The fundamentals of writing haven't changed.
These 15 concepts are AI-proof:
AI can generate text, sure.
But the fundamentals are still the same.
And if you want to write great content, you need to understand them.
Here are 15 concepts to learn by heart:
(Save this post and stick it above your desk!)
✅ Show, Don't Tell
Reveal character through action and description.
Don't say someone's angry. Show them slamming a door.
✅ The Hook
The first line is there to stop the scroll.
If it doesn't grab attention, you've lost your reader.
✅ Active Voice
Strong subjects doing clear actions.
"She wrote the post" > "The post was written by her."
✅ Voice & Tone
How writing sounds to the ear.
Does it sound like you or your client?
✅ Drafting
Get your messy ideas onto the page.
You can't edit a blank page, so write badly first.
✅ Concision
Delete what doesn't earn its place.
Every sentence should move the reader forward.
✅ Rhythm & Cadence
Allow sentences to flow and breathe.
Play around with sentence and paragraph length.
✅ Narrative Arc
Beginning, middle, and end with purpose.
Even LinkedIn posts need a proper structure.
✅ Audience Awareness
Write for one person, not everyone.
The tighter your focus, the more people will relate.
✅ Foreshadowing
Plant seeds early that will pay off later.
Set up the result or outcome before you deliver it.
✅ Pacing
Fast and slow segments balance rhythm.
Not every sentence needs to hit hard.
✅ Conflict & Stakes
Tension keeps readers engaged.
What's at risk? Why should they care?
✅ The Rule of Three
Use sparingly, or it sounds like AI.
Three phrases or adjectives in a row are a massive tell.
✅ Iteration
Each version is an improvement.
First drafts are meant to suck. Learn as you go.
✅ Layers of Polish
Make big changes before small fixes.
Rearrange paragraphs before you fix typos.
Learning these will be your biggest advantage as a writer.
AI doesn't know these concepts.
It can mimic patterns, but it can't apply judgment.
That's your job.
And if you don't understand these fundamentals, leave AI for now.
You won't be able to identify what's decent writing and what's not.
Not to mention you'll publish mediocre work and contribute to all the slop out there.
So learn the basics to master the craft.
Then use AI to speed things up when you're ready.
Because writing well still matters very much.
Which concept do you struggle with most?
Drop it in the comments.
---
Want to sharpen your writing and use AI strategically?
Subscribe to Building Leverage: https://lnkd.in/emB8mET5
It has practical insights on mastering the fundamentals to build an effective personal brand.
---
I post about how to write well, with and without AI.
If that sounds interesting, give me a follow Katharine Gordon!
Repost to share this with writers who need it.
These 15 concepts are AI-proof:
AI can generate text, sure.
But the fundamentals are still the same.
And if you want to write great content, you need to understand them.
Here are 15 concepts to learn by heart:
(Save this post and stick it above your desk!)
✅ Show, Don't Tell
Reveal character through action and description.
Don't say someone's angry. Show them slamming a door.
✅ The Hook
The first line is there to stop the scroll.
If it doesn't grab attention, you've lost your reader.
✅ Active Voice
Strong subjects doing clear actions.
"She wrote the post" > "The post was written by her."
✅ Voice & Tone
How writing sounds to the ear.
Does it sound like you or your client?
✅ Drafting
Get your messy ideas onto the page.
You can't edit a blank page, so write badly first.
✅ Concision
Delete what doesn't earn its place.
Every sentence should move the reader forward.
✅ Rhythm & Cadence
Allow sentences to flow and breathe.
Play around with sentence and paragraph length.
✅ Narrative Arc
Beginning, middle, and end with purpose.
Even LinkedIn posts need a proper structure.
✅ Audience Awareness
Write for one person, not everyone.
The tighter your focus, the more people will relate.
✅ Foreshadowing
Plant seeds early that will pay off later.
Set up the result or outcome before you deliver it.
✅ Pacing
Fast and slow segments balance rhythm.
Not every sentence needs to hit hard.
✅ Conflict & Stakes
Tension keeps readers engaged.
What's at risk? Why should they care?
✅ The Rule of Three
Use sparingly, or it sounds like AI.
Three phrases or adjectives in a row are a massive tell.
✅ Iteration
Each version is an improvement.
First drafts are meant to suck. Learn as you go.
✅ Layers of Polish
Make big changes before small fixes.
Rearrange paragraphs before you fix typos.
Learning these will be your biggest advantage as a writer.
AI doesn't know these concepts.
It can mimic patterns, but it can't apply judgment.
That's your job.
And if you don't understand these fundamentals, leave AI for now.
You won't be able to identify what's decent writing and what's not.
Not to mention you'll publish mediocre work and contribute to all the slop out there.
So learn the basics to master the craft.
Then use AI to speed things up when you're ready.
Because writing well still matters very much.
Which concept do you struggle with most?
Drop it in the comments.
---
Want to sharpen your writing and use AI strategically?
Subscribe to Building Leverage: https://lnkd.in/emB8mET5
It has practical insights on mastering the fundamentals to build an effective personal brand.
---
I post about how to write well, with and without AI.
If that sounds interesting, give me a follow Katharine Gordon!
Repost to share this with writers who need it.
