AI & the Serial Thriller: Will Robots Write Your Favorite Cliffhanger in 2025?

So, you’re thinking about writing a serialized story? Good. You’ve picked a path fraught with peril, demanding both the stamina of a marathon runner and the meticulousness of a brain surgeon. But fear not, aspiring Dickens of the digital age! Artificial Intelligence is here to help…or is it? Let’s dive in.

Serialized Stories: More Than Just Binge-Watching

TL;DR: Serials are back, baby! (But they require planning. Lots of it.)

Serialized stories aren’t new. They’re just…recycled. Think Dickens, pulp magazines, or that prestige TV show you just mainlined. The format is simple: a story told in installments, each building upon the last. The execution, however, is anything but. We’re talking:

• Ongoing narrative: Duh. But keeping that narrative coherent over weeks, months, or (God forbid) years is the challenge.
• Evolving characters and worlds: Things change. People change. Your fictional world needs to reflect that. But again, consistently.
• Cliffhangers: The lifeblood of the serial. Leave ’em wanting more…or they won’t be back for more.

Serialization requires foresight. Unlike a novel, you can’t just go back and rewrite chapter three because you had a brilliant idea in chapter twelve. What’s done is… well, published. Consistency is key. Fail, and face the wrath of the internet’s fickle attention.

The Upside & Downside: A Tightrope Walk

Serialization offers huge potential, but it’s not all sunshine and perfectly timed plot twists.

• Opportunity: Build an audience over time, fostering a community around your story. Experiment with narrative structure, character arcs that span dozens of installments, and world-building that unfolds at a leisurely pace.
• Challenge: Coherence. Did we mention coherence? Once it’s out there, it’s out there. Retcons are generally frowned upon, unless you’re Marvel, and even they get flak for it. Many writers draft significant portions, if not the entire arc, before publishing episode one. That’s not just planning; that’s commitment.

AI: Savior or Siren Song?

AI writing tools promise to streamline the process. Brainstorming, outlining, prose generation, even cliffhanger construction – the pitch is seductive. But can an algorithm truly write a compelling serial?

Here’s the potential:

• Brainstorming: Stuck for ideas? An AI can churn out premises faster than you can say “writer’s block.” Are those ideas good? That’s another question.
• Outlining: Creating episode outlines, balancing self-contained arcs with the overarching narrative… AIs can handle the basic scaffolding.
• Prose Generation: Need to churn out descriptions of that futuristic cityscape? An AI can generate text… which you’ll then spend hours editing.
• Cliffhangers: Can an AI algorithm really understand suspense? Maybe. Maybe not. But it can certainly suggest plot twists that will make you question your own sanity.

Consider a serial set in a cyberpunk dystopia ruled by a sentient AI. Each episode could explore a different facet of this society, introduce new characters struggling against the system, or delve deeper into the AI’s motivations. AI could assist with outlining each episode, generating dialogue that reflects the oppressive atmosphere, and ensuring consistency in the world-building. But it’s up to you, the writer, to weave these elements into something truly engaging.

The Contenders: NovelCrafter vs. Pseudorite

Two names keep popping up: NovelCrafter and Pseudorite. Let’s look at them.

• NovelCrafter: The detail-oriented planner’s dream. Scene summaries, character profiles, location details, even a chronology tracker. If you’re building a complex world with intricate plotlines, NovelCrafter might be your weapon of choice. Be warned: it has a steep learning curve.
• Pseudorite: Simplicity is its game. Guided writing and quick prose generation are the focus. Less about planning, more about getting words on the page. Ideal for writers who prefer a more streamlined workflow. But don’t expect the granular control of NovelCrafter.

Choosing between them is a matter of personal preference. Do you thrive on meticulous planning, or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants (with AI as your co-pilot)?

The AI-Assisted Serial: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’re ready to take the plunge? Here’s a suggested workflow:

1. Develop the Premise: Nail down the core idea and outline the overarching narrative. Don’t skimp on world-building.
2. Break It Down: Divide the story into episodes. Each episode should have its own self-contained arc and contribute to the larger story. And, of course, end with a cliffhanger.
3. Feed the Machine: Input character profiles, setting details, and key plot points into your chosen AI tool. The more information you provide, the better the output will be.
4. Generate & Refine: Use the AI to draft sections of text. Don’t expect perfection. Refine the output, edit for style, and ensure consistency with your overall vision.
5. Maintain the Matrix: Update character states, setting details, and plot threads after each episode. Consistency is king (or queen).

Rules for a Robot-Assisted Revolution

• Plan, Plan, Plan: Even with AI, meticulous planning is essential. Outline episodes strategically, create compelling cliffhangers, and ensure each installment moves the overall story forward.
• Use AI Judiciously: Don’t blindly accept everything the AI generates. Refine the output, edit for style, and ensure it aligns with your creative vision.
• Choose Wisely: Select AI tools that match your workflow and the complexity of your project.

AI tools offer exciting possibilities for serialized storytelling. But remember, they are tools, not replacements for human creativity. Used wisely, they can streamline your workflow and help you craft stories that captivate your audience. Used poorly… well, you might end up with a robotic mess that even Doctor Who couldn’t fix. So, choose wisely, write well, and may your cliffhangers always leave ’em wanting more.