Chapter 08 Companion
AI for
Creative Projects.
Chapter 8 follows Nadia Okafor, a former English teacher turned aspiring novelist, as she discovers that AI is the ultimate creative collaborator. From writing and image generation to music and video, explore how AI expands what's possible when you bring your own vision.
Nadia Okafor, former English teacher turned aspiring novelist
Key Takeaways
AI as Creative Partner
AI isn't replacing human creativity, it's amplifying it. You bring vision, taste, and judgment. AI generates options.
Five Creative Domains
Writing, image generation, music/audio, video, and design, each has specific tools and techniques to master.
Specificity Drives Quality
Vague requests get generic results. Include mood, style, and constraints for better outputs.
Writing Prompts
Plot Brainstorming
WritingMy protagonist is [describe situation]. Here are three constraints: [list them]. What are eight possible decisions she could make, and what would happen as a result? Think about options that are surprising, not obvious.
Scene Editing & Emotional Analysis
WritingI'm going to paste a scene. Tell me: What's the emotional core of this moment? Where is the conflict? What could be stronger? What's missing that would make the reader feel something?
Dialogue Coaching
WritingMy character is trying to [goal], and the other character is trying to [goal]. What's a conversation where both say what they actually feel, not what they think they should say? Make it feel natural, not theatrical.
Location Description Research
WritingDescribe [specific location] in [specific time/season]. Focus on sensory details: what you'd see, hear, smell, and feel. Make it vivid enough that I can weave these details into fiction.
Finding Verbal Tics
WritingRead this chapter and tell me which words or phrases I use too often. Flag any patterns in sentence structure that feel repetitive.
Family History & Memoir Structure
WritingHere are some notes and letters from my family history: [paste content]. Help me organize these into a timeline and suggest a narrative structure. What's the through-line of this story?
Wedding Toast / Speech
WritingI'm writing a [type of speech] for [person]. They are [describe]. I want it [funny/emotional/both]. About [length]. Help me brainstorm key stories and suggest structure.
Image Generation Prompts
Custom Bookmark & Wall Art
ImageCreate an image for a bookmark. It should show [subject]. [Style] style. [Lighting description]. [Mood/feeling]. [Color palette].
Book Cover Concept
ImageCreate a book cover design. [Genre]. [Visual concept]. [Color palette]. [Mood]. The back of a [character description, if applicable]. Title would go at the top in [font style].
Greeting Card Design
ImageCreate a [occasion] card image. [Style]. [Subject/scene]. [Color palette]. [Mood]. Include space for text.
Blog & Social Media Illustration
ImageCreate an illustration for a blog post about [topic]. [Style]. [Key visual elements]. [Mood]. [Color palette]. Simple composition with clean background.
Music, Audio & Video Prompts
Background Music (Suno)
MusicA [mood] instrumental [genre] track. [Specific instruments]. [Tempo]. Good for [intended use]. No vocals.
Personalized Song (Suno)
MusicA [genre] song about [subject/person]. [Mood]. [Specific details, hobbies, inside jokes, personality]. [Vocal style].
Podcast Intro Jingle (Suno)
MusicA short (15-20 second) [genre] intro jingle. Energetic but not overwhelming. [Instruments]. Builds to a natural stopping point. Good for a podcast about [topic].
Event Flyer (Canva)
DesignDesign a flyer for [event]. [Tone]. [Color scheme]. Include: [date, time, location, key details].
Book Trailer / Mood Piece (Runway)
Video[Setting description]. [Time of day]. [Weather/atmosphere]. [Character action]. [Cinematography style]. [Overall mood].
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Last verified: September 1, 2026