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Writing a book has often been compared to running a marathon, not a sprint, and trust me, The Smuggler’s Trail made me feel every mile.
This book, the first in a possible series, was a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, much like the story itself. But here’s the plot twist: my surprising co-writer was none other than ChatGPT. Yep, you read that right.
Why use ChatGPT to write a book? Honestly, I was curious.
Curious about how an AI could collaborate on something as creative as storytelling. Writing a novel is a balancing act, from building an engaging storyline to structuring it in a way that flows. And then, of course, there are the characters. Creating lives, backstories, and motivations that feel authentic is no small feat.

With The Smuggler’s Trail, not only did I get ChatGPT’s help brainstorming ideas and refining scenes, but I also learned a ton about how to guide an AI effectively. Writing with GPT isn’t about letting it take over; it’s about prompting, steering, and collaborating.
It’s like being a captain with an incredibly enthusiastic first mate who occasionally suggests an outrageous subplot or two.
The result is a book I’m (glad it is done) but also a new appreciation for the creative process.
If you’re curious and want to snag a copy of The Smuggler’s Trail, keep reading or click the image to grab your copy.
Starting with an Idea
I’ve wanted to write a book for a long time, but I wasn’t quite sure where to begin. After giving it some thought, I settled on a mystery because that’s my Mum’s favorite genre. If I was going to test this author thing out, why not create something she’d love to read?
The idea for The Smuggler’s Trail came to me as I’ve always loved the outdoors. And there’s something captivating about a foggy coastal town, an old smuggler’s route steeped in history, and a protagonist stumbling into more questions than answers.
From there, the real challenge was figuring out how to turn that spark of inspiration into a fully developed story. I had a clear vision of what I wanted to create, but weaving all the pieces together felt daunting at first.
That’s when ChatGPT really helped out.
I’ve been experimenting with different AI tools for a while now, so it seemed like a good time to see how one could assist with writing. Even the book cover came from my AI experiments, where I played around with image generators and layered different elements to create something unique.
Learning how to do all of that was a fun process in itself.
Using ChatGPT as a Writing Partner
I started using ChatGPT early in the process, mainly as a brainstorming tool. When I needed fresh ideas for character backstories, scene settings, or potential plot twists, ChatGPT provided suggestions that ranged from predictable to wildly imaginative.
At one point, I had to rewrite the story after realizing I needed a character sheet to keep everything consistent.
I imagine this is something most authors do anyway, but this is my first book, and apparently, I seem to prefer learning the hard way.
The brainstorming sessions with ChatGPT often sparked new directions I hadn’t considered. This was something I didn’t expect, but it turned out to be an incredible discovery.
During my second attempt at writing the book, ChatGPT became invaluable for outlining.
I’d input a loose concept for a chapter, which would help me break it down into parts. This made tackling each section of the book feel far less overwhelming.
And when I hit the dreaded writer’s block, ChatGPT’s ability to suggest dialogue or describe settings felt like having a tireless collaborator by my side.
Balancing Creativity and AI Assistance
One of the most important parts of the writing process was making sure the story felt authentically mine. While ChatGPT helped with outlining ideas and structuring the plot, the heart of The Smuggler’s Trail came from my own experiences, imagination, and passion for storytelling.
After all, my Mum has a love for lighthouses, and I have a background in law enforcement. Combining those elements with the idea of using fog as a cover for illegal activity felt like a natural fit for the story.
Using AI as a guide rather than a crutch is the key. I know there are some jobs that AI might replace (like mixing or chopping things at restaurants), but AI still isn’t going to replace humans, if you ask me.
After collaborating with GPT, I was always there to revise and refine the story to ensure the tone and voice match your vision. That balance is what kept the story uniquely mine.

Lessons Learned
I’ve learned so much throughout this process, but I’ll keep it to a shortlist for now. If you have any questions or want to dive deeper, feel free to leave a comment below.
Here are a few key lessons writing with AI has taught me:
- AI can help reduce overwhelm: By taking care of repetitive tasks like rephrasing sentences or summarizing sections, ChatGPT gave me more mental space to focus on the creative parts of the process.
- A second opinion is always valuable: Even when I didn’t use its suggestions, having another “voice” to bounce ideas off of helped me view my work from a fresh perspective.
- The process is still human: No matter how advanced the tool is, it’s ultimately up to the writer to bring emotion, authenticity, and depth to the story.
The Finished Product
After a few revisions and moments of doubt, The Smuggler’s Trail is finally complete. Seeing it come to life has been a challenging yet rewarding addition to my creative journey.
At its core, it is a story about mystery, resilience, and the unyielding search for truth. These are themes that resonate deeply with me because they reflect not just the heart of the plot but also the spirit of the writing process itself.
I wanted to create a story that keeps readers guessing while also exploring the emotional complexity of the characters and their choices. My hope is that these elements will connect with readers in a meaningful way.
This book is also a testament to how technology and creativity complement each other. Working with AI didn’t take away from the humanity of the story. It enhanced it.
The tools I used helped me organize ideas, push through moments of writer’s block, and find fresh inspiration when I needed it most. But at the end of the day, it was my imagination, experiences, and love for storytelling that brought The Smuggler’s Trail to life.
Now, as I take a step back and look at the finished book, I am proud of what it represents. It is a mystery that I hope will entertain, inspire, and maybe even surprise those who read it.
Looking Ahead
With the first book complete, I’ve already asked ChatGPT about a few ideas that could expand The Smuggler’s Trail into a series. I’m not entirely sure if I’ll move forward with it or head in a different direction, but it is exciting to have it as an option if I decide to pursue it.
Ultimately, it might come down to whether readers enjoy the story and want to see more. For now, my focus is shifting back to building my blog, which has been on the back burner for far too long. I’ve been putting off so many posts and ideas, and it’s time to get back to them.
While I’ll continue to use ChatGPT as part of my creative process, my goal remains the same, to create stories and blogs that inspire, entertain, and resonate with readers. It is all about sharing ideas and creating content that people genuinely enjoy.
If you’re considering writing your own novel, my advice is simple. Start with the ideas you have right now, make the most of the tools available to you, and take the leap. If you are interested in the promps I used, I might make another post just about prompting, let me know in the comments below.
Writing a book is a journey, and you never know what stories you might uncover or where the process will take you.
If you haven’t had the chance to check it out, you can grab your FREE copy by clicking here.
I’m also considering making it free on Amazon to see how readers respond.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments.
If you have any suggestions or feedback, feel free to leave them below.
I can’t wait to hear what you think!