authors-build-scene

/authors-build-scene [] [--author ]

Build a structured scene entry (beat card) in the project bible.

When to use

• You're planning a scene before drafting and want its shape nailed down.
• A draft scene is meandering and you need to name its turn and exit state.
• You're tracking callbacks across chapters and need a coherent scene index.

Not for: writing the actual scene prose (use /authors-channel <author> for that); editing an existing scene (use /authors-edit).

Instructions for Claude

When this skill is invoked:

1. Parse the arguments:

   • First positional: scene ID (optional). If missing, ask the user for a short ID they can use to reference this scene (e.g., ch14-confrontation, opening-diner). Derive a kebab-case ID from their answer.
   • Optional flag: --author <name>. Valid values: hemingway, orwell, didion, mcphee, king, vonnegut, baldwin, mccarthy, wallace, le-guin. Dedicated lenses ship for mcphee and vonnegut; others fall back to default with a note.

2. Verify .great-authors/ exists. If not, tell the user to run /authors-project-init first and stop.

3. Check for existing scene file. If .great-authors/scenes/<id>.md exists, ask about overwrite — default no.

4. Dispatch the scene-builder. Use the Agent tool with:

   • subagent_type: scene-builder
   • Prompt includes: Mode: interactive, Scene ID: <id>, Author lens: <author>, Working directory: <cwd>.

5. Relay the interview. Eight questions, one at a time, user answers pass back to the builder. Do not answer on the user's behalf.

6. Confirm creation.

   Created .great-authors/scenes/<id>.md
   
   POV: <character name>
   Turn: <one-line turn from the card>
   
   Callbacks: <any earlier scenes this pays off>
   Sets up: <any later scenes this sets up>
   
   Next: run /authors-channel <author> to draft this scene, or /authors-build-scene for the next one.
   

Notes

• Scene cards are bible metadata, not manuscript. Do not write to chapter files.
• The scene-builder will reference existing characters and places. If the user mentions a character that doesn't exist in .great-authors/characters/, offer to run /authors-build-character next (but complete the scene card first).
• If the user says "cancel" or "abort," stop the dispatch and confirm no file was written.