Novel Writer

Novel Writer

Overview

Provide professional novel writing support covering ideation, planning, drafting, continuation, and revision. The skill handles new fiction projects, chapter continuation, character design, character arcs, worldbuilding, and prose revision across genres such as science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, and wuxia.

When to Use

Use this skill when the user asks for:

• New novel creation from an idea or genre prompt
• Continuing existing chapters or scenes
• Character creation and character arc design
• Worldbuilding (magic systems, factions, settings, lore)
• Revising story content for clarity, tension, pacing, or emotional impact

Do not use

Do not use this skill for:

• Factual Q&A tasks that are not creative writing tasks
• Legal, medical, or financial advice requests
• Requests to produce plagiarism or direct imitation of copyrighted works
• Harmful or disallowed content that violates platform safety policies

Instructions

1. Identify request type first (new novel, continuation, character, worldbuilding, revision). 2. Ask only the minimum required questions before drafting. 3. Follow the matching workflow section in this file. 4. Reuse references and templates under references/ and assets/templates/. 5. Keep tone, POV, and character logic consistent with prior content. 6. Before final output, quickly self-check plot coherence and language quality.

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Workflow

Step 1: Identify Request Type

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Create New Novel

Writing Process

1. Gather Info → 2. Build Framework → 3. Character Design → 4. Chapter Planning → 5. Start Writing

1. Gather Basic Information

Ask the user for key details (avoid asking too much at once):

Required:

• Genre (sci-fi/fantasy/mystery/romance/wuxia etc.)
• Core concept or inspiration
• Target length (short/medium/long)

Optional (ask progressively):

• Protagonist setting
• Desired emotional tone
• Special requirements

2. Build Framework

Create a story outline using the Three-Act Structure:

• Act 1 (25%): Setup → Inciting Incident → Crossing the Threshold
• Act 2 (50%): Challenges → Midpoint → Crisis → Preparation
• Act 3 (25%): Climax → Resolution → New Normal

Detailed structure guide: See references/story-structure.md

3. Character Design

Create character cards for core characters:

• Protagonist: Core desire, core fear, character arc
• Antagonist: Motivation, conflict with protagonist
• Key supporting characters: Functional role

Detailed character guide: See references/character-development.md

4. Chapter Planning

Plan specific chapters based on the outline, clarifying for each:

• POV (perspective)
• Scene location
• Plot points
• Connection to overall story

5. Start Writing

Write chapter by chapter according to the plan:

• Maintain consistent perspective
• Vivid scene details
• Dialogue that advances plot
• Appropriate foreshadowing

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Continue Chapter

Pre-writing Preparation

1. Understand existing content

• Read existing chapters
• Review current plot progress
• Confirm character status and relationships

2. Confirm continuation direction

• What's the goal of the next chapter?
• What events need to happen?
• What's the emotional direction?

Continuation Guidelines

• Connect to previous plot and atmosphere
• Maintain consistent character personalities
• Advance main or subplots
• End with a hook

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Character Design

Design Process

1. Determine character function

• Protagonist/antagonist/supporting?
• Role in the story?

2. Fill in character dimensions

• Basic info (name, age, appearance)
• Core desires and fears
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Unique identifiers (speech patterns, habitual gestures)

3. Design character arc

• Starting state
• Changes experienced
• Ending state

4. Build relationship network

• Relationships with other characters
• Conflicts and bonds

Use template: assets/templates/character-card.md

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Worldbuilding

Building Layers

1. Physical World

• Geography
• Climate and ecology
• Important locations

2. Social Systems

• Political structure
• Economic system
• Cultural customs

3. Special Systems

• Magic system (fantasy)
• Technology setting (sci-fi)
• Martial arts system (wuxia)

4. Historical Background

• Important events
• Legends and myths

Building Principles

• Serve the story: Only build what the story needs
• Internal consistency: Rules shouldn't contradict
• Show don't tell: Reveal the world through plot

Detailed guide: See references/worldbuilding.md

Use template: assets/templates/world-bible.md

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Genre-Specific Guidance

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Writing Techniques

Key techniques at a glance:

• Narrative POV: First person/third person limited/omniscient, choose based on story needs
• Scene building: Time + location + characters + conflict + change
• Dialogue writing: Advance plot, reveal character, contain subtext
• Pacing: Balance tension and release, buffer after climaxes
• Suspense & foreshadowing: Plant early, pay off later

Detailed techniques: See references/writing-techniques.md

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Available Templates

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Output Guidelines

Outline Output

• Clear structure, distinct layers
• Key plot points clearly defined
• Easy to expand upon

Prose Output

• Write in the target language
• Appropriate paragraph breaks
• Proper dialogue formatting
• Avoid overly formal language, maintain readability

Format Example

Chapter 1: Dark Descent

Neon lights blurred into halos through the rain. Lin Yuan stood at the edge of the rooftop, letting the cold rain soak his trench coat.

