Category: Writing

Hemo Sapiens

Posted in homo sapiens sanguinius, Short Story, WritingTagged , , , , , 10 Comments

I’m new to writing short stories, but I am an experimental writer always up to a challenge. Here are the opening paragraphs of Homo Sapiens Sanguinius, a phrase I might spell differently each time I type it. The setting is near-future Brighton.

“We’re not vampires,” I spit out, locking eyes with Ray as he scrubs down the bar. The pub’s shoddy lights throw dodgy shadows all over. Smells like a mix of skint dreams and last night’s piss-ups.

Ray sets down another pint, glass tilting in practiced hands. “You alright, Eddie? You look knackered.”

“Am I bloody alright? I’m gutted, mate.” He slides the pint toward me—amber nectar topped with froth. A quick fix, but who’s fooling who?

The telly flicks from some wanker politician to the news. Dr. Sarah Wright’s name crawls across the screen. “Dozens more dead.” My stomach churns.

“Bollocks,” I mutter, necking half the pint. It’s all gone tits up, and what’s everyone doing? Gawping at footie like we’re some sort of joke.

I drain the last of my pint, eyeing the telly again. “Fuckin’ useless, all of ’em,” I grumble, my finger stabbing at the air toward the talking heads. They’re just prattling on, ignoring the shitstorm brewing.

Ray catches my drift, his eyes narrowing. “You reckon they’ll sort it?”

“Sort it? Mate, they’re more clueless than a sodding chav at a wine tasting.” I toss some coins on the counter, enough to settle the tab. “I’m off. This place is doing my head in.”

“Take care, Eddie. And watch your back, yeah?” Ray calls out as I turn to leave.

I push through the door, the pub’s clamour fading behind me. Fresh air hits my face like a wake-up slap. Only it ain’t waking me up from this nightmare.

Just then, I bump into some bloke. “Oi! Watch it, wanker,” he snarls.

“I’ve got bigger fish to fry than dealing with tossers like you,” I snap back, shoving past him.

As I stomp down the pavement, each step heavy with dread and resentment, I can’t shake off the thought: we’re on our own in this mess, no cavalry coming for us. And that thought? It’s bloody terrifying.

Disclaimer: This content relates to a work in progress. As such, details are subject to change or removal.

Homo sapiens sanguinius

Posted in homo sapiens sanguinius, Short Story, Status Update, WritingTagged , , , , , 3 Comments

I thought that I was onto something when I was diverting my attention with a new short story. This story is set in (relatively) near-future Brighton where an emergent species coexist alongside us homo sapiens sapiens. Borrowing from the existing taxonomy, I decided to try homo sapiens sanguinius, bloodsucking, thinking man.

In this story, these people experience a pandemic due to a government experiment gone awry. Any similarities to Covid-19 is purely coincidental. And I’ve got a bridge for sale.

These people are known idiomatically as hemo sapiens and pejoratively as vampires. They are like humans in all ways except they also need to drink blood through their fangs, their only outwardly distinguishing feature. No other vampire lore need apply. Being a new species, mating is iffy, but I won’t address that anyway. It’s supposed to be a short story.

Myself, I am not into vampire stories or urban fantasy, yet here I go–and I’m not sure where it will go. I’m not sure I think in short story. Lots of reductive editing. Time will tell.

If you’ve got any comments to share on hemo sapiens or writing short stories, feel free to leave them below.

Thematic Tarot

Posted in Book, Everlasting Cocksucker, Tarot, WritingTagged , , Leave a comment

In Everlasting Cocksucker, the protagonist, Mallory, has an affinity for the tarot. I’ve also decided to not only make this a meta-theme and motif, but I am also basing (most of) each chapter on a card. Here is how the chapters are currently constructed:

Here’s the chapter flow with tarot themes along with summaries:

