# whirlybird

> Claude/Codex skill by [@Jeffallan](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/index.md) · 37 stars · Updated 2026-10-30

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

```sh
git clone https://github.com/Jeffallan/writing-with-agents /tmp/writing-with-agents && ln -s /tmp/writing-with-agents/plugin/skills/whirlybird ~/.claude/skills/whirlybird
```

## From 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.

## Links

- HTML page: https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/writing-with-agents/skills/whirlybird/
- GitHub: https://github.com/Jeffallan/writing-with-agents
- Author: [@Jeffallan](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/index.md)

## More from this repo

- [architect](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/writing-with-agents/skills/architect/index.md) — Used when organizing raw material into a coherent structure, defining the throughline of a piece, building an outline,...
   - [@Jeffallan](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/index.md) · 37 stars
- [carpenter](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/writing-with-agents/skills/carpenter/index.md) — Used when writing prose from a structured outline, building draft content section by section, or constructing clear...
   - [@Jeffallan](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/index.md) · 37 stars
- [content-strategist](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/writing-with-agents/skills/content-strategist/index.md) — Used when planning a multi-article content strategy from a research corpus, creating domain maps for content topology,...
   - [@Jeffallan](https://omgskills.com/library/jeffallan/index.md) · 37 stars