I Had Claude Sonnet 4 and Qwen3-Coder Analyze My Pinterest Board and Here Are the Results

See my Pinterest board here

Background

I uploaded screenshots from my Pinterest inspiration board for Trippetta, the novel I am currently working on, to Claude Sonnet 4 and Qwen3.

Prompt used for both models: “Examine this pinterest board for possible themes and story ideas. It is an inspiration board for a novel titled Trippetta”

Caveat: I uploaded 7 screenshots of my Pinterest board to Claude, however, Qwen only allows 5 image uploads at a time, so the input was slightly different.

Claude’s Thought Process

Time thinking: 12 seconds

I'm looking at several images that appear to be from a Pinterest board for a novel titled "Trippetta." Let me examine the themes and visual elements I can see across these images:

From what I can observe, there are several recurring themes:

1. Dark/Gothic Fantasy Elements: Many images show dark, mysterious, and gothic imagery including:

   • Skeletal and bone motifs

   • Dark creatures and beings

   • Gothic architecture and settings

   • Mysterious figures in dark clothing

2. Insects and Arthropods: I can see several insect-related images:

   • Mantises (including what looks like a "Devil's Flower Mantis")

   • Spiders and web motifs

   • Other arthropods and bug-like creatures

   • Nature photography of insects

3. Metamorphosis and Transformation: There seem to be themes around:

   • Chrysalis and cocoon imagery

   • Butterfly and moth transformations

   • Creatures that appear to be in states of change or evolution

     

     Faun by Forest Rogers

4. Surreal and Fantastical Beings:

   • Hybrid creatures (part human, part insect/animal)

   • Elongated or distorted human forms

   • Mysterious masked or hooded figures

   • Beings that blur the line between human and creature

5. Art and Sculpture: Many of the images appear to be artistic works:

   • Sculptures and figurines

   • Digital art

   • Photography with artistic/surreal elements

   • Mixed media pieces

6. Nature and Decay:

   • Forest and natural settings

   • Elements of decay and death

   • Organic forms and textures

7. Dance and Movement: I notice some images that appear to show dancers or figures in motion

   

   Headdress & Winged Harness designed and made by Rob Goodwin Costume Design

The overall aesthetic seems to lean heavily into dark fantasy, body horror, transformation themes, and the intersection between human and insect/arthropod forms. The name "Trippetta" itself might be a play on words - possibly relating to "tripod" (three legs, like many insects) or could be referencing Edgar Allan Poe's character Trippetta from "Hop-Frog."

The visual narrative suggests a profound exploration of metamorphic experiences, where biological boundaries dissolve and human consciousness merges with insectoid forms. The work appears poised to challenge perceptions of identity, embodiment, and the liminal spaces between different biological kingdoms.

Claude’s Output

Looking at this Pinterest board for "Trippetta," I can identify several compelling thematic threads that could serve as rich inspiration for your novel:

Core Themes & Visual Motifs

Metamorphosis & Transformation

• Strong emphasis on chrysalis, cocoon, and butterfly/moth imagery

• Figures caught between human and insect forms

• The liminal space of change and becoming

Insect/Arthropod Symbolism

• Mantises, spiders, and other arthropods feature prominently

• The alien beauty and predatory nature of insects

• Six-limbed beings and multi-faceted eyes

Gothic Body Horror

• Elongated limbs and distorted human forms

• Skeletal and bone motifs

• The uncanny valley between beautiful and disturbing

Dark Fairy Tale Aesthetic

• Masked and hooded mysterious figures

• Forest settings with an ominous atmosphere

• Elements that feel both ancient and timeless

  

  Image generated in Midjourney

Potential Story Directions

The name "Trippetta" itself is intriguing - possibly referencing Edgar Allan Poe's character from "Hop-Frog," suggesting themes of:

• Power dynamics and revenge

• Performance and disguise

• The grotesque and the beautiful intertwined

Possible Narrative Themes:

• A character undergoing literal or metaphorical metamorphosis

• The intersection of human consciousness with insect instincts

• Gothic fantasy exploring themes of identity, transformation, and what defines humanity

• Environmental or biological horror with artistic, almost ballet-like beauty

The board suggests a story that would blend dark fantasy with body horror, possibly exploring themes of evolution, adaptation, and the beauty found in the alien or disturbing. The dance/movement imagery hints at grace within the grotesque.

Qwen’s Output

The Pinterest board for the novel titled "Trippetta" is rich with surreal, fantastical, and otherworldly imagery. Here are some themes and story ideas that can be derived from the images:

Themes

1. Hybrid Creatures and Transformations

• Many images depict creatures that are a blend of human and insect or other animals. This suggests themes of metamorphosis, duality, and the blurring of boundaries between species.

• Story Idea: The protagonist undergoes a transformation into a hybrid creature, gaining unique abilities but facing societal rejection and internal conflict.

2. Steampunk and Mechanical Elements

• Several images incorporate mechanical and steampunk aesthetics, such as cogs, gears, and metallic structures within organic forms.

• Story Idea: A world where technology and nature have merged, leading to a society of bio-mechanical beings who struggle with identity and survival.

