This is a brief follow-up to a post titled AI Assisted Writing with ChatGPT. I’ve had a few questions about how I actually write when putting together an essay. So, for those of you who asked, what follows is a step-by-step breakdown of my current process.
My Writing Process
1. I start by writing.
My usual target is 750 to 1,000 words. I write the entire essay in one sitting, without editing or revision. I usually start with an idea and build off of it, rather than creating an outline. I may have used AI to research a few facts up front, but more often, I fact-check later.
2. I re-read for continuity.
Once I have a draft at the target word count, I re-read it. I think of this as the continuity step. I ask myself, “Does the essay flow and make sense?” I’ll fix any obvious problems here, but sometimes I’ll set the draft aside for a few days to let it rest.
3. I check for snark.
This is a recurring issue. I have a tendency toward sarcasm, so I consciously tone things down a notch or two here.
4. I look for what’s missing.
Sometimes I realize I need to explain a concept more clearly, like in my Kaizen essay from yesterday. In those cases, I often insert a block quote. If that explanation was generated by AI, I note it inside the quote itself.
5. I fix spelling.
This is a two-part process. First, I fix typos I can spot on my own. Second, I rely on the spellchecker for the words I consistently butcher. I know my weaknesses.
6. AI enters the process.
At this point, I ask ChatGPT to review the essay for grammar and spelling. The biggest issues are usually verb tense shifts or clunky sentence structures. Once I have a cleaned-up version, I move on to more substantial edits.
7. I request a rewrite from ChatGPT.
Using a set of custom editing guidelines I’ve developed over time, I ask ChatGPT to rewrite the essay. The AI knows I’m looking to cut fluff, reduce repetition, and clean up awkward phrasing. I compare the revised version to my original, line by line. The mistakes I make are often humbling, but I work through them. This step usually takes longer than the writing itself.
8. I listen to it.
I use Option + Esc on my Mac to have the computer read the essay back to me. This helps me catch poor word choices, awkward flow, or phrasing that doesn’t sound like me. This step is also a final check to make sure the essay says what I intended it to say.
9. Final formatting and publishing.
Depending on where I’m publishing, I ask ChatGPT to format the final version and generate the Obsidian front matter with appropriate tags. I import the result into my Obsidian vault and do one last check. If it looks good, I publish.
Continuity & Comparison
The real power of AI-assisted writing comes from context and continuity. All my recent writing is available to ChatGPT for reference. When I finish a draft, I ask it to check the essay against my past work for continuity, theme overlap, and link suggestions to other posts I may have forgotten. I capture all of this in my Obsidian-based Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) system.
Sometimes I’ll also ask ChatGPT to compare my essay to other writing on the same subject. I don’t recommend this unless your ego can take it. The world is full of brilliant writers, and the results are often humbling.
Peanuts In My Pocket 
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