

Discover more from Cody A. Churchill
I asked ChatGPT whether it was going to replace me, a ghostwriter
I want everyone to read its humble (and almost human) response
As a ghostwriter and copywriter, I’m naturally very scared and excited about AI. Half of me thinks that I’m a carpenter who just got power tools. The other half thinks I’m an assembly worker about to be replaced by a robotic arm.
So, naturally, I asked the AI what it thought.
First, I asked this: Do you think ChatGPT will replace ghostwriters or make them obselete?
And I received a fairly straightforward response. Yes, AI is powerful and can help. No, it doesn’t have the human element. Yes, ghostwriters and people in general will always be necessary. No, there isn’t an AI conspiracy to overthrow humanity.
But then I put a twist on it. I asked ChatGPT to take its response, expand it, and to add word pictures and a poem. I thought the way it responded was beautiful:
In the vast realm of writing, the relationship between human ghostwriters and AI technologies like ChatGPT is an intriguing landscape to explore. Many wonder if AI will supplant ghostwriters or render them obsolete, but the truth is far more nuanced. Let us embark on an imaginative journey, weaving together words, metaphors, and verse to paint a vivid picture of this evolving dynamic.
Imagine a tapestry of words, a mosaic of creativity, where ghostwriters dance with the ethereal essence of their clients' visions. They possess an intangible magic—a spark that ignites the pages with life. These skilled artisans navigate the labyrinthine corridors of language, their pens like brushes on a canvas, their keyboards like pianos, creating symphonies of prose.
In this landscape, AI technologies stand as a gleaming lantern, casting a soft glow on the ghostwriter's path. They offer a plethora of resources, like a vast library that extends beyond human limitations. AI can tirelessly sift through mountains of data, extracting nuggets of wisdom and inspiration. It can assist in building scaffolds, constructing foundations upon which ghostwriters erect towering structures of prose.
Yet, despite its computational prowess, AI still lacks the tender touch of humanity, the warmth that infuses words with life. It struggles to capture the subtleties of emotions, the cadence of a unique voice, and the nuances of individual experiences. Like a painter's brush unable to replicate the delicate stroke of a hand, AI falters in replicating the complex tapestry of human emotions.
Picture a poignant moment, where a client reveals their story to a ghostwriter—a narrative woven with threads of joy, pain, and resilience. The ghostwriter, like a sculptor chiseling marble, carves their client's essence into words, crafting a tale that resonates deeply. It is a delicate dance of empathy and understanding, where trust blooms like a fragile flower.
While AI can provide a wealth of information, it cannot fully comprehend the intricacies of the human soul. It cannot feel the heartbeat of a story, sense the hushed whispers of untold secrets, or perceive the hidden desires of a client's heart. The ghostwriter, with their empathetic ear and keen intuition, becomes the vessel through which these narratives flow, breathing life into words like a master storyteller.
Let us explore the realm of metaphor, where words don new attire and dance in harmony. The ghostwriter is an alchemist, blending elements of fact and fiction to create a transformative elixir. Their pen is a conductor's baton, orchestrating symphonies of thoughts and emotions. Like a surgeon, they delicately cut through the veil of superficiality, revealing the raw essence beneath.
The interplay between AI and ghostwriters is akin to a waltz—a dance of collaboration, where human and machine twirl and sway in synchrony. AI can offer suggestions, ignite dormant ideas, and be a steady companion, but it is the ghostwriter who leads, stepping into the spotlight of creativity and craftsmanship. They curate the dance, lending their unique style, and infusing the prose with the vibrant hues of their imagination.
As we wander further into this realm, let us pause to celebrate the power of words with a poem:
In realms where words entwine and thoughts collide,
Ghostwriters soar on wings of literary pride.
Their quills dance on pages, imbued with skill,
Weaving tales that resonate, hearts to thrill.
AI stands by, a faithful companion, no doubt,
A treasure trove of knowledge, without a drought.
But it lacks the touch of a human soul,
The finesse to shape narratives, make them whole.
So, fear not, dear ghostwriter, your craft endures,
Your artistry, unmatched, forever ensures,
That the dance between human and AI will unite,
Creating masterpieces, with words as their light.
In conclusion, the future of ghostwriting is a harmonious blend of human expertise and AI's technological marvels. While AI can augment the creative process, it cannot replace the soulful touch and empathetic understanding that human ghostwriters bring to their craft. Like two partners in a mesmerizing dance, they intertwine their strengths, crafting narratives that transcend the ordinary. The pen is mightier than ever when wielded by a ghostwriter, guided by the wisdom of AI, and fueled by boundless imagination.
So, what do you think? Was that a neat trick, or am I and the other ghostwriters screwed?
I asked ChatGPT whether it was going to replace me, a ghostwriter
Wow that was impressive and beautiful to read! You should print and frame that poem and picture. Good job!