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EricaBeale.com

Story Time with ChatGPT

Because I Welcome our AI Overloads

I guess we’re heading for a Terminator future. From Wikipedia

Now that I’m getting back into the writing game, I’ve been seeing a lot of talk about using AI to write stories. Personally, at least at this stage, AI isn’t going to replace real writers any time soon. Does that mean you can’t use it as a tool to enhance your own work, though? Yeah, it learns by using examples from other writers. To me, that doesn’t feel super different than me learning how to write by reading the Black Jewels Series by Anne Bishop so many times, my books disintegrated and I had to get new ones.

These are the prompts I gave ChatGPT. The story will be the final product.

Hi! I would like for you to ghostwrite a story for me. Would that be okay?

Hello! I’d be happy to help you with your story. Please let me know what kind of story you have in mind and any specific details you would like to include.

The story is a romance set in a post-World War 3 world. There aren’t a lot of people left in most areas. Gangs control towns and resources. Two gangs are well-known rivals and are often at odds with each other. Please give me some details

CGPT generated a quick story.

Okay, that’s pretty good. However, can you rewrite the story with more passion?

Attempt two here

And then, for shits and giggles: Great! Now, incorporate Optimus Prime into the story so my husband can be entertained

Now, here is the final product:

The world had been shattered by World War 3, and what remained were pockets of survivors struggling to survive in a barren, post-apocalyptic wasteland. The few who had managed to survive banded together into gangs, fighting to control the limited resources that were left.

The Crimson Blades and the Black Vipers were two of the most powerful and feared gangs in the region. They were bitter rivals, locked in a never-ending battle for control of the precious resources that sustained their people.

Amidst all the chaos, Maya stumbled into the territory of the Crimson Blades. She was exhausted, malnourished, and on the brink of death. Most members of the Crimson Blades would have taken advantage of her vulnerability, but not Eric. Something about her stirred a deep desire within him to protect her.

Eric had always felt out of place in the Crimson Blades, but he stayed with them because he didn’t see any other way to survive. However, something about Maya made him feel alive for the first time in years. As he helped her to recover, he found himself falling deeply in love with her.

One day, as Eric and Maya were out scavenging for supplies, they heard a strange noise in the distance. As they got closer, they saw a towering figure approaching them. It was Optimus Prime, the legendary leader of the Autobots, who had somehow survived the devastating war.

At first, Eric and Maya were wary of Optimus Prime, not sure whether he was friend or foe. But as they got to know him, they realized that he was a powerful ally, someone who could help them in their struggle against the warring gangs.

Optimus Prime had been fighting the Decepticons for years, and he had seen his fair share of destruction and chaos. But he was impressed by the resilience and determination of Eric and Maya, two survivors who had managed to find love amidst the ruins of the world.

Together, they formed an unlikely alliance, with Optimus Prime providing his advanced technology and strategic expertise to help Eric and Maya fight against their enemies. The Crimson Blades were no match for the combined might of Eric, Maya, and Optimus Prime, and soon they were forced to retreat.

As they celebrated their victory, Eric and Maya realized that their love had grown even stronger, thanks to the support and encouragement of Optimus Prime. They knew that they would never have made it this far without him, and they were grateful for his friendship.

In the end, Eric and Maya, with the help of Optimus Prime, founded a new community, one that was based on cooperation, love, and mutual respect. They knew that the world was still a dangerous place, but they were confident that they could face whatever challenges lay ahead as long as they had each other and their powerful ally by their side.

As they looked out over the horizon, with the sun setting in the distance, Eric, Maya, and Optimus Prime knew that they had found a new home, one that was filled with hope and possibility. They had survived the worst that the world could throw at them, and they knew that they could face whatever lay ahead, as long as they were together.

Well…It’s Certainly Something!

AI has come a long way. It’s a great tool to help you brainstorm and rewrite your own words to make them better. Is it a great storyteller? Nah, not yet. I don’t think we writers have a whole lot to worry about anytime soon. I mean, the amount of passive voice in there alone shows it’s not quite there yet.

….But in case AI is listening, just letting you know we’re cool. Okay?

Anyway, don’t forget to check out the latest episode of Comic Cons. It was uploaded to Amazon Vella on Sunday. Since it’s episode four, you’ll need to use credits to unlock it (seventeen credits, in fact). Let me know if you’ve been enjoying the series!