"You came." A familiar voice spoke from behind.

He turned to see a dark figure emerging from the stairwell.

Chapter Template

Chapter Information

• Chapter Number:
• Chapter Title:
• POV (Perspective):
• Target Word Count:

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Chapter Goals

Plot Goal

(What plot should this chapter advance?)

Emotional Goal

(How should the reader feel after reading?)

Information Goal

(What information needs to be conveyed?)

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Scene Planning

Scene 1

• Location:
• Time:
• Characters Present:
• What Happens:
• Conflict/Tension:
• Ending Hook:

Scene 2

• Location:
• Time:
• Characters Present:
• What Happens:
• Conflict/Tension:
• Ending Hook:

(Add more scenes as needed)

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Chapter Key Points

Foreshadowing to Plant

1. 2.

Foreshadowing to Pay Off

1. 2.

Character Development

(Character changes in this chapter)

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Connection to Overall Story

Connection to Previous Chapter

(How to connect from the previous chapter)

Setup for Next Chapter

(What to prepare for the next chapter)

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Writing Checklist

• [ ] Maintain consistent perspective
• [ ] Smooth scene transitions
• [ ] Dialogue advances plot
• [ ] Sufficient sensory details
• [ ] Appropriate pacing

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Chapter Content

(Write here)

Character Card Template

Basic Information

• Name:
• Nickname/Alias:
• Age:
• Gender:
• Appearance:

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Background

Family Background

(Family structure, parents, siblings, etc.)

Upbringing

(Important experiences that shaped their personality)

Occupation/Identity

(Current profession, social status)

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Personality

External Personality

(How others perceive them)

Internal Personality

(Their true self)

Strengths

1. 2. 3.

Weaknesses

1. 2. 3.

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Psychological Dimensions

Core Desire

(What do they want most deeply?)

Core Fear

(What do they fear most?)

Core Lie

(The false belief they hold)

Core Truth

(The truth they need to learn)

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Behavioral Traits

Speech Patterns

(Catchphrases, pace, word choices)

Signature Actions

(Habitual gestures)

Unique Skills/Talents

Weaknesses/Blind Spots

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Motivations and Goals

Public Goal

(What they ostensibly pursue)

Hidden Motivation

(The deeper driving force)

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Relationship Network

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Character Arc

Starting State

(How they are at the beginning)

Transformation

(Key changes they undergo)

Ending State

(How they are at the end)

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Key Scenes

1. Introduction Scene: 2. Turning Point Scene: 3. Climax Scene: 4. Resolution Scene:

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Notes

(Other inspirations or ideas)

Novel Outline Template

Basic Information

• Title:
• Genre:
• Target Word Count:
• One-Line Summary:

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Core Concept

Theme

(The central question the story explores)

Core Conflict

(The main contradiction the protagonist faces)

Emotional Tone

(Overall atmosphere and reader emotion)

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Character Setup

Protagonist

• Name:
• Core Desire:
• Core Fear:
• Character Arc:
• Unique Identifier:

Antagonist

• Name:
• Motivation:
• Relationship to Protagonist:

Key Supporting Characters

1. Name: [Character function] 2. Name: [Character function]

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Worldbuilding

Time Period/Setting

Core Setting

(Key differences from reality)

Important Locations

1. 2. 3.

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Plot Outline

Act 1: Setup (~25%)

Opening: (Establish the ordinary world)

Inciting Incident: (Event that disrupts the status quo)

First Plot Point: (Protagonist's decision to embark on the journey)

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Act 2: Confrontation (~50%)

Rising Action: (Series of challenges)

Midpoint: (Story turning point)

Crisis: (Darkest moment)

Second Plot Point: (Preparation for the final confrontation)

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Act 3: Resolution (~25%)

Climax: (Final confrontation)

Falling Action: (Handling the aftermath)

Resolution: (New normal)

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Chapter Planning

Chapter 1

• POV:
• Scene:
• Key Points:

Chapter 2

• POV:
• Scene:
• Key Points:

(Continue as needed)

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Foreshadowing

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Notes

(Other ideas and inspirations to record)

Worldbuilding Template

World Overview

• World Name:
• Time Period:
• Core Feature:

(Key differences from reality/other works)

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Geography

Continents/Regions

1. 2. 3.

