Bow Tie Kreative Writing System
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The rules

Every rule, and how hard it binds

228 base rules across 14 domains and 9 structural layers. Filter them, then open one to see its condition tree, both branches, its exceptions and its sources.

18 rules match. Clear filters

  1. SYN-010 Convert avoidable nominalizations IF an abstract noun hides a clear actor and action AND the noun is not a stable technical term, THEN convert it to a verb ELSE retain. Heuristic
  2. SYN-020 Split overloaded sentences by proposition IF a sentence contains more than three major propositions OR more than one unrelated rhetorical move, THEN split at the strongest logical boundary ELSE retain. Heuristic
  3. STR-002 Expose the paragraph point IF the paragraph’s controlling point is absent or recoverable only after rereading, THEN state or move it to a strategic position ELSE retain an intentional delayed reveal. Heuristic
  4. STR-007 Section answers one reader question IF a section answers multiple unrelated reader questions, THEN split and label them ELSE retain. Context default
  5. STR-008 Heading predicts content IF a heading does not accurately predict its section, THEN rename the heading or repair the section ELSE retain. Hard constraint
  6. STR-010 Front-load user value IF scanning readers must pass background before reaching the answer, action, or benefit, THEN move the needed content earlier ELSE retain intentional narrative suspense. Heuristic
  7. STR-011 Order by reader task IF the document supports an action, THEN order information by the reader’s task rather than the organization’s internal structure ELSE select chronological, causal, spatial, or importance order. Context default
  8. STR-020 Apply progressive disclosure IF novice and expert readers share a document, THEN put the essential path first and route detail to optional layers ELSE match one depth to the known audience. Heuristic
  9. CLR-001 Prefer the precise familiar word IF two words are equally accurate AND one is more familiar to the audience, THEN use the familiar word ELSE keep the precision-bearing term. Context default
  10. CLR-002 Define necessary jargon IF a domain term is necessary AND the intended reader may not know it, THEN define it at first use and use it consistently ELSE replace it with plain language. Context default
  11. CLR-007 Quantify actionable vagueness IF vague quantity, frequency, time, or probability affects a decision, THEN provide a range, threshold, date, or defined category ELSE retain approximate language. Context default
  12. CLR-010 Prefer positive formulation IF a negative construction can be stated positively with the same meaning and no safety loss, THEN use the positive form ELSE retain necessary prohibitions. Heuristic
  13. CLR-011 Put the main point before qualifications IF qualifications delay the main clause beyond easy recovery, THEN state the core point first and attach the qualifications clearly ELSE retain legally necessary order. Heuristic
  14. CLR-013 Compress throat-clearing IF an opening comments on the act of writing rather than advancing the subject, THEN delete it or replace it with the point ELSE retain necessary framing. Heuristic
  15. CLR-015 Use readability scores diagnostically IF a readability metric flags difficulty, THEN inspect vocabulary, syntax, concepts, and assumed knowledge; do not simplify solely to hit a number ELSE retain. Heuristic
  16. CLR-018 Test instructions by execution IF content instructs a real task, THEN have a representative reader or test environment execute it and record failures ELSE review semantically. Hard constraint
  17. VOI-012 Avoid institutional self-centering IF WE/OUR language displaces the reader’s need or action, THEN rewrite around the reader or subject ELSE retain clear author responsibility. Heuristic
  18. ACC-001 Use clear words for the actual audience IF a simpler word is equally accurate, respectful, and familiar, THEN use it ELSE retain the necessary precise term with support. Context default