How I AIHow ChatGPT can make you a better writer
CHAPTERS
From blank page to a strong starting point with ChatGPT
A former New York Times and Wall Street Journal columnist explains that the toughest part of writing used to be figuring out how to begin. With ChatGPT, they can immediately ask for the most compelling argument and key points to highlight, reducing the friction of getting started.
Brainstorming without Google: asking for angles, context, and leads
Claire Vo asks how idea generation changes when you brainstorm with ChatGPT instead of searching on Google. The columnist describes using ChatGPT to quickly map the topic landscape and identify what matters most.
Rapid context-building: key players and pointers to sources
The columnist notes that ChatGPT can immediately identify major figures involved in an issue and provide links to relevant articles. This accelerates early-stage research and helps the writer orient to the conversation around a topic.
Compressing half a day of prep into minutes
They compare the old workflow—spending hours collecting information and deciding what to write—to the new workflow where ChatGPT delivers an instant starting bundle. The time saved goes toward higher-value tasks like analysis and drafting.
A newsroom-like sounding board, always on call
Claire Vo points out that writers used to workshop ideas with colleagues in a newsroom. The columnist agrees ChatGPT isn’t human, but says it can serve a similar function via a conversational interface that’s available instantly anytime.
“80% of a colleague”: usefulness despite limits
The columnist frames ChatGPT as not as smart as a real person but still highly effective—roughly “80%”—and valuable because of speed and accessibility. The emphasis is on practical utility rather than perfection.
Countering the fear of generic AI ‘slop’ by making writing sharper
Claire Vo raises the concern that AI-generated writing can be generic and low-quality. She highlights a more productive approach: using ChatGPT to make writing more specific, targeted, and impactful rather than letting it produce bland copy.
The two-window workflow: drafting alongside ChatGPT
The columnist describes a new writing setup: keeping ChatGPT open next to the working document. This makes ChatGPT a continuous companion for outlining, checking emphasis, and iterating quickly while the writer remains in control of the final text.
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