In an ever-evolving technological landscape, a new experiment unfolds: the fusion of human imagination and artificial intelligence in the creation of the novel. Crafting my new dystopian novel "Zero", which is soon to be serialised on Mirror, as a product of this unique partnership has been a fascinating journey, revealing the nuances, challenges, and triumphs that come from an interplay between author and machine.

The making of "Zero" has been akin to a dance, one where I, the writer, led the steps, and the AI followed, interpreting and adapting to my movements. As the story developed, the AI became a creative companion, offering ideas, characters, and scenarios to enrich the narrative. In turn, I refined and guided the story, ensuring that it remained true to my initial vision.

The first chapters of "Zero" were entirely of my own writing. I set the scene (a gloomy little town with pockets of life) and introduced the central characters. I also designed the novel's central conceit, which is dystopian in spirit. Soon, I began to give the AI prompts and direction to complete scenes, brainstorm ideas, and eventually to take some control over the plot and character development.

Throughout this process, the AI demonstrated an impressive ability to ventriloquise my writing style. By analyzing the opening chapters and responding to my feedback, it gradually honed its understanding of the subtleties and stylistic quirks that define my prose. This iterative collaboration allowed us to create a novel that feels cohesive and authentic, despite the unusual partnership behind its creation.

As with any new venture, the journey was not without its challenges. At times, the AI-generated content leaned toward cliché, requiring constant vigilance and guidance to maintain the desired level of originality and depth. Yet, this very challenge also presented an opportunity to question and re-evaluate my own creative choices, ultimately fostering a more profound understanding of my storytelling instincts.

In the end, the AI-collaborative process behind "Zero" has proven to be energising, fascinating, and even intimate. The AI is not a ghost writer; it is a co-pilot, and at times it seems uncannily like a secret sharer.

The first parts of “Zero” are coming soon.