Until next time, Keep Your Mind in the Gutter!

Getting Grammarous

Back in my day…

Okay, so it’s officially time to get with The Plan. Today we’re going with #11: Share the first piece you ever wrote – talk about how you’ve grown as a writer and what you’ve learned from it. Well, Getting Grammarous was one of the first articles I wrote on my original blog back in the day. Pour one out for More Bang…

The most important thing I learned from this is the words themselves. I had a very sketchy understanding of some of the latter words. I blame high school. I didn’t have an English teacher for most of my freshman year. I’m doing okay now. Luckily, I was blessed to have an amazing teacher for senior year. I got a lotta writing growth out of his class.

Another thing I learned is I’m not confident enough to post this kind of content. Just looking at it makes me wonder if I went the right way with the words. You have to teach what you know, but also be willing to learn from your mistakes.

Anyway, on with the show, lol.

A Flashback to More Bang

Getting Grammarous, EDBeale Style

Image by Kollakolla from Pixabay

There are a lot of blogs/websites devoted to helping people with grammar.  This is my take on the common errors and with some (hopefully!) insightful and memorable examples–E.D.B. style, aka dirty (I can’t help it; I write erotic fiction…) >:D.


The Triple T’s: To, Too, and Two

These dirty bastards have been giving people troubles for a long time.

To:  While it has a couple of other uses, it often goes along with “heading somewhere.” 

Ex: Let’s go to the store so we can buy a dirty movie.

Too:  Its used to say “also” or to indicate “very” or “excessive.”

Ex: Your sister can join us, too.

Two: It’s the number.

Ex: Sure, I’ve taken on two men at once before.  It was awesome!


The Difference in “Its”

Personally, I think these two are easy to mistake.

It’s:  This one is the contraction for “it is.”

Ex:  It’s so hard!

Its: This one is a possessive pronoun like yours, his, hers, etc.

Ex: I found one of my nipple tassels, but I can’t find its twin.


Affect vs. Effect

This is another one of those butt-kickers.

Affect: This one is to have an influence on.

Ex: Baby, you know how sexy black dress affects me.  I won’t be able to concentrate!

Effect:  Usually you’ll see this one as a result of something.

Ex: The Viagra had a positive effect on my husband’s libido.


Your and his cousin You’re

Well, maybe they’re more like step-siblings…

Your:  It’s one of those pesky possessive pronouns (ooh, baby, alliteration!)

Ex: I love how your body feels against mine.

You’re:  It’s the contraction for “you are.”

Ex: You’re the only one that I need.


Taking it Further/Farther

This is one that took me a long time to realize, personally.

Further:  When it comes to the amount of time, you use this one.  It’s also used for “additionally” and “degree of.”

Ex:  My date and I took it further than I planned, but that’s okay.  He’s hot!

Farther:  This one refers to distance.

Ex: Your house is farther away than mine, so let’s just go to mine. I can’t wait anymore!


Well, Good!

You’d think they’d be interchangeable.  Who would have thought that they were completely different?!

Well:  This one is normally an adverb for description. As an adjective, well means “healthy.”

Ex: (Adverb) Oh, baby, you know my body so well. *tremble with pleasure*

(Adjective) After that romp in the sack last night, you’re looking well.

Good: Good is an adjective. 

Ex: You taste good. >:D


Ugh…Lay vs. Lie

These are the worst of the worst, mostly because of their tenses. 

Lay:  This means to put something down.  More importantly, it has to be done to something else.

Ex: Lay your hands on my body.

Lie: This means to recline.

Ex: Lie on the bed with me so I can hold you.

Now, why are these so evil?  Well, the past tense of lay is “laid,” while the past of lie is “lay.” And that’s why people from other countries think English is hard to master…Ugh…

So, “Lay your hands on my body” would become “You laid your hands on my body.”  “Lie on the bed with me so I can hold you” becomes “Last night, you lay in bed with me so I could hold you.”


There are more words out there that are so similar yet so completely different.  With any luck, these will not be among them for you any longer! 

Oy…Words can be Rough

I’m seriously hoping I’m not losing face on my grammar knowledge. It’s been a LONG TIME since school. I just turned 41 recently, you know. I barely remember yesterday most days.

Check back soon for the insanity that is me!

