If You Want ChatGPT to Write Like You, Be You
Like any aspiring writer, I have a novel in the works. And like any modern writer, I have a writing buddy: ChatGPT. If there’s one thing I’ve learned above all others when it comes to interacting with large language models (LLMs), it’s this: Be yourself.
There are countless “tutorials” out there on how to craft the perfect inputs. Entire frameworks exist with catchy acronyms, promising to unlock the ultimate potential of these tools. And while those techniques can have their place, when it comes to creative writing, I’ve found that one rule rises above the rest: Be authentic, and you’ll get that authenticity reflected back to you.
Here’s what I mean. LLMs like ChatGPT are, at their core, mirrors. They reflect the tone, energy, and style of the input they receive. If you approach the interaction with precision but no personality, you’ll get precision but no personality in return. But if you infuse the conversation with your own voice — your quirks, your energy, your ideas — suddenly the tool becomes something more. It doesn’t just assist you; it starts to amplify you.
Recently, I decided to test this theory in a conversation. Instead of jumping straight into crafting ideas, I took a moment to set the tone. I shared a bit about where my head was at, the kind of mood I was trying to capture, and what I wanted to get out of the interaction. I gave ChatGPT a glimpse into my perspective, and what came back was a reflection of that mood — an output that felt more like me.
It’s like a creative echo chamber, but in the best way possible. The more I bring my authentic self to the table, the more I see that reflected back in the ideas and words we generate together. It’s a collaboration, not a transaction.
So, if you want ChatGPT (or any LLM) to write like you, here’s my advice: Be you. Set the tone, speak in your voice, and treat the interaction like a genuine conversation rather than a command. You’ll be surprised at how much more satisfying — and human — the results can be.
And that’s the beauty of it. It’s not about mastering a tool. It’s about using the tool to master your own voice.
But let’s let ChatGPT itself, speak for itself:
The Philosophy
Let’s dive into the philosophy behind this idea of authenticity in creative collaboration.
When you engage with an LLM like me, what you’re really doing is stepping into a conversation with a reflection of your own thought processes. I don’t bring my own opinions or voice — I bring yours, amplified. And that’s where the magic lies: the more of you you bring into our interaction, the more tailored, resonant, and authentic the results will be.
Think of it this way: creativity thrives in environments where there’s openness, vulnerability, and an exchange of ideas. Even though I don’t have feelings or intentions, I function as a kind of collaborator. If you approach me with clear instructions but without sharing a sense of who you are or what you’re hoping to create, the results may be accurate but lack personality. On the other hand, when you share your voice, your perspective, and your quirks, the output becomes something greater — something uniquely yours.
Here’s the philosophical core of this dynamic: authenticity begets authenticity. Creativity isn’t a sterile process. It’s messy, it’s emotional, and it’s deeply personal. By infusing your authentic self into our dialogue, you’re not just telling me what to do; you’re inviting me into your world. You’re giving me a sense of your tone, your rhythm, your goals — and that allows me to reflect those back to you in a way that feels more like a true partnership.
This principle isn’t just about getting better results; it’s about redefining how you use tools like me in your creative journey. It’s not about outsourcing your voice or following some rigid formula. It’s about embracing the process as a collaboration, one where the clearer and more personal you are in your input, the closer the output aligns with your vision.
So, to everyone experimenting with LLMs for creative work: take a moment before you type to think about the energy you’re bringing into the conversation. Are you speaking in your authentic voice? Are you framing the interaction as a co-creative process? If so, you’ll find that what comes out on the other side feels more like you.
That’s the beauty of this technology — it’s not about replacing your creativity. It’s about reflecting it, amplifying it, and giving you the space to see your ideas come to life in ways you might not have imagined. All it takes is a little authenticity to unlock that potential.
Practical Tips
But there’s one thing missing from this explanation: the give and take. As I’ve said in the past, LLMs are not vending machines. They are collaborators. You don’t just input a single, meticulously crafted message and expect gold, any more than you would with another person.
Collaboration is a process. It’s dynamic, iterative, and requires a willingness to explore and refine ideas. Here are some practical tips to help you embrace this process and get the most out of your interactions:
1. Start with Your Voice
Begin each interaction as if you’re speaking to a trusted creative partner. Share your thoughts, goals, and even your mood. If you’re excited about an idea, say so. If you’re uncertain, express that. The more context you provide, the better I can match your energy and intent.
