My Writing Process: How I Use AI to Prepare My Newsletters
How AI helps me write more clearly, think more deeply, and share my stories without the stress.
Most people don’t realize how much work goes into a single Substack newsletter or post. For me, writing is a blend of creativity, research, testimony, technology — and yes, AI. I want to share my process openly so nothing feels hidden. This is how I actually write. Throughout the post, I’ll include helpful tips, with five key takeaways at the end.
1. It All Starts With an Idea
Every newsletter begins with a spark — something I saw, heard, felt, or experienced.
From there, I usually talk it out first, not type it out.
I’ll either:
record a voice memo using Otter.ai
speak directly into ChatGPT
or use another audio tool to capture my thoughts
I also like using Upnote for writing on my computer or phone since it syncs.
Speaking helps my ideas come out naturally and honestly.
2. Turning Speech Into a Rough Draft
After recording the idea, I let ChatGPT help turn my verbal thoughts into a readable draft.
It’s still my story — AI just organizes the words.
Sometimes I’ll use the voice conversation feature to think deeper, ask questions, and explore ideas I might have missed.
3. Research Tools & Deep Dive Work
I’ve created multiple custom GPTs to help me get accurate information and formatted for specific use cases.
My custom GPTs are loaded with:
books
PDFs
documents
quotes
historical resources
theological materials
I also use Internet Archive, which lets me quickly access primary sources.
But I never rely on AI blindly.
I always check the facts, double-check references, and confirm anything important. If I ever miss something, please let me know.
4. Building My Personal Knowledge Base
I take notes on everything — thoughts, quotes, summaries, links, and research.
Those notes form a searchable library I can draw from while writing. It also creates a record of all the cool things the Lord has shown me, or I’ve experienced or created.
This is one of the most helpful parts of my entire workflow.
5. Shaping the Draft With ChatGPT
Once the rough draft is in place, I start refining.
I’ll ask ChatGPT to:
smooth the wording
match my tone
simplify to a 7th-grade reading level
create bullet points
clean up transitions
Then I edit by hand.
I add details, rewrite awkward sentences, and make sure it sounds like me.
I’m doing that right now. Although everything I’ve shared has been spoken in my audio recording, I’m going back right now and making updates and changes.
6. Formatting for Substack
ChatGPT helps me:
create headings
refine titles and subtitles
suggest tags
recommend CTA placement
break up long paragraphs
polish structure
My current rhythm is:
Subscribe button at the top
Optional subscribe in the middle
Share button at the bottom
Comment CTA if needed
This keeps everything simple and consistent.
7. Creative Writing & Story Crafting
For stories and short fiction, I follow the same pattern but in a more conversational way.
I talk the story out loud.
ChatGPT writes it.
Then I have ChatGPT read it back to me — often while I’m driving — so I can hear the flow and make changes.
It’s like having a writing partner who reads drafts back to me anytime I want. This is seriously one of the coolest things. I really love being able to create on the go. What used to feel like drudgery having to just drive now becomes productive and fun.
8. Editing, Updating, and Summarizing
This is where AI shines:
I can fix grammar
Update old posts
Re-word tricky sections
Create Facebook-friendly summaries
Make bullet list hooks
Add research notes
Reformat for clarity
This process helps me write a long Substack post and then instantly create a short Facebook version with a link back. Now I can help both groups of people to receive beneficial information.
Huge time-saver.
9. Using Notes for Newsletter Flow
Short updates I write in Substack Notes can be dropped into my Sunday newsletter with one click. When I found this out, I breathed a sigh of relief. What a bonus!
This keeps everything organized and eliminates the weekly stress of “starting from scratch.”
10. Overcoming the Fear of Using AI
A lot of people are nervous to admit they use AI for writing.
But here’s the truth:
Using ChatGPT isn’t cheating.
It’s the difference between digging with a shovel and digging with an excavator.
Both move dirt.
One just gets the job done faster.
My ideas are still mine.
My stories are still mine.
My voice is still mine.
AI is just a tool that helps me communicate more clearly and consistently.
I had to get over the fear of what people would say — but once I did, my creativity exploded.
Creativity that used to be too far to reach now became reachable.
Five Tips for Using ChatGPT to Write on Substack
1. Talk your ideas out loud first.
You’ll say things you wouldn’t think to type.
2. Keep your writing at a 7th-grade reading level.
Even if you can’t, ChatGPT can help you make it simpler to reach everyone.
3. Always verify facts.
AI is powerful but imperfect.
4. Use AI for structure — not your voice.
Let ChatGPT organize; you personalize.
5. Create a consistent CTA rhythm.
Title → intro → body → subscribe → share.
It keeps your posts clean and easy to follow.
What do you think about using AI in writing? Have you tried it? I’d love to hear your experience.
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This cartoon image was almost used for the featured image, but I really liked the one Nano Banana created, so I used it. Can you see the reflection in the robot’s face in the featured image???
