Margaret Atwood reveals she trained as a young writer by intentionally mimicking famous authors. This practice, rather than being plagiarism, is a powerful exercise for understanding stylistic nuances and ultimately developing a unique, original voice. It is a form of deliberate practice.
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If you only study creators in your own industry, your content will inevitably become derivative. Draw inspiration from diverse sources like books, newspapers, or creators in unrelated fields to develop a more authentic and unique style that stands out.
Develop superior AI-generated copy by first using an AI agent to research and deconstruct the frameworks of top marketers. Then, feed the AI examples of your own writing to distill a unique brand voice. Combining these into a custom 'skill' produces consistent, high-converting copy that feels authentic.
Instead of using AI to generate generic text, leverage it as a partner to enhance your unique voice. A powerful technique is to have AI interview you to create a "story log"—a database of your personal anecdotes and experiences. This provides authentic, non-replicable material for future content.
Great writing is not a stroke of genius but a craft of intense iteration. Observing Y Combinator founder Paul Graham showed that he would rewrite a single sentence dozens of times to achieve clarity and impact. This process of refinement is the key to persuasive and concise communication, demystifying the path to becoming a better writer.
A counterintuitive use for AI in creative work is as an 'anti-inspiration' tool. By asking it for the 10 most cliché ways to say something, you can see the predictable path and intentionally steer your own writing toward a more novel and impactful expression.
While reading great literature is essential, analyzing poorly written books can be a more effective learning tool for writers. The flaws in craft are more visible, allowing an aspiring writer to deconstruct the mechanics of storytelling and see how a narrative works (or doesn't).
After seeing AI generate predictable "Alison Roman style" recipes, she realized her tropes had become clichés. She now uses this AI-driven self-awareness as a creative prompt to evolve her work, consciously dropping signature phrases to avoid becoming a caricature of herself.
To become a great speaker, Anthony Trucks recorded a 90-second video every night for 3.5 years. This consistent, low-stakes practice built skill and confidence when no one was watching. Mastery comes not from occasional grand efforts but from relentless daily reps that forge a new identity.
Writing is not just the documentation of pre-formed thoughts; it is the process of forming them. By wrestling with arguments on the page, you clarify your own thinking. Outsourcing this "hard part" to AI means you skip the essential step of developing a unique, well-reasoned perspective.
To write authentically for someone else, you must go beyond mimicking their language and stylistic quirks. The key is to understand their fundamental worldview—how they see the world and their core beliefs. This deeper understanding is what prevents the writing from feeling inauthentic.