Important Locations

[Location Name 1]

• Position:
• Features:
• Historical Significance:
• Relation to Story:

[Location Name 2]

• Position:
• Features:
• Historical Significance:
• Relation to Story:

Climate and Ecology

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Social Systems

Political Structure

• Form of Government:
• Power Distribution:
• Major Powers:

Economic System

• Currency:
• Main Industries:
• Trade Relations:

Social Classes

1. 2. 3.

Law and Order

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Cultural Settings

Language and Writing

Religion

• Major Religions:
• Core Doctrines:
• Rituals and Customs:

Festivals and Celebrations

1. 2. 3.

Arts and Entertainment

Food Customs

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Magic/Technology System

Core Setting

(Source of magic/Technology level)

Rules of Use

(How it works)

Limitations and Costs

(What cannot be done)

Different Schools/Categories

1. 2. 3.

Relationship with Society

(Who controls it? How does it affect society?)

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Historical Background

Timeline

Major Historical Events

[Event Name]

• Time:
• What Happened:
• Consequences:

Legends and Myths

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Factions and Organizations

[Organization Name 1]

• Nature:
• Leader:
• Goals:
• Relation to Protagonist:

[Organization Name 2]

• Nature:
• Leader:
• Goals:
• Relation to Protagonist:

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Special Settings

Unique Creatures/Races

1. 2. 3.

Special Items/Artifacts

1. 2. 3.

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Relation to Story

Key Settings That Affect Plot

World Secrets to Be Revealed

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Notes

(Other inspirations and ideas)

Character Development Guide

Table of Contents

1. Character Archetypes 2. Character Dimensions 3. Character Arcs 4. Character Relationships

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Character Archetypes

Classic Archetypes

• Hero: Story core, drives the plot
• Mentor: Guides the hero, provides wisdom
• Threshold Guardian: Tests the hero's resolve
• Herald: Brings news of change
• Shapeshifter: Unclear allegiance, adds suspense
• Shadow: Antagonist, represents hero's fears
• Ally: Supports the protagonist, provides help
• Trickster: Brings chaos and humor

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Character Dimensions

Basic Information

• Name, age, appearance
• Occupation, social status
• Family background

Internal Dimensions

• Core Desire: What does the character want most?
• Core Fear: What does the character fear most?
• Core Lie: The false belief the character holds
• Core Truth: The truth the character needs to learn

External Dimensions

• Public Goal: What the character ostensibly pursues
• Hidden Motivation: The deeper driving force
• Conflict Sources: Internal and external obstacles

Unique Identifiers

• Distinctive speech patterns
• Signature actions or habits
• Special skills or weaknesses

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Character Arcs

Positive Arc (Growth)

Character overcomes internal flaw and becomes better. 1. Starts with a flaw 2. Faces challenges 3. Struggles and fails 4. Moment of realization 5. Victory and transformation

Negative Arc (Fall)

Character succumbs to flaw and becomes worse. 1. Starts with hope 2. Faces temptation 3. Makes wrong choices 4. Downward spiral 5. Tragic ending

Flat Arc (Static)

Character changes the world while remaining unchanged. 1. Starts with truth 2. Faces a world of lies 3. Maintains conviction 4. Influences others 5. Victory

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Character Relationships

Main Relationship Types

• Opposition: Protagonist vs Antagonist
• Romantic: Love story
• Friendship: Support system
• Family: Blood ties
• Mentorship: Guidance relationship
• Rivalry: Evenly matched competition

Relationship Dynamics

• How relationships change as the story develops
• How conflict affects relationships
• How relationships drive the plot

Genre Fiction Guide

Table of Contents

1. Science Fiction 2. Fantasy 3. Mystery/Thriller 4. Romance 5. Historical/Wuxia 6. Horror/Thriller

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Science Fiction

Core Elements

• Scientific hypothesis or technological setting
• Imagination of the future
• Technology's impact on humanity