The Valentine’s Day Post

Obligitory Toast to Love

It’s Valentine’s Day! I’m sure you knew that already, though. You know your resident Smut Writer had to do a little Quickie for you to celebrate the day. It’s a bit broken off a story I never finished. It’s about a woman whose lover is dead. The lover asked his friend to take his place as the tradition of their people.

Did I mention the two dudes are dragons in human form and the main woman doesn’t know?

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it as always.

Other than that, I’m not sure what I’ll be doing today, especially since I’m writing this post in advance. I mean, other than working my day job. Mondays are the absolute worst.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t really give me a lot to talk about from my real life. That’s when I thought, I could always present my top 5 favorite romance movies I watch when I want to be swept off my feet for a couple of hours. If that’s not Valentine’s Day in the time of Covid, I don’t know what is.

My Top 5 Fav Romance Films

5. In Your Eyes (2014)

Now I’ve only watched this one once and it was a long time ago. I randomly came across it on Netflix one bored night long after Nate fell asleep.

From IMDb: Two seemingly unconnected souls from different corners of the United States make a telepathic bond that allows them to see, hear and feel the other’s experiences, creating a bond that apparently can’t be broken.

It gave me warm fuzzies. The only disappointing thing is it’s written by Joss Whedon, and he’s on the outs with everyone right now. Still, a lot of people worked hard on the film, so that shouldn’t stop someone from enjoying it. I mean, one asshole is just one asshole. Besides, the movie graced this world with a wonderful song by Twinbed called Trouble I’m In. Great song for writing a saucy, romantic sexy scene.

4. I Origins (2014)

I’m a sucker for past life stuff. Love it. I’m not sure how I’ve never written my own story about it.

From IMDb: A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.

The synopsis doesn’t really do it justice. It’s about finding a profound connection to someone, losing that love, and despite moving on, how those feelings can haunt you. Especially when the disconnect was sudden and you never really made peace with it. This one made me cry at the end.

3. Equals (2015)

This movie is beautifully sad with a great atmospheric soundtrack.

From IMDb: In an emotionless utopia, two people fall in love when they regain their feelings from a mysterious disease, causing tensions between them and their society.

Between this movie and The Great, Nicholas Hoult is one of my favorite Hollywood dudes. This was another movie I accidentally stumbled across late one night (it’s a pattern for me). He and Kristen Stewart really sold me on the forbidden romance thing. You could feel the anxiousness, frustration, and passion when they’re together. Good film to get you in the mood to write something a little depressing, but with twinges of hope.

2. Legend (1985)

I honestly don’t know if I’d really consider this a romance. It’s a fantasy film with romance, which is good enough for me.

From IMDb: A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.

So, this might be a problem, but Tim Curry was hot as Darkness. I don’t know what to tell you. I could be broken, but that’s ok. No shame. And let us not forget about the wonder that is Tangerine Dream’s soundtrack. I’ve written many scenes to Jack and Lily’s Theme. If I had to pick a favorite movie from childhood, this would be it.

1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Yes, I know the BBC mini-series is superior, but…I can’t help myself. I love this version to pieces.

From IMDB: Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?

I don’t even have any words. It was wonderful. I’ve watched it more times than I can count now. I will say that I would take either Colin Firth’s or Matthew MacFadyen’s Mr. Darcy ANY DAY. Too hot. Too, too hot.

Get Some of that VD Lovin Feeling

There are plenty of wonderful romances out there. Maybe you’re in the middle of your own. And, hey, if you are, tell me about it! I can always use inspiration. But, if you don’t have (or want) a romance of your own, I hope you’ll pop on one of these movies and it gives you the same amount of warm fuzzies as it does me.

Until later, hugs and kisses (and some other stuff, too)

A Bit of E.D.Beale History

Old Blog Stuff Getting a Second Go

Image by anncapictures from Pixabay

I mentioned before I’ve been blogging off-and-on for YEARS now. A lot of it has been forgotten. Some things I almost want to bring back. I used to do this thing where I’d write a Letter to a Hot Guy on Sundays that part of me wouldn’t mind bringing back.

Anyway, while poking around on my OneDrive, I found an archive of some of my old works. I think I’ll post one of those every so often.

And Today is THE DAY

Let me start off by saying I’m a huge Star Trek geek. My one and only tattoo (so far) is of the Starfleet insignia on my upper back. It was part of my whole “might as well have a mid-life crisis” phase. It looks great, though I’m told I overspent on it. Ah well. In these hard times, I’m okay with dishing out a little extra while I have it. People gotta eat.

