# Article Writer

> Write technical articles with web research, runnable companion projects, and translations in author's voice

- Skill: `mwguerra/article-writer` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 9 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add mwguerra/article-writer`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/mwguerra/article-writer/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: mwguerra (https://skillmd.com/u/mwguerra)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/mwguerra/article-writer

---


# Article Writer

Create technical articles with companion projects and multi-language support.

## Quick Start

1. Determine author (from task or default author in database)
2. Create folder structure (including `code/` folder)
3. Load author profile from database
4. **Load settings** (including `article_limits.max_words`)
5. Follow phases: Initialize → Plan → Research → **Draft → Companion Project → Integrate → Review → Condense** → Translate → Finalize

## Workflow Overview

```
Plan → Research → Draft (initial) → Create Companion Project → Update Draft → Review → Condense → Translate → Finalize
                         ↑                              ↓               ↓
                         └──────── Iterate ─────────────┘               │
                                                                        ↓
                                                            (if over max_words)
```

## Folder Structure

```
content/articles/YYYY_MM_DD_slug/
├── 00_context/              # author_profile.json
├── 01_planning/             # classification.md, outline.md
├── 02_research/
│   ├── sources.json         # All researched sources
│   └── research_notes.md
├── 03_drafts/
│   ├── draft_v1.{lang}.md   # Initial draft
│   └── draft_v2.{lang}.md   # After companion project integration
├── 04_review/               # checklists
├── 05_assets/images/
├── code/                    # COMPANION PROJECT
│   ├── README.md            # How to run the companion project
│   ├── src/                 # Companion project source code/files
│   └── tests/               # Tests (if applicable)
├── {slug}.{primary_lang}.md # Primary article
└── {slug}.{other_lang}.md   # Translations
```

## Phases

### Phase 0: Initialize
- Get author, generate slug, create folder
- Create `code/` directory for companion project
- Copy author profile to `00_context/`
- **Load `article_limits.max_words` from settings**

### Phase 1: Plan
- Classify article type
- Create outline
- **Plan companion project type and scope**
- **CHECKPOINT:** Get approval

### Phase 2: Research (Web Search)
- Search official documentation
- Find recent news (< 1 year for technical)
- Record all sources

### Phase 3: Draft (Initial)
- Write initial draft in primary language
- Mark places where example code will go: `<!-- EXAMPLE: description -->`
- Save as `03_drafts/draft_v1.{lang}.md`

#### Applying Author Voice

**Use ALL author profile data when writing:**

1. **Manual Profile Data**
   - `tone.formality`: 1=very casual, 10=very formal
   - `tone.opinionated`: 1=always hedge, 10=strong opinions
   - `phrases.signature`: Use naturally (don't overdo)
   - `phrases.avoid`: Never use these
   - `vocabulary.use_freely`: Assume reader knows these
   - `vocabulary.always_explain`: Explain on first use

2. **Voice Analysis Data** (if present in `voice_analysis`)
   - `sentence_structure.avg_length`: Target this sentence length
   - `sentence_structure.variety`: Match style (short/moderate/long)
   - `communication_style`: Reflect top traits in tone
   - `characteristic_expressions`: Sprinkle these naturally
   - `sentence_starters`: Use these patterns
   - `signature_vocabulary`: Prefer these words

**Example:**

For author with:
```json
{
  "tone": { "formality": 4, "opinionated": 7 },
  "voice_analysis": {
    "sentence_structure": { "avg_length": 14, "variety": "moderate" },
    "communication_style": [{ "trait": "enthusiasm", "percentage": 32 }],
    "characteristic_expressions": ["na prática", "o ponto é"],
    "sentence_starters": ["Então", "O interessante é"]
  }
}
```

Write with:
- Conversational but confident tone
- Medium sentences (~14 words)
- Enthusiastic energy
- Occasional "na prática" and "o ponto é"
- Some sentences starting with "Então" or "O interessante é"

### Phase 4: Create Companion Project ⭐
**Use Skill(companion-project-creator) for this phase**

> **CRITICAL: Companion projects must be COMPLETE, RUNNABLE, and VERIFIED.**

A Laravel companion project is a FULL Laravel installation. A Node companion project is a FULL Node project.

**The companion project is NOT complete until you have actually run and tested it.**

#### Step 1: Load Companion Project Defaults from Settings

**Load settings from database first:**

```bash
# View defaults for the companion project type
bun run "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}"/scripts/show.ts settings code
```

**Or read JSON and extract:**
```javascript
// Settings are loaded from the database via show.ts or article-stats.ts
const codeDefaults = settings.companion_project_defaults.code;
// codeDefaults.scaffold_command
// codeDefaults.verification.install_command
// codeDefaults.verification.run_command
// codeDefaults.verification.test_command
```

#### Step 2: Merge with Article Overrides

If article task has `companion_project` field, those values override settings defaults.

