Taking the lead from fellow author Kim Kelly, I went to ChatGPT and asked (he? she? it?) about what sets my writing apart from other writers. And also, could you please write something in the style of Stuart Lloyd.
I thought it would come back with: "Who???"
But, no. BANG! Within nanoseconds, the Chatbot came back with eight bullet points on my writing. And then, within a couple of minutes, had tonked out a sort story in the style of ... well, me.
Over to you, ChatBot ...
Stuart Lloyd's writing style is characterized by several distinctive features that set him apart from other authors. Here are some of the signature style points of his writing:
Witty and Humorous Tone:
Lloyd often infuses his narratives with a light-hearted, humorous tone. His stories are peppered with witty observations and playful banter, making them engaging and enjoyable to read.
Expatriate Experience:
Much of Lloyd's work draws from his own experiences as an expatriate, particularly in Southeast Asia. This gives his stories an authentic, insider perspective on the challenges and peculiarities of living in a foreign country.
Cultural Insights:
Lloyd's writing often provides keen insights into the cultural nuances and social dynamics of the places he describes. He has a knack for capturing the essence of local customs, traditions, and the everyday lives of people.
Vivid Descriptions:
His descriptive prowess brings settings to life, whether it's the bustling streets of Bangkok, a serene village in the Thai countryside, or the intricate details of local markets and temples. Lloyd's vivid imagery helps readers visualize and immerse themselves in the environment.
Quirky Characters:
Lloyd populates his stories with a cast of quirky, memorable characters. These individuals often have unique backgrounds and eccentric personalities, adding depth and color to his narratives.
Anecdotal Structure:
Many of Lloyd's stories are structured around anecdotes and personal experiences. This approach lends a conversational, almost journalistic feel to his writing, making it accessible and relatable.
Blend of Reality and Myth:
Lloyd seamlessly blends reality with elements of local myths, legends, and folklore. This not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the mystical and enchanting aspects of the cultures he writes about.
Exploration of Themes:
His stories often explore themes of identity, belonging, and the clash of cultures. Through his characters’ journeys and experiences, Lloyd delves into the complexities of adapting to new environments and the search for meaning in unfamiliar settings.
By incorporating these elements, Stuart Lloyd crafts stories that are not only entertaining but also deeply reflective of the human experience in diverse cultural landscapes. His ability to weave humor, cultural insight, and vivid storytelling into a cohesive narrative is what sets him apart as an author.
And here is GPTChat's stab at being me, a short story entitled 'The Unexpected Assignment':
-starts-
The sultry Bangkok air hit John Markham like a wet slap as he stepped out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Fresh off the plane from a frigid London, the heat and humidity felt like a personal affront. His shirt was already sticking to his back, and his neatly combed hair was succumbing to the tropical climate’s relentless assault. It was his first day on what he was mentally dubbing 'The Hardship Posting'—a two-year stint in Thailand as a correspondent for a British expat magazine.
His boss, a seasoned expat named Rick, had assured him that Bangkok was a city of contradictions. “It’s a place where the old and new collide in a bizarre dance,” Rick had said with a smirk. “You’ll love it, or it’ll drive you mad. Possibly both.”
Rick wasn’t wrong. The drive from the airport to his new apartment was a chaotic symphony of honking horns, colorful tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, and a bewildering array of neon signs advertising everything from noodle stalls to nightclubs. John’s new home was a small but surprisingly luxurious condo in Sukhumvit, a bustling expat hub.
His first assignment came quicker than expected. Barely a day after his arrival, Rick called him into the office, a modest setup tucked away in a narrow soi.
“Got a story for you, Markham,” Rick said, leaning back in his chair and lighting a cigarette. “There’s a place up north, a small village, where they claim to have seen a tiger. Not just any tiger, mind you, but a spirit tiger. Locals are in a tizzy. I want you to check it out.”
John stared at Rick, trying to gauge if this was some sort of initiation prank. “A spirit tiger?”
Rick chuckled, blowing a smoke ring. “Welcome to Thailand, mate. Land of a thousand tales. Get yourself up to Chiang Mai, then take a bus to Mae Chaem. There’s a guy there, Somchai, who’ll take you to the village. Should be a fun ride.”
Armed with a hastily packed bag and a notebook, John found himself on a night train to Chiang Mai. The rhythmic clatter of the train over the tracks, combined with the gentle sway of the carriage, lulled him into a fitful sleep. He dreamed of tigers with glowing eyes and ancient spirits whispering secrets in a language he couldn’t understand.
The next day, after a bumpy bus ride through winding mountain roads, John met Somchai—a wiry man with a ready smile and an old pickup truck. They drove for hours, the lush greenery of the northern hills unfolding before them. The air was cooler here, the pace of life slower. It felt like a different world from the frenetic energy of Bangkok.
The village of Ban Nong Khao was little more than a cluster of wooden houses on stilts, surrounded by dense jungle. The villagers eyed John with a mix of curiosity and suspicion as he followed Somchai to the headman’s house. Inside, the headman, an elderly man with sharp eyes and a weathered face, recounted the tale.
“It was late at night,” he began, his voice low and serious. “We heard a roar, unlike any tiger we’ve ever known. When we went to look, we saw it—large, white as moonlight, with eyes that glowed like embers. It walked through the village, but left no tracks. Some say it’s the spirit of an old tiger, come to protect us.”
John took notes, though his skepticism was hard to hide. “Has anyone else seen it?” he asked.
“A few,” the headman replied. “But not all believe. Some think it’s a trick of the mind, or a story to scare the children.”
That night, John stayed in the village, lying awake on a hard bamboo mat, listening to the jungle’s night sounds. He wanted to dismiss the story as mere superstition, but something about the villagers’ earnestness made him wonder. Was there more to this place than met the eye?
In the early hours before dawn, a roar echoed through the village, sending shivers down John’s spine. He jumped up and ran outside, joining the villagers already gathered. In the dim light, he saw it—a massive, spectral tiger, its fur shimmering like moonlight, its eyes glowing fiercely. It stood at the edge of the village, watching them with an almost regal calm. Then, as suddenly as it appeared, it vanished into the jungle.
The villagers whispered prayers of gratitude, while John stood there, stunned. He had come seeking a story and found a mystery. As the first light of day crept over the hills, he knew his time in Thailand would be more than just a hardship posting. It was the start of an adventure he could never have imagined.
He took a deep breath, feeling the humid air fill his lungs, and smiled. Maybe Rick was right—he would love this place, or it would drive him mad. Possibly both. But for now, he was ready to embrace the unknown.
-ends-
Bloody hell, that's good. I mean, it's better than my actual writing! I'm saying that because now I'm thinking I can just pump in a brief to the ChatBot and then retire hurt to the local watering hole, and check in again at the end of the day to collect its work and send it off to my publisher. Which would leave me tons of time to do other stuff I really want to pursue, such as investigating Spirit Tigers in northern Thailand. To add insult to injury, I just brief the AI artist on Canva, and it came back with an illustration to go with the story in about 15 seconds flat.
What do you think: Shall I finish off this story that Chatbot started? Or get it to write the next chapter, then the next, then the next? I cold serialise it weekly, and -- in a perverse twist -- make a living from the machines that are pirating me.
By the way if you're interested in what the REAL Stuart Lloyd actually writes, check out stuartlloyd.net/books
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