Hi, Insiders! Considering writing your first novel or a children’s book? Microsoft Copilot can help you get started or get unstuck during the story development phase of the project, or help you pick the perfect title for your masterpiece.
If you need help with the characters
Let’s say you have an idea for a story and main character, but are struggling to decide on its name, background, or personality. Share what you’re thinking of with Copilot and ask for some suggestions!
Sample prompt
I’m writing a children’s book about a pencil living among pens and learning how to fit in while also embracing its uniqueness. Can you come up with 2-3 relatable name ideas for the main character pencil? Also, generate 2-3 punny ideas for the name of the pen town.
Copilot’s response
If you need help with the plot
Maybe your character is clear, but you’re not sure how to drive the plot forward. Or, maybe you’re staring at a blank page and need some help simply “putting pen to paper.” Copilot can take even the roughest idea and give you some helpful suggestions for turning it into something that will spur you on.
Sample prompt
I want to create a story for adults about marriage in your late 60s. I want it to feel realistic and give useful advice. The story is about fictional characters Gillian and Robert, who met on a dating app after their children told them to get back out there. Gillian’s husband passed away a few months prior, and Robert is divorced from his high school sweetheart. Can you suggest 1-3 plot points the book could cover that relate to their situation and what someone in their 60s might encounter on a dating app or in the dating scene?
Copilot’s response
If you need help with a copy issue
So your characters and plot are clear – fantastic! Copilot can still be of assistance when you’re struggling to put into words a quote, scene, phrase, or paragraph. Give it your rough draft and see how it tweaks and refines it.
Sample prompt
I’m writing a scene for a short personal essay about when I visited the Grand Canyon for the first time. I wasn’t just struck by its beauty, but it made me almost terrified of how insignificant we can be in the grand scheme of life. I mentioned this to my father, whom I was traveling with, and he reminded me of how we all make small impacts on the world every second of every day. Can you write a short dialog to showcase this conversation?
Copilot’s response
Tips and tricks
As you draft your own prompts throughout your book ideation and writing process, keep these tips in mind to make Copilot’s responses as effective as possible:
- Be specific: Instead of asking, “Give me some nonfiction book ideas,” you could ask, “What are 3-5 book ideas for a story for teenagers about entering high school?”
- Provide context: Copilot can tailor its responses to the type of writing or style you want to emulate: “Give me 2-3 plot points for a novel about skiing that’s both serious about the sport and lighthearted in tone.”
- Ask clear questions: Instead of a broad question like, “What should I write about?” try, “What are some long-form essays I could write as a 23-year-old single man living in Europe?”
- Break down complex requests: If you have a multi-part question, break it into smaller parts: “First, can you provide a title and outline for a cookbook about cooking with children? Then, suggest 3-5 recipes I should include.”
- Specify desired format: If you need a list, summary, or detailed explanation, mention that: “Can you provide a list of 5 books or articles I should read if I want to write my own book of poems?”
- Indicate your preferences: Let Copilot know if you have a preference for the type of information or tone. “Can you write a dialog between a worm and an apple that’s funny and uses Gen Z lingo?”
- Provide examples: If you’re looking for creative ideas, give an example of what you like. “I need a story idea inspired by ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon.’”
- Ask follow-up questions: If Copilot’s initial response isn’t quite what you need, ask a follow-up question to narrow down the information: “Can you give more details on the side character Bill who lives in a teapot?”
- Be patient and iterative: Sometimes it takes a few tries to get the perfect response. Feel free to refine your prompt based on the initial answers you receive.
We can’t wait to read what you come up with!
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