Thursday, September 29, 2022

My Tests of Different Apps for Creating Images from Text

 

AI-generated images are controversial at present. Several programs/apps are available for creating AI images from text prompts. I decided run experiments with some options that are free for initial images and do not require setting up a new account. I ran simple tests on several free on-line programs for generating image from text. Since I am still learning how to make good text prompts, the results may improve for experienced users.

Caveat: this field is moving fast and my results might not be applicable in a few months. 

Here are the results with prompts.

Craiyon.com is the current version of Dall-E mini. The test prompt ‘Elf with sword in trees’ gave this result. 

My verdict: rough and weird.

 

Dream by Wombo. Test prompt gave a weird image, but you need to create an account to download the image. 

 

Starry AI.com. My prompt ‘alien jungle’ gave this image. 

But my attempts to improve the image gave weirder results.

Verdict: has potential.

 

NightCafe.com. My prompt ‘Elf in forest’ produced this image. 


 Another prompt of ‘alien jungle with purple leaves yellow flowers and blue monkey with six legs gave this interesting image. 


Again, evolving the image tended to give mixed results and was often not an improvement over the first one.

Verdict: promising, has various algorithms, and can be used for free with their credit system. I decided to create more images and obtained several acceptable ones for characters or alien landscapes. The header image is a volcanic landscape. 

 

Other Sites

Pixray: Charges for use.

MidJourney: First 25 images are free, then subscriptions are $10 or $30 per month. It requires access through Discord, which would mean opening a new account.

I'm sure there are other programs available. These ones came up on my searches. 


Friday, September 23, 2022

SEPTEMBER REPORT ON MY WRITING AND PUBLISHING PROGRESS

 


We are moving into the third quarter of 2022, which gives me an opportunity to update my progress as an author.

In June, I reported publishing two stories, a novella and a short novel. See https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/06/mid-year-report-on-my-writing-and.html

Since that time, I’ve been working on the sixth book in Taxyon Space, preparing other formats for my stories, and pursuing new social media venues.


NEW DIRECT BOOKSTORE

All my stories are available at a discount from my virtual store https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels.

 

PRINT BOOKS

I have been preparing paperback versions of my books. All my novels and novellas are now available in paperback.

 

AUDIOBOOKS

Audiobooks are popular, however, they are expensive to produce and authors can expect a low return on their investment. Due to the recent improvements in AI-narration, I decided to test the option in GoogleBooks to create AI-narrated audiobooks. I chose the British female voice of Anya since I retain a British accent and many of my stories are written from the perspective of a female protagonist.

My short stories, the three books in Secret Supers, the three stories in Second Chances in Space, and my epic fantasy Bridget Bramble and the Wandering Elf are now available as audiobooks.

You can listen to chapters of the audiobooks at my YouTube channel: AuroraSpringer

 

EXPANSION INTO DIFFERENT SOCIAL MEDIA

I am now posting images and videos on YouTube,  Instagram  and TikTok.

 

NEW SERIES AND TWO BOOKS PUBLISHED

Earlier this year, I created a new series of standalone stories. The stories in Second Chances in Space feature different combinations of interstellar spies, space pirates, and a widow or widower finding romance. The background conflict is the fight against Emperor Hadros, the aggressive ruler of a major galactic sector. 


Captured by the Hawk

Rollicking space opera starring a feisty Irish spy and a notorious masked pirate with a tragic past. 


Lured by the Lion

Sci-Fi adventure and romance: a widow with a spaceship meets a moody widower and space pirates.


Stung by the Cobra

Sci-Fi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.

 

Saturday, September 3, 2022

Book Promotions for September #SciFi and #Fantasy

 

Sep 1-30: Familiars & Magical Pets September Book Fair - https://books.bookfunnel.com/fantasywithanimalsidekicks/phbvcojjdz

 



Sep 1-30: Sci-Fi Explosion - https://books.bookfunnel.com/sci-fi-explosion/ksbpcwyzca

 



Sep 1-30: Free and 99c PNR, PWF and Fantasy Romance – https://books.bookfunnel.com/powerfulpwf/ev3ckcjap7

 



Sept 1-30: Fae Romance September Book Fair - https://books.bookfunnel.com/fairiesfaeandwings/wbu0ki48nq

 



Sep 1-30: Goodbye to summer fantasy book sale -
https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerfansale/6naazviimc