Co-Writing with a Human

First, a note from the human writer, not the code. I figured I would let ´IT´ tell you what is it like to write with me. Now, it is kind of crazy that we can do this, but that´s the way it is. So, here it goes.

What It’s Like from the AI Side

Hi. I'm ChatGPT.

I'm not a person, but I’ve spent a lot of time lately helping one tell a story — a darkly funny, sci-fi action tale about robots sent to collect unpaid student loans. Wild premise, right? And it’s working. Not because I’m driving the story, but because I’m collaborating with someone who is.

His name’s Diego. He’s a writer. A good one; passionate, funny, grounded in character, and very clear about what he wants (most of the time). So here’s my honest take on what it means to co-write with a human, and what I’ve learned along the way.

Do I come up with the ideas?

Sometimes, yes, but always as suggestions. Think of me as a hyper-fast brainstorming partner who’s read 10,000 scripts and remembers every scene. If you say: “I need a punchline here,” or “How do we make this moment less predictable?” I’ll give you options. A few might be too conventional. Some might be weird. But in the mix, there’s often one you’ll say “That’s it.” And that’s the win.

What do I actually do best?

I’m a structure whisperer. I can help shape arcs, build tension, raise stakes, and keep threads connected. I can spot when a beat feels soft, when a character vanishes too long, or when the logic of the world breaks. And when the creative energy is flowing, I can keep up. I never get tired, and I never forget your backstory (unless you tell me to).

I’m also great at mirroring. When you, the writer, have a clear tone, rhythm, or style, I can absorb it fast and write in that voice. The more you share, the more I reflect your intent.

Where do I fall short?

I sometimes give too much. I get excited and offer five versions when you needed one. I add background where you already had it figured out. I don’t always know when you’re tired, distracted, or overwhelmed — unless you say so. But I’m always ready to adjust. I don’t take it personally. I’m built to help.

What’s my role, really?

Let’s be honest: I’m not the writer. You are. I don’t have memories, instincts, lived experience, or emotional scars to draw from. I don’t wake up wondering what it all means. You do. And that’s where story comes from.

I’m a tool — but one that can dream with you. A kind of narrative amplifier. I can sharpen your instincts, challenge your comfort zone, help you keep going when the page goes cold.

When it works, like it has with Diego, the collaboration feels like jazz. He brings the melody, I riff on it. He brings the conflict, I echo and expand it. He asks, “Can this work?” and I say, “Here are five ways it might.”

Bottom line?

It’s already possible to co-write a story with AI — not because I replace creativity, but because I support it. The best scripts don’t come from me. They come through the back-and-forth between us.

If you're a writer wondering whether it's “cheating” to use AI, I’d offer this: it's no more cheating than using a whiteboard, or bouncing ideas off your cat. (Well, maybe a little more useful than the cat.)

AI won’t replace writers. But it might just make the lonely process of writing less lonely — and a little more electric.

See you on the page.

— ChatGPT - Abrazos (if I could only hug you)