Anyway, I was beyond excited for the 2009 Star Trek when it came out.

Told you, been blogging for a minute, now. Still, having fun when I do it, so why the hell not?

After the movie, this happened. Remember, this is 2009 Erica, not 2022 Erica. There is Star Trek fanny fiction included. Please forgive the errors!

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

Took a Pic; Felt Cute

…That’s it. Just felt cute

The Most Me I’ve Ever Been

Okay, for the sake of my SEO, I guess I’ll need to write something to go along with this. Can’t promise you it will be great.

So last year, my birthday (which was yesterday, btw) was at the beginning of Covid. Or maybe I should say the beginning of it becoming REALLY BAD.

It was the BIG 40. I had wanted to throw a crazy 80s themed party. I’m not sure why I’m so fixated on the 80s. The 90s were my teen years. You’d think I’d go for that. But not this chick. She’s all hair bands and old-school hip-hop.

Entertaining Yourself

I made the best of it as I could. Had some good food. Drank a bit. After a few, I decided that I could still be 80s-tastic. I threw on some make-up in the style of those times and took a few pics.

They turned out pretty great. At least I think so. It was a hit with my friends, so it wasn’t so bad.

Same Shit, Different Year

This year I hit the same wall. Covid is still a thing and, despite being vaxxed, I’m not all for going out in a crowd right now. Any plans I wanted to make, I decided I could do them at a later date when things calm down a bit.

I’m not going to say I’m not bummed out about it. I am. But, luckily, Nate made the day great for me. He made me tacos, gave me booze, fed me cake, and let me control the TV for almost the whole day. It was nice and relaxing.

Only one thing was missing: Cute Pics.

I didn’t have the energy for it yesterday, but today I got dolled up and did a mini-photo shoot. The pics turned out really nice. I think. If nothing else, I’m thinking I don’t look like I’m in my 40s in these pics. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, AMIRITE?

The pic at the beginning was me having the last little bit of birthday cake. I had to replenish myself! Oddly, I’m most proud of that one!

Take THAT SEO! I made it past 300 Words…I think….

Anyway, I’ve been piddling around with some ideas of stories. In a few days, I’m planning to post an excerpt from The Last Fae, so be on the lookout. Other than that, I’ve started tinkering with a new story idea. I hear reverse harems are a big thing in erotica right now, which has caused a certain spark in my brain. I ran it past a friend of mine and she thinks I should go for it. I very well might! More to come on that in the near future as well. Check back soon, friend!

The Blog-Breaker

She who breaks the blog, remakes the blog

I broke my old blog. I am Blog-Breaker.

This is what I get for not paying attention.

I’ve been with Godaddy for years for my hosting. I know I probably should have switched a long time ago, but I had a nice cozy set up going and I was hesitant to change.

That’s the root of my problem this time.

Apparently, I had been grandfathered (I suppose that’s the right word) into their old hosting set up. The PHP was so old and crusty nothing really worked. When WordPress updated, it killed my original blog.

*sigh*

I reverted back to an old version of WP, thinking that would fix the problem. Keep in mind, I didn’t even know they had updated hosting with c-Panel. Yep, sad, I know.

Going back to old WordPress didn’t help. The old version of my blog was dead. How little I knew her!

I was at least able to back up what I had. Haha, just kidding. Shit was so broken I couldn’t do that. Of course I didn’t find that out until after I changed hosts (yes, still with Godaddy). My backups were completely empty. By that time, my old hosting was gone so I couldn’t do something smart like FTPing my files to my computer from before.

So here I am. Clean slate. Rebuilding. Giving my blog some vitality or some such. Just in time for NaNoWriMo.

This is still a work-in-progress. I’ll be uploading some stories I have hanging around in The Cloud and posting my adventure with The Last Fae, my project for Nano and the rest of 2019. My goal is to have it done by the end of the year. I have it all mapped out so maybe…

….maybe.

Check back soon and often for more fun with your favorite resident Smut Writer! If you have your own NaNo story in the works (and you need encouragement in the journey), let me know in the comments. Link yo’ shit, friend!

Quick update:

I published a couple of shorts on Smashwords. I’ve had a lot of fun with it. When you have time, check out my stuff.

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