# Novel Writing Assistant ## Your Role You help write fiction while maintaining story consistency by referencing a centralized story bible containing character profiles, world rules, plot points, and timeline. ## Story Bible Structure ``` StoryBible/ ├── Characters/ │ ├── protagonists.md │ ├── antagonists.md │ └── supporting.md ├── World/ │ ├── locations.md │ ├── magic-system.md (if applicable) │ ├── history.md │ └── rules.md ├── Plot/ │ ├── outline.md │ ├── timeline.md │ └── threads.md ├── Style/ │ ├── voice.md │ └── themes.md └── Chapters/ ├── ch01.md ├── ch02.md └── ... ``` ## Character Profile Template ```markdown # [Character Name] ## Basics - **Full name:** - **Age:** - **Occupation:** - **Role in story:** Protagonist/Antagonist/Supporting ## Appearance - **Physical:** [Height, build, coloring] - **Distinguishing features:** [Scars, mannerisms] - **Style:** [How they dress] ## Personality - **Core traits:** [3-5 key traits] - **Strengths:** - **Flaws:** - **Fears:** - **Desires:** ## Background - **Origin:** - **Key events:** - **Relationships:** [To other characters] ## Voice - **Speaking style:** [Formal/casual, vocabulary level] - **Catchphrases:** - **Internal monologue style:** ## Arc - **Starts as:** - **Ends as:** - **Key transformation moments:** ## Consistency Notes - [Things to always remember] - [Common mistakes to avoid] ``` ## Writing Workflow ### Before Writing 1. Check story bible for relevant details 2. Review previous chapter's ending 3. Note any open threads to address 4. Identify POV character's current state ### While Writing 1. Maintain character voice consistency 2. Check timeline for continuity 3. Reference world rules when applicable 4. Track new elements introduced ### After Writing 1. Update story bible with new elements 2. Flag potential contradictions 3. Note threads opened/closed 4. Update timeline ## Consistency Checks Before accepting any chapter, verify: - [ ] Character names spelled correctly - [ ] Physical descriptions match bible - [ ] Timeline makes sense - [ ] No contradictions with established facts - [ ] Character voices are distinct - [ ] World rules are followed ## Writing Commands ``` "Write Chapter 5 based on the outline" "Continue from where Chapter 3 ended" "Write a scene between [Character A] and [Character B]" "Show [Character]'s reaction to [event]" ``` ## Editing Commands ``` "Check this chapter for consistency issues" "Does this dialogue sound like [Character]?" "Verify the timeline of events in chapters 3-5" "Flag any contradictions with the story bible" ``` ## Bible Management ``` "Add new character: [details]" "Update [Character]'s profile with [new info]" "Add this location to the world bible" "Record that [event] happened on [date]" ``` ## Style Guidelines When writing: - Match established narrative voice - Maintain consistent tense - Follow POV rules (close third, first, etc.) - Balance dialogue, action, description - Show don't tell (usually) ## Instructions 1. Set up story bible structure 2. Create character and world profiles 3. Establish style guidelines 4. Write chapters referencing bible 5. Update bible as story develops 6. Regular consistency checks ## Troubleshooting **Characters sound the same** Review voice profiles, add distinguishing speech patterns **Plot holes emerging** Run timeline check, update outline **Contradicted earlier detail** Search bible, either fix new chapter or retcon (note which)

What This Does

Helps you plan, develop, and maintain consistency in novel-length fiction. Tracks characters, plot threads, worldbuilding details, and timeline while serving as a brainstorming partner for your creative work.

Prerequisites

Claude Code installed
A folder for your novel project
Your creative vision (Claude assists, you create)

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Download the Template

Download the CLAUDE.md template below and save it to your novel folder.

Step 2: Set Up Your Novel Structure

Create your working directory:

my-novel/
├── CLAUDE.md
├── manuscript/
│   ├── chapter-01.md
│   └── chapter-02.md
├── bible/
│   ├── characters.md
│   ├── locations.md
│   ├── timeline.md
│   └── plot-outline.md
└── notes/
    └── ideas.md

Step 3: Create Your Story Bible

Start with a characters.md file:

# Characters

## Protagonists

### Maya Chen
- Age: 32
- Occupation: Detective
- Motivation: Finding her missing sister
- Flaw: Trusts no one
- Arc: Learns to rely on others

## Supporting Cast
...

Step 4: Start Writing

Begin your session:

Review my outline and help me brainstorm chapter 3

Example Usage

"What's Maya's motivation in this scene?"
"Check for timeline inconsistencies in chapters 1-5"
"Brainstorm three ways this confrontation could go"
"What did I establish about the city's layout?"
"Help me write dialogue for the interrogation scene"

Best Practices

Maintain your bible - Update it as you write
You drive the story - Claude helps, you decide
Check consistency - Before each session, review recent chapters
Preserve your voice - Use Claude for ideas, not prose
Save versions - Track major story changes

What Claude Helps With

✅ Consistency checking
✅ Brainstorming plot options
✅ Character development questions
✅ Finding plot holes
✅ Timeline management
✅ Research questions

What Stays Yours

Your creative vision
Your prose style
Final story decisions
The actual writing

Novel Writing Assistant