How I use AI to enhance my writing

Do you want to start writing, but don’t know how to gain momentum?

Are you struggling to maintain a consistent writing habit?

I’ve been there. For years I have wrestled with procrastination and the nebulous question of “how to write”, but I think I’ve finally cracked the code. After a few months of consistent blog and newsletter publishing, I’m excited to share the process that has been working for me.

Here’s my five-step system that incorporates AI thoughtfully while helping me maintain momentum and publish consistently:

Step 1: Focus on the message

Before touching a keyboard, I identify the key points I want readers to take away. This step is purely human-driven. You could definitely use AI to brainstorm topics, but I find my mind is already bursting with things I want to write about! This focus on core messages has dramatically improved the clarity and impact of my writing.

Step 2: Embrace the messy first draft

Back in college, I lived by a simple writing motto:

Write drunk, edit sober

While my methods have matured, the principle remains the same. I open Obsidian and let my thoughts flow freely in a stream of consciousness. It’s messy, unpolished, and exactly what a first draft should be. Having this foundation, aligned with the key points from step 1, accelerates everything that follows.

Step 3: Leverage AI as your editor

I’ve traded my collegiate editing approach for something more sophisticated: AI-assisted revision. Using tools like Claude or ChatGPT as initial editors, I use a straightforward prompt:

I'm a software engineer writing a personal blog. Take this rough draft and keep the existing tone and structure, but make it sound more polished.

This yields a refined version of my writing while preserving my voice – a solid starting point for the next step.

Step 4: Curate the final blend

Here’s where the magic happens. I compare my original draft with the AI-edited version paragraph by paragraph, evaluating how well each section conveys my intended message. The final version is usually a hybrid. I never directly copy the AI’s suggestions but use them to identify areas where I can enhance clarity and readability while maintaining my authentic voice.

Step 5: Ship it

Previously, my writing would get trapped in endless revision cycles. Now? One round of revision, then ship it. This step is crucial because I’ve learned that writing creates a powerful feedback loop: the more I write, the more ideas I generate. Publishing regularly has become an essential part of my thought process.

Looking forward

While AI plays a valuable role in my workflow, it remains firmly in the position of editing assistant rather than primary author. This approach lets me maintain authenticity while leveraging technology to communicate more effectively and frequently.

I’m fascinated by the evolving relationship between human creativity and AI assistance. As these tools advance, I’m constantly refining my process and learning from others in the community. How are you incorporating AI into your writing workflow? I’d love to hear your approach!