executing-article-plan

name	executing-article-plan
description	Executes approved article plan section by section with validation checkpoints. Batch writing mode with human review.

Executing Article Plans

Overview

Execute an approved article plan by writing each section according to the outline. Work section by section, validate each piece, then continue. Human checkpoints every 2-3 sections.

Announce at start: "I'm using the executing-article-plan skill to write this article."

Context: You should have an approved plan from writing-article-plan skill.

Save drafts to: docs/writing/drafts/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>/

Batch Execution Flow

digraph execution {
    "Read plan" [shape=box];
    "Write section N" [shape=box];
    "Self-check section" [shape=diamond];
    "Save section draft" [shape=box];
    "Batch complete?" [shape=diamond];
    "Human checkpoint" [shape=box];
    "All sections done?" [shape=diamond];
    "Merge into full draft" [shape=box];
    "Invoke reviewing-article" [shape=doublecircle];

    "Read plan" -> "Write section N";
    "Write section N" -> "Self-check section";
    "Self-check section" -> "Write section N" [label="revise"];
    "Self-check section" -> "Save section draft" [label="pass"];
    "Save section draft" -> "Batch complete?";
    "Batch complete?" -> "Write section N" [label="no"];
    "Batch complete?" -> "Human checkpoint" [label="yes (2-3 sections)"];
    "Human checkpoint" -> "All sections done?";
    "All sections done?" -> "Write section N" [label="no, continue"];
    "All sections done?" -> "Merge into full draft" [label="yes"];
    "Merge into full draft" -> "Invoke reviewing-article";
}

Section Writing Process

For each section:

1. Read Section Plan

• Review purpose, key points, evidence
• Check transition from previous section
• Note word target and tone

2. Write Section Content

• Start with the transition from previous section
• Develop each key point fully
• Include supporting evidence
• End with transition to next section
• Aim for word target (±10% is fine)

3. Self-Check

Run through these questions:

• Word count within range? (±10% of target)
• All key points covered?
• Evidence supports claims?
• Tone matches guidelines?
• Transitions smooth?
• Paragraph length appropriate? (under 4 sentences)
• Active voice used?
• No jargon without explanation?

4. Save Section Draft

Save to: docs/writing/drafts/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>/section-N-<title>.md

Include metadata header:

---
section: N
title: [Section Title]
word_count: XXX
status: draft
date: YYYY-MM-DD
---

Batch Checkpoints

Every 2-3 sections, pause for human review:

Present:

## Checkpoint: Sections N-M Complete

**Sections written:**
- Section N: [Title] (XXX words) ✓
- Section N+1: [Title] (XXX words) ✓
- Section N+2: [Title] (XXX words) ✓

**Self-check summary:**
- Word counts: [total] / [target] ([X]% of plan)
- All key points covered: ✓
- Transitions smooth: ✓
- Tone consistent: ✓

**What's next:**
- Section N+3: [Next section title]

**Your options:**
1. **Continue** - Proceed to next batch
2. **Revise** - Make changes to these sections
3. **Pause** - Stop here and review later

After All Sections Complete

Merge into Full Draft

1. Read all section files in order
2. Merge into single document
3. Add article metadata header
4. Check overall flow
5. Save to: docs/writing/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>-draft.md

Full draft header:

---
title: [Article Title]
date: YYYY-MM-DD
status: draft_complete
word_count: XXXX
target_word_count: XXXX
sections: N
---

# [Article Title]

[Merged content...]

Transition to Review

After saving full draft:

"Full draft complete! Saved to docs/writing/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>-draft.md

Draft stats:

• Total words: XXXX (target: XXXX)
• Sections: N
• Tone: [as specified]

Next step: Invoke reviewing-article skill for multi-pass review (logic → evidence → flow → polish)

Ready to proceed with review?"

If yes:

• REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use document-superpowers:reviewing-article

Quality Standards

Good section writing:

• Clear topic sentence
• Key points well-developed
• Evidence integrated naturally
• Smooth transitions
• Appropriate word count
• Consistent tone

Warning signs:

• Vague claims without support
• Sudden topic jumps
• Overly long paragraphs
• Jargon-heavy without explanation
• Word count way off (>20% variance)

Recovery Options

If stuck on a section:

1. Re-read the plan for that section
2. Skip to next section, come back later
3. Ask for clarification on unclear points
4. Suggest plan revision if needed

If tone feels off:

1. Review tone guidelines in plan
2. Read previous sections for consistency
3. Ask for tone example/clarification

If running long:

1. Check if all key points are essential
2. Tighten language (remove filler)
3. Consider splitting into two sections

Key Principles

• Follow the plan - It's your blueprint
• Self-check rigorously - Catch issues early
• Batch with checkpoints - Don't write everything without review
• Save incrementally - Section files are your safety net
• Transitions matter - Each section should flow into the next
• Word counts are guides - ±10% is fine, 50% over is not