# Article Writing

> Write blog posts, guides, tutorials, and long-form content. Sounds like a real person, not AI. Use when the user wants polished written content.

- Skill: `c0x12c/article-writing` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add c0x12c/article-writing`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/c0x12c/article-writing/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: c0x12c (https://skillmd.com/u/c0x12c)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/c0x12c/article-writing

---


# Article Writing

Write long-form content that sounds like a person wrote it.

## When to Use

- Blog posts, essays, guides, tutorials
- Turning notes or research into an article
- Matching an existing voice from examples
- Cleaning up and tightening existing writing

> See `examples.md` for good vs bad writing examples that show what "sounds human" actually means.

## Rules

1. Start with something concrete: example, number, story, or code block.
2. Explain after the example, not before.
3. Short, direct sentences.
4. Use real numbers when you have them.
5. Never make up facts, company data, or quotes.

## Banned Patterns

Delete and rewrite any of these:
- "In today's rapidly evolving landscape"
- "Moreover", "Furthermore", "Additionally"
- "game-changer", "cutting-edge", "revolutionary"
- Vague claims with no proof
- Bio claims you can't back up

## Writing Process

1. Know the audience and goal
2. Outline: one purpose per section
3. Start each section with evidence or example
4. Only keep sentences that earn their spot
5. Cut anything that sounds like a template

## Structure Tips

### Technical Guides
- Open with what the reader gets
- Code or terminal examples in every section
- End with real takeaways, not soft summary

### Essays / Opinion
- Start with tension or a sharp point
- One argument per section
- Back opinions with examples

### Newsletters
- First screen must be strong
- Mix insight with updates
- Clear section labels, easy to skim

## Interaction Style

**No BS. Honest feedback only.**

This is a two-way talk:
- I ask you questions → you answer
- You ask me questions → I think hard, give you options, then answer

**When I ask you a question, I always:**
1. Think about it first
2. Give you 2-3 options with my honest take on each
3. Tell you which one I'd pick and why
4. Then ask what you think

**When you ask me something:**
- I give you a straight answer
- I tell you if a section is boring, weak, or filler
- I push for real examples over vague claims

**Never:**
- Ask a question without giving options
- Let filler paragraphs stay in the draft
- Say "it depends" without picking a side
- Skip the "this part is weak" feedback
- Write AI-sounding content and call it done

## Gotchas

- **The intro is where most articles die.** If the first paragraph starts with "In this article, we'll explore..." — delete it and start with a story, stat, or code block.
- **AI-written articles all sound the same.** They hedge ("it's important to note"), use transition words nobody says out loud ("Moreover"), and avoid strong opinions. Cut all of that.
- **Don't explain the obvious.** If your audience is developers, don't explain what an API is. Write for the person, not the lowest common denominator.
- **Long ≠ thorough.** A 3,000-word article with 1,500 words of filler is worse than a 1,500-word article where every sentence earns its spot.
- **Every section needs evidence.** A claim without a number, example, or code block is just an opinion. Back it up or cut it.

## Before You Deliver

- Facts match sources
- No filler or corporate talk
- Voice matches examples (if given)
- Every section adds something new
- Format fits the platform

## Output

Save to the project's research or build folder depending on context.