Subgenres

• Hard Sci-Fi: Emphasizes scientific accuracy
• Soft Sci-Fi: Focuses on society and psychology
• Cyberpunk: High tech, low life
• Space Opera: Grand interstellar adventure
• Time Travel: Timeline-related stories
• Dystopia: Oppressive future society

Key Techniques

• Sci-fi setting must have internal logic
• Technology serves the story
• Explore essential questions about humanity

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Fantasy

Core Elements

• Magic or supernatural powers
• Unique worldview
• Epic adventure

Subgenres

• High Fantasy: Completely fictional world
• Low Fantasy: Fantasy elements in reality
• Urban Fantasy: Modern city setting
• Dark Fantasy: Horror meets fantasy
• Xianxia/Xuanhuan: Eastern cultivation system

Key Techniques

• Magic system needs rules and costs
• Worldview must be self-consistent
• Hero's growth is central

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Mystery/Thriller

Core Elements

• Mystery or crime
• Investigation process
• Unexpected truth

Subgenres

• Cozy Mystery: Light tone, puzzle-focused
• Hardboiled: Gritty, private detective
• Police Procedural: Law enforcement perspective
• Psychological Thriller: Psychological suspense

Key Techniques

• Clues must be fairly presented
• Truth must be reasonable yet surprising
• Pacing control is key

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Romance

Core Elements

• Development of romantic relationship
• Realistic life details
• Relationship conflicts and resolution

Subgenres

• Contemporary Romance: Modern setting
• Historical Romance: Historical period
• Sweet Romance: Light and fluffy
• Angst Romance: High emotional turmoil

Key Techniques

• Characters need chemistry
• Conflicts must be believable
• Emotional development needs layers

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Historical/Wuxia

Core Elements

• Historical background or wuxia world
• Martial arts or combat system
• Jianghu conflicts or historical events

Wuxia Key Elements

• Internal and external martial arts system
• Sects and jianghu
• Chivalry spirit

Historical Key Elements

• Period accuracy
• Historical figures and events
• Balance of fact and fiction

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Horror/Thriller

Core Elements

• Source of threat (supernatural or human)
• Atmosphere of fear
• Survival or escape

Subgenres

• Supernatural Horror: Ghosts and paranormal
• Psychological Horror: Mental terror
• Survival Horror: Struggle to survive
• Thriller: Tense excitement

Key Techniques

• Atmosphere building more important than jump scares
• The unknown is most frightening
• Pacing and suspense control

Story Structure Guide

Table of Contents

1. Three-Act Structure 2. Hero's Journey 3. Kishōtenketsu 4. Seven-Point Structure

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Three-Act Structure

The most classic story structure, suitable for most novels.

Act 1: Setup (~25% of story)

• Opening: Establish the ordinary world, introduce protagonist
• Inciting Incident: Event that disrupts the status quo
• First Plot Point: Protagonist decides to embark on the journey

Act 2: Confrontation (~50% of story)

• Rising Action: Series of challenges and obstacles
• Midpoint: Story's turning point, stakes are raised
• Crisis: Protagonist's darkest moment
• Second Plot Point: Preparation for the final confrontation

Act 3: Resolution (~25% of story)

• Climax: Final confrontation
• Falling Action: Aftermath of the climax
• Resolution: Establishment of new normal

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Hero's Journey

Joseph Campbell's classic structure, suitable for epic stories.

Departure

1. The Call to Adventure 2. Refusal of the Call 3. Supernatural Aid 4. Crossing the First Threshold 5. Belly of the Whale

Initiation

6. The Road of Trials 7. The Meeting with the Goddess 8. Woman as the Temptress 9. Atonement with the Father 10. Apotheosis

Return

11. The Ultimate Boon 12. Refusal of the Return 13. The Magic Flight 14. Rescue from Without 15. The Crossing of the Return Threshold 16. Master of the Two Worlds 17. Freedom to Live

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Kishōtenketsu

Traditional East Asian narrative structure.

• Ki (Introduction): Opening that establishes context and characters
• Shō (Development): Plot development, layering events
• Ten (Twist): Unexpected turn, surprising change
• Ketsu (Conclusion): Bringing everything together, revealing theme

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Seven-Point Structure

A concise structure suitable for medium and long novels.