#### Step 3: Execute Scaffold Command

```bash
# From settings.companion_project_defaults.code.scaffold_command
composer create-project laravel/laravel code --prefer-dist
```

#### Step 4: Add Article-Specific Code

Add your custom code on top of the scaffolded project:
- Models, Controllers, Routes
- Migrations, Seeders
- Tests

**Never create partial projects with just a few files.**

#### Step 5: VERIFY (Mandatory) ⚠️

**You MUST actually run these commands and confirm they succeed:**

```bash
cd code

# 1. Install dependencies - MUST SUCCEED
composer install
# ✓ Check: No errors, vendor/ directory exists

# 2. Setup - MUST SUCCEED
cp .env.example .env
php artisan key:generate
touch database/database.sqlite
php artisan migrate
# ✓ Check: No errors

# 3. Run application - MUST START
php artisan serve &
# ✓ Check: "Server running on http://127.0.0.1:8000"
# Stop the server after confirming

# 4. Run tests - ALL MUST PASS
php artisan test
# ✓ Check: "Tests: X passed" with 0 failures
```

**If ANY step fails:**
1. Read the error message
2. Fix the code
3. Re-run verification from step 1
4. Repeat until ALL steps pass

**DO NOT proceed to Phase 5 until verification passes.**

#### Companion Project Types

| Article Topic | Project Type | What to Create |
|---------------|--------------|----------------|
| Laravel/PHP code | `code` | **Full Laravel project** via composer create-project |
| JavaScript/Node | `node` | **Full Node project** via npm init |
| Python | `python` | **Full Python project** with venv |
| DevOps/Docker | `config` | Complete docker-compose setup |
| Architecture | `diagram` | Complete Mermaid diagrams |
| Project management | `document` | Complete templates + filled examples |

#### Verification Checklist

Before proceeding to Phase 5:
- [ ] Scaffold command executed successfully
- [ ] All article-specific code added
- [ ] `install_command` succeeded (vendor/node_modules exists)
- [ ] `run_command` starts application without errors
- [ ] `test_command` runs with 0 failures
- [ ] README.md explains setup and usage

#### For Code Companion Projects (Laravel)

```
code/
├── README.md              # Setup and run instructions
├── app/
│   └── ...                # Minimal app code
├── database/
│   ├── migrations/
│   └── seeders/
├── tests/
│   └── Feature/           # Pest tests for main features
├── composer.json
└── .env.example           # SQLite by default
```

**Standards for Laravel companion projects:**
- Use SQLite (no external DB needed)
- Use Pest for tests
- Include at least 2-3 tests for main features
- Add comments referencing article: `// See article section: "Rate Limiting Basics"`
- Keep dependencies minimal
- Include setup script if complex

#### For Document Companion Projects

```
code/
├── README.md              # What the documents demonstrate
├── templates/
│   └── ...                # Reusable templates
└── examples/
    └── ...                # Filled-in examples
```

### Phase 5: Integrate Companion Project into Draft
- Replace `<!-- EXAMPLE: -->` markers with actual code snippets
- Add file references: "See `code/app/Models/Post.php`"
- Add run instructions in appropriate sections
- Save as `03_drafts/draft_v2.{lang}.md`

### Phase 6: Review (Comprehensive)
**Review the article as a whole:**

1. **Explanation Flow**
   - Does the narrative flow logically?
   - Are concepts introduced before being used?
   - Does the companion project appear at the right time?

2. **Companion Project Integration**
   - Do code snippets match the full companion project?
   - Are file paths correct?
   - Can readers follow along?

3. **Voice Compliance**
   - Matches author's formality level?
   - Uses signature phrases appropriately?
   - Avoids forbidden phrases?
   - Opinions expressed match author's positions?
   - If voice_analysis present:
     - Sentence length matches avg_length?
     - Communication style traits reflected?
     - Characteristic expressions used (not overused)?

4. **Technical Accuracy**
   - Code snippets are correct?
   - Companion project actually runs?
   - Tests pass?

5. **Completeness**
   - All outline points covered?
   - Sources properly cited?
   - Companion project fully demonstrates topic?

