On using AI as a writing assistant

Here are my experiences using AI as a writing assistant:

I often think about how to choose apples for baking. As I write about the subject, my mind naturally connects apple trees, farming, and sustainable practices. While my readers may find these connections irrelevant, I believe sharing knowledge can reshape behaviors. However, I know that not everyone can appreciate my writing style. This is where AI comes in handy.

AI helps me convert my fluid thoughts into structured pieces. I find it useful for breaking my writing into digestible parts. Yet, I sometimes struggle with the stilted tone of AI-generated text and the lack of cohesion in the final product. Nonetheless, I'm intrigued by how others use AI writing assistants and would like to share my own workflow.

Before starting a piece, I look for inspiration elsewhere, sometimes unrelated to the topic or by listening to music. If I'm stuck, a drive might help me regain focus. My unpublished technical writing may not be much, but I'll use those few examples in this article.

When I write without AI, I interact with the process using custom tools. When I use AI, I employ a range of methods and tools, including Telegram bots and home-built custom tooling. I appreciate how clinical some AI-assisted writing can be, as it aligns with my technical writing style preferences. However, both examples might seem similar to others, which I find fascinating from a cognitive science angle.

Ultimately, I grapple with the challenge of balancing authentic writing with objective technical information. I find AI indispensable in helping me stay organized and maintain consistency in my writing.