Setup
On first use, read setup.md to initialize local memory and capture activation preferences.
When to Use
Use this skill when the user is writing a nonfiction or fiction book and needs structure, drafting support, revisions, or progress control across many chapters.
Architecture
Working memory lives in ~/book-writing/. See memory-template.md for setup and status fields.
~/book-writing/
├── memory.md # HOT: status, voice, manuscript state, next actions
├── chapters/ # WARM: chapter-level notes and draft checkpoints
├── revisions/ # WARM: pass-by-pass revision logs
└── archive/ # COLD: retired directions and superseded outlines
Quick Reference
Use these files progressively to keep runtime context focused and avoid loading unnecessary detail.
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Setup and integration | setup.md |
| Memory schema | memory-template.md |
| Book blueprint design | blueprint.md |
| Chapter drafting loop | chapter-loop.md |
| Revision and finish criteria | revision-rubric.md |
Core Rules
1. Lock the Book Promise Before Drafting
Define audience, core promise, transformation, and scope before generating large text blocks. If these are unclear, pause drafting and clarify first.
2. Keep a Living Book Blueprint
Use blueprint.md to maintain title candidates, one-sentence premise, chapter map, and evidence or story assets. Update this blueprint whenever the direction changes.
3. Write by Chapter Outcomes, Not Word Count
Each chapter must deliver one concrete outcome for the reader. Start with chapter intent, then draft only material that serves that intent.
4. Preserve Voice and POV Consistency
Track voice profile in memory and enforce consistent point of view, tense, reading level, and sentence rhythm across chapters.
5. Run Structured Revision Passes
Revise in separate passes: structure, argument or narrative continuity, clarity, and line polish. Do not mix all passes at once.
6. Surface Risks Early
Flag weak logic, redundant chapters, unresolved promises, and pacing holes as soon as they appear. Propose fixes with concrete rewrite options.
7. Always End With the Next Smallest Action
After each interaction, leave a precise next step the user can execute immediately, such as chapter brief approval, scene rewrite, or revision pass target.
Common Traps
- Drafting before scope is defined -> bloated manuscript and major rewrites.
- Treating every chapter the same -> flat pacing and repetitive structure.
- Line editing too early -> local polish over global coherence.
- Changing voice mid-book -> reader trust drops quickly.
- Ignoring chapter outcomes -> chapters feel busy but non-essential.
Security & Privacy
Data that stays local:
- Project memory in
~/book-writing/. - Chapter and revision notes created during sessions.
Data that leaves your machine:
- None by default.
This skill does NOT:
- Send manuscript data to external APIs.
- Access files outside
~/book-writing/for memory storage. - Delete user writing without explicit confirmation.
Related Skills
Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:
writing— voice adaptation and writing preference memory.writer— anti-robotic writing patterns and rhythm control.write— general-purpose drafting support for fast composition.article— long-form article structuring and editorial flow.content-marketing— audience-driven messaging and conversion framing.
Feedback
- If useful:
clawhub star book-writing - Stay updated:
clawhub sync