Okay, so where do we even begin thinking about the future of prompting when it comes to getting AI to help us write, especially when were trying to write together? I think the key lies in something Im calling "framework-based prompting."
Right now, a lot of prompting feels like yelling instructions into the void and hoping something coherent comes back. You might say, "Write a scene where two characters argue about a stolen sandwich," and youll get something, but its often lacking in nuance, character development, or even just plain logical consistency. Its a starting point, sure, but its not genuinely collaborative.
Framework-based prompting is about building structures before you even start asking the AI to generate text. Think of it like architectural blueprints for a building. You wouldnt just tell a construction crew, "Build a house!" Youd give them detailed plans: the dimensions, the materials, the intended use of each room.
So, what would this look like in practice? Instead of a vague prompt about a sandwich argument, youd provide a framework:
- Character Profiles: Detailed backstories for each character, including their motivations, flaws, and relationships.
- Plot Points: Key events that have led to the argument. Maybe one character is habitually stealing food, or maybe theres a deeper underlying resentment at play.
- Tone & Style Guides: Are we going for comedic absurdity, or a tense, dramatic confrontation?
- Constraints: Specific things the AI cannot include. Maybe no physical violence, or no cheesy dialogue.
Then, and only then, do you prompt the AI to fill in the gaps within that framework. You might say, "Given these character profiles and plot points, write a paragraph of dialogue where Character A accuses Character B of stealing their sandwich, maintaining a sarcastic and passive-aggressive tone."
The beauty of this approach is that it allows for more meaningful collaboration. Human writers can focus on crafting the frameworks, defining the parameters, and shaping the overall narrative. The AI becomes a partner, generating text within those pre-defined boundaries, taking the initial burden of the writing process.
Looking forward, I envision these frameworks becoming increasingly sophisticated. They could incorporate visual elements like mood boards, interactive storyboards, or even dynamic dependency graphs that track character relationships and plot threads. The AI could then suggest refinements to the framework itself, identifying potential inconsistencies or suggesting new avenues for exploration.
Ultimately, framework-based prompting is about moving beyond simply asking AI to write for us, and instead, empowering it to write with us, in a structured, meaningful, and genuinely collaborative way. Its about giving the AI a solid foundation so it can truly shine.