3. Surrealism and Dreamscapes

• The dreamlike quality of many images suggests a setting that is not bound by reality, possibly involving dreams, alternate dimensions, or altered states of consciousness.

• Story Idea: The protagonist explores a series of surreal landscapes, each representing different facets of their psyche or the collective unconscious.

4. Dark Fantasy and Gothic Imagery

• Dark, eerie, and gothic elements are prevalent, including figures in decay, haunting environments, and mysterious creatures.

• Story Idea: A dark fantasy tale set in a decaying, enchanted forest where ancient curses and forgotten gods hold sway over the fate of the living.

5. Nature and Insect Lore

• Numerous images feature insects and insect-like creatures, often depicted with human characteristics or in exaggerated forms.

• Story Idea: A world where insects are sentient and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, with humans trying to coexist or dominate them.

  

  Devil’s flower mantis

6. Alien and Extraterrestrial Beings

• Some images depict alien-like creatures, suggesting themes of first contact, exploration, and the unknown.

• Story Idea: An alien visitor arrives on Earth, taking the form of an insectoid being, and must navigate human society while hiding its true identity.

7. Artistic and Symbolic Imagery

• The use of artistic sculptures, paintings, and symbolic figures suggests themes of creativity, imagination, and the power of art to transform reality.

• Story Idea: An artist discovers that their creations come to life, leading to a quest to control or understand the consequences of their art.

8. Identity and Transformation

• Many images show creatures in various stages of transformation or with ambiguous identities.

• Story Idea: A character struggles with their identity, undergoing physical and psychological changes that challenge their sense of self.

Story Ideas

1. The Hybrid Kingdom

• Plot: In a future world where humans and insects have merged due to a catastrophic event, a young hybrid named Trippetta must lead a rebellion against a tyrannical queen who seeks to exploit her people's unique abilities.

• Themes: Identity, resistance, and the cost of power.

2. Dream Weaver

• Plot: Trippetta is a dream weaver who can enter others' dreams to heal or manipulate them. She discovers a dark conspiracy in the collective unconscious and must confront her own fears to save the world.

• Themes: Surrealism, introspection, and the power of dreams.

3. The Forgotten Forest

• Plot: Trippetta is a young girl who stumbles upon a hidden forest inhabited by sentient insects and half-human creatures. As she explores this world, she uncovers a prophecy about saving both realms from an impending doom.

• Themes: Nature, mystery, and destiny.

4. Mechanical Heart

• Plot: In a steampunk-inspired world, Trippetta is a mechanic who repairs bio-mechanical creatures. When one of her creations develops consciousness, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind their creator's disappearance.

• Themes: Technology, humanity, and companionship.

5. Insect Queen

• Plot: Trippetta is a lowly worker bee in an insect civilization ruled by a ruthless queen. After discovering a secret about her lineage, she must rise through the ranks to overthrow the queen and restore balance to her world.

• Themes: Power, betrayal, and redemption.

6. The Last Artist

• Plot: Trippetta is an artist whose creations come to life, causing chaos and destruction. She must find a way to control her art before it destroys everything she loves.

• Themes: Creativity, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions.

7. The Alien Visitor

• Plot: Trippetta encounters an alien insectoid being who has crash-landed on Earth. Together, they must navigate human society and uncover the reason for the alien's arrival.

• Themes: First contact, friendship, and understanding across species.

8. The Metamorphosis

• Plot: Trippetta wakes up one day to find herself transforming into an insectoid creature. As she struggles to adapt to her new form, she discovers a hidden world of insect civilizations and must decide where she belongs.

• Themes: Transformation, acceptance, and belonging.

Character Development

• Protagonist: Trippetta could be a hybrid creature, an artist, a dreamer, or someone caught in the midst of transformation. Her journey would involve self-discovery and overcoming external challenges.

• Supporting Characters: Include a mix of insectoid beings, humans, and other fantastical creatures, each with their own motivations and backstories.

Setting

• World Building: Create a detailed world that blends natural and artificial elements, with settings like enchanted forests, steampunk cities, dreamscapes, and alien landscapes.

• Atmosphere: Use the imagery to create a mood that is both beautiful and unsettling, reflecting the dual nature of the themes (e.g., beauty in decay, light in darkness).

Symbolism

• Use recurring symbols from the images, such as wings, clocks, mirrors, and mechanical parts, to deepen the narrative and provide layers of meaning.

By drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of images in the Pinterest board, "Trippetta" can become a captivating novel that explores the boundaries of reality, identity, and the imagination.

Endearing thread puppet (my title)

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My Takeaway

I found this to be an incredibly useful experiment in converting imagery that resonates with me into language that will help me shape my novel. Both Claude and Qwen perfectly encapsulated the themes I want to explore in Trippetta. Qwen also provided a wealth of story ideas, which is incredibly valuable to me as I don’t yet have a plot for this particular novel.

Will I Be Using AI to Write or Plot My Novel?

No. Although I have used AI previously to help write How to Succeed at Nothing, this time around I will only use it as a tool for inspiration and brainstorming.

You can view the Pinterest board by clicking here.

I’m curious—do you prefer Claude, Qwen, or a different LLM? Do you avoid AI altogether in your writing?

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Here is my first post about Trippetta:

And my new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@still_unfinished

See you next time!