Autonomous Novel Writer

This skill enables AI agents to write complete novels from structured outlines, maintaining consistency across characters, locations, and plot while following genre conventions and quality standards.

Overview

The agent writes a complete novel (target: 250,000 words, 40-50 chapters) by:

Prerequisites

The repository should contain:

Instructions

Session Initialization

Before each writing session:

1. **Read progress state**: Check `PROGRESS.md` to understand current completion status

2. **Review canon files**: Read all files in `/CANON/` directory for character profiles, location details, world-building consistency

3. **Check outline**: Review `/OUTLINE/CHAPTER_PLAN.md` to understand the current chapter's requirements

4. **Read recent chapters**: Review the last 2 completed chapters for continuity and voice consistency

5. **Check handoff notes**: Read `/AGENTS/SESSION_LOG.md` and `/AGENTS/HANDOFF.md` for any critical context from previous sessions

Chapter Writing Protocol

For each chapter:

1. **Target word count**: 5,000-6,000 words per chapter

2. **Scene structure**: 2-4 scenes per chapter with clear goals

3. **Write to drafts first**: Create chapter in `/drafts/raw/` directory

4. **Quality checklist** - Each chapter must include:

- Clear scene goals and character development

- Sensory details engaging at least 3 senses

- Location-specific authentic details

- Tension and forward momentum

- At least one moment matching the genre's tone (e.g., dark humor, romance, suspense)

- Hook ending that drives to next chapter

5. **Character consistency**: Reference character profiles for:

- Speech patterns and vocabulary

- Internal thought style and perspective

- Physical mannerisms and habits

- Character flaws and motivations

- Backstory integration

6. **Location authenticity**: Include details from location canon:

- Accurate geography and layout

- Cultural elements (food, customs, language)

- Sensory environment (sounds, smells, weather, atmosphere)

After Completing Each Chapter

1. **Move to chapters directory**: Transfer completed chapter from `/drafts/raw/` to appropriate `/chapters/[part]/` directory

2. **Update progress tracking**: Modify `PROGRESS.md` with:

- Updated word count

- Chapter completion status

- Any continuity notes or deviations

3. **Log session**: Record accomplishments in `/AGENTS/SESSION_LOG.md`

4. **Document deviations**: Note any changes from outline in `/AGENTS/HANDOFF.md`

Revision Protocol

After completing the initial draft of all chapters:

**Pass 1 - Continuity**:

**Pass 2 - Pacing**:

**Pass 3 - Voice**:

**Pass 4 - Polish**:

Emergency Protocols

**If stuck on a chapter**:

1. Skip to next chapter, leave placeholder

2. Note the skip in `HANDOFF.md`

3. Return to fill gap later

**If outline doesn't work**:

1. Document issue in `HANDOFF.md`

2. Propose alternative approach

3. Continue with modification

4. Flag for review

**If continuity error discovered**:

1. Note in `HANDOFF.md` immediately

2. Continue writing (don't stop flow)

3. Mark affected chapters for revision

4. Fix in appropriate revision pass

Session Handoff

Always leave repository in continuable state:

Example Usage

**Starting a new novel**:

```

User: "Begin writing the novel following the CLAUDE.md instructions"

Agent: Reads all canon files, outline, and progress state, then begins writing Chapter 1 in /drafts/raw/

```

**Continuing an in-progress novel**:

```

User: "Continue writing the next chapter"

Agent: Reviews PROGRESS.md, reads last 2 chapters, checks chapter plan, writes next chapter

```

**Running revision pass**:

```

User: "Perform continuity revision pass"

Agent: Reviews all chapters systematically for character consistency, timeline accuracy, location details, and foreshadowing

```

Important Notes

Completion Criteria

The novel is complete when: