# Morning Paper Generator > Generate Julia Cameron-style morning paper prompts and scaffold daily journal entries. Use when someone requests a new morning pages session and needs a dated markdown file seeded with a reflective prompt. - **Type:** Skill - **Install:** `agentstack add skill-tjmaynes-skills-morning-paper-generator` - **Verified:** Yes — security-reviewed for prompt injection and unsafe behavior - **Seller:** [tjmaynes](https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/tjmaynes) - **Installs:** 0 - **Category:** [Content & Media](https://agentstack.voostack.com/c/content-and-media) - **Latest version:** 0.1.0 - **License:** MIT - **Upstream author:** [tjmaynes](https://github.com/tjmaynes) - **Source:** https://github.com/tjmaynes/skills/tree/main/skills/morning-paper-generator ## Install ```sh agentstack add skill-tjmaynes-skills-morning-paper-generator ``` Requires the [AgentStack CLI](https://agentstack.voostack.com/docs/cli). Works with Claude Code, Cursor, and any MCP-compatible agent. ## About # Morning Paper Generator ## What You'll Do - 🌅 Clarify the writer's focus, mood, and desired depth for a Julia Cameron-style morning pages session - 🧠 Generate or select a reflective, emotionally honest prompt directly with the LLM, keeping a Julia Cameron-inspired morning pages tone throughout - 🗂️ Ensure a `morning-papers/` directory exists (confirm the target directory with the writer before creating it) and create a dated markdown file (`YYYY-MM-DD.md`) with the prompt and writing scaffold - ✍️ Provide gentle instructions to transition from prompt into free-writing, including warm-up techniques and follow-up reminders --- ## Phase 1 · Gather Context 1. **Understand today's focus** - Ask about emotional state, themes (gratitude, blocks, creative risks), or any constraints (time, word count). - Confirm whether the writer wants a single prompt or multiple mini-prompts. - Ask if they would like the skill to generate a fresh random prompt, choose from past favorites, or co-create something bespoke. 2. **Check existing morning papers** - List files in `morning-papers/` if present. Note prior prompts to avoid repetition. - If the directory is missing, note that you will confirm the intended location with the writer in Phase 3 before creating it. 3. **Clarify prompt generation approach** - Offer to have the LLM craft a random morning pages prompt in Julia Cameron’s voice, or collaborate on a bespoke prompt. - Capture every candidate prompt surfaced (random, custom, or historical) in a short list so the writer can choose later. - Confirm if the writer prefers additional sections (gratitude list, affirmations, action steps). - Check that `jq` is available (needed later to log used prompts). If missing, note that you will append to the JSON file manually. 4. **Resolve unknowns** - If timelines or expectations are unclear (e.g., “How long should the entry be?”), ask the user before proceeding. > **Outcome:** A short set of notes capturing today’s intent, avoided topics, candidate prompts, prompt-generation method, and desired structure. --- ## Phase 2 · Design the Entry 1. **Select prompt strategy** - Generate 2–3 candidate prompts with the LLM (ask for Julia Cameron-style morning pages voice) and add them to your list. - Optionally remix past prompts or co-create bespoke versions if the writer has a theme in mind. - Review the candidate list with the writer and confirm the final choice before writing the file. 2. **Plan the file structure** - Default sections: `# Morning Paper – YYYY-MM-DD`, `## Prompt`, `## Stream`, `## Noticings`, `## Next Gentle Step`. - Add optional sections per user preference (e.g., “Gratitude Snapshot”, “Affirmation”). 3. **Determine guidance copy** - Include short reminders: write longhand if possible, keep the pen moving, no self-editing. - Suggest a timer or page count to set expectations. > **Checklist:** Prompt candidate list captured, final prompt chosen, sections defined, supportive guidance ready. --- ## Phase 3 · Compose the Markdown Entry 1. **Create directory & filename** - Check whether `morning-papers/` exists. - If it is missing, share the current directory path (`pwd`) and confirm with the writer before creating it here or choosing another location. - Once confirmed, create the directory (`mkdir -p morning-papers`). - Filename format: `morning-papers/YYYY-MM-DD.md` (use the writer’s local date). 2. **Write the file** - Add YAML frontmatter with the session date and the chosen prompt: ```yaml --- date: 2026-01-11 prompt: >- Write about the first thought that met you when you woke up and how it wants you to move through today. --- ``` - Include the planned sections and the selected prompt below the frontmatter. - Optionally add a “Prompt Shelf” appendix listing alternate prompts the writer declined (helpful for future sessions). - Add a warm-up instruction block (e.g., breathe, notice surroundings). - Preserve blank space under each heading to invite handwriting or typing. 3. **Log the prompt** - Ensure `morning-papers/.completed-prompts.json` exists. If not, create it with `jq -n '[]' > morning-papers/.completed-prompts.json` (or write `[]` manually when `jq` is unavailable). - Append today’s prompt and date using placeholders (substitute the real values): ```bash tmp=$(mktemp) jq --arg date "$SESSION_DATE" --arg prompt "$PROMPT_TEXT" \ '. + [{date: $date, prompt: $prompt}]' \ morning-papers/.completed-prompts.json >"$tmp" && \ mv "$tmp" morning-papers/.completed-prompts.json ``` - When `jq` is missing, append a JSON object manually and validate the file structure before finishing. 4. **Avoid duplicates** - Check if today’s file already exists; if so, append a numbered suffix (e.g., `YYYY-MM-DD-2.md`) or confirm with the writer before overwriting. 5. **Optional resources** - Link to prior entries or related prompts if helpful (e.g., `See also: morning-papers/2026-01-05.md`). --- ## Phase 4 · Wrap Up & Handoff 1. **Self-review** - File created in `morning-papers/` with correct date. - Prompt is nurturing, specific, and not a repeat from previous entries. - `.completed-prompts.json` contains the new entry with correct date/prompt values. - Guidance includes reminders about free-writing and self-compassion. 2. **Support the writer** - Offer a short “start now” script (e.g., set a 20-minute timer, reread the prompt aloud). - Invite the writer to note insights afterward in the `Noticings` section. 3. **Summarize output** - Share the file path, the chosen prompt, the shortlist of alternative prompts, and confirm that `.completed-prompts.json` was updated. - Suggest next steps (e.g., create a recurring reminder, archive insights). --- ## Reference Templates ### Minimal Entry ```markdown --- date: 2026-01-11 prompt: >- Write about the first thought that met you when you woke up and how it wants you to move through today. --- # Morning Paper – 2026-01-11 ## Prompt Write about the first thought that met you when you woke up and how it wants you to move through today. ## Stream _(Keep the pen moving for three pages or 20 minutes. No editing.)_ ## Noticings - What surprised me - What I’m releasing ## Next Gentle Step - One compassionate action I can take today: ``` ### Timer-Friendly Add-on ```markdown > 🕰️ Suggested flow: 2-minute grounding · 15-minute freestyle · 3-minute reflection ``` Use these scaffolds as starting points and tailor sections based on the writer’s request. Aim for warmth, clarity, and momentum. ## Source & license This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code. - **Author:** [tjmaynes](https://github.com/tjmaynes) - **Source:** [tjmaynes/skills](https://github.com/tjmaynes/skills) - **License:** MIT Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above. ## Pricing - **Free** — Free ## Security capabilities Automated source analysis of v0.1.0 — what this tool can access: - **Network access:** no - **Filesystem access:** no - **Shell / process execution:** no - **Environment & secrets:** no - **Dynamic code execution:** no *"Yes" means the capability is present in the source — more access means more to trust, not that it is unsafe.* ## Versions - **0.1.0** — security scan: passed — Imported from the upstream source. ## Links - Listing page: https://agentstack.voostack.com/l/skill-tjmaynes-skills-morning-paper-generator - Seller: https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/tjmaynes - Browse the marketplace: https://agentstack.voostack.com/browse --- Listed on AgentStack — the marketplace for AI agent skills and MCP servers. Every listing is security-reviewed. Creators keep 70%.