5-minute first draft
This workflow is for new long-form writers who want a structured first section quickly. The goal is not a perfect final manuscript. The goal is a first draft with project settings, traceable AI edits, and a clear next step.
1. Start from a template
Create a new project and choose the closest template:
- Long-form fiction for novels, scripts, and serial stories.
- Technical or science writing for docs, reports, and explainers.
- Blank project if you want to build the structure with the Agent.
See Templates for the full template system.
2. Generate or refine @system
If you already have finished text, draft chapters, reference material, or scattered setting notes, use system extraction to let the Agent create @system files. If you are starting from scratch, add the core project rules manually:
# Writing style
- Third-person narration
- Tight pacing
- Dialogue should move the scene forward
# Character notes
- Lin Che: investigative journalist, quick to act but slow to trust
# Review standard
- Check motivation consistency
- Preserve the suspense tone@system is the project configuration center. The Agent reads it before writing or reviewing. Agent-generated settings that conflict with existing files go through diff review first.
3. Create one small section
Create a file such as:
Volume 1/
└── 01-Rainy Night Letter.mdWrite only a short seed:
# Rainy Night Letter
Lin Che receives an unsigned letter at midnight. Inside is an old photo with one sentence on the back: do not trust Zhou Ning.4. Ask the Agent to draft
Open the right-side AI panel in writing mode:
Based on @system, expand the current file into an 800-word first section.
Keep the suspense tone, do not explain where the photo came from, and end with a new question.The Agent uses the current file, project structure, and @system settings.
5. Review the Diff
When the Agent proposes changes, inspect the Diff queue:
- Accept the changes you want.
- Skip changes that do not fit.
- Cancel and rewrite the prompt if the direction is wrong.
This is the key difference from a generic chat box: AI can help write, but you control what enters the manuscript.
6. Run a review pass
Switch to review mode:
Review this section for character motivation, suspense pacing, and style consistency with @system. Make only necessary edits and explain why.The review pass also goes through Diff review.
7. Export a review version
After the first section is ready, export it as Markdown ZIP, AI share cards, or a Web package. Use external Word/PDF tools when you need .docx or PDF handoff files.
Next
- Learn the Writing Agent.
- Learn the Review Agent.
- Read Why All Writer to understand the workflow difference.