The challenge was set for ChatGPT, the AI content creator, to develop writing in the vein of bestselling authors Marian Keyes, John Boyne and columnist Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, real name Paul Howard. How would these esteemed authors react to the robotic endeavour in emulating their particular writing style? Read on to explore the AI’s swift job at creating prose reminiscent of each author, and their personal responses.
Keyes, with over 30 million sales of her novels including Rachel’s Holiday and My Favourite Mistake, is noted for her recent bestseller Grown Ups, set to be adapted into a Netflix television series. Boyne, renowned for works such as The Boy in the Striped Pjamas and The echo chamber, has his novels published in over 50 languages. Howard, the mastermind behind Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, has written 24 satirical novels set in south Dublin, centred around a notorious rugby player. Despite the next book, Don’t Look Back in Ongar, being the last of the series, Howard will persist in sharing Ross’s adventures in his regular column.
The below passage illustrates an attempt by ChatGPT at mirroring Boyne’s writing style:
“With shaking hands, the door was cautiously opened. Ahead, the aged and worn house stood tall. Its weather-beaten exterior was reflective of buried secrets within its confines. Doubts arose about my readiness to face the forgotten spectres. The scent of dust and neglect overpowered my senses as I entered, triggering chilling memories. Each recollection served as a painful recall of the series of events that led me to this very moment.”
Finding my path through dimly lit corridors, the echoing groans of the ancient floor underfoot almost seemed to murmur tales of old. A sense of nearing the elusive truth, the answers I’d been relentless in my quest for, was enveloping me.
At long last, I arrived at the chamber at the corridor’s termination, the origin of everything. With hands shaking amidst a wave of anxiety, I ushered open the door and ventured inside, burdened by the weight of years of regret and culpability.
But on scanning the room, it hit me like a revelation – the past was a closed chapter. And right then, I became aware of my capacity to mould my future, to release myself from the grips of suffering, and embark on a journey towards tranquility.
John Boyne’s reaction
Sounds more ridiculing than copycat – isn’t the purpose of parody to stir laughter?
Every writer unconsciously tends to fall back on a certain writing style or approach. Some years back, I noticed my tendency to have a character ‘pause momentarily, averting their gaze’ to instil a contemplative atmosphere. Therefore, to spot a similar phrase in the second sentence of ChatGPT’s piece leaves me somewhat tickled.
The narrative lacks any flair or originality, making it a far cry from my own work, which is replete with clever wit and creativity. Despite this, I must acknowledge some semblance in themes. Concealed resonances, deeply buried memories, hints of emotional reconciliation do appear with comparative frequency in my narratives; perhaps more often than copied red-dye concoctions from The Legend of Zelda. Yet, all said and done, it feels more like mockery than plagiarism. Isn’t satire’s purpose to amuse? This version appears a touch wooden.
Having laid out these points, would I relish the opportunity to read another Dickens classic? A fresh Philip Roth? A revival of Holden Caulfield’s adventures? Of course, yes. But if left to artificial intelligence, I would probably skim through a few paragraphs, pause momentarily, and then avert my gaze.
[ John Boyne: The process behind The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas ]
Paul Howard versus AI
ChatGPT’s crack at Ross O’Carroll-Kelly
I was on the verge of tarnishing my status as a coffee aficionado…”
In the queue at the café, I was in a quandary regarding my caffeinated selection: a potent double-shot macchiato or a sweet caramel frappuccino. A challenging decision, undeniably, but one that needed careful consideration given my standing as a coffee aficionado.
As I mulled over my decision, the chatter behind me was hard to ignore. A gaggle of girls, talking about their banal plans for the weekend, which to my knowledge included a night out in the city and a late-night kebab feast.
Turning back to the counter, the barista greeted me with a sly grin. He recognised me, aware of my sophisticated palate and impeccable sense of style. With a casual gesturing of my hand, I placed my order, unwavering in my decision.
Biding my time for my coffee to ready, I was consumed by a wave of gratification. Life may be full of unpredictable detours and obstacles, but one certainty remained – I, Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, would ultimately savour the luxurious offerings in life.
Paul Howard’s response
I’m sceptical about whether there is a formula for crafting jests around someone like Ross.
My initial observation about the text was the use of words that Ross would seldom if ever, use or comprehend, such as “connoisseur” and “nonchalant”.
Secondly, the palpable absence of humour was hard to miss. I wonder if an artificial intelligence will ever be able to pull off comedy successfully. This segment lacks cultural sensitivity and the tone is disconnected, akin to being in a pub when someone approaches me to imitate Ross but fails to deliver any substance.
My style of humour is region-specific. I’m unconvinced that there’s a formula for making jokes about someone like Ross, an individual bereft of self-awareness who resides in south Dublin. You might prompt a chatbot to create “Why did the chicken cross the road?” kind of jokes, but it seems to fall short in creating satire. The writing is nondescript and uninspiring.
The recent experiment stirred up memories for me of a young man from the past at St Mary’s College in Dublin. He created a Ross comic book for his transition-year endeavour, showcasing his phenomenal artistic talent. As I absorbed it, I realised how exceptional it was, and how I wished I had penned it myself. However, this attempt at using ChatGPT for writing didn’t evoke the same feelings. It reminded me more of a tedious colleague attempting their best impersonations of David Brent or Frank Spencer.
[ Paul Howard’s take on the unusual art of writing – a brave endeavour ]
Marian Keyes versus AI
The ChatGPT experiment
My realisation of the pivotal role letters were about to play came rather later…
Despite downing my third cup of tea that morning, a sense of discomfort continued to hang over me like a dense mist. Sunlight bathed the room in warmth, yet inwardly, I felt cold and disoriented.
I had always taken pride in managing my life efficiently, maintaining order and holding a well-defined plan. However, of late, it seemed the world was spiralling out of my control, leaving me gasping to keep apace.
My gaze rested on the stack of unopened letters scattered on the table, each a potent reminder of the turmoil gradually encircling me. I realised, sooner or later, I had to face whatever lay hidden in those envelopes, confront the truths tangled within their folds.
The mere thought of unveiling them instilled a feeling of terror, like staring down into a gaping chasm ready to consume me. Gathering my courage, I picked up the first letter, bracing myself for the forthcoming disclosures.
Little did I know, these letters were set to unearth long-forgotten secrets, and guide me towards a journey of healing and redemption.
[ Marian Keyes: ‘It’s true, transition is immensely unsettling…but eventually, everything falls into place’ ]
Marian Keyes’ Response
Where’s the crassness? Where’s the humour?
Is it not incredible that artificial intelligence can generate such sensible content in just a matter of seconds? It’s comprehensive, makes sense. However, the obvious reveal is all the tea-drinking. It’s very rare for my characters to engage in tea-drinking, since I personally detest tea and those who consume it. Occasionally I do allow my book characters to enjoy a cup of tea – but definitely not three cups consecutively.
What this anecdote brings to mind mostly is its likeness to the way I composed “Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married”, with its heavy emphasis and overuse of words concerning darker emotions. I believe that I have indeed become more proficient at trimming unnecessary parts and avoiding excessive discussions about gloom and the void, as well as the idea of being swallowed by my inadequacies. My apologies for the uncouth tone I’ve taken.
On a related note, why is there a lack of humour, irreverence, or even a certain lightness during even the most troubling times?
Regardless, kudos to the situation, it deserves credit. With a bit more practice, this robot will make my role redundant before long.