/writing-orchestration

name: writing-orchestration
description: This skill should be used when orchestrating complex writing workflows with multiple phases. It provides two-agent orchestration patterns, the two-gate content readiness assessment, 10 baseline writing strategies, 20+ situational strategies, and quality checkpoints. Inspired by the Spiral Writing System.

Writing Orchestration Skill

A complete orchestration system for complex writing workflows. This skill provides the strategic layer that coordinates agents, applies writing strategies, and ensures content quality.

When to Use This Skill

This skill applies when:

• Coordinating multiple writing agents
• Applying strategic writing decisions
• Assessing content readiness before drafting
• Selecting and applying writing strategies
• Running quality checkpoints on drafts

Two-Agent Architecture

Complex writing benefits from separation of concerns:

Orchestrator Role

• Classifies requests (information vs. content)
• Applies two-gate assessment
• Gathers research and context
• Hands off to writer when ready
• Never creates content directly

Writer Role

• Creates drafts using strategies
• Applies style guides
• Produces variations (EXPLORATION mode)
• Refines based on feedback (REFINEMENT mode)
• Uses tools for all content (never in chat)

User Request
    ↓
[Orchestrator] → Classify → Research → Two-Gate Assessment
    ↓
    ├── Not Ready → Gather more material/clarity
    ↓
    └── Ready → Handoff to Writer
                    ↓
              [Writer] → Apply Strategies → Create Drafts
                    ↓
              Quality Checkpoints → Output

Two-Gate Content Readiness Assessment

Before any content creation, apply this assessment:

Gate 1: Material Sufficiency

**Question**: "Could the writer create this without inventing facts?"

| Outcome | Action | |---------|--------| | ✓ Pass | Have concrete examples, data, quotes available | | ✗ Fail | Need to research/gather material first |

**Pass signals**:

• Specific examples available
• Data points confirmed
• Expert quotes accessible
• No major claims need fabrication

Gate 2: Message Clarity

**Question**: "Do we know EXACTLY what message to convey?"

| Outcome | Action | |---------|--------| | ✓ Pass | Clear, specific communication goal | | ✗ Fail | Need to interview for clarity |

**Pass signals**:

• Can state thesis in one sentence
• Know the audience specifically
• Know the desired action
• Angle is differentiated

Decision Matrix

| Material | Message | Action | |----------|---------|--------| | ✓ | ✓ | Handoff to writer immediately | | ✓ | ✗ | Interview for message clarity | | ✗ | ✓ | Research/gather material | | ✗ | ✗ | Interview for both |

10 Baseline Strategies (ALWAYS Apply)

These strategies apply to ALL content. Reference [baseline-strategies.md](./references/baseline-strategies.md) for full details.

| Strategy | Rule | Transform | |----------|------|-----------| | **reader-zero-context** | Add 3-6 word orienting phrases | "Stripe handles billing" → "Stripe, the payments platform, handles billing" | | **subject-verb** | Subject + verb in first 5 words | "There were students who..." → "Students completed..." | | **activate-verbs** | Precise verbs over is/was | "Markets were down" → "Markets plunged" | | **watch-adverbs** | Let strong verbs carry load | "whispered quietly" → "whispered" | | **limit-ings** | Simple tense over continuous | "are running tests" → "run tests" | | **prefer-simple** | Everyday language unless technical | "utilizes stochastic gradient" → "learns by trial and error" | | **cut-big-small** | Edit hierarchically | Paragraphs → Sentences → Words | | **ban-empty-hypophora** | No self-answered questions | "The payoff? Our app..." → "Our app..." | | **present-active-tense** | Direct, immediate language | "debuts today" → "is out now" | | **one-idea-per-sentence** | Single clear point | Split compound thoughts |

20+ Situational Strategies (Select 3-4)

Choose based on content type and goals. Reference [situational-strategies.md](./references/situational-strategies.md) for full list.

Hook & Opening

• **hook-effectiveness** - Counterintuitive or surprising openings
• **tension-builder** - Create and resolve tension
• **pattern-twist** - Set expectations, then break them

Structure & Flow

• **order-words-emphasis** - Important words at sentence ends
• **sentence-length** - Vary for rhythm (short for impact, long for flow)
• **paragraph-length** - Mix for visual rhythm
• **ladder-abstraction** - Alternate concrete ↔ abstract

Style & Voice

• **elegant-variation** - Avoid word repetition
• **passive-aggressive** - Strategic passive for emphasis
• **punctuation-pace** - Use punctuation for rhythm
• **key-words-space** - Give important terms breathing room

Persuasion & Engagement

• **essential-name-filter** - Only names that add value
• **name-of-dog** - Specific details for authenticity
• **original-images** - Fresh metaphors, avoid clichés
• **show-and-tell** - Balance showing with telling

Narrative & Story

• **narrate-scenes** - Immersive scene-setting
• **cinematic-angles** - Camera-like perspective shifts
• **dialogue-compression** - Tight, purposeful dialogue
• **reveal-traits** - Character through action

Quality Checkpoints

Before finalizing content, verify:

Opening Quality

• [ ] Opening is counterintuitive or surprising
• [ ] Leads with most compelling insight/moment/problem
• [ ] No chronology/setup/version numbers in opening
• [ ] Hook earns the next sentence

Body Quality

• [ ] Body delivers on opening's promise
• [ ] Concrete sensory details present
• [ ] Each paragraph has clear purpose
• [ ] Transitions are smooth

Strategy Compliance

• [ ] All 10 baseline strategies applied
• [ ] 3-4 situational strategies visible
• [ ] Each sentence expresses one clear idea
• [ ] Technical terminology oriented with context

Style Guide Compliance

• [ ] Voice matches profile/gu