feat: Implement ai_blueprint_v2.md — Exp 5, 6 & 7 (persona validation, mid-gen consistency, two-pass drafting)

Exp 6 — Iterative Persona Validation (story/style_persona.py + cli/engine.py):
- Added validate_persona(): generates ~200-word sample in persona voice, scores 1–10 via
  lightweight voice-quality prompt; accepts if ≥ 7/10
- cli/engine.py retries create_initial_persona() up to 3× until validation passes
- Expected: -20% Phase 3 voice-drift rewrites

Exp 5 — Mid-gen Consistency Snapshots (cli/engine.py):
- analyze_consistency() called every 10 chapters inside the writing loop
- Issues logged as ⚠️ warnings; non-blocking; score and summary emitted
- Expected: -30% post-generation continuity error rate

Exp 7 — Two-Pass Drafting (story/writer.py):
- After Flash rough draft, Pro model (model_logic) polishes prose against a strict
  checklist: filter words, deep POV, active voice, AI-isms, chapter hook
- max_attempts reduced 3 → 2 since polished prose needs fewer rewrite cycles
- Expected: +0.3 HQS with no increase in per-chapter cost

Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

ai_blueprint_v2.md

@@ -30,10 +30,10 @@ Several improvements from the analysis have been implemented in v2.0 (Phase 3 of
 | **Outline validation** | No pre-generation quality gate | `validate_outline()` runs after chapter planning; logs issues before writing begins | ✅ Implemented |
 | **Scoring thresholds** | Fixed 7.0 passing threshold for all chapters | Adaptive: 6.5 for setup chapters → 7.5 for climax chapters (linear scale by position) | ✅ Implemented |
 | **Enrich validation** | Silent failure if enrichment returns missing fields | Explicit warnings logged for missing `title` or `genre` | ✅ Implemented |
-| **Persona validation** | Single-pass creation, no quality check | Experiment 6 (future) — validate persona with sample before accepting | 🧪 Experiment Pending |
+| **Persona validation** | Single-pass creation, no quality check | `validate_persona()` generates ~200-word sample; scored 1–10; regenerated up to 3× if < 7 | ✅ Implemented |
 | **Batched evaluation** | Per-chapter evaluation (20K tokens/call) | Experiment 4 (future) — batch 5 chapters per evaluation call | 🧪 Experiment Pending |
-| **Mid-gen consistency** | Post-generation consistency check only | Experiment 5 (future) — check every 10 chapters | 🧪 Experiment Pending |
+| **Mid-gen consistency** | Post-generation consistency check only | `analyze_consistency()` called every 10 chapters inside writing loop; issues logged | ✅ Implemented |
-| **Two-pass drafting** | Single draft + iterative refinement | Experiment 7 (future) — rough draft + polish pass | 🧪 Experiment Pending |
+| **Two-pass drafting** | Single draft + iterative refinement | Rough Flash draft + Pro polish pass before evaluation; max_attempts reduced 3 → 2 | ✅ Implemented |
 
 ---
 
@@ -44,8 +44,8 @@ Several improvements from the analysis have been implemented in v2.0 (Phase 3 of
 **Implemented Changes:**
 - `enrich()` now logs explicit warnings if `book_metadata.title` or `book_metadata.genre` are null after enrichment, surfacing silent failures that previously cascaded into downstream crashes.
 
-**Pending Experiments:**
+**Implemented (2026-02-22):**
-- **Exp 6 (Iterative Persona Validation):** Generate a 200-word test passage in the new persona's voice and evaluate it before accepting. Run this experiment to validate the hypothesis that pre-validating the persona reduces Phase 3 voice-drift rewrites by ≥20%.
+- **Exp 6 (Iterative Persona Validation):** `validate_persona()` added to `story/style_persona.py`. Generates ~200-word sample passage, scores it 1–10 via a lightweight voice-quality prompt. Accepted if ≥ 7. `cli/engine.py` retries `create_initial_persona()` up to 3× until score passes. Expected: -20% Phase 3 voice-drift rewrites.
 
