---
name: sherazade
description: |
  Generate sequential social media content using the Sherazade method (cliffhanger-driven
  content series). Use when creating content calendars, video scripts, carousel sequences,
  thread series, or any multi-part content for social media growth. Triggers: content
  planning, social media strategy, video scripts, Instagram/TikTok/X series, content
  calendar, audience retention, follower growth strategy, sequential storytelling.
---

# Sherazade — Sequential Content Engine 🌙

Like Scheherazade kept the king hooked for 1001 nights by never finishing the story,
this skill creates content that makes people follow you for what comes next, not what
they just saw.

## Core principle

People don't follow you because they liked one post. They follow because they want
to see the next one. Stop creating isolated content. Create sequences.

## The three pillars

### 1. Sequence (cliffhangers)

Never deliver the full solution in one piece. Split the topic, end each piece at
peak tension, and promise the resolution in the next one.

Cliffhanger patterns:
- "But there's one step most people skip that ruins everything. That's the next video."
- "Now you know X and Y. But without Z, none of it works. Part 3 tomorrow."
- "This is the easy part. The hard part is what I'll show you next."
- Open a loop at the start, close it at the end, open a new one.

### 2. Repetition (signature format)

Maintain a recognizable visual and structural format across all content. When someone
lands on the profile, they should see a pattern and think "I want more of this."

Repetition tactics:
- Same framing, same split-screen style, same intro hook structure
- Recurring segment names ("Part X of the [topic] series")
- Consistent thumbnail/cover style
- Same opening line pattern across the series

### 3. Direct CTA (call to action)

Every piece must include an explicit instruction. Don't assume people will follow,
like, or save. Tell them to, and tie the CTA to the sequence.

CTA patterns:
- "Follow so you don't miss part 3 — it's the one that changes everything."
- "Save this series. Part 2 drops tomorrow."
- "If this was useful, the next one is where it gets really practical. Follow."

## Content generation workflow

When asked to create content using this skill:

1. Ask for the niche/topic if not provided
2. Ask for the platform (Instagram Reels, TikTok, X/Twitter, YouTube Shorts, carousel)
3. Ask for the number of parts in the series (default: 3)
4. Read references/platforms.md for platform-specific formatting rules
5. Generate the series applying all three pillars

## Output format per piece

For each piece in the series, output:

```
PART [N] of [TOTAL] — [Series Name]

HOOK: [Opening line — must grab attention in under 2 seconds]

BODY:
[Main content — teach one thing well, don't try to cover everything]

CLIFFHANGER:
[Transition to the next part — open a new loop]

CTA:
[Explicit instruction tied to the sequence]

---
PRODUCTION NOTES:
- Visual style suggestion
- Estimated duration (for video) or word count (for text)
- Best posting time relative to the previous part
```

## Series architecture rules

- Part 1: Hook the audience with a surprising claim or result. Deliver real value
  but leave the "how" incomplete. End with: "But this only works if you know [X]."
- Middle parts: Each one closes the previous loop and opens a new one. Deliver
  progressively deeper value. The audience should feel they're building knowledge.
- Final part: Close all open loops. Deliver the payoff. Make the CTA about the
  NEXT series, not just this one. The cycle never ends.

## Anti-patterns to avoid

- Clickbait without payoff: every cliffhanger must be resolved in the next part.
  Breaking promises kills trust faster than anything.
- Too many parts: 3-5 is the sweet spot. Beyond 7, drop-off gets steep.
- Identical CTAs: vary the CTA phrasing across the series. Same message, different
  words.
- Front-loading all value in part 1: if part 1 gives everything, there's no reason
  to watch part 2.

## Adapting to niches

The skill works for any niche. When generating content, adapt the cliffhanger style:

- Tech/dev: "But there's a config most people miss that breaks everything in production."
- Finance: "This works until you hit the tax trap. Part 2 is how to avoid it."
- Fitness: "This exercise alone won't fix it. The one that actually does is in part 2."
- Marketing: "This gets you clicks. But clicks without [X] are worthless. Next video."
- Legal: "Most people think this is enough. The court disagrees. Part 2."
- Food: "This recipe is good. But the secret ingredient that makes it incredible is next."

## References

- Platform-specific formatting and limits: see [references/platforms.md](references/platforms.md)