How Writers Can Use Copilot to Brainstorm and Speed Up First Drafts

In writing, getting started is often the hardest part. Whether you're working on a blog post, story, or report, staring at a blank page can feel tough. Copilot really does help with this. Offering useful ideas and suggestions and sometimes even whole sentences, help you write faster and stay focused more easily.

This may suggest outlines, provide creative starting points, and fill in placeholder text so you won't feel stuck. Copilot can make the process easier and less stressful regardless of how short or long you are writing something.

Here is how you can use this tool to think of ideas and quickly create your first draft.

1. Quick Idea Generation

One of the simplest ways to use Copilot is for brainstorming topic ideas. If you're having trouble finding a unique angle or a catchy title, you can just type in a general theme, and the tool will generate many options.

Example:

• Prompt: "Suggest some blog post ideas about healthy eating."

• Result: "10 Easy Healthy Snacks for Busy People" or "How to Meal Prep for the Week in Under 2 Hours."

By trying out various prompts, you can gather many choices and choose the best one.

2. Overcoming Writer’s Block

Writer’s block can slow you down, but Copilot can help you push past it. If you can’t think of what to write in a certain part, ask for a suggestion to start moving forward.

Example:

• Prompt: "What’s a good introduction for an article about morning routines?"

• Result: "Starting your day with a set routine can improve your productivity and mood. Here’s how small changes can lead to big improvements."

The key is to use the suggestion as a base and tweak it to match your tone and style.

3. Drafting Paragraphs Quickly

Once you have your outline or main ideas ready, this tool can assist by drafting paragraphs. These drafts don’t have to be perfect—they give you something to work with, saving you time.

Example:

• Prompt: "Write a short paragraph explaining the benefits of remote work."

• Result: "Remote work offers flexibility and can improve work-life balance. Employees save time by avoiding long commutes, and many report feeling more productive in a comfortable home environment."

You can use the generated content as-is or modify it to add more details.

4. Generating Lists and Bullet Points

Lists and bullet points make content easier to read. Copilot can help create concise lists quickly, especially when covering common benefits, steps, or key points.

Example:

• Prompt: "List five tips for staying focused while working from home."

• Result:

  1. Set up a dedicated workspace.

  2. Follow a daily schedule.

  3. Take regular breaks.

  4. Minimize distractions.

  5. Avoid multitasking.

This can be a helpful way to fill out your sections without overthinking each point.

5. Polishing Sentence Flow

Even though Copilot excel at first drafts, they can also suggest edits for better readability. If a sentence feels clunky, try asking the AI for an alternative phrasing.

Example:

• Original: "Working from home helps save time that would otherwise be spent commuting, which can be stressful."

• AI Suggestion: "Working from home saves time by eliminating stressful commutes."

Small improvements like this can make your writing feel smoother.

6. Avoiding Over-Reliance

While AI tools are useful, it’s important to avoid relying on them entirely. Use the suggestions as starting points, not final drafts. Add your voice, examples, and unique insights to ensure your work stands out.

Final Thoughts

This tool can be valuable writing assistants, helping you brainstorm and speed up your first drafts. They provide ideas, complete paragraphs, and refine sentences, saving time during the writing process. However, it’s still your creativity and editing that brings the final piece to life. Use these tools to spark inspiration and get your words flowing faster.

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