A1 Writer Workflow

💡 One-liner: Use Plan mode to ideate framework, Build mode to output content.

📝 Course Notes

Key takeaways from this lesson:

---

What You'll Be Able to Do

• Master the standard AI-assisted writing workflow
• Use Plan mode for ideation and outlining
• Use Build mode to output formal content
• Learn the right way to iterate and revise

---

Your Current Struggle

• Using AI to write, but the output lacks structure
• Always asking AI to output directly, with inconsistent quality
• Don't know how to iterate, so you start over every time

---

When to Use This Technique

• When you need: AI-assisted writing to produce high-quality content
• And you don't want: Relying on luck every time

---

🎒 Before You Start

Make sure you've completed the following:

• [ ] Completed 3.1 Plan vs Build
• [ ] Have a writing project folder

---

Core Concept

Three Stages of AI-Assisted Writing

Stage	Mode	What to Do
Ideation	Plan	Define topic, determine structure, outline
Output	Build	Generate formal content, create files
Iteration	Build	Revise, polish, expand

Why Separate Stages

• Don't create files during ideation: Avoid half-finished products
• Think before you act: Reduce rework
• Iteration has a basis: Modify based on outline, won't go off track

---

Follow Along

Step 1: Create a Writing Project Folder

Why
Keep all writing content in one place.

mkdir ~/my-writing
cd ~/my-writing
opencode

Step 2: Switch to Plan Mode for Ideation

Why
Ideation only needs discussion, no file creation.

Press Tab to ensure the status bar shows Plan.

Enter:

I want to write an article about "Pros and Cons of Remote Work", targeting workplace newcomers, around 800 words. Please help me:
1. Determine the article structure
2. List key points for each section
3. Suggest an engaging title

You should see: AI outputs the article framework and outline, but creates no files

Step 3: Discuss and Refine the Outline

Why
Finalize direction before writing.

Based on AI's suggestions, continue discussing:

Can we add a personal experience example to the "Disadvantages of Remote Work" section? Please revise the outline.

Step 4: Switch to Build Mode for Output

Why
Once the outline is set, start generating formal content.

Press Tab to switch to Build mode.

Enter:

Based on the outline we just discussed, write the complete article and save it as remote-work-pros-cons.md

You should see: AI creates the file and writes the complete article

Step 5: Iterate and Revise

Why
First drafts usually need adjustments.

Continue revising in Build mode:

@remote-work-pros-cons.md The opening is too plain. Start with an engaging scene description.

You should see: AI modifies the file's opening

---

📋 Magic Prompt

✍️ Writing Starter Template

Expected result: Generate complete article framework and outline for future writing

## Role
You are a senior content strategist, skilled at structured thinking and content planning.

## Task
Generate complete article framework and outline based on the topic provided by user.

## Input Information
### Required
- Article Topic: [Topic]
- Target Audience: [Reader Profile]

### Optional
- Article Purpose: [Persuade/Educate/Entertain/Tutorial?] (Default: Educate)
- Word Count: [Words] (Default: 12000+)
- Tone Style: [Professional/Casual & Humorous/Warm & Healing?] (Default: Casual & Humorous)

## Output Specification
1. **Article Positioning**
   - Core message (one sentence)
   - Target audience's pain points/needs
   - What readers will gain

2. **Article Structure**
   | Section | Purpose | Estimated Words |
   |---------|---------|-----------------|
   | Opening | Hook attention | xxx words |
   | Body | Core content | xxx words |
   | Closing | Call to action | xxx words |

3. **Key Points per Section**
   - Opening: How to introduce
   - Body: Core arguments + supporting materials
   - Closing: Summary + memorable quote

4. **Alternative Titles** (3 options)
   - Title 1
   - Title 2
   - Title 3

## Constraints
- ✅ Structure should be clear, each section's purpose well-defined
- ✅ Key points should be specific, not just "deliver value"
- ✅ Consider reader's reading experience and attention curve
- ❌ Avoid overly complex structures
- ❌ Avoid vague key points

---

Checklist ✅

Must pass all items to continue

• [ ] Completed ideation in Plan mode
• [ ] Generated files in Build mode
• [ ] Can iterate on existing files

---

Common Pitfalls

Issue	Cause	Solution
AI outputs content without structure	No ideation first	Discuss outline in Plan mode first
Revisions get messier	Not iterating based on outline	Go back to outline, clarify what to change
Inconsistent output style	Redescribing style each time	Fix style preferences in AGENTS.md

---

Lesson Summary

You learned:

1. Three stages of AI-assisted writing (Ideation → Output → Iteration)
2. Plan mode for ideation, Build mode for output
3. Use @filename to modify existing content

---

Next Lesson Preview

Next lesson: Blog & Newsletter Writing — master batch topic planning, series article management, and style consistency.

---

📚 More Complete Templates: Prompt Template Library