First steps.
STEP ONE
Choose one tool. Do not sample several.
STEP TWO
Choose one real task from your actual work. Not a test.
Something you do regularly involving writing.
STEP THREE
Try it badly first. A vague instruction, to see what happens.
STEP FOUR
Try again with context: who you are, who it is for, how long, what format.
The difference teaches more than any guide.
STEP FIVE
Iterate. Say what is wrong and ask again.
STEP SIX
Check everything factual.
STEP SEVEN
Do the same task the same way for two weeks.
STEP EIGHT
Write your style brief and save the prompt that worked.
WHAT NOT TO DO AT THE START
Automate anything Send confidential material Publish unchecked output
THE HONEST TIMELINE
An hour to be useful. A month to be good at it.
