How I like to write with AI


Hey Reader,

In last week's issue on how AI fixes what I won't, I touched on how AI transcription is getting so good that I talk more than I type these days.

Today I want to go deeper on my actual writing process with AI.

My three-tool setup

When I'm writing anything substantial, I open the same three tools every time:

  • Google Docs
  • Claude
  • NotebookLM

Then I start talking instead of typing. I use speech-to-text software—I share the exact tools I use below.

The back-and-forth process

Once I have a transcript of my thoughts, I drop it into Claude and ask three questions:

  1. What are the most important points here?
  2. What are the counter arguments?
  3. What would you cut?

This starts a conversation. I'll go back and forth with Claude, refining ideas and tightening the message. Sometimes I'll ask it to rewrite sections more like me—and surprisingly, it often sounds like me but better.

Research with real examples

When I need specific examples, I switch to NotebookLM. I've loaded it with our database of 100 creator stories from interviews with actual Kit customers. I can ask for five creators who illustrate this point and get back real examples with citations.

This saves me from having to remember every story or ask my team if they know good examples.

Why speech beats typing

AI transcription has been a game changer. I was using superwhisper but kept running into bugs where it wouldn't capture about 25% of transcripts. Wispr Flow has been much more reliable (and I like how I can just hold down the Function key and speak).

I'm working on training myself out of the typing habit entirely. I still often catch myself halfway through typing a sentence and think, "I could have spoken this in half the time…"

The rule I follow: if you already know what you want to say, speaking is faster than typing. If you need to think through an idea, sometimes taking your time to type it can still make sense.

But I'm so committed to this now that I'll even transcribe five-word messages. The time saved adds up.

Using AI as a writing partner

What I really like is using AI as a thought partner and editor. It helps me see blind spots in my arguments and improves my writing without losing my voice.

The key distinction: I use AI to improve my content and help me think through ideas more clearly. The ideas start with me. The examples come from real experiences. AI just helps me express those ideas better and spot gaps in my thinking.

The goal isn't to let AI do the thinking (though I do often ask it for ideas on how to improve a piece)—it’s mainly to free up my mental energy for the parts that matter most.

If you're creating content regularly, consider switching from typing to talking. The efficiency gain is real, and with good AI tools, the quality improves significantly.


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PODCAST

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Have a great week!

—Nathan

Nathan Barry

I'm a designer who turned into a writer who turned into a startup CEO. My mission is to help creators earn a living. Subscribe for essays on building an audience and earning a living as a creator.

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