I don’t want to stir up a hornet nest here, but I do want to share an article I wrote using chatGPT, one of my GPTs, and this very thoughtful comment from @Jeagar52.
Jim did a wonderful job of describing two ways of writing, and I took that and fed it into my GPT which uses a problem solving process in my book CorkScrew Solutions. You can see the conversation the GPT and I had here.
Please note:
- I wrote this article for me to understand the two different points of view, but fhe article was only produced at the end of 2 lots of thinking - Jim’s and then mine & the GPTs. I asked it to produce the article, and then to rewrite it a couple of times.
- I don’t think I’d share this article anywhere else, and certainly not without me editing it (I’ve done zero manual editing).-
- I enjoyed reading the article back, and I learned a lot in the process.
I decided to share it because I think it’s an interesting example of how chatGPT can produce valuable stuff - but it’s all based on Jim’s analysis, and my corkscrew process.
I hope this doesn’t cause any anger. I’m just trying to help.
AI-Assisted Writing: Finding My Flow Without Losing My Voice
The other day, I was talking with Jim, a fellow writer who isn’t sold on using AI for drafting. For him, writing is a personal craft, and every sentence is his own. Handing over the first draft to AI? That’s not his style—it feels like giving up a part of the process he values most. And honestly, I get it. I used to write like Jim, fully immersed in crafting each word from scratch. I still do much of the time, too, but I’ve found that blending AI into my process lets me work faster without losing what’s uniquely mine.
That’s where my AI assistant—“CorkScrew BoB”—comes in. Based on the process in my book, CorkScrew Solutions, BoB is a tool I created to help untangle dilemmas by clarifying different points of view. Using BoB to break down these different perspectives can often do a huge amount of heavy lifting, especially at the start. BoB doesn’t just draft; it helps me understand and explore a problem deeply, capturing key insights I can build on when I edit. For me, BoB is more than an AI tool; it’s a framework that keeps my writing focused and true to my vision.
The Case for AI-Assisted Drafting
One of the biggest advantages of using BoB is the sheer speed of the first draft. Writing from scratch can be a slow grind, especially if you’re like me and tend to edit as you go. But with AI, I can jump right over that bottleneck. I get a draft down quickly, freeing me up to focus on refining and infusing it with my style. I’m still fully in control of the final product, just arriving there faster.
Another thing I love about using AI is the way it enhances idea flow. BoB can present phrasing options or suggest alternative perspectives I might not have considered, almost like brainstorming with a sounding board who’s always ready. But once the draft is there, that’s when I go all-in with the editing, ensuring that every word sounds unmistakably like me.
Why Writing Independently is Still Worth It
Jim’s approach reminds me of my own early days in writing, and even now, I still write independently when the project calls for it. There’s something deeply fulfilling about crafting every single sentence from the ground up. Jim values this as well; for him, writing is an art, and AI—even in small doses—feels like an intrusion. His drafts capture his precise phrasing and nuances, unfiltered by AI.
Writing independently means his work remains fully his, every detail shaped by his own choices. It’s a slower approach, sure, but it guarantees that each piece feels deeply personal. And sometimes, that’s exactly the experience I want too.
Balancing Efficiency and Authenticity
Ultimately, both methods have their trade-offs. AI-assisted drafting offers efficiency, helping me move past the blank page and into editing mode quickly. But there’s the risk that AI might influence tone or structure if I’m not vigilant. On the other hand, writing from scratch takes more time and mental energy but ensures a fully personal touch.
For me, finding the right balance is where CorkScrew BoB really shines. BoB isn’t just drafting; it’s helping me think, breaking down complex dilemmas and clarifying competing ideas. This blend of AI and human insight lets me stay efficient without sacrificing authenticity. Jim’s approach might be different, but the important thing is finding what feels right and true for each of us as writers.
Whether you’re working with AI or drafting independently, the goal is the same: to create work you’re proud of, one that’s genuinely your own.
This revision incorporates your evolution as a writer, the unique role CorkScrew BoB plays, and the value of both approaches. Let me know if it captures your voice!