Step 1: Visual Inspiration

I began by uploading a photo from our visit to GPT, requesting a description in the style of Hemingway to set a high standard. The AI produced the following depiction:

> In the tranquil setting of the lakeside village, beneath a sky heavy with impending rain, two figures stood at the water's edge. One, dressed in a bright red jacket, held the leash of a black dog, its nose exploring the shallows. The other, clad in a subdued gray hoodie, gazed at the gentle ripples, absorbed in the serenity of the moment. A distant boat bobbed softly, enhancing the peaceful scene, while lush hills framed the view, their reflections shimmering on the lake’s surface.

If you don't have an image to begin with, you can always prompt GPT to generate a general scene based on your story's theme.

Step 2: Add Personal Details

Next, I instructed GPT to incorporate specific names: Alice (in red), Helen (the 15-year-old girl in gray), and Arrow (the dog), alongside the location, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts in Quebec. I asked the AI to research and weave in a generic description of the town, comparing it to Paris. Despite the French-style cafés, I noted that it wasn't quite Paris, considering the population of just 10,000 seemed disproportionate to the number of properties and cabins.

I included my perspective as the photographer, acknowledging that my efforts might not be appreciated, and described the historical significance of the sign by the lake, which honored the town's key contributors. I emphasized that the lake was likely private, with limited access, and noted that we had explored the town after a day of rain, seizing a brief moment of respite.

Through this iterative process, I provided straightforward, albeit imperfect, text to GPT, allowing it to handle the details. In the end, I infused the narrative with my personal touches—thoughts on coffee, the dog, cultural nuances, and a sprinkle of humor to reflect my feelings during that day.

The final narrative:

On the banks of a serene lake, under a gray sky that hinted at another downpour, stood two figures and a dog. Alice, in her red jacket, held the leash of Arrow, who was curiously sniffing the water. Helen, in her gray hoodie, gazed at the calm waves, finding solace in her thoughts.

The distant boat, a mere afterthought, resembled a splash of paint on a canvas. Interestingly, this wasn’t Paris; this was Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, a small community of about 10,000 residents, yet it boasted more buildings than inhabitants. The quaint cafés echoed French charm, even if they weren't quite the same as those in France.

This lake, one of the many in the region, was likely private, with only one point of access from the town. As we strolled, Alice pointed to an old sign commemorating the Cloutiers and the Quenzels, families that once transformed this sleepy town into a vibrant community. Their legacy lingered in the air, a silent tribute to the town's history.

The ambiance was serene, broken occasionally by nature's sounds and the soft chatter of locals. The presence of English was also felt, as it contributed to the economy, blending with the melodic French tones. This place offered a slow pace, inviting peace and tranquility to its visitors.

Though the day had started with rain, it paused just long enough for us to explore. We treated ourselves to lattes that tasted more like milk than coffee and enjoyed delicious raisin bread while capturing moments on camera. Admittedly, I may be blamed for the less-than-stunning photos, but those imperfections only added charm to our memories.

In summary, the process I followed can be likened to the humorous meme "How to draw an owl"—it’s about simplifying the complex into clear steps.

It struck me as I reflected on this: my initial story was generated in English but transformed into Ukrainian, akin to programming. The programming language was English, while the outcome was in another tongue. Interestingly, if I found something lacking in translation, GPT could refine it, although the first attempt sometimes felt a bit rushed.

By carefully guiding GPT to address specific elements, I shifted from a broad narrative to a more intimate and personal tale. I focused on the setting, weather, characters, and historical context, encapsulating the emotions and expectations of that moment.

The final product carries significance for me as it encapsulates nuances that a mere photograph could not convey—details integral to the experience. While I may not have penned every word, I guided each detail, much like an architect designs a building. The result is the "Owl" of storytelling, complete with all the intricacies I envisioned.

It took approximately 15 minutes to draft the initial story and another 40 minutes to refine it for publication. After selecting images and finalizing tags, I hit "Publish."

In conclusion, the takeaway is this: using AI in writing transforms the process into a form of programming, shifting focus from general ideas to detailed specifics. You are the designer of your narrative. However, regardless of the tools at your disposal, never publish on the same day you write. It’s crucial to allow yourself time for reflection and improvement.

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