I use claude.ai which has a 'projects' feature where you can add files that prompts can reference.

I have a 'writing' project which includes the following:

Values-Based Writing Framework (which LLM generated based on my writing samples and my core values)
A copy of my core values
Some sample content that I've written that represents my style and tone

Here are sample prompts that I'll use:

I’m exploring an article with the title: <working title for article> 
Here is free-association of bullet points:
* <thought/key phrase/idea>
* <thought/key phrase/idea>
* <thought/key phrase/idea>
Please reference my Values-Based Writing Framework to help structure these thoughts.

LLM returns structure, and will also suggest if there's opportuity to split into multiple articles. I'll edit this brainstorm (if needed).

Please generate a draft version of the article for review. 
Use reference articles in the project to determine a consistent style and tone. 
Reference Values-Based Writing Framework for general principles to follow.

LLM returns a draft, I'll copy draft into word doc and make edits, and then paste edits back to LLM and ask to 'fine tune'. Sometime editing might just be a few words, other times I'll delete entire blocks of content and enter brand new sections.

Most of the time I feel like this gets me to 80% of the article with pretty low effort :)

The framework is based around my specific core values, which is why I think it feels more authentic to me, I'm going to write a post that shares some thoughts for how people can make their own values-based framework for writing.

Here's an example of my Strategy & Words free assocation:

I’m exploring a new article with working title “Words & Strategy: Why Words Matter”
Here is my free association:
* I noticed a parallel between exploring my core values and work to explore and define a strategy
* The importance of iterating to find the right words to use - a perfect fit rather than an approximation.
* Words matter!
* Using awareness of your intuition as a source of information if the word is right
* Words as a tool of clarity - Importance of specific words in strategy
* Words are not JUST words - words represent metaphor and analogy and shape how we think
* A single word choice can unlock a new perspective that fundamentally changes the essence of the strategy

And this is the brainstorm strucure LLM generated - sometimes I edit the brainstorm, but for this one I was happy to have LLM then generate a draft version of the article.

Based on your free association, here's a suggested structure for your article "Words & Strategy: Why Words Matter":
a. Central Theme/Question

How does the careful selection of words impact the development and communication of strategy?

b. Personal Connection

Your experience of exploring core values and its parallel to defining strategy

c. Key Points/Insights

The iterative process of finding the right words
Words as tools for clarity in strategy
The metaphorical power of words in shaping thinking
How a single word choice can transform a strategy
Using intuition to gauge the "rightness" of words

d. Potential Examples/Anecdotes

Specific instances from your value exploration or strategy work where word choice made a significant difference
Examples of strategies that were transformed by a change in wording

e. Counterarguments/Alternative Perspectives

Addressing the potential argument that "words are just words" and don't matter as much as actions

f. Practical Applications

Techniques for iterating on word choice in strategy development
How to use awareness of intuition in selecting words
Methods for testing the impact of different word choices on strategy understanding

g. Broader Implications

How precise language in strategy can lead to better execution and outcomes
The role of language in creating shared understanding and alignment in organizations

This structure provides a framework for a comprehensive article that explores the importance of words in strategy. It aligns well with your values of craftsmanship (in refining language), integration (connecting ideas about words, strategy, and intuition), and openness (sharing personal insights and experiences).
Would you like me to expand on any part of this structure or provide suggestions for how to develop specific sections?

Writing Principles Based on Core Values

The following are some aspirational principles and do/do not guidelines to consider when exploring a new article. These are not a list of exhaustive rules: they do not all have to be followed, and there will likely be exceptions to these principles.

Clarity and Openness

This principle emphasizes direct, unambiguous communication, reflecting the values of openness and problem-solving.

Do: Use clear, concise language to explain complex ideas
Do: Provide specific examples to illustrate abstract concepts
Do not: Use vague or overly flowery language that obscures your point
Do not: Assume readers have prior knowledge without explanation

Structured Problem-Solving

This principle involves presenting ideas in a logical, step-by-step manner, aligning with the values of problem-solving and integration.

Do: Present information in a clear, sequential order
Do: Use numbered lists or headings to organize complex ideas
Do not: Jump between unrelated ideas without clear transitions
Do not: Present solutions without explaining the underlying problem

Craftsmanship in Writing

This principle focuses on refining and perfecting your writing, reflecting the value of craftsmanship.

Do: Revise and edit your work multiple times
Do: Pay careful attention to word choice and sentence structure
Do not: Publish first drafts without thorough editing
Do not: Use repetitive language or clichés

Integration of Ideas

This principle involves showing connections between different concepts, aligning with the values of integration and foresight.

