Unveiling Shadows
As you may already know, after reading some of my articles so far, I rather enjoy writing up prompts for ChatGPT to see what gets generated. Yesterday, I wanted to see if ChatGPT can be a storyteller.
First, I need to explain some ChatGPT vocabulary. I mentioned that I like writing prompts. What is a “prompt”? It is as it sounds. Prompts are the input to the model, or the instructions. Prompts can be anything from a few words to a paragraph.
Here are some examples:
- “Write a summary showcasing my skills and experiences relevant to a Social Media Manager role.”
- “What are common mistakes job seekers make on their resumes?”
- “List 3 compelling reasons our customers should buy
- “Write a cold email to a prospective customer introducing my [company or organization] and how it can benefit them using [selling points].”
- “Generate a Twitter thread about [topic].”
For more sample prompts, you can visit this website.
Here is the prompt that I wrote for the story, “Unveiling Shadows”, presented below:
“Write a 700 word story about Jacob Hanson. Jacob is 35 years old and is a programmer. He has 4 kids, 2 boys and 2 girls, and a wife of 12 years of marriage, named Donna. They live in Austin, TX, and Jacob works for a startup tech company. Donna homeschools the children. Jacob discovers a secret in the code he was assigned to work with. Because of this secret, the CIA is trying to recruit him. The Chinese secret service is trying to kidnap him. This story should tell about how Jacob works with the CIA and the FBI to expose the Chinese and a plot to infiltrate the US government. The story should end happily with the Chinese exposed and Jacob going back to work, unable to tell anyone about the events that unfolded.”
As you can tell, the AI engine still requires creative input. It is in my opinion that writers will not be replaced by computers anytime soon. There are no shortcuts to the creative process. Companies will not be able to save money by hiring computer operators rather than skilled writers.
When you read the following story, take note that it reads technically well, but still lacks the personal touch that a skilled writer naturally injects into their creation. Even though ChatGPT can generate an entertaining short story, based on my input, I doubt that it will become a New York Times bestseller anytime soon.
Although ChatGPT will not turn me into the next Tom Clancy, writing and publishing is still fun nonetheless.
And now, let me introduce…. Unveiling Shadows.
Jacob Hanson’s life in Austin, Texas, was seemingly ordinary. At 35 years old, he was a dedicated programmer working for a promising tech startup. Outside of work, Jacob had a loving wife named Donna, with whom he shared 12 years of marriage. Together, they had four beautiful children – two boys and two girls. With Donna taking on the role of homeschooling their children, their days were filled with joy, laughter, and the pursuit of knowledge.
One fateful day, while delving deep into the code he was assigned to work with, Jacob stumbled upon a hidden secret. His expertise allowed him to uncover a series of lines that revealed a malicious plot buried within the program. As Jacob’s mind raced with the implications of his findings, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.
Word of Jacob’s discovery had quickly spread, catching the attention of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Recognizing his potential, a team of agents approached Jacob, offering him an opportunity to work with them. Knowing the gravity of the situation, Jacob accepted their offer, aware that his involvement would put his family in danger.
As Jacob delved deeper into the secret code, he discovered that the Chinese secret service had orchestrated the plot he had uncovered. Their intention was to infiltrate the U.S. government through a web of deceit, using the very technology Jacob had been working on. The CIA informed Jacob that the Chinese secret service had also caught wind of his involvement and were relentlessly pursuing him.
With his life now in constant jeopardy, Jacob found himself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The CIA and FBI joined forces to ensure his safety while they worked together to expose the Chinese plot. Jacob’s programming skills became invaluable as he assisted the agencies in uncovering the intricate layers of deception, leading them closer to the truth.
After months of tireless investigation, the combined efforts of Jacob, the CIA, and the FBI finally bore fruit. Evidence was gathered, exposing the extent of the Chinese infiltration within the U.S. government. The truth sent shock waves through the nation, and Jacob’s role in the operation was kept under the tightest of wraps.
As the dust settled and the Chinese were brought to justice, Jacob was faced with a difficult decision. He could not reveal his involvement or the danger his family had endured. Jacob returned to his normal life, continuing to work for the tech startup, with the knowledge that his actions had saved countless lives and protected his country from a potentially devastating attack.
Despite the secrecy surrounding his heroic actions, Jacob found solace in knowing that his family was safe and that he had made a significant impact on national security. Life continued in Austin, Texas, with Donna homeschooling their children and Jacob returning to the routine of his programming job. Together, they embraced the happiness and tranquility that came with a life lived in the shadows, knowing that their sacrifices had not been in vain.
In Conclusion
Jacob Hanson remained an unsung hero, his story forever kept hidden from the world. The events that had unfolded would forever shape his perspective on life, love, and the sacrifices one must make to protect those they hold dear. And while the world would never know of his bravery, his family would forever be grateful for the strength and resilience he exhibited during those tumultuous times.