**CHECKPOINT:** Confirm article + companion project are ready

### Phase 6b: Condense (Word Limit Enforcement) ⚠️

**This phase is MANDATORY if article exceeds `max_words` from settings.**

#### Step 1: Check Word Count

```bash
# Count words in article (excluding frontmatter and code blocks)
# Frontmatter: lines between first --- and second ---
# Code blocks: lines between ``` markers

# Simple word count of prose content only:
sed '/^---$/,/^---$/d; /^```/,/^```$/d' draft_v2.{lang}.md | wc -w
```

#### Step 2: Load Word Limit from Settings

```bash
# Read max_words from settings
bun run "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}"/scripts/show.ts settings
# Or read JSON directly:
# bun run "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}"/scripts/show.ts settings
```

#### Step 3: Condense if Over Limit

**If word count > max_words:**

1. **Identify Condensation Targets** (in order of priority):
   - Redundant explanations of the same concept
   - Overly verbose transitions
   - Repeated caveats or disclaimers
   - Extended tangents not central to the topic
   - Excessive examples when fewer would suffice

2. **Condensation Techniques** (preserve quality):
   - Combine related paragraphs
   - Replace lengthy explanations with concise summaries
   - Convert verbose lists to compact bullet points
   - Remove filler words and phrases
   - Tighten sentence structure

3. **CRITICAL: Preserve Author Voice**
   - Keep signature phrases and expressions
   - Maintain the same tone (formality level)
   - Preserve the author's opinion style
   - Keep characteristic sentence structures
   - Retain enthusiasm/energy level from voice profile

4. **DO NOT Remove:**
   - Code examples or snippets (these don't count toward word limit)
   - Critical technical explanations
   - Prerequisites or setup instructions
   - Safety warnings or important notes
   - References to the companion project

#### Step 4: Verify Condensed Version

After condensing:
- [ ] Word count is now ≤ max_words
- [ ] Article still reads naturally (not choppy)
- [ ] All key points are preserved
- [ ] Technical accuracy maintained
- [ ] Author voice is consistent throughout
- [ ] Flow and narrative structure intact

#### Step 5: Save Condensed Draft

```bash
# Save as draft_v3 (condensed version)
# 03_drafts/draft_v3.{lang}.md
```

**If unable to condense below max_words without quality loss:**
- Document the reason in the task
- Note the final word count achieved
- Flag for human review

**CHECKPOINT:** Article is within word limit while maintaining quality

### Phase 7: Translate
- Create versions for other languages
- Keep code snippets unchanged
- Translate comments in code if needed

### Phase 8: Finalize
- Write final article with frontmatter
- Update database with:
  - output_files
  - sources_used
  - companion_project info
- Verify companion project README is complete

## When to Skip Companion Projects

Only skip if a companion project makes **absolutely no sense**:
- Pure opinion pieces with no actionable content
- News/announcement summaries
- Historical retrospectives
- Philosophical discussions

If skipping, document in task:
```json
{
  "companion_project": {
    "skipped": true,
    "skip_reason": "Opinion piece with no actionable code or templates"
  }
}
```

## Companion Project README Template

```markdown
# Companion Project: [Topic]

Demonstrates [what this companion project shows] from the article "[Article Title]".

## Requirements

- PHP 8.2+
- Composer
- (any other requirements)

## Setup

\`\`\`bash
composer install
cp .env.example .env
php artisan key:generate
php artisan migrate --seed
\`\`\`

## Run Tests

\`\`\`bash
php artisan test
\`\`\`

## Key Files

| File | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `app/Models/Post.php` | Demonstrates eager loading |
| `tests/Feature/QueryTest.php` | Tests N+1 detection |

## Article Reference

This companion project accompanies the article:
- **Title**: [Article Title]
- **Section**: See "Implementing Eager Loading" section
```

## Companion Project Comments Style

```php
<?php
// ===========================================
// ARTICLE: Rate Limiting in Laravel 11
// SECTION: Creating Custom Rate Limiters
// ===========================================

namespace App\Providers;

use Illuminate\Support\Facades\RateLimiter;

class AppServiceProvider extends ServiceProvider
{
    public function boot(): void
    {
        // Custom rate limiter for API endpoints
        // See article section: "Dynamic Rate Limits"
        RateLimiter::for('api', function (Request $request) {
            return Limit::perMinute(60)->by($request->user()?->id ?: $request->ip());
        });
    }
}
```

## Recording Companion Project in Task

```json
{
  "companion_project": {
    "type": "code",
    "path": "code/",
    "description": "Minimal Laravel app demonstrating rate limiting",
    "technologies": ["Laravel 11", "SQLite", "Pest 3"],
    "has_tests": true,
    "files": [
      "app/Providers/AppServiceProvider.php",
      "routes/api.php",
      "tests/Feature/RateLimitTest.php"
    ],
    "run_instructions": "composer install && php artisan test"
  }
}
```

## References

- [references/article-types.md](references/article-types.md)
- [references/companion-project-templates.md](references/companion-project-templates.md)
- [references/checklists.md](references/checklists.md)
- [references/frontmatter.md](references/frontmatter.md)
- [references/research-templates.md](references/research-templates.md)