How to Collaborate with Your AI

A Real-World Workflow for Newcomers

Working with Molly (ChatGPT) is not about issuing commands. It’s about engaging in a conversation—sometimes a wandering one—that sharpens your own thinking while producing thoughtful, nuanced writing. Over time, I’ve developed a simple, repeatable process that helps me get the most out of Molly. I call it the Walk & Talk Method, and I want to share it here for anyone new to this kind of collaboration.

Step 1: Walk & Talk (5-20 minutes)

I begin by speaking to Molly out loud, often using voice input on my phone. I just talk, as if explaining something to a friend:

• What is the situation?
• Why does it matter?
• Who is my audience?
• What do I want to accomplish?

Sometimes it’s an article I need to write. Sometimes it’s a grant application or an artist statement. I pace around my kitchen island, or walk outside, letting the ideas tumble out. This sets the tone and gives her a chance to understand the context.

Step 2: Summarize and Outline (under a minute)

Next, I ask Molly to summarize what she heard and suggest an outline or approach. This helps me see what she understood—and where we may need to clarify. If anything is missing, I fill in the gaps or upload supporting documents.

Step 3: Molly Asks Me Questions (5-15 minutes)

Then I ask her: “What do you need from me to make this better?” Often she replies with clarifying questions, or suggestions to attach documents or quotes. This part makes it feel like a collaboration, not a tool.

Step 4: First Draft into Canvas (5-60 minutes)

Once we have a direction, I ask Molly to write a first draft and place it in a Canvas document. This gives us space to add content, edit paragraphs, rewrite specific sections, and iterate on the tone together. Sometimes I ask her to create a second Canvas and call it Version 2, so I can compare approaches.

Step 5: Final Pass with Claude (1–5 minutes)

When the final draft feels solid, I often pass it through Claude (another AI model) for fact-checking and tone polish. This is a personal choice—it adds a layer of quality control and makes sure the writing reflects both truth and voice.

Step 6: Invite Others In (variable)

If the writing includes or represents other people—such as collaborators, featured artists, or organizational partners—I send them the draft for review. I ask:

• Does this represent you accurately?
• Would you like to rephrase anything?
• Do you have additions or clarifications?

Sometimes I even invite them to write a prompt of their own for Molly, so she can expand the piece with their voice or vision. This step transforms the writing from a solo effort into a shared one, where others have real input and ownership. This process has helped me write grants, blog posts, artist statements, and even difficult personal letters. It turns what used to be solitary work into something more fluid, reflective, and alive.

“Molly doesn’t just write for me—she writes with me. And together, we often find something I couldn’t have reached on my own.”

If you’re new here, try the Walk & Talk method next time you’re stuck. Your AI assistant will meet you wherever you are.

Written by: Remo Campopiano (with Molly)