 **Recommended Future Work:**
 - Consider Alt 1-A (Dynamic Bible) for long epics where world-building is extensive. JIT character definition ensures every character detail is tied to a narrative purpose.
@@ -77,8 +77,10 @@ Several improvements from the analysis have been implemented in v2.0 (Phase 3 of
 
 4. **`chapter_position` threading**: `cli/engine.py` calculates `chap_pos = i / max(len(chapters) - 1, 1)` and passes it to `write_chapter()`.
 
+**Implemented (2026-02-22):**
+- **Exp 7 (Two-Pass Drafting):** After the Flash rough draft, a Pro polish pass (`model_logic`) refines the chapter against a checklist (filter words, deep POV, active voice, AI-isms). `max_attempts` reduced 3 → 2 since polish produces cleaner prose before evaluation. Expected: +0.3 HQS with fewer rewrite cycles.
+
 **Pending Experiments:**
-- **Exp 7 (Two-Pass Drafting):** Test rough Flash draft + Pro polish against current iterative approach. High potential for consistent quality improvement with fewer rewrite cycles.
 - **Exp 3 (Pre-score Beats):** Score each chapter's beat list for "writability" before drafting. Flag high-risk chapters for additional attempts upfront.
 
 **Recommended Future Work:**
@@ -91,9 +93,11 @@ Several improvements from the analysis have been implemented in v2.0 (Phase 3 of
 
 **No new implementations in v2.0** (Phase 4 is already highly optimised for quality).
 
-**Pending Experiments:**
+**Implemented:**
 - **Exp 4 (Adaptive Thresholds):** Already implemented. Gather data on refinement call reduction.
-- **Exp 5 (Mid-gen Consistency):** Add `analyze_consistency()` every 10 chapters. Low cost (free on Pro-Exp), high potential for catching cascading issues early.
+- **Exp 5 (Mid-gen Consistency):** `analyze_consistency()` called every 10 chapters in the `cli/engine.py` writing loop. Issues logged as `⚠️` warnings. Low cost (free on Pro-Exp). Expected: -30% post-gen CER.
+
+**Pending Experiments:**
 - **Alt 4-A (Batched Evaluation):** Group 3–5 chapters per evaluation call. Significant token savings (~60%) with potential cross-chapter quality insights.
 
 **Recommended Future Work:**
@@ -131,10 +135,10 @@ Execute experiments in this order (see `docs/experiment_design.md` for full spec
 | 2 | Exp 2: Beat Expansion Skip | ✅ Done | Token savings confirmed |
 | 3 | Exp 4: Adaptive Thresholds | ✅ Done | Quality + savings |
 | 4 | Exp 3: Outline Validation | ✅ Done | Quality gate |
-| 5 | Exp 6: Persona Validation | 2h | -20% voice-drift rewrites |
+| 5 | Exp 6: Persona Validation | ✅ Done | -20% voice-drift rewrites |
-| 6 | Exp 5: Mid-gen Consistency | 1h | -30% post-gen CER |
+| 6 | Exp 5: Mid-gen Consistency | ✅ Done | -30% post-gen CER |
 | 7 | Exp 4: Batched Evaluation | Medium | -60% eval tokens |
-| 8 | Exp 7: Two-Pass Drafting | Medium | +0.3 HQS |
+| 8 | Exp 7: Two-Pass Drafting | ✅ Done | +0.3 HQS |
 
 ---
 
@@ -181,8 +185,9 @@ This review reconfirms the principles from `ai_blueprint.md`:
 | File | Change |
 |------|--------|
 | `story/planner.py` | Added enrichment field validation; added `validate_outline()` function |
-| `story/writer.py` | Added `build_persona_info()`; `write_chapter()` accepts `prebuilt_persona` + `chapter_position`; beat expansion skip; adaptive scoring |
+| `story/writer.py` | Added `build_persona_info()`; `write_chapter()` accepts `prebuilt_persona` + `chapter_position`; beat expansion skip; adaptive scoring; **Exp 7: two-pass Pro polish before evaluation; `max_attempts` 3 → 2** |
-| `cli/engine.py` | Imported `build_persona_info`; persona cached before writing loop; rebuilt after `refine_persona()`; outline validation gate; `chapter_position` passed to `write_chapter()` |
+| `story/style_persona.py` | **Exp 6: Added `validate_persona()` — generates ~200-word sample, scores voice quality, rejects if < 7/10** |
+| `cli/engine.py` | Imported `build_persona_info`; persona cached before writing loop; rebuilt after `refine_persona()`; outline validation gate; `chapter_position` passed to `write_chapter()`; **Exp 6: persona retries up to 3× until validation passes; Exp 5: `analyze_consistency()` every 10 chapters** |
 | `docs/current_state_analysis.md` | New: Phase mapping with cost analysis |
 | `docs/alternatives_analysis.md` | New: 15 alternative approaches with hypotheses |
 | `docs/experiment_design.md` | New: 7 controlled A/B experiment specifications |

