Course 7, lesson 64 of 100, Ages 10+

Writing stories with AI

Your imagination in charge

Like I’m 5

AI can help you write stories, like a friend who gives ideas. But the best stories still come from your own imagination. You're the author.

The big idea

You can use AI to brainstorm characters, suggest plot twists or describe a setting. You decide what to keep, change and throw away, and add your own voice and experiences.

AI stories can feel generic, because the model tends to choose common ideas. Your unusual ideas, local details and real feelings are what make a story special. Ask AI for options, then make choices yourself.

Examples

  • Brainstorming: 'Give me five strange pets a wizard might keep.'
  • Stuck on a scene: Ask for three ways the chase could end, then write your own.
  • Your voice: Add jokes your friends tell and places you know.

How it works

  1. Come up with your own main idea.
  2. Ask AI for options when you're stuck.
  3. Choose, change and write it in your own words.

Check your understanding

Who should be in charge of an AI-helped story?
Options: You, the author; The AI; Nobody.
Answer: You, the author. AI offers ideas; you make the choices.
What makes a story feel special and not generic?
Options: Your own ideas, details and feelings; Copying the first AI draft; Using as many long words as possible.
Answer: Your own ideas, details and feelings. Personal details and voice make writing unique.

Remember

Use AI for ideas, but keep your imagination and voice in charge.

Talk about it

What strange character would you put in a story? What would make them yours?

Go deeper

Language models tend towards high-probability, familiar phrasing. Writers use them for divergent brainstorming, then edit heavily. Many competitions ask entrants to disclose AI help.