How I Write

Steven Johnson: How to Write with AI | How I Write Podcast

Feb 7, 2024

01:33:12

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Episode guests

Steven Johnson

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Quick takeaways

Clear and persuasive prose is crucial in making machine applications work properly with large language models.

Using AI-based tools like Notebook LM can significantly speed up the research process and foster innovative thinking.

Creating a well-structured narrative incorporating different disciplines can lead to surprising storytelling and deeper insights.

New technologies complement human intelligence, enhancing our ability to generate ideas and obtain quick insights.

Deep dives

The power of clear persuasive prose in language models

Clear and persuasive prose is crucial in getting a large language model to perform effectively, highlighting the importance of writing skills in making machine applications work properly.

Trusting the Editing Process and Battling Familiarity with the Text

01:47

Nurturing Young Ideas and Building Research Tools

02:53

The Sweet Spot of Surprise

01:30

LLMs: Diversity, Accessibility, Speed

01:01

Introduction

2min

19min

Writing a Book with a Multi-Threaded Structure and Editor Feedback

4min

Designing Structure and Incorporating Themes in Writing

3min

The Importance of Structure in Writing and the 'Shiny Dime' Technique

5min

The Importance of Hunches and Spark Files

22min

The Value of Language Models in Writing

14min

Developing Impactful Sentences and Writing Techniques

27min

Steven Johnson has studied LLM technology for over 35 years. His consensus? Large Language models and human creativity aren’t at odds. They’re at their best when they work in harmony.

Johnson has written thirteen books, many of which explore how tools and technologies expand what humans are capable of and transform societies. He created NotebookLM to help writers use AI to supplement their creative process — not to replace their thinking, but to amplify it.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to capture ideas without friction, how to seamlessly structure your work, how to leverage the element of surprise, and how to turn sheer information into unique insight — all while using AI, of course.

Ultimately, you’ll soak up Johnson’s 35 years of expertise and come away with actionable steps to make your writing process faster and your insights more surprising.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevenbjohnson

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Steven-Johnson/e/B000APC0M6

Google NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google/

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PODCAST LINKS:

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470