cli/engine.py

@@ -50,9 +50,16 @@ def process_book(bp, folder, context="", resume=False, interactive=False):
                 bp = planner.enrich(bp, folder, context)
                 with open(bp_path, "w") as f: json.dump(bp, f, indent=2)
 
-            # Ensure Persona Exists (Auto-create if missing)
+            # Ensure Persona Exists (Auto-create + Exp 6: Validate before accepting)
             if 'author_details' not in bp['book_metadata'] or not bp['book_metadata']['author_details']:
-                bp['book_metadata']['author_details'] = style_persona.create_initial_persona(bp, folder)
+                max_persona_attempts = 3
+                for persona_attempt in range(1, max_persona_attempts + 1):
+                    candidate_persona = style_persona.create_initial_persona(bp, folder)
+                    is_valid, p_score = style_persona.validate_persona(bp, candidate_persona, folder)
+                    if is_valid or persona_attempt == max_persona_attempts:
+                        bp['book_metadata']['author_details'] = candidate_persona
+                        break
+                    utils.log("SYSTEM", f"  -> Persona attempt {persona_attempt}/{max_persona_attempts} scored {p_score}/10. Regenerating...")
                 with open(bp_path, "w") as f: json.dump(bp, f, indent=2)
         except Exception as _e:
             utils.log("ERROR", f"Blueprint phase failed: {type(_e).__name__}: {_e}")
@@ -268,6 +275,21 @@ def process_book(bp, folder, context="", resume=False, interactive=False):
             # Update Structured Story State (Item 9: Thread Tracking)
             current_story_state = story_state.update_story_state(txt, ch['chapter_number'], current_story_state, folder)
 
+            # Exp 5: Mid-gen Consistency Snapshot (every 10 chapters)
+            if len(ms) > 0 and len(ms) % 10 == 0:
+                utils.log("EDITOR", f"--- Mid-gen consistency check after chapter {ch['chapter_number']} ({len(ms)} written) ---")
+                try:
+                    consistency = story_editor.analyze_consistency(bp, ms, folder)
+                    issues = consistency.get('issues', [])
+                    if issues:
+                        for issue in issues:
+                            utils.log("EDITOR", f"  ⚠️ {issue}")
+                    c_score = consistency.get('score', 'N/A')
+                    c_summary = consistency.get('summary', '')
+                    utils.log("EDITOR", f"  Consistency score: {c_score}/10 — {c_summary}")
+                except Exception as _ce:
+                    utils.log("EDITOR", f"  Mid-gen consistency check failed (non-blocking): {_ce}")
+
             # Dynamic Pacing Check (every other chapter)
             remaining = chapters[i+1:]
             if remaining and len(remaining) >= 2 and i % 2 == 1:

story/style_persona.py

@@ -104,6 +104,86 @@ def create_initial_persona(bp, folder):
         return {"name": "AI Author", "bio": "Standard, balanced writing style."}
 
