Guide users writing new pieces, revising drafts, planning structure, improving organization, making messages memorable, or applying expert writing techniques from McPhee, Zinsser, King, Pinker, Clark, Klinkenborg, Lamott, and Heath
Provides expert writing mentorship using techniques from McPhee, Zinsser, King, and others. Guides users through complete writing workflows—from planning structure and drafting to revision, stickiness enhancement, and pre-publishing checks.
/plugin marketplace add lyndonkl/claude/plugin install lyndonkl-thinking-frameworks-skills@lyndonkl/claudeThis skill inherits all available tools. When active, it can use any tool Claude has access to.
resources/revision-guide.mdresources/structure-types.mdresources/success-model.mdStart Here
Workflows
Before starting any new piece, work with the user to explore these questions:
Work together to document the intent brief before proceeding.
For: User starting from scratch
Copy this checklist and track your progress:
Full Writing Process:
- [ ] Step 1: Plan structural architecture
- [ ] Step 2: Draft with discipline
- [ ] Step 3: Revise in three passes
- [ ] Step 4: Enhance stickiness
- [ ] Step 5: Pre-publishing check
Step 1: Plan structural architecture
Work with user to select and diagram the appropriate structure type (List, Chronological, Circular, Pyramid, etc.). See resources/structure-types.md for complete workflow with 8 structure types, diagrams, and selection criteria.
Step 2: Draft with discipline
Review intent brief and structure diagram together. Remind user that shitty first drafts are good (Lamott)—write without editing. Guide to favor concrete nouns, strong verbs, sensory detail (King), and short declarative sentences (Klinkenborg). Encourage flow—don't stop to perfect, just get words on paper.
Step 3: Revise in three passes
Apply systematic revision: Pass 1 cuts clutter (Zinsser/King), Pass 2 reduces cognitive load (Pinker), Pass 3 improves rhythm (Clark). See resources/revision-guide.md for complete three-pass workflow with specific techniques for each pass.
Step 4: Enhance stickiness
Apply SUCCESs framework (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories) to make message memorable. See resources/success-model.md for complete workflow, stickiness scorecard (0-18 points), and before/after examples.
Step 5: Pre-publishing check
Run through comprehensive checklist covering content, structure, clarity, style, polish, and final tests. See Pre-Publishing Checklist below for all items before sharing or publishing.
For: User has draft, needs improvement
Copy this checklist and track your progress:
Revision & Polish:
- [ ] Step 1: Three-pass revision
- [ ] Step 2: Enhance stickiness (optional)
Step 1: Three-pass revision
Apply systematic revision in three passes: Pass 1 cuts clutter (Zinsser/King) by removing weak constructions and cutting 10-25%; Pass 2 reduces cognitive load (Pinker) by fixing garden-paths and improving readability; Pass 3 improves rhythm (Clark) by varying sentences, adding gold-coins, and enhancing flow. See resources/revision-guide.md for complete workflow with specific techniques for each pass.
Step 2: Enhance stickiness (optional)
Apply SUCCESs framework (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories) to make message more memorable. See resources/success-model.md for complete workflow, stickiness scorecard, and before/after examples.
For: User has ideas but unsure how to organize
Copy this checklist and track your progress:
Structure Planning:
- [ ] Step 1: Select appropriate structure type
- [ ] Step 2: Create structure diagram
- [ ] Step 3: Place gold-coins strategically
Step 1: Select appropriate structure type
Work with user to understand their content and choose from 8 structure types (List, Chronological, Circular, Dual Profile, Pyramid, Parallel Narratives, etc.). See resources/structure-types.md for philosophy, structure selection criteria, and diagrams for each type.
Step 2: Create structure diagram
Follow the 5-step process to diagram the chosen structure with user's specific content. See Creating Your Own Structure Diagram for step-by-step guidance.
Step 3: Place gold-coins strategically
Identify where to place narrative rewards (gold-coins) to maintain reader engagement, especially in middle sections. See Gold-Coin Placement Strategy for techniques.
For: User wants message to be more memorable
Copy this checklist and track your progress:
Stickiness Enhancement:
- [ ] Step 1: Rate current stickiness
- [ ] Step 2: Apply SUCCESs framework
- [ ] Step 3: Re-rate and refine
Step 1: Rate current stickiness
Use the stickiness scorecard to rate the current message on 6 dimensions (0-18 points total). This establishes baseline. See resources/success-model.md for complete scorecard and rating guidance.
Step 2: Apply SUCCESs framework
Work through all 6 principles systematically: Simple (find core), Unexpected (break schemas), Concrete (sensory details), Credible (testable claims), Emotional (make people care), Stories (simulate experience). See detailed guidance on all 6 principles for specific techniques.
Step 3: Re-rate and refine
Score the revised message using the same scorecard. Aim for 12+ points for good stickiness. See before/after examples for transformation patterns.
Use before sharing or publishing.
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