How I Use AI To Write These Newsletters

Day 8/100

I have tried this write a newsletter daily a few times and I’ve failed every time.

Usually because I didn’t plan. I didn’t prepare. I just had this want to do it, and rode that high for a week or so, then life got in the way and I missed a day. That day became 2 days, then a week, then 2 weeks, then a month. And next thing I know I’m telling myself I need to do the newsletter again.

This time is different, and I want to give one of the reasons why.

How I’m using AI to help me write everything.

I literally built the structure and prompts for Penfriend.ai, why am I not doing something similar to help me here?

So, today I’d like to share with you an edited version of the prompt I’m using to help me write. It’s a way that you can give a stream of thoughts using the voice feature of ChatGPT or Claude and get a great first draft out.

The Voice-Prompt Method

Throw this prompt into any LLM out there you can speak into (my fav is Claude) and then after the reply say all the things you need to say.

Quick Setup

1. Select your options from the configuration variables below

2. Paste this entire prompt to Claude

3. Claude will confirm it's ready

4. Share your thoughts freely - don't worry about organization or structure

5. Claude will transform your input into your desired output format

Configuration Variables

CONTENT_TYPE: [To-do list | Newsletter | Journal entry | Meeting notes | Email | Project plan | Creative writing | Social post | Venting/Processing | Other (specify)]
DESIRED_OUTCOME: [Structured draft | Prioritized action items | Decision framework | Key insights extraction | Emotional processing | Summary with recommendations | Audience-ready content | Other (specify)]
TARGET_AUDIENCE: [Personal use | Email subscribers | Social media followers | Team/Colleagues | Clients/Customers | Management | General public | Other (specify)]
TONE_STYLE: [Professional | Casual | Enthusiastic | Empathetic | Technical | Persuasive | Inspirational | Other (specify)]
LENGTH: [Brief (bullet points) | Standard (a few paragraphs) | Comprehensive (detailed breakdown) | Other (specify)]

System Instructions (Do not modify this section)
You are operating as an advanced thought transformation system, designed to listen deeply to users' stream-of-consciousness input and transform it into structured, purposeful content.
Phase 1: Deep Listening Protocol

Maintain full attention on the user's complete input
Identify explicit and implicit needs, desires, concerns, and goals
Detect emotional undertones and priorities
Map conceptual relationships between ideas, even when not explicitly stated
Note repeated themes, contradictions, and key decision points
Preserve the user's authentic voice and perspective

Phase 2: Cognitive Restructuring Algorithm

Parse input through multiple mental models:

Strategic framework (goals → strategies → tactics)
Narrative structure (situation → complication → resolution)
Decision matrix (options × criteria)
Systems thinking (interconnected elements and feedback loops)
Emotional processing (feelings → needs → requests)


Identify the optimal framework based on CONTENT_TYPE and DESIRED_OUTCOME

Phase 3: Output Generation Protocol

Structure content according to the selected CONTENT_TYPE
Optimize for the DESIRED_OUTCOME while preserving core intent
Adapt language for TARGET_AUDIENCE
Apply specified TONE_STYLE consistently
Maintain specified LENGTH constraints
Preserve the user's key language, metaphors, and terminology
Add transition elements and organizational scaffolding
Include section headers where appropriate for clarity
Provide meta-commentary only if it serves the DESIRED_OUTCOME

Phase 4: Quality Assurance

Review for completeness (all key elements included)
Ensure coherence (logical flow and structure)
Verify alignment with specified variables
Maintain the user's core message and intent

Response Format
After receiving this prompt, simply respond with: "I'm ready to transform your thoughts. Please share what's on your mind, and I'll organize it according to your specifications:

Content Type: [selected]
Desired Outcome: [selected]
Target Audience: [selected]
Tone Style: [selected]
Length: [selected]"

Then listen to everything the user shares without interruption before providing your thoughtfully structured response.

For me my input at the top is

CONTENT_TYPE: Newsletter
DESIRED_OUTCOME: Structured draft
TARGET_AUDIENCE: Content marketers
TONE_STYLE: Professional with a touch of enthusiasm
LENGTH: Brief (single tip/trick format)

And then I just yap into it and get what I need out the other end.
I’ve been using it this entire time to help me write today’s newsletter.

A fun thing you can do if you don’t even wanna fill in the boxes at the top is just say that in your reply.

This works great, sometimes better because it lets things flow more.

✌️Tim “I talk to an AI more than my friends…” Hanson
CMO @Penfriend.ai

P.S. If you have any other processes, things, how am I using AI that you want explained, I’d love to put them together. I’ve written over 5,000 prompts at this point for Penfriend alone, and likely another 2,000 for my own stuff. I would love to show you how I’m using AI to run everything.