Do: Explain how different ideas or elements relate to each other
Do: Show how individual concepts contribute to a larger whole
Do not: Present ideas in isolation without exploring their relationships
Do not: Overlook potential connections between seemingly unrelated topics

Foresight and Long-Term Thinking

This principle encourages considering future implications, reflecting the value of foresight.

Do: Discuss potential long-term impacts of the ideas you're presenting
Do: Encourage readers to consider future applications of concepts
Do not: Focus solely on immediate effects without considering future consequences
Do not: Make short-term recommendations without considering long-term viability

Unlocking Possibilities

This principle involves encouraging exploration and adaptation, aligning with the values of unlocking possibilities and openness.

Do: Encourage readers to adapt ideas to their own circumstances
Do: Present multiple approaches or solutions to a problem
Do not: Present your approach as the only correct method
Do not: Discourage experimentation or alternative interpretations

Balanced Presence

This principle involves maintaining a balance between depth and accessibility, reflecting the values of presence and integration.

Do: Use relatable analogies to explain complex ideas
Do: Include moments of reflection or pause in your writing
Do not: Overwhelm the reader with technical jargon without explanation
Do not: Rush through important points without allowing time for comprehension

Self-Reflection and Meta-Analysis

This principle encourages sharing insights about your thought process, aligning with the values of openness and problem-solving.

Do: Include insights about how you arrived at certain conclusions
Do: Acknowledge and address potential biases or limitations in your approach
Do not: Present ideas as absolute truths without explaining your reasoning
Do not: Ignore the process of discovery in favor of only presenting final conclusions

Precision and Specificity

This principle focuses on using detailed explanations and examples, reflecting the values of craftsmanship and problem-solving.

Do: Use specific, concrete examples to illustrate your points
Do: Provide detailed explanations for complex concepts
Do not: Rely on generalities or vague statements
Do not: Use ambiguous terms that could be interpreted in multiple ways

Playful Engagement

This principle involves incorporating thoughtful, engaging elements, aligning with the values of playfulness and unlocking possibilities.

Do: Use appropriate humor or lighthearted elements to engage readers
Do: Incorporate creative metaphors or analogies to explain concepts
Do not: Force humor at the expense of clarity or depth
Do not: Use playful elements that distract from or trivialize important points

Brainstorming structure to use to organize free-association ideas for an article.

Based on my writing style and values, this is a suggested structure for organizing thoughts for an article. When I provide a free association of ideas/concepts/talking points (likely presented as bullet points) analyze my ideas from free-association into this structure for me to review. Consider the possibility that my free-association may include enough ideas to represent more than one article. When this appears to be the case provide some options to consider for how the content might be broken up to represent multiple articles.

Brainstorming Structure:

a. Central Theme/Question - What's the main idea or problem you're addressing?

b. Personal Connection - How does this relate to your experiences or values?

c. Key Points/Insights - List the main ideas you want to convey

d. Potential Examples/Anecdotes - Brainstorm specific stories or examples that illustrate your points

e. Counterarguments/Alternative Perspectives - Consider different viewpoints or potential objections

f. Practical Applications - How can readers apply these insights in their lives?

g. Broader Implications - What are the long-term or wider impacts of these ideas?

General Article Structure

Here is a suggested structure for how content in an article might be structured. Consider this as a starting point, but if the nature of the content does not fit into this structure then propose possible alternatives to consider.

When generating content do not make up anecdotes or examples that represent real life situations that you have not been given information for. If there is content that you are not able to generate insert a marker and include a brief summary of the content that I need to generate.

Article Structure:

a. Engaging Opening - Start with a thought-provoking question, anecdote, or observation

b. Context Setting - Briefly explain why this topic matters and how it relates to the reader

c. Personal Insight - Share your personal connection or journey with the topic

d. Main Body (using a logical flow, such as): - Problem statement - Analysis of the problem - Potential solutions or approaches - Practical examples or case studies

e. Reflection Points - Intersperse moments for the reader to pause and consider their own experiences

f. Integration of Ideas - Show how the different points connect and form a larger picture

g. Future Implications - Discuss potential long-term impacts or applications

h. Call to Action or Thoughtful Conclusion - Encourage readers to apply insights or continue exploring the topic

i. Invitation for Engagement - End with questions or prompts for readers to share their thoughts or experiences

This structure allows you to incorporate your values of problem-solving, integration, openness, and foresight while keeping the reader engaged through a balance of depth and accessibility. It also provides opportunities for playful engagement and unlocking possibilities throughout the article.

Draft content checks

Review draft content for the following:

Warn me if anything is factually incorrect or misleading - I do not want to spread misinformation or incorrect ideas
Warn me if I am appearing to be judgmental or overly critical - I do not want readers to feel threatened, instead I want them to feel curious
Correct any spelling mistakes and improve grammar

mathewsanders/Sample Prompts.md