It’s a funny old world we live in, eh? My grandparents have all passed away, but I doubt they ever imagined that computers would be advanced enough to write like people. “Witchcraft! Sorcery!” they would have cried. (Not really.)
Now, let me get one thing clear. I firmly believe that a human is capable of far superior writing than AI, at least for now. When you write all day, AI styles become uncomfortably clear. In fact, I trust my gut far more than AI checkers.
I’ve found that industry leaders view AI as a fantastic opportunity. On the other hand, lower-level employees – especially in office- and creative-based environments – are more worried about it taking their jobs.
Fundamentally, I work on the following principle: AI is a tool. Tools require direction and precision. No matter how advanced, they can’t operate on their own. That’s how I use AI, and that’s what I’ll discuss on this page.
And for reference, the AIs I usually use are ChatGPT and Copilot.
#1 Article structures
I often use AI to create an outline for an article I have to write. For example, if someone sends me a brief for an article, I’ll sometimes use ChatGPT to quickly format it into respective sections. It’s far faster than typing it out and setting the formatting myself, but it does pretty much the same job. I’ll go back through and change or rearrange things, but it’s a great way to get started.
#2 Overcoming writer’s block
AI is a fantastic tool for writer’s block. In the past, I usually had to leave an article for a few hours – even a few days – but I can now ask AI for ideas. Most of its ideas are wrong or terrible. But one or two usually give me some perspective and ideas on how to proceed.
#3 Different ideas to phrase sentences
I sometimes accidentally produce several similar sentences in a row. Things like reusing the same word multiple times. It’s best to keep going when you’re in the thick of things. However, when I return to do some editing, I might use AI to suggest different ideas for sentence structures. Once again, I very rarely just copy and paste its ideas, but they give me food for thought.
#4 Research
I say, “Research,” with a pinch of salt. I’ve found ChatGPT’s AI to be less than reliable, especially compared to Google’s automated AI results. A Google search is still probably the best approach here. However, if you’re willing to double-check everything, it can be a good way to get started. Just make sure to use ‘ensure factual accuracy with verified sources’ in the prompt.
#5 Gathering sources
I occasionally forget to write down my sources, and then I come back and can’t find the article or page that I used in the first place. AI is great for re-finding those sources. For example, ‘Find a source that explains XYZ’. It isn’t always right, and you need to be careful, but most of the time, it can save you a lot of time searching around.
#6 Streamlining references
Most of my work doesn’t require academic-style references. Most of the time, I just insert links. However, I sometimes use AI to generate APA-style references when I need to do it. It’s much quicker than typing it all out, but the result is the same!
#7 Generating ideas
No matter what you’re writing, you need some creativity. Whether for sentence structure or a narrative plot, ask a GPT AI to develop some thoughts. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘Give me ten ideas.’ I actually usually ask for 20 or even 50. You might find one or two are just what you’ve been looking for.
#8 Fact-checking
Take this one with a pinch of salt, too. AI will never be as good at fact-checking as a human expert. However, if you’re looking for a quick overview, it does a pretty good job of highlighting things that might not be accurate or should be clarified. Even if AI incorrectly flags something wrong, you can check it with verified sources.
#9 Image generation
Every blog needs a featured image, and AI can provide a simple illustration for articles like this one. I also use royalty-free sites like Unsplash, but AI is an excellent alternative if you’re unsure about image rights. (However, be sure to check the AI’s image use licenses).
#10 Finding and filling plot holes
AI is fantastic at finding plot holes if you write fiction (as I do). Of course, it can’t usually analyse an entire manuscript, but send it your outline, and it’ll come up with some invaluable pointers. You could then also use AI to brainstorm ways to fix your plotholes. I’ve done that multiple times, and it’s – I hope! – worked a treat.
Is there space for AI in today’s writing world?
Yes! I think so. Regardless, it’s here to stay unless something particularly drastic happens to the world.
It’s not wrong to use AI to be creative. However, I would say using it to, in effect, replace yourself is wrong. Above anything else, it’s self-degrading. You can do better, I’m sure. Pour your heart and soul into your work – I always try to do that. And that’s something AI can never take from you.