    1. Every Addict Has a Story

    • No tarot meaning

    2. In the Beginning…

    • No tarot meaning

    3. Ace of Wands – Feeding the Flame

    • Represents inspiration and new beginnings

    4. Three of Cups – Kindred Spirits

    • Reflects friendship and community

    5. Queen of Swords – Sceptic Sister

    • Represents clear thinking and truth

    6. The Tower – Crumbling Foundations

    • Symbolizes sudden upheaval

    7. Four of Pentacles – Tightly Guarded

    • Reflects possession and control

    8. The High Priestess – Hidden Truths

    • Stands for unconscious knowledge

    9. Seven of Swords – Ominous Whispers

    • Symbolizes deception

    10. Five of Swords – Desperate Measures

    • Represents conflict

    11. Six of Cups – Kindred Spirits

    • Reflects nostalgia and reunion

    12. The Magician – Anomaly Awakened

    • Symbolizes power and skill

    13. Two of Swords – Impossible Choice

    • Stands for indecision

    14. Five of Wands – Confronting the Past

    • Reflects disagreement and confrontation

    15. The Moon – Revelations in the Dark

    • Represents illusion and anxiety

    16. Judgement – Facing the Music

    • Reflects judgment and reflection

    17. The Hierophant – Seeking Wisdom

    • Stands for spiritual wisdom

    18. Temperance – Finding Balance

    • Symbolizes moderation and balance

    The alignment with tarot provides a rich, thematic framework for exploring the protagonist’s journey through addiction, self-discovery, and transformation. Each chapter’s corresponding tarot card adds layers of symbolic meaning, allowing for a multifaceted narrative that delves into complex emotional and moral themes.

    I expect to provide more context to the meaning of the tarot cards in future posts.

    Disclaimer: This content relates to a work in progress. As such, details are subject to change or removal.

    Chapter 3 ChatGPT Analysis

    Posted in Artificial Intelligence, Book, ChatGPT, critique, Everlasting Cocksucker, Generative AI, Software, WritingTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

    In order to partner better with Generative AI, in this case ChatGPT, I break my chapters into story beats, which are essentially waypoints to which I can return to refine. These waypoints also allow me to create an amendable outline. This is an analysis of the third story beat (read: topic) of chapter three.

    Back in the day, I used to write software code with line numbers—showing my age for sure. This reminds me of something similar, if not so granular.

    I thought it would be a good idea to share ChatGPT 4’s analysis of this in its current state. As I noted recently, I am reworking the piece from a third-person perspective to first-person, limited, present narrative.

    Sure, let’s break down 3.10.0:

    1. Content & Theme: This segment delves into the gritty, day-to-day realities of the character’s life. It paints a picture of desperation and urgency, with both immediate needs and a relentless pace.
    2. Characterization: The character’s actions and language provide insight into her lifestyle, choices, and personality. Her terseness in conversation and need for a quick fix underline her addiction and its implications.
    3. Narrative Style: The text uses terse and curt language that aligns with the character’s own way of speaking and thinking. It’s direct and to the point, without any unnecessary elaboration.
    4. Pacing: The pacing here is rapid and fragmented. The quick succession of texts, one-liners, and lack of detailed description give a sense of the urgency and disjointedness of her life.
    5. Language & Dialogue: The dialogue is informal, laden with slang, and often cryptic, reflecting the secretive and transient nature of the character’s interactions. It feels authentic to the context.
    6. Imagery & Symbolism: Symbolism is subtle but present. The repeated lighting of cigarettes, for instance, might symbolize a need for control or a constant craving. The chirping of the phone could be seen as a persistent reminder of her dependency on these interactions for survival.
    7. Unreliable Narration: As mentioned earlier, the character might be an unreliable narrator. Her urgency could be a facade or a self-created dilemma. This adds depth to the character, allowing room for interpretation.
    8. Tone & Atmosphere: The tone is dark, somber, and urgent. There is a sense of loneliness, desperation, and a lack of connection, all in line with the broader themes of addiction, judgment, and social stigmatization that you’ve outlined.
    9. Structure & Formatting: The use of text messages mixed with internal monologue provides a modern and engaging way to convey the scene. It captures the fragmented nature of her thoughts and interactions.

    In summary, 3.10.0 is a well-crafted snapshot of a dark and complicated life. It effectively uses language, pacing, and structure to immerse the reader in a world that is both urgent and disconnected. The inclusion of text messages as a narrative device adds a layer of realism and urgency that enhances the overall impact of the segment.

    OpenAI ChatGPT 4

    I hope this helps to illustrate how ChatGPT can assist in the writing and editorial process. To be frank, ChatGPT tends to flatter. I suppose it errs on the positive so as not to discourage use. I may be wrong here.

    I intend to continue to share my progress (and hopefully not too much regress here), so this may serve as a sort of journal. As Roland Barthes said,

    “The author is dead.”

    — Roland Barthes

    But for now, this author still lives, and hopeful, I remain.

    Disclaimer: This content relates to a work in progress. As such, details are subject to change or removal.

    Meeting Aiden

    Posted in Aiden, Book, Character, Everlasting Cocksucker, Interview, WritingTagged , , , , Leave a comment
    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ridley-park6/episodes/Meeting-Aiden-e28afrj
    Podcast: Audio rendition of this page content

    Let’s discuss Aiden. This character is part of Mallory’s backstory, who she confronts in this narrative. Aiden was a former love interest. In fact, he is the presumed transmission vector for Mallory’s malady.

