| name | writing |
| description | Grounded prose composition workflow including pre-write queries, consistency checks, and post-write entity extraction for database-backed writing. |
Writing Skill
Purpose
The writing skill supports the author through the actual prose composition process. It ensures writing is grounded in established corpus content, maintains consistency with previous work, and captures new details for future reference.
Core Workflow
The writing skill follows a strict three-phase workflow:
Phase 1: Pre-Write Queries
Before writing any prose, query the corpus to gather relevant context:
- Semantic Search: Find content related to the scene/section topic
- Graph Traversal: Identify connected characters, locations, themes
- Timeline Check: Verify chronological consistency
- Character State: Retrieve current character knowledge, relationships, locations
- World Details: Get established facts about settings, magic systems, etc.
See pre-write-query.surql for query templates.
Purpose: Ground the writing in established canon and avoid contradictions.
Phase 2: Grounded Writing
Write the prose using the queried context:
Principles:
- Stay faithful to established character voices
- Honor timeline and continuity
- Use consistent terminology and names
- Reference previously established details naturally
- Flag any new details being introduced
Style Consistency:
- Match voice and tone of existing work (see
voice.md)
- Maintain POV discipline
- Use dialogue patterns consistent with characters (see
dialogue.md)
- Apply genre conventions appropriately
Citation Integration:
- Incorporate research seamlessly (see
citation.md)
- Attribute ideas appropriately
- Avoid accidental plagiarism
Phase 3: Post-Write Storage
After completing prose, extract and store new information:
- Entity Extraction: Identify new characters, locations, objects, events
- Relationship Updates: Create or modify character relationships
- Timeline Additions: Add events to chronological record
- Theme Tracking: Note thematic elements introduced
- Knowledge Updates: Record character knowledge gains
Purpose: Build corpus incrementally so future writing stays consistent.
Writing Unit Types
Scene Writing (Fiction)
A scene is a unit of action with:
- POV Character: Whose perspective we experience
- Setting: Where and when it occurs
- Goal: What POV character wants
- Conflict: Opposition to the goal
- Outcome: Result (usually setback or complication)
Pre-Write Queries:
- Character current state and knowledge
- Location details
- Active plot threads
- Relationship dynamics between present characters
- Timeline position
Post-Write Storage:
- Character emotional/physical state changes
- New relationship developments
- Timeline event entry
- New location details introduced
- Objects or lore revealed
Section Writing (Nonfiction)
A section is a unit of argument or instruction with:
- Main Point: Core idea being communicated
- Evidence: Support for the point
- Analysis: How evidence supports point
- Application: How reader uses information
Pre-Write Queries:
- Previously established arguments
- Sources and citations available
- Examples and case studies in corpus
- Terminology definitions
- Related concepts covered earlier
Post-Write Storage:
- New arguments or claims made
- Sources cited
- Examples introduced
- Terminology defined
- Concepts explained
Consistency Checks
Before finalizing any writing unit, verify:
Character Consistency
World Consistency
Plot Consistency
Argument Consistency (Nonfiction)
Voice and Style Maintenance
Maintain consistent voice throughout writing:
Voice Elements:
- Sentence structure patterns (simple vs. complex)
- Word choice (formal vs. casual, technical vs. accessible)
- Rhythm and pacing
- Use of metaphor and imagery
- Humor and tone
Techniques:
- Query corpus for similar scenes/sections
- Analyze voice patterns in existing writing
- Match those patterns in new writing
- Use comparable title analysis for genre norms
- Apply author's established style guide
See voice.md for detailed guidance.
Dialogue Craft
Dialogue requires special attention:
Character Voice Differentiation:
- Each character should sound distinct
- Consider: education, background, personality, age, culture
- Use speech patterns, vocabulary, rhythm to differentiate
Dialogue Functions:
- Reveal character personality
- Advance plot through information exchange
- Create or escalate conflict
- Show relationships through interaction style
- Establish or shift tone
Technical Craft:
- Attribution tags ("said" is usually best)
- Action beats to show physicality
- Subtext and what's not said
- Pacing through line length and interruptions
See dialogue.md for detailed techniques.
Managing New Information
When introducing new details:
Decision Framework:
- Is this detail necessary? (Avoid info-dumping)
- Does it contradict anything? (Check corpus)
- How much should be revealed? (Progressive disclosure)
- Whose perspective reveals it? (POV-appropriate knowledge)
Integration Techniques:
- Show through action rather than exposition
- Reveal through dialogue naturally
- Use sensory details to ground information
- Layer details across multiple scenes/sections
Storage Protocol:
- Extract significant new details immediately
- Store with context (who revealed, when, how)
- Link to related entities
- Tag with confidence level if uncertain
Iteration and Revision
Writing is iterative:
First Draft Focus:
- Get story/argument on page
- Maintain momentum
- Flag consistency questions but keep writing
- Capture new details for corpus
Revision Focus:
- Query corpus for flagged consistency issues
- Refine voice and style
- Deepen character work
- Strengthen dialogue
- Polish prose
Corpus Updates:
- Update entities as characters/arguments evolve
- Revise relationships as story progresses
- Track major revisions that affect continuity
Genre-Specific Considerations
Different genres require different approaches:
Mystery/Thriller:
- Track clues planted and revealed
- Manage information revelation timing
- Maintain suspense through withheld information
Romance:
- Track relationship progression milestones
- Maintain emotional authenticity
- Balance internal and external conflict
Fantasy/Sci-Fi:
- Consistent magic/tech system application
- World-building detail management
- Balance exposition with action
Literary Fiction:
- Deep interiority and character psychology
- Thematic layering
- Prose craft emphasis
Nonfiction:
- Argument clarity and logic
- Evidence integration
- Reader engagement and accessibility
Integration with Other Skills
The writing skill works with:
Outlining: Follow outline structure while writing
Research: Incorporate researched content
Editing: Prepare clean drafts for editing
Corpus Analysis: Query and update corpus continuously
Common Pitfalls
Avoid these mistakes:
Continuity Errors:
- Writing without pre-querying corpus
- Forgetting to store new details
- Contradicting established facts
Voice Inconsistency:
- Switching tone mid-book
- Character voice drift
- Genre convention violations
Information Overload:
- Dumping exposition
- Revealing too much too soon
- Telling instead of showing
Shallow Writing:
- Generic character voices
- Thin dialogue
- Telling emotions instead of showing
- Cliché descriptions
Quality Checklist
Before considering a writing unit complete:
Output Storage
Store completed writing in structured format:
Manuscript Files:
- One file per chapter or major section
- Markdown format with metadata headers
- Version control via git
- Clear naming convention
Corpus Integration:
- Extract entities and store in database
- Link writing to outline entries
- Connect to research sources
- Tag with themes and plot threads
Progress Tracking:
- Update word count stats
- Mark outline sections as drafted
- Track writing velocity
- Note revision needs
