The year 2024 was brimming with hype around new and improved tools in the field of generative AI. Tools for creating code, text, images, and even videos emerged almost daily. This feels like a good moment to reflect on how I’m incorporating these tools into my life.
I believe the products that truly integrate into our lives are not always the most advanced, but the ones that make the biggest difference.
Good Night with the Tabby Sisters
My daughter loves cats and stories. Telling her a bedtime story every evening has been a cherished ritual for years. Sometimes, we would make up a story—which often risked repetition—or read a chapter from a book. For the past year and a half, I’ve been using ChatGPT to craft stories about the Tabby Sisters: Urntree, Burntree, Curntree, and Lurntree.
I began with detailed character descriptions of the three cats, their friends, family, and the magical world they inhabit. I asked the AI to structure the stories with a setup, mission, problem, solution, and conclusion.
After sticking to the same conversation thread for a while, the model developed a robust understanding of the characters and their world. When I ask ChatGPT for a description of the Tabby Sisters and their world, it provides consistent responses:
(Generated by ChatGPT)
The Tabby Sisters and Their World
The Tabby Sisters—Urntree, Burntree, Curntree, and Lurntree—are a charming group of sibling cats living in the whimsical village of Halabinio, a place brimming with magic, adventure, and warm-hearted community spirit. Each sister has a unique personality that enhances their bond:
Urntree, the eldest, is thoughtful and curious, always ready to lead with clever ideas.
Burntree, the playful middle sister, adds energy and humor, finding joy in the simplest things.
Curntree, gentle and kind, has a deep love for nature and animals, inspiring the group with her caring spirit.
Lurntree, the youngest, is creative and imaginative, bringing artistry and wonder to their adventures.
Halabinio is a magical village featuring rolling hills, enchanted forests, sparkling streams, and vibrant gardens. The village is also home to quirky neighbors like the Ganarps (sparkly alien cats) and the mischievous but friendly Tomato Creatures.
Halabinio celebrates creativity, kindness, and curiosity, making it the perfect backdrop for the sisters’ adventures.From hosting scavenger hunts to helping magical visitors, the Tabby Sisters prove that with love and imagination, every day can be extraordinary.
My daughter often points out small inconsistencies, such as noting that the Ganarps don’t live in the village but visit regularly. Generating these stories has become an essential part of our nightly routine, allowing me to weave in timely topics—like current holidays—and educational elements. The quality of the stories largely depends on the details I include in my prompts. The more specific I am, the better the results.
Writing Partner
Generative AI tools often face criticism when it comes to writing. However, there’s a big difference between asking an AI to write something outright and engaging in a dialogue with it during the writing process. When I write, I start by explaining what I want to achieve and brainstorming structure and ideas. This sometimes results in insights that make my writing more engaging than I initially envisioned.
After drafting, I ask ChatGPT for feedback. Requesting “clarity for a specific audience” often provides actionable suggestions, like avoiding abbreviations or explaining basic concepts.
Asking for accuracy is less effective, as the models tend to agree too readily. However, seeking ideas to make the piece more comprehensive often yields great inspiration. Since English isn’t my first language, I also rely on AI to refine my texts while preserving their meaning, content, and voice. You just need to explicitly tell the model not to change these aspects.
Technical Work: Code, Troubleshooting, and Product Instructions
Another area where AI shines in my life is technical work. When I’m stuck at work, I use AI to write code, create simple tools, or troubleshoot issues. For example, I’ve used ChatGPT to create Airtable automations, Google Scripts, and even a simple game called “Dandelion vs. Wind”.
While specialized tools for coding exist, ChatGPT is incredibly helpful for quick solutions and brainstorming. It also excels in providing configuration instructions or troubleshooting steps. In about half the cases, it delivers better results than a typical web search.
Conclusion
While writing this, I realized that image generation isn’t a significant part of my AI use. Apart from the occasional image for a blog or LinkedIn post, I mostly rely on language models. I’m curious to see if this changes over the next year and how my use of AI evolves.
How do you use generative AI? I’d love to hear about your experiences and exchange ideas!
