Key Points:

• Introduction to story dossiers: What they are and why they’re essential for writing longer prose with AI.  

• The evolution of AI writing: From early models with limited context windows (2000–4000 tokens) using beat-by-beat prompting to today’s more sophisticated, large-context models.  

• Mega prompts vs. chapter briefs: Mega prompts provided entire outlines and led to issues like “bleed over” of plot details, while chapter briefs focus on just the information needed for each chapter to reduce such errors.  

• Challenges of chapter-based writing: Maintaining cohesion, consistent character voices, and a unified authorial style when treating chapters as separate silos.  

• Advantages of a story dossier: Consolidates minutely detailed elements (e.g., character sketches, dialogue styles, mandatory scenes, tropes) into one comprehensive document.  

• Technical requirements: The necessity of using models with large context windows (around 100,000 tokens or more) and the trade-off between higher AI costs and time saved on editing.  

• Model comparisons: Experiences with different AI models (e.g., Claude Haiku, sonnet, and Opus), considering quality, cost, and efficiency.  

• Flexibility in usage: How writers can either input their own ideas or let AI generate the detailed dossier to make sure the prose shines.  

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Summary Paragraph for the Video:

In this video, Stacey explains how a story dossier serves as a critical tool for any writer using AI for longer prose projects. She walks us through the evolution of AI-assisted writing—from the early days of beat-by-beat prompting with limited context windows to today’s advanced models that enable the creation of detailed and cohesive dossiers. Stacey highlights how traditional mega prompts often led to inconsistent details between chapters, while the modern method of using focused chapter briefs improves narrative cohesion. By integrating extensive details such as character sketches, dialogue styles, and key plot points, a story dossier not only organizes all essential elements but also helps maintain a consistent authorial voice throughout your story. Whether you’re using AI to flesh out your ideas or to polish your prose, Stacey shows you how leveraging the right tools and models can dramatically enhance your storytelling process. Enjoy the lesson and start crafting your own story dossier to make your writing journey smoother and more creative!