Type M for Murder: CoPilot

Showing posts with label CoPilot. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

How Far Should We Go?

By Charlotte Hinger

I hate hate hate writing a novel synopsis. Curiously, I love writing query letters and judging by the reception I get, I'm good at this.

A novel synopsis is a totally different process. Mine sound dull and stilted. Like what you would write to a college professor or your grandmother. No phazazz.

A couple of days ago, I finished a synopsis of a historical novel for my agent. It was mediocre at best. My judgement, not hers.

Then inspired I turned to ChatGPT. I asked my new BFF if it could create a synopsis. "You bet," it replied eagerly. I uploaded my book--all 115,000 words. It created a wonderful sparkling synopis in seconds.

WOW!

Then I ran my mystery through this process with the same instruction: Create a one page synopsis. Again, a terrific result.

I would never write a book with ChatGPT. In fact, I'm so frustrated with Microsoft's CoPilot attempting to interfere when I write that I'm ready to tear my hair out. And yet, and yet--I find myself paying attention when it insists a comma is needed here or there. On the other hand, it doesn't understand the impact of incomplete sentences. Or phrases, or a whole bunch of other things involved in creative writing.

Thinking back, I've resisted adopting any new development regarding writing. I didn't want to give up my bouncey Royal portable typewriter that was a gift from my parents. When I switched to computers, I clung to my Apple 2e. Then I went through PCs at a record pace. These choices involved equipment, AI is in a different realm.

I've discoveredd I'm very superstitious. Those synopses!! It was just too easy. I'm a Kansan, after all. Our state motto is Ad Astra Per Aspera. To the Stars Through Difficulties. If it isn't hard, it doesn't count.

I wonder if I asked how my novel could be improved, what would ChatGPT say. Do I dare ask? Would I throw a hissy fit if I didn't like its suggestions and turn to Anthrotopic's Claude instead?

For that matter, I've questioned the HUGE number of five star reviews some authors have on Amazon. Are they for real? If I asked ChatGPT to post a thousand fawning reviews on Amazon, would it do it?

Does "it" resent not having a real name? Should I ask?

Shelley Burbank

Shelley Burbank is a mystery and women’s fiction author and journalist based in Maine and San Diego, California. Her short fiction has been published nationally in True Story, True Love, and True Confessions magazines. Regional and literary publications include San Diego Woman Magazine and The Maine Review. Final Draft, the first Olivia Lively Mystery published by Encircle Publications (March 2023), was her debut novel. The second in the romantic mystery series, Night Moves, is available now. Visit www.shelleyburbank.com to sign up for Pink Dandelions, her newsletter on creativity, purpose, and living well.

Donis Casey

Donis is the author of six Alafair Tucker Mysteries. Her award-winning series, featuring the sleuthing mother of ten children, is set in Oklahoma during the booming 1910s. Donis is a former teacher, academic librarian, and entrepreneur. She lives in Tempe, AZ, with her husband, poet Donald Koozer. The latest Alafair Tucker novel, The Wrong Hill to Die On (Poisoned Pen Press, 2012), is available in paper or electronic format wherever books are sold. Readers can enjoy the first chapter of each book on her web site at www.doniscasey.com.

Sybil Johnson

Sybil Johnson’s love affair with reading began in kindergarten with “The Three Little Pigs.” Visits to the library introduced her to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science. After a rewarding career in the computer industry, Sybil decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Her short fiction has appeared in Mysterical-E and Spinetingler Magazine, among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Southern California where she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages and spending time with friends and family. Find her at www.authorsybiljohnson.com.

Steve Pease (a.k.a Michael Chandos)

Steve Pease is a former space engineer and career Intelligence Officer living in the woods in Black Forest, Colorado. He was a Licensed Private Investigator in Colorado and New Mexico. He’s a member of the Private Eye Writers of America. He is published in mystery and SF anthologies in the US and England, and on-line, under his Michael Chandos pseudonym, including his story,”Texas Barbeque”, which was Macavity-nominated from the Agatha-nominated anthology The Eyes of Texas. His latest is “The Lady in the Polka Dot Dress” from the More Groovy Gumshoes anthology.