Tools & Practice

Use AI to challenge your writing, not replace your voice

AI can be useful when it pushes back on a draft. Simon Willison and Thomas Ptacek say to use it as an editor and critic, not as the source of your phrasing. The line is simple: keep the help, keep your voice.

Beyond Prompting
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What the source reports

Simon Willison and Thomas Ptacek argue that AI can help as an editor and critic. Their source takeaway draws a boundary around that help. Writers should not borrow the system's phrases when their own voice matters. The supported claim is about a writing practice, not proof that AI improves every writer or every draft.

Original source

Title
How To Write With An LLM
Author
Simon Willison, Thomas Ptacek
Date
Thursday, September 17, 2026