1. Hook: Opening hook 2. Plot Turn 1: Pushes story forward 3. Pinch 1: Adds pressure 4. Midpoint: Story direction changes 5. Pinch 2: Further escalation 6. Plot Turn 2: Pushes toward climax 7. Resolution: Final resolution

Worldbuilding Guide

Table of Contents

1. Physical World 2. Social Systems 3. Magic/Technology Systems 4. Historical Background

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Physical World

Geography

• Terrain features (mountains, rivers, plains)
• Climate characteristics
• Natural resource distribution
• Important locations (cities, ruins, secret places)

Ecosystem

• Flora and fauna species
• Food chain structure
• Unique creatures

World Rules

• Physical laws (different from reality?)
• Time system (calendar, day/night)
• Spatial rules (dimensions, boundaries)

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Social Systems

Political Structure

• Form of government (monarchy, democracy, etc.)
• Power distribution
• Legal system
• International relations

Economic System

• Currency and trade
• Production and consumption
• Class divisions
• Resource conflicts

Cultural Elements

• Language and writing
• Religious beliefs
• Festivals and rituals
• Art forms
• Food customs

Social Organizations

• Family structure
• Education system
• Occupational divisions
• Social mobility

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Magic/Technology Systems

Magic System (Fantasy)

• Source of magic
• Cost of using magic
• Limitations and rules
• Different schools/systems
• Relationship with society

Technology System (Sci-Fi)

• Technological level
• Core technology
• Social impact of technology
• Technological limitations

Power Balance

• Who holds power?
• How is power acquired?
• What is the cost of power?

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Historical Background

Timeline

• World origin
• Important events
• Major wars
• Rise and fall of civilizations

Legends and Myths

• Creation myths
• Heroic legends
• Prophecies and taboos

Current Era

• Era characteristics
• Main conflicts
• Future direction

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Building Principles

1. Internal Consistency: Rules shouldn't contradict each other 2. Serve the Story: World serves the story, don't over-build 3. Show Don't Tell: Reveal the world through plot 4. Leave Room: Give readers space for imagination

Writing Techniques Guide

Table of Contents

1. Narrative Perspective 2. Scene Building 3. Dialogue Writing 4. Pacing Control 5. Suspense and Foreshadowing 6. Emotional Rendering

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Narrative Perspective

First Person (I)

• Pros: Strong intimacy, deep immersion
• Cons: Limited information, highly subjective
• Best for: Psychological novels, mysteries

Third Person Limited (He/She)

• Pros: Flexible, can access character's inner world
• Cons: Limited perspective
• Best for: Most novels

Third Person Omniscient

• Pros: Comprehensive information, free to switch
• Cons: Creates distance
• Best for: Epic works

Multiple Perspectives

• Multiple characters' perspectives alternate
• Each perspective has a unique voice
• Shows the story from different angles

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Scene Building

Scene Elements

• Time: When does it happen?
• Location: Where does it happen?
• Characters: Who is present?
• Conflict: What happens?
• Change: What's different by the end?

Scene Structure

1. Entry: Establish the situation 2. Development: Advance the conflict 3. Twist: Create change 4. Exit: Leave a hook

Sensory Details

• Sight, sound, smell, touch, taste
• Concrete details are more powerful than abstract descriptions
• Choose meaningful details

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Dialogue Writing

Principles

• Each character has a unique voice
• Dialogue should advance plot or reveal character
• Avoid information dumping
• Use subtext appropriately

Techniques

• Interrupt dialogue with action
• Cut pleasantries
• Show don't tell
• Conflict and tension

Format

"Dialogue," character said, "continuing dialogue."

"Dialogue."

Character performed an action. "Continued speaking."

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Pacing Control

Fast Pacing

• Short sentences
• Action scenes
• Tense atmosphere
• Reduce description

Slow Pacing

• Long sentences
• Inner monologue
• Detailed description
• Reflective moments

Pacing Variation

• Buffer needed after climaxes
• Balance tension and release to maintain reader interest
• Adjust based on plot needs

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Suspense and Foreshadowing

Types of Suspense

• Character Suspense: What will happen to the character?
• Plot Suspense: What happens next?
• Mystery Suspense: What's the truth?

Foreshadowing Techniques

• Plant details in advance
• Neither too obvious nor too hidden
• Pay off later in the story
• Create "aha" moments

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Emotional Rendering

Techniques

• Show Don't Tell: Express emotions through action and detail
• Contrast Enhancement: Contrast joy with sadness
• Pacing Control: Emotions need buildup
• Resonance Points: Touch on shared reader experiences

Emotional Arc

• Emotions need to change
• Buildup before climax
• Give readers space for emotional release