outline

Generate chapter purposes, POV assignments, scene beats, and word targets from story architecture.

14|6|Updated Jan 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/howells/fiction --skill outline
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: outline
Source: https://github.com/howells/fiction/tree/main/skills/outline
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/howells/fiction --skill outline

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Creating a clear, chapter-by-chapter breakdown from a full story concept to guide writing and pacing.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Generates chapter purposes, POV assignments, and scene beats (Goal, Conflict, Disaster).
  • Sets word count targets and pacing notes based on established architecture.
  • Writes or updates the outline in the project README or a dedicated outline file.

Quick Start

Create an outline from your existing story architecture to plan chapters and scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions about outline

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate a chapter breakdown from my existing story architecture?

Yes, you can assign POV characters automatically when outlining fiction chapters. The Skill reads your story architecture and generates POV assignments alongside scene beats, word count targets, and pacing notes for each chapter in your manuscript.

What is the best way to outline scene beats like Goal, Conflict, and Disaster for a novel?

You need an existing story architecture before using this outliner. The Skill reads your pre-established architecture to generate chapter purposes, POV assignments, scene beats, word targets, and pacing notes, so a defined story concept is required.

How do I set word count targets and pacing notes across a full manuscript or series?

To set word count targets and pacing notes across a manuscript, apply your story architecture to the outliner. It processes the full manuscript or series and writes the resulting chapter outline, including targets and notes, to a dedicated outline file.

Can I automatically assign POV characters when outlining fiction chapters?

Yes, you can assign POV characters automatically when outlining fiction chapters. The Skill reads your story architecture and generates POV assignments alongside scene beats, word count targets, and pacing notes for each chapter in your manuscript.

Do I need existing story architecture before using an outliner for fiction writing?

You need an existing story architecture before using this outliner. The Skill reads your pre-established architecture to generate chapter purposes, POV assignments, scene beats, word targets, and pacing notes, so a defined story concept is required.