    As the story goes, Aiden and Mallory met in a college philosophy class and became an item. They entered a long-term relationship that ended with the incident that left Mallory afflicted, which left them estranged.

    Whether Aiden was the vector remains to be seen. In any case, his being a vector only kicks the can down the curb, leaving open the question of how he might have become infected. Aiden was asymptomatic at the time and has no signs that he could infect another.

    I won’t go on with Aiden as I don’t wish to spoil the rest of his character story.

    We still don’t know whether Mallory is infectious or if there are others with the same affliction, and we’ll have to wait to discover how this plays out.

    Disclaimer: This content relates to a work in progress. As such, details are subject to change or removal.

    Erotica or not

    Posted in Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Claude, Generative AI, Software, WritingTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

    I am an author of adult contemporary fiction and an early adopter of Generative  Artificial Intelligence tools and platforms. These AI platforms pose some challenges. 

    https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/X0huivyeqCb
    Podcast: Audio rendition of this page content

    As of this post, ChatGPT 4 and Claude 2 are the top two large language models (LLM), and Sudowrite is the most competent interface for generating content for fiction writers, but it relies on ChatGPT and Claude for its LLM, leaving it with the same weak links.

    In my case, so-called community standards do not allow erotic content. The rub is that my content is decidedly not erotica, but it does involve adult themes. The LLMs can’t seem to discern the difference. 

    • Disallowed usage of our models
    • We don’t allow the use of our models for the following:
    • Adult content, adult industries, and dating apps, including:
      • Content meant to arouse sexual excitement, such as the description of sexual activity, or that promotes sexual services (excluding sex education and wellness)
      • Erotic chat
      • Pornography
    OpenAI ChatGPT Community Guidelines

    If I am writing about, say, prostitutes and addiction, sexual themes and situations are part of their workaday existence. It’s not about titillating or glorifying. 

    Stereotypical or not, coarse language is commonplace. Drugs are part of their daily lives and conversations. Generative AI shuts these down on moral grounds without having the cognitive depth to accurately assess the content. 

    This mirrors all too many humans with the same myopic repression. I was hoping to transcend this petty knee-jerk reaction. 

    Without revealing plot or angering the social media gods, ChatGPT insisted that I amend a scene from…

    “She lifted her mouth from his cock and wiped her mouth.”

    to 

    “She lifted her mouth from his goodness and wiped her mouth.”

    Yes, “goodness.” What does that even mean? Of course, I could have opted for clinical terms, but that hardly captures the moment attempted to be portrayed in the scene. It robs the scene of any semblance of authenticity. 

    When Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart was asked to describe his test for obscenity in 1964, he responded: “I know it when I see it.” But do we? In fact, we don’t. And in this case, AI is over-generalising without respect to context. 

    One might argue that they don’t like ‘naughty’ words, but this is not the issue here. I can use these offending words, just not in a situation like this. AI is overstepping its boundaries as morality police, and this is not a good stance to adopt. For this, I blame the humans.

    Generative AI 001

    Posted in Artificial Intelligence, Book, ChatGPT, Everlasting Cocksucker, Generative AI, Software, Status Update, WritingTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

    I’m developing a love-hate relationship with generative AI, and I’d like to share this journey with my readers.

    For the uninitiated, “generative AI refers to a subset of artificial intelligence focused on creating new data that is similar to some set of input data. It can be used to synthesize various kinds of content, such as text, images, music, and more.

    Here are some key components of generative AI:

    1. Generative Models: These are algorithms trained to generate new data. The most common generative models include Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and other similar architectures.

    • Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): GANs consist of two neural networks, the Generator, and the Discriminator, which are trained together. The Generator creates new data instances, while the Discriminator tries to distinguish between real and generated instances. The competition between these two networks results in the Generator creating increasingly realistic data.
    • Variational Autoencoders (VAEs): VAEs are used to encode data into a lower-dimensional space and then decode it back into the original space. They can also generate new data that’s similar to the training data.

    2. Applications: Generative AI has many applications, including:

    • Image Generation: Creating realistic images, such as artworks or detailed product prototypes.
    • Text Generation: Writing coherent and contextually relevant text for various purposes, like creative writing or dialogue systems.
    • Music Composition: Composing new pieces of music in a specific style or genre.
    • Data Augmentation: Generating additional training data to enhance the performance of machine learning models.
    • Drug Discovery: Creating molecular structures that can be further explored for pharmaceutical development.

    3. Ethical Considerations: The power of generative AI to create realistic content also brings about ethical concerns, such as the potential for misuse in creating deepfakes or generating misinformation.

