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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:

markdown
# 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:

text
Volume 1/
└── 01-Rainy Night Letter.md

Write only a short seed:

markdown
# 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:

text
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:

text
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.

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