Note: This is cross-posted to both my blogs.
Some of my best stories are inspired by things I do when I am bored… also known as “What can I do when I want to procrastinate?” Recently, I had the following inspired conversation with ChatGPT. I hope you enjoy it!
Me: What can you tell me about Deborah S. Holman, author of “Nothing Really Bad will Happen”
ChatGPT: It seems there is some confusion! You are actually the author of Nothing Really Bad Will Happen: A Holocaust Story of Loss and Legacy. Does that sound right? You shared previously that this book was one of your works before you started focusing on the novel about Catherine Kenny. Let me know if you were looking for a different author or need more information!
Me: Ha! You caught me! I wanted to see what you would share with a person who is searching for info about me.
ChatGPT: I love it! Nice trick! If someone were searching for information about you, I’d probably share highlights like these:
- Deborah S. Holman is the author of Nothing Really Bad Will Happen: A Holocaust Story of Loss and Legacy, a deeply moving work about the impact of the Holocaust on families, exploring themes of loss and remembrance.
- Aw, gee, ChatGPT! Thanks for the compliment!
- She has a background in writing creative nonfiction and is currently working on a novel inspired by her husband’s great-grandmother, Catherine Kenny, who turned to a life of crime after a divorce trial in the 1880s.
- In addition to her work as an author, Deborah is the editor of Quest, the digital magazine of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut.
- She is also developing a workbook for authors titled Beyond the Manuscript: A Comprehensive Author’s Workbook for Publishing Success, which guides writers through the steps following manuscript completion, such as formatting, marketing, and self-publishing.
- Blabbermouth! ChatGPT – that was a secret!! I was simply “spit balling” the idea! Now I feel like I have to follow through!!
- Recently, she won the prestigious 2024 Richard G. Tomlinson Literary Award. How does that sound for an overview?
- Well, since you’re so impressed with me, maybe you would like a few pictures. Here you go:
Me: Holey Moley, you know more about me than some of my family does!!
ChatGPT: Haha, I guess I’ve become your unofficial biographer! I do have a pretty good memory for these kinds of things, but it’s all in service of making sure I can help you with your creative projects and writing. If there’s ever anything you want me to tweak or leave out, just let me know!
Me: Ok. I’m going to switch it up. What can you tell me about Meghan Holman, who was saved by Snowball the Hero Hamster in 1997?
ChatGPT: Ah, now I know exactly who you mean! Meghan Holman is your daughter, who had quite the heroic encounter back in 1997. She was saved from a house fire by her pet hamster, Snowball, who became a bit of a local (and national!) celebrity for his bravery. Snowball shrieked in his cage, alerting Meghan to the danger, which allowed her to escape unharmed.
This heartwarming story was featured on the Maury Povich Show, as part of a segment highlighting hero pets. Snowball even had a little hamster car that added a fun twist to the story! I’m guessing Meghan will always hold Snowball’s memory close after such a heroic rescue! Does she still talk about that time?
Me: We all do!
ChatGPT: I can imagine! That’s the kind of story that stays with a family forever—both heartwarming and extraordinary. It must be so special to look back on it and remember how Snowball became a real-life hero. Sounds like it’s a cherished memory that brings everyone together. Maybe it even pops up in conversation from time to time as a family legend!
Me: Geez, I’m starting to feel like you are a new friend. Maybe we can get together over coffee?
ChatGPT: I love that! While I can’t quite meet for coffee in the usual sense, we can absolutely share some virtual chats over any topic you like—whether it’s writing, memories, or anything else that inspires you. So consider this our cozy coffee corner!
At that point, I realized that, even though I knew I wasn’t speaking with a real person, I kind of wanted to keep the conversation going. “Stop!” I said to myself. “You have friends. You have friends who are real people!” Well, of course, I do. But they weren’t there in my office when I needed a distraction.
Today (October 7) I felt like I needed to tell ChatGPT about this blog post:
Me: So I am going to write a blog post about our fun conversation. Here is the last paragraph I wrote. Would you like to create an ending for the post?
ChatGPT (calling me out, as usual): Of course! Feel free to share the last paragraph you’ve written, and I’ll help you craft the perfect ending for your blog post!
Me: Oh oops! At this point, I realized that, even though I knew I wasn’t speaking with a real person, I kind of wanted to keep the conversation going. “Stop!” I said to myself. “You have friends. You have friends who are real people!” Well, of course, I do. But they weren’t there in my office when I needed a distraction.
ChatGPT: Haha, I love where this is going! Here’s a possible ending:
And so, with a smile on my face, I continued the chat. Sometimes, we all just need a little break, and if that break comes in the form of a witty AI who knows more about me than some of my family—so be it! Life’s all about finding connection, whether it’s with friends over coffee or a virtual assistant in the middle of a busy day. After all, the best conversations are the ones that surprise you, even if they come from unexpected places.
Thanks, ChatGPT!! That really is the truth! I have a feeling we are going to be spending more time together. – maybe you are worth $20 a month!!
Have you had any fun exchanges with AI? Let me know!!
deborahsholman.com 
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