/writing-draft

name: writing:draft
description: Transform an outline into prose following style preferences
argument-hint: "[path to outline.md]"

Writing Draft Command

Execute an outline into prose, following style preferences and voice profiles.

Input

<outline_path> #$ARGUMENTS </outline_path>

Workflow Overview

This command executes the **drafting phase**: 1. Load outline and research 2. Load applicable style guide 3. Pre-draft checklist 4. Section-by-section drafting with voice guardian loop 5. Quality checkpoints

Phase 1: Load Context

Read Outline and Research

Read the outline file at [outline_path]
Read associated research.md and sources.md in same directory
Extract:
- The thesis/argument
- The hook
- Section structure
- Source requirements per section

Load Style Guide

Check for applicable style:

1. **Check for voice profile**: `.claude/voice-profiles/[name].yaml` 2. **Check for style skill**: `every-style-editor`, `dhh-writing`, `pragmatic-writing` 3. **Ask if none found**: "Which style should I use? (Every style, DHH style, Pragmatic style, or provide custom)"

Extract Channel Guidance

Based on outline metadata or ask:

• Blog: longer form, storytelling allowed
• Newsletter: personality forward, direct address okay
• Social: punchy, hooks required
• Documentation: clear, step-by-step, minimal personality

Phase 2: Pre-Draft Checklist

Before writing any prose, verify:

• [ ] **Opening is concrete** - Story or example first, not theory
• [ ] **Each section has clear purpose** - Know what each must accomplish
• [ ] **Sources are sufficient** - Every claim can be supported
• [ ] **Voice is defined** - Know the style to match

If any fail, return to `/writing:plan` to address.

Phase 3: Section-by-Section Drafting

The Producer-Critic Loop

For each section, use iterative voice-guardian feedback:

Loop for each section:
  1. Draft the section following:
     - Outline beats
     - Style guide rules
     - Baseline strategies (short sentences, active voice, concrete examples)

  2. Run voice-guardian check:
     Task voice-guardian: "Check this section against voice profile:
     [section text]
     Voice profile: [profile details]
     Return score (0-100) and specific fixes needed."

  3. If score < 85:
     - Apply suggested fixes
     - Re-check until score ≥ 85

  4. If score ≥ 85:
     - Move to next section

Baseline Writing Strategies

Apply these to all content:

• **Short sentences**: Average 15-20 words
• **Active voice**: Subject does the action
• **Concrete examples**: Show, don't tell
• **One idea per paragraph**: No cramming
• **Strong verbs**: Avoid "is", "was", "has"

Situational Strategies

Apply based on context:

**For technical content**:

• Concrete before abstract
• Physical analogies for concepts
• Code examples where helpful

**For persuasive content**:

• Acknowledge objections
• Use social proof
• Build to the ask

**For storytelling**:

• Sensory details
• Dialogue where appropriate
• Tension and release

Phase 4: Draft Assembly

Combine Sections

# [Title]

[Hook - opening 50 words]

[Section 1]

[Section 2]

...

[Conclusion with CTA]

Quality Checkpoints

Verify before saving:

• [ ] Opening hooks within first 50 words
• [ ] No paragraph over 4 sentences
• [ ] Concrete example in each major section
• [ ] All claims have sources
• [ ] Clear CTA at end
• [ ] Overall voice score ≥ 85

Output

Save draft to: `drafts/[slug]/draft-v1.md`

---
title: "[Title]"
version: 1
style: "[style used]"
voice_score: [final score]
word_count: [count]
reading_time: "[X] minutes"
created: [timestamp]
---

[Draft content]

---

## Draft Notes
- Sources used: [list]
- Style guide applied: [name]
- Voice profile: [name or "none"]

Post-Draft Options

After creating draft, use AskUserQuestion:

**Question**: "Draft ready at `drafts/[slug]/draft-v1.md` ([X] words, voice score: [Y]). What next?"

**Options**: 1. **Run editorial review** - `/writing:review drafts/[slug]/draft-v1.md` 2. **Tighten/edit manually** - Open draft for hands-on editing 3. **Generate variations** - Create 2 more drafts with different angles 4. **Quick style check** - Run clarity-editor pass only

Common Issues

Voice Score Won't Reach 85

• Review voice profile - may be too strict
• Check if content type matches voice
• Consider adjusting profile for this piece

Draft Feels Flat

• Add more concrete examples
• Strengthen the opening hook
• Vary sentence length more
• Add tension or stakes

Too Long/Too Short

• Review outline section estimates
• Cut less essential sections for shorter
• Expand examples for longer