How to start writing with AI

Every week, I talk with people who are using AI for writing.

Many of these folks feel overwhelmed. They open ChatGPT, type in some random prompt, hit Enter and then are underwhelmed by the result.

They keep being told by their colleagues or bosses “you need to be using AI,” but they’re not sure where to start or how to use it well.

If that’s you, don’t sweat. 

If you want to write well with AI (ie. write high-quality stuff that still sounds like a normal human), here’s the first thing I would do:

Break your writing process down into specific steps.

• Ideation

• Research

• Data gathering

• Outlining

• Drafting

• Editing

Etc. There’s no “one” writing process – define yours in a way that makes sense for you.

Then ask yourself this question:

Where will I use AI, and where will I not?

Most people think this is binary – either use AI for every part of writing, or don’t use it at all.

I don’t think either is the best approach.

Here’s an example for myself.

Where I use AI for writing:

• Refining ideas

• Initial research

• Outlining and structure

• Challenging my own thinking

• Coming up with examples, metaphors, analogies

• Analyzing content data and performance

Where I do not use AI in writing:

• Initial ideation

• Writing full drafts

• Nailing tone, style and voice

• Detailed editing and polishing

FYI – it’s not “bad” to use AI for the things I don’t. 

The important point here is writing is a process, and it’s up to you to figure out:

a) what’s your best process?

b) where can AI help vs. hinder?

Once you determine where you will use AI in your process and where you will rely solely on your own creativity, skill and thinking, it will provide a ton of clarity.

So, that’s the starting point.

Don’t get caught up in the details beyond that if you’re not clear on the first step.

If you have questions, feel free to respond to this email and I’ll do my best to help.

P.S. This is part of the work I do with people in our monthly cohorts and team trainings. 

If you want to go deeper and build this skill, join our August cohort of Simple Writing with AI. 

The first live session is next Tuesday, August 19. Enroll here.

Cheers,

Teddy