verb-theme-creator

name	verb-theme-creator
description	Use when creating new Claude Code spinner verb themes for the jackson-verbs repository. Guides brainstorming verbs around a theme, formatting them as natural action verbs, and generating the required file structure (README.md, theme.md, theme.json).
metadata	{"author":"aaronkwhite"}

Verb Theme Creator

Create themed verb packs for Claude Code's status line spinner.

Overview

Claude Code displays verbs like "Thinking..." while processing. This skill guides creation of themed verb collections users can add to their ~/.claude/settings.json.

When to Use

• User wants to create a new verb theme
• User asks about adding themes to jackson-verbs
• User wants to customize Claude Code spinner verbs

Theme Requirements

Verb Count: 30-45 verbs per theme

Verb Format: Present participles (action verbs ending in -ing) that:

• Read naturally with "for 30s" appended (e.g., "Channeling the Force for 30s")
• Capture the theme's essence through actions, not raw quotes
• Reframe famous quotes into action format

Reframing Examples:

Raw Quote	Action Verb
"Do or do not"	Trying Not (There is No Try)
"Say what again"	Asking What Again
"Whatcha gonna do"	Asking Whatcha Gonna Do

File Structure

Each theme requires three files in themes/[theme-name]/:

themes/theme-name/
├── README.md           # Quick intro + sample verbs + file links
├── theme-name.md       # Full verb list with reference table + JSON block
└── theme-name.json     # Raw JSON config for copy/curl

Creation Process

1. Understand the Theme

Ask clarifying questions:

• What's the source material? (movies, person, franchise, era)
• What's the vibe? (serious, comedic, nostalgic, intense)
• Any specific references to include or avoid?

2. Brainstorm Raw Material

List 50+ potential references:

• Catchphrases and quotes
• Character actions
• Iconic moments
• Running jokes
• Signature moves/behaviors

3. Convert to Action Verbs

Transform each reference into a present participle that:

• Starts with an -ing verb
• Reads naturally as a status message
• Keeps the reference recognizable

4. Curate to 30-45

Select the strongest verbs:

• Mix of well-known and deep-cut references
• Variety in verb length (short punchy + longer descriptive)
• No repetitive patterns

5. Create Files

theme-name.json:

{
  "spinnerVerbs": {
    "mode": "replace",
    "verbs": [
      "Verb One",
      "Verb Two"
    ]
  }
}

theme-name.md:

# Theme Name Verbs

> "Iconic quote from theme" - Attribution

Brief theme description.

## The Verbs

| Verb | Reference |
|------|-----------|
| Verb One | Source/context |
| Verb Two | Source/context |

## Quick Copy

\`\`\`json
{
  "spinnerVerbs": {
    "mode": "replace",
    "verbs": [...]
  }
}
\`\`\`

README.md:

# Theme Name

> "Iconic quote"

Brief description. [X] verbs of [theme essence].

**Sample verbs:** Verb One, Verb Two, Verb Three...

## Files

- [theme-name.md](theme-name.md) - Full verb list with references
- [theme-name.json](theme-name.json) - Raw JSON for your config

Quality Checklist

• 30-45 verbs total
• All verbs are present participles (-ing)
• Verbs read naturally with "for Xs" appended
• Reference table explains each verb's origin
• Mix of famous and deep-cut references
• JSON is valid and properly formatted
• All three files created in correct structure

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Fix
Forced -ing ("Do or Do Not-ing")	Reframe as action ("Trying Not")
Raw quotes as verbs	Convert to action format
Too many similar verbs	Ensure variety
Missing references	Add context for each verb
Under 30 verbs	Brainstorm more source material

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