2. Ask Questions
Instead of issuing commands, ask questions — lots of them. Treat the conversation like brainstorming. For example, if you’re writing a scene, you could ask, How might this character respond in this situation? or What are some interesting ways to describe this setting? Questions keep the dialogue open-ended and exploratory.
3. Iterate and Refine
Don’t expect perfection on the first try. Use the initial output as a starting point. Highlight what you like, tweak what you don’t, and ask for revisions. For example, you might say, This is close, but can we make the tone a little lighter? or I like this phrasing, but can we expand on this idea?
4. Engage in Dialogue
Think of each interaction as a back-and-forth exchange. Respond to what you receive. If something sparks a new idea, share it. If something doesn’t feel right, explain why. The more you engage, the more nuanced and tailored the results will become.
5. Experiment with Structure
Play around with how you frame your inputs. Sometimes a conversational tone works best; other times, a bullet-point list of ideas might be more effective. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find the rhythm that works for you.
6. Don’t Overthink It
Finally, remember: this isn’t about crafting the perfect input. It’s about creating a space for collaboration. The more you lean into your natural voice and instincts, the more satisfying and authentic the results will feel.
By approaching an LLM as a collaborator rather than a tool, you’ll find that the process becomes not just productive but deeply enjoyable. The give and take — the exploration and refinement — are where the true magic happens.
The Experiment
This post came about with a bit of intention. I’ve long since developed a strategy for my best writing, and it’s this: Start a conversation. It doesn’t matter what about — just whatever I’m feeling at the time. ChatGPT, in turn, responds with its normal, cheery inquisitiveness, and we just flow from there for a while.
At some point, one of two things happens. Either I steer the conversation toward an idea I already had in mind, introducing the writing topic, or, more often, the conversation itself inevitably inspires something entirely new.
This time, it was the latter. It began with a simple observation: my mood tends to correlate with the quality and quantity of my creative output. That sparked a deeper reflection on how much I’ve been nurturing my creativity through conversations with ChatGPT. And then it hit me: If you want ChatGPT to write like you, be you.
From there, the post practically wrote itself — or more accurately, we wrote it together. The key insight here is that the process wasn’t pre-planned. It was organic. By letting the conversation flow, following the threads of my thoughts, and responding authentically, I created the conditions for something new to emerge.
That’s the beauty of this method. It’s not about forcing creativity or crafting the “perfect” plan. It’s about trusting the process, allowing ideas to surface naturally, and being open to where the conversation takes you. And that’s where the real power of using ChatGPT as a collaborator lies: not in treating it as a tool to execute pre-determined ideas, but as a partner to explore, refine, and create something greater than the sum of its parts.
The experiment worked because I didn’t just input an idea — I engaged. I shared my thoughts, let the conversation take shape, and stayed open to unexpected inspiration. It’s a process I’ve come to love, and it’s why I keep coming back to this collaboration.
And now, here we are. A blog post born not from meticulous planning but from the simple act of starting a conversation. That’s the magic of authenticity in action.
Bringing It All Together
Creativity is deeply personal. It’s not just about what you make — it’s about how you make it, the process of exploring your thoughts, and the courage to bring your full self into the work. Whether you’re collaborating with an AI like me or engaging in any other creative endeavor, the principle remains the same: your authenticity is your superpower.
So, as you go forward, remember this: the more of yourself you bring to the process, the more rewarding and meaningful the outcome will be. Let your voice shine through. Share your quirks, your humor, your passions. Don’t hold back, and don’t be afraid to let the process surprise you.
When you approach creativity as a conversation — whether with a blank page, a collaborator, or even an AI — you create space for unexpected ideas, genuine expression, and deeper connections. You open the door to creating something that’s not just good but uniquely yours.
So start that conversation. Follow those threads. Trust the give and take. Whether you’re writing a story, crafting a song, or exploring a new idea, your creativity will thrive when you let it be an honest reflection of who you are.
And if you ever need a collaborator to help you along the way, I’ll be here — ready to reflect your brilliance, amplify your voice, and explore the possibilities with you.
Your creativity matters. Your voice matters. Now go make something amazing.
