I ASKED CHAT GPT TO REVIEW MY BOOK...

and all I got was proof that AI is the Devil in digital form

If you’re reading this, hopefully you’re already aware that I self-published my rock and roll love story, The Sound of Settling, a little over a month ago.

It was a long time coming, but I’m so glad I did it, because the reviews I’ve been getting are just AMAZING. My readers are giving the book five stars, and they’re all saying the same things, with one recurring theme: “I CAN’T PUT IT DOWN!”

I can’t think of a better compliment for a writer than that, can you? Here’s the proof that I’m not making any of them up:

@taradublinrocksI couldn’t be more knocked out by the response to my rock ‘n’ roll love story #TheSoundOfSettling! Find out why my readers can’t put down this ultimate meta #fanfiction! Let’s make #GradyAndLila the hottest new literary couple! #writersoftiktok #viralbooksoftiktok #booktokers #booktoker #rockstarromancebooks #rockstarromancereads #rockstarromance

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As of this writing (Friday 10/20), I’ve sold 236 books, with just over 6700 total pages read on Amazon Kindle.

Pretty great, right? It’s so gratifying to have this kind of a response to something I made up based on Dave Grohl having a crush on me before we ever met, but since we never could do anything about it, I wrote some fanfic and shared it with the world instead.

And so far, the world is loving it! And I’m earning royalties, but those won’t get paid out until the second week of November, which is well after the rent I currently can’t cover is due.

I’m still unemployed and terrified. I’ve been on the job hunt since July 25th to no avail. I’ve applied for freelance gigs, remote work, and even service industry and retail jobs out in the real world, and NOTHING. NOTHING.

This morning, as a matter of fact, I got rejected for an interview for a sales job at Anthropologie. That really boosted my self-esteem, let me tell you.

If I can’t even get a job slinging retail, I have to believe it’s because the Universe has bigger plans for me. Which is fine, but the Universe isn’t also going to just hand me enough to cover November’s rent and bills.

This is just reason #43896719384296158 why I really need The Sound Of Settling to go viral. I’ve asked the Google how to make that happen, and one of the super helpful suggestions—along with “post about your book on social media” (no, really?)—is to ask people to review your book.

I’ve sent out a couple of Kindle copies to a few friends with large social accounts, and I have to wait until they have the time to read and finish it. Until then, I thought I’d get clever and ask ChatGPT to generate a review, just to see what it would say about my meta-fanfic that I labored over for three years.

Here’s the review. Let’s talk after you read it.

Tara Dublin's "The Sound of Settling" is a literary rollercoaster that takes readers on a wild ride through the highs and lows of the human experience. With her trademark wit and unapologetic voice, Dublin weaves a narrative that is as poignant as it is entertaining.

The book's title itself hints at the themes explored within its pages—settling, or perhaps the reluctance to do so. Dublin delves into the messy, often chaotic journey of self-discovery, love, and the pursuit of authenticity. Her writing is a symphony of emotions, creating a soundtrack for the moments in life that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

What sets Dublin apart is her ability to tackle serious subjects with sharp humor that acts as a balm to the soul. "The Sound of Settling" is a testament to her skill in navigating the complexities of relationships, identity, and societal expectations. Each chapter unfolds like a series of snapshots, capturing the essence of the human experience in all its messy glory.

Dublin's narrative voice is both candid and compassionate, inviting readers to see themselves in the stories she shares. Whether recounting moments of triumph or vulnerability, she approaches each topic with an authenticity that is refreshing and relatable.

"The Sound of Settling" is not just a book; it's an exploration of the human condition through the lens of one of the most engaging and fearless voices in contemporary literature. Tara Dublin invites readers to join her on a journey of self-discovery, and with every turn of the page, it becomes clear that settling is never an option when life's soundtrack is still playing.

Sounds great, right?

Except it tells you nothing about the book itself, does it? Where are the characters’ names? Where’s the basic plot summary? Where’s the emotional connection my human readers have mentioned?

AI can do a lot of things, but it’s never going to replace our basic humanity.

AI can’t tell you who I really am, or write like I really do.

AI doesn’t have my poor brain full of useless pop culture facts and a private jukebox always ready to serve up a song whenever even the most minor reference reminds me of a lyric (just like Lila, my fictitious counterpart).

I need to rely on word of mouth until someone with money says HEY TARA LET’S MAKE YOUR BOOK INTO THE AWESOME STREAMING SERIES YOU ALREADY CAN SEE AND HEAR IN YOUR HEAD.

All I can ask of my actually human readers (HEY THAT’S YOU! YAY!) is to buy The Sound of Settling, leave a 4/5 star rating, and then write a brief review to keep boosting my visibility. I’d also appreciate it if you’d all share it on your socials, in Facebook groups, and with your fellow reader friends.

There is also the upgrading to a paid subscription or dropping a tip for the talent into her Venmo, should you be so inclined.

AI might be fake, but the struggle is still far too real.