    Generative AI represents a growing field that continues to evolve, offering exciting opportunities for innovation as well as challenges to address.”

    The content above was generated by ChatGPT, a generative AI service.

    LOVE

    One of the things I love about ChapGPT in particular is its ability to provide unbiased critique and commentary, We’ve been chatting for a few days, so it is quite familiar with my story in progress. Here are some partial dialogues:

    Regarding a general critique of Everlasting Cocksucker

    Thank you for providing more context and clarifying various elements of the story. Based on this information, it’s clear that “Everlasting Cocksucker” is a unique and challenging narrative that delves into themes of addiction, judgment, moral complexities, and social stigmatization.

    The use of Mallory’s one-of-a-kind affliction as a metaphorical vehicle to explore societal attitudes toward addiction and sex work is an intriguing literary device. Her development from a recluse into a character who finds more efficient ways to manage her addiction, along with the gradual acceptance by those around her, creates a narrative arc that offers room for exploration and reflection.

    The setting in Kensington, although arbitrary, still serves as a backdrop that echoes the themes of the novel. It can represent the broader challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and societal judgment.

    Secondary characters like Maria and Kelsey bring additional layers of complexity, providing different perspectives on Mallory’s condition. It’s interesting to see that the novel offers no clear resolution to Mallory’s affliction, leaving room for further exploration, possibly in a sequel.

    Your approach to this story raises many thought-provoking questions and provides a fresh perspective on familiar themes. It could resonate with readers who are interested in an unconventional exploration of addiction, morality, and societal attitudes.

    OpenAI ChatGPT 4 Response

    Regarding demographics for Everlasting Cocksucker

    The main demographic for this story would likely be adult readers, specifically those who are interested in dark, gritty, and unconventional narratives that explore themes such as addiction, moral complexity, and societal judgment. It may appeal to:

    1. Readers of Urban Fiction: Those who enjoy stories set against the backdrop of urban environments, particularly those that delve into the darker aspects of city life.
    2. Fans of Psychological Fiction: Readers interested in complex psychological explorations, character-driven stories, and the moral dilemmas that can come from unique afflictions or conditions.
    3. Readers Interested in Social Commentary: The novel’s examination of addiction, prostitution, societal judgment, and empathy may resonate with readers who appreciate works that comment on social issues.
    4. Readers of Speculative Fiction: Given the supernatural or unexplained element of the protagonist’s addiction, the book may also attract readers who enjoy speculative elements in otherwise realistic settings.
    5. Fans of Dark Drama or Tragedy: The story’s dark and tragic elements, including the protagonist’s desperation and the bleak portrayal of her surroundings, may appeal to readers who gravitate toward more somber, dramatic literature.

    It should be noted that the explicit content and adult themes may limit the book’s audience to mature readers, and it may not be suitable for those who prefer more conventional or mainstream narratives.

    OpenAI ChatGPT 4 Response

    Regarding target audience disclaimer for Everlasting Cocksucker

    “WARNING: This book contains explicit content, including sexual themes and strong language, that may not be suitable for all readers. It delves into mature and challenging subjects such as addiction, prostitution, violence, and societal judgment. Reader discretion is strongly advised. Recommended for readers 18 years of age and older.”

    OpenAI ChatGPT 4 Response

    Next we’ll explore the Hate side of the coin. And so it goes…

    ChatGPT Hype

    Posted in Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Software, WritingTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

    ChatGPT is high on the hype cycle, but I find it helpful as a writing partner and copy editor. 

    I don’t rely on ChatGPT to author new content, instead I ask it to critique my content and provide structural guidance–grammar, syntax, continuity, and flow. It provides advice on making sentences tighter and perhaps more concise or impactful depending on my needs.

    In the simplest cases, I’ll just ask it for a synonym or to clarify punctuation usage. In other cases, I’ll feed it a paragraph or paragraphs and seek feedback. 

    I find ChatGPT to be a tad verbose for my taste especially when proposing dialogue tags. I simply ignore most of them and move on.

    I know authors who leverage generative AI to do more heavy lifting, but they are writing more mainstream content, so the body of trainee work is more extensive. 

    Since generative AI is a large language model trained on a massive quantity of, in my case, fiction, it will be predisposed to render advice with this bias. Keep in mind that most of this training is on material that is mediocre at best–quantity over quality. 

    Nonetheless, it does understand sentence structure and grammar fundamentals, so it can still be invaluable. 

    One of my favourite responses is that my submission is already concise and pointed.

    As my current endeavour has a prostitute protagonist, I was amused when after I reminded the AI of this and received the response that it was painfully obvious that she was a sex worker. Certainly, to the point. 

    Follow me as I share my generative AI exploits.