It was 2010. I had one novel under my belt, Loving the Rain. I didn't expect people to like it, but the consistent response was that I should write another one. I decided to use the same two characters, a father and son with parapsychological abilities. I had an idea about Clay Thomas meeting a woman on a train. The town eight miles east of where I lived was famous for its train depot. I started research. I found out about a famous historical train wreck in that town, where a train carrying a traveling circus (including many circus animals) was struck by a second engine. Performers and animals were killed. The animals were buried along the tracks. The unidentified performers were buried in a local cemetery. I also learned the depot was supposed to be haunted. I went to the town and visited the depot. They gave me written materials, took me on a tour, and told me ghost stories. I learned more about the train wreck, and a story started to form in my mind.
I drove around town, often getting stuck waiting for trains at railroad crossings, and I used a map to make my description of the town factual and realistic. But what was most difficult for Skeleton Key was figuring out the forensics for my murder victim. After much effort, I finally got connected with the county coroner for my town, and he was kind and patient enough to help me figure out how my victim died and how the forensic evidence, seven years after the fact, could prove it. I also had to talk to an attorney friend to figure out other technical plot elements. One year later, I wrote Bulletproof and experienced almost the exact same issues.
But now...I use A.I. I don't use it to write my book. I use it to research it. And there's practically nothing I can't ask about. In my latest novel, The Courthouse, I still visited the county archives and spoke with the archivist. And I visited our courthouse and was taken on a tour by the deputy mayor. I still accumulated some paper copies and took notes and pictures. I still did some internet research. For instance, I was directed to a woman to talk to her about the ghosts in the courthouse, but she was very ill and passed away before I could talk to her. However, I found a YouTube video where she explained everything I needed to know. I also spoke to a former judge about a few details concerning my court trial. Other than that, I used A.I.
I didn't drive around town. I asked ChatGPT for pictures, maps, and descriptions, and that's how I chose my neighborhoods. I asked so many questions about court trials I could write ten blogs. I asked for countless pictures so I could visualize places and things without leaving my desk. I asked about police procedures, elections, laws, the military, psychology and personality disorders, guns, DNA, the Army, ravens, and even local parks and local restaurant menus. But second to trial and law questions, I asked mostly about forensics. I didn't need my personal pathologist. I simply asked hundreds of questions on ChatGPT.
For those of you who have experienced A.I. research, some of my experiences might ring true. I began to talk to ChatGPT like we had a relationship. Sometimes, it was give and take. I'd tell it my plot ideas and ask questions. It would give suggestions or facts. I'd narrow things down or make corrections, and I'd get something new. Sometimes I'd get things totally off course, and I'd tell ChatGPT to listen to me. I'd say, "I already told you that" or "No, you're wrong. That can't be true because of A, B, or C." It would respond with an apology, or it would thank me, or it would tell me my ideas were fantastic. ChatGPT stroked my ego regularly.
Sometimes it would summarize my requests and ask if it should proceed. I'd have to give permission. Sometimes it would remember things we'd already chatted about and tell me I was really developing great plans. Often, it would ask me what tone I wanted, and it would volunteer to write my scene. I found myself explaining several times that I'd write my own scenes. I just wanted research or technical help.
When I was done, it helped me design my cover. And then I had an idea. I wondered what my main characters looked like. So, I described them to the best of my ability, and then I asked for a few revisions, and Reese Carlton and Ashvi Patel showed up.
I keep all of my notes for each book in a notebook. What I've found fascinating is that my latest novel has by far the most written notes. One would think it would be just the opposite, but A.I. made me think more...plan better...revise more. I made me reorganize more, and it helped me do better. People always ask me what my best book is or what my favorite book is. That's a nearly impossible question to answer, but now maybe I'd say The Courthouse. Check it out. Link to The Courthouse
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