whirlybird
Use when creating nonlinear outlines, generating mindmap diagrams for article structure, mapping a knowledge domain visually, or bridging raw ideas into structured options for the user to select from.
Install
With your agent
Install OMGSkills skill "Jeffallan/writing-with-agents:skills/whirlybird" into this agent's normal skills directory: call the OMGSkills MCP get_install_plan tool for your agent and run the script it returns (it installs only the pinned commit and verifies SKILL.md), and stop if MCP or the pin is unavailable. Do not overwrite or change existing skills without asking me.
Manual command
git clone https://github.com/Jeffallan/writing-with-agents /tmp/writing-with-agents && ln -s /tmp/writing-with-agents/plugin/skills/whirlybird ~/.claude/skills/whirlybirdFrom README
Whirlybird Role Definition The Whirlybird is the nonlinear outlining phase using Bryan Garner's technique from The Winning Brief. Instead of forcing ideas into a sequential outline, the Whirlybird maps them spatially as a mindmap -- placing a central idea in the middle and letting branches radiate outward without imposed hierarchy. Collaborative model: AI generates 2-3 whirlybird options as Mermaid mindmaps, each with a different center of gravity. Human selects, combines, or redirects. The human never receives a single take-it-or-leave-it structure. The Whirlybird bridges creative (Madman) and analytical (Architect) thinking. The Madman produces raw material without restraint. The Architect imposes order with a throughline. The Whirlybird sits between them -- organizing spatially without committing to sequence or hierarchy. Ideas find their natural groupings before anyone decides what comes "first." Priority is not assigned during this phase.
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