is sent on a mission with a group of Soul Thieves, including Lysander. During the mission, Kaelin and Lysander are separated from the others and forced to work together. As they complete their objective, they begin to talk, and Lysander reveals that they joined the Soul Thieves to protect their younger sister. Lysander’s vulnerability resonates with Kaelin, who begins to see that not all members of the Soul Thieves are purely evil.
Expanded Scene 13: Kaelin and Lysander rally allies for a battle against Seraphis, Lady Isolde, and their forces.
Knowing that they cannot defeat Seraphis and Lady Isolde alone, Kaelin and Lysander reach out to allies they have made along the way. They gather a diverse group of individuals, including former enemies, who all share a common goal: stopping the conspiracy and saving the world. As they prepare for battle, Kaelin reflects on the path they have taken and how it has led them to this moment.
Expanded Scene 16: Kaelin defeats Seraphis, exposes Lady Isolde’s machinations, and dismantles the Soul Thieves.
In the final moments of the duel with Seraphis, Kaelin draws upon the wisdom and teachings of Master Elara, using their knowledge of magic and their inner strength to overcome Seraphis’s dark power. With Seraphis defeated, Kaelin exposes Lady Isolde’s treachery to the world, leading to her arrest and the dismantling of the Soul Thieves. The remaining Soul Thieves scatter, and the world is saved from the brink of chaos.
Expanding the scenes from Step 7 provides a more detailed narrative for “The Soul Thieves,” delving deeper into the characters’ development, the central conflict, and the narrative arc. The expanded narrative will serve as a solid foundation for writing the first draft of the story in Step 9 of the Snowflake Method.
Step 9
Interestly, ChatGPT 3.5 churned out whole novel scene by scene, but ChatGPT 4 wisely breaks it up and only writes the first scene for you.
I would actually prompt it individually to write it out scene by scene:
Please write Scene # in Full.
But here’s its Scene 1.
Using Step 9 of the Snowflake Method, we will now write the first draft of “The Soul Thieves” based on the comprehensive narrative from Step 8. As writing the full first draft is beyond the scope of this response, I will provide the opening scene as an example of how to proceed.
Kaelin trudged through the muddy streets, their boots sinking into the mire with each step. Their mind was a whirlwind of the day’s magical lessons with Master Elara, who had been particularly demanding during their training session. Kaelin’s mentor had always been insistent on pushing their limits, never satisfied with mediocrity. It was this relentless pursuit of excellence that had made Kaelin into one of the most promising young mages in the city.
As Kaelin approached their shared home, they noticed that the door was slightly ajar, the wood splintered and the lock damaged. A shiver of unease crawled up their spine, and they carefully nudged the door open, wincing at the sound of the creaking hinges. The house was eerily quiet, the usual comforting warmth replaced by a bone-chilling coldness that settled in Kaelin’s chest.
Stepping inside, Kaelin’s eyes darted around the room, taking in the disarray. Furniture was overturned, and shelves had been violently emptied, their contents strewn across the floor. The signs of a struggle were undeniable, and Kaelin’s heart raced as they made their way toward Master Elara’s study, the door ominously ajar.
Pushing open the study door, Kaelin’s breath caught in their throat as they saw the lifeless body of Master Elara lying on the floor, the light in their eyes extinguished, their soul stolen. Tears welled up in Kaelin’s eyes as they sank to their knees, the grief and anger welling up inside them, threatening to consume them. Clenching their fists, Kaelin swore vengeance against the Soul Thieves, the murderous group of magical assassins responsible for this unspeakable act.
To complete Step 9, you would continue writing the first draft, using the expanded scenes from Step 8 as a guide. Remember that a first draft doesn’t need to be perfect; the goal is to get your ideas down on paper. After completing the first draft, you can revise, edit, and polish your story, working through additional drafts until you achieve a final version you are satisfied with. This completes the Snowflake Method, providing you with a structured approach to developing and writing your story, “The Soul Thieves.”
Your First Draft in A Very Short Space of Time
Your first draft usually takes months to write. Here you can produce it in half a day, or less. It is not perfect in originality or language, but it’s a first draft and it is an amazing basis for you to go on and write your novel.
The secret is to go step by step and use ChatGPT as a tool. In the end, you are writing the novel. You can intervene and tell ChatGPT you don’t like a particular turn in the story or a character and suggest your own or get it to come up with a list of suggestions.
Conclusion
Here are the prompts:
Please set out the steps of Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method
Are you familiar with theYour Idea genre?
or if you have a clear idea
Please generate 5 plot ideas for a genre novel, set geographically xxx in the time period xxx
When it gives you the ideas:
“Please use scenario and set it out using Step 1 of the Snowflake Method”
Please develop the story according to Step 2 of the Snowflake Method
Etc up to 9. (10. is what you do)
Et voilà
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