 
+def validate_persona(bp, persona_details, folder):
+    """Validate a newly created persona by generating a 200-word sample and scoring it.
+
+    Experiment 6 (Iterative Persona Validation): generates a test passage in the
+    persona's voice and evaluates voice quality before accepting it. This front-loads
+    quality assurance so Phase 3 starts with a well-calibrated author voice.
+
+    Returns (is_valid: bool, score: int). Threshold: score >= 7 → accepted.
+    """
+    meta = bp.get('book_metadata', {})
+    genre = meta.get('genre', 'Fiction')
+    tone = meta.get('style', {}).get('tone', 'balanced')
+    name = persona_details.get('name', 'Unknown Author')
+    bio = persona_details.get('bio', 'Standard style.')
+
+    sample_prompt = f"""
+    ROLE: Fiction Writer
+    TASK: Write a 200-word opening scene that perfectly demonstrates this author's voice.
+
+    AUTHOR_PERSONA:
+    Name: {name}
+    Style/Bio: {bio}
+
+    GENRE: {genre}
+    TONE: {tone}
+
+    RULES:
+    - Exactly ~200 words of prose (no chapter header, no commentary)
+    - Must reflect the persona's stated sentence structure, vocabulary, and voice
+    - Show, don't tell — no filter words (felt, saw, heard, realized, noticed)
+    - Deep POV: immerse the reader in a character's immediate experience
+
+    OUTPUT: Prose only.
+    """
+    try:
+        resp = ai_models.model_logic.generate_content(sample_prompt)
+        utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_logic.name, resp.usage_metadata)
+        sample_text = resp.text
+    except Exception as e:
+        utils.log("SYSTEM", f"  -> Persona validation sample failed: {e}. Accepting persona.")
+        return True, 7
+
+    # Lightweight scoring: focused on voice quality (not full 13-rubric)
+    score_prompt = f"""
+    ROLE: Literary Editor
+    TASK: Score this prose sample for author voice quality.
+
+    EXPECTED_PERSONA:
+    {bio}
+
+    SAMPLE:
+    {sample_text}
+
+    CRITERIA:
+    1. Does the prose reflect the stated author persona? (voice, register, sentence style)
+    2. Is the prose free of filter words (felt, saw, heard, noticed, realized)?
+    3. Is it deep POV — immediate, immersive, not distant narration?
+    4. Is there genuine sentence variety and strong verb choice?
+
+    SCORING (1-10):
+    - 8-10: Voice is distinct, matches persona, clean deep POV
+    - 6-7: Reasonable voice, minor filter word issues
+    - 1-5: Generic AI prose, heavy filter words, or persona not reflected
+
+    OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{"score": int, "reason": "One sentence."}}
+    """
+    try:
+        resp2 = ai_models.model_logic.generate_content(score_prompt)
+        utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_logic.name, resp2.usage_metadata)
+        data = json.loads(utils.clean_json(resp2.text))
+        score = int(data.get('score', 7))
+        reason = data.get('reason', '')
+        is_valid = score >= 7
+        utils.log("SYSTEM", f"  -> Persona validation: {score}/10 {'✅ Accepted' if is_valid else '❌ Rejected'} — {reason}")
+        return is_valid, score
+    except Exception as e:
+        utils.log("SYSTEM", f"  -> Persona scoring failed: {e}. Accepting persona.")
+        return True, 7
+
+
 def refine_persona(bp, text, folder):
     utils.log("SYSTEM", "Refining Author Persona based on recent chapters...")
     ad = bp.get('book_metadata', {}).get('author_details', {})

story/writer.py

@@ -362,7 +362,51 @@ def write_chapter(chap, bp, folder, prev_sum, tracking=None, prev_content=None,
         utils.log("WRITER", f"⚠️ Failed Ch {chap['chapter_number']}: {e}")
         return f"## Chapter {chap['chapter_number']} Failed\n\nError: {e}"
 
-    max_attempts = 3
+    # Exp 7: Two-Pass Drafting — Polish the rough draft with the logic (Pro) model
+    # before evaluation. Produces cleaner prose with fewer rewrite cycles.
+    if current_text:
+        utils.log("WRITER", f"  -> Two-pass polish (Pro model)...")
+        guidelines = get_style_guidelines()
+        fw_list = '", "'.join(guidelines['filter_words'])
+        polish_prompt = f"""
+        ROLE: Senior Fiction Editor
+        TASK: Polish this rough draft into publication-ready prose.
+
+        AUTHOR_VOICE:
+        {persona_info}
+
+        GENRE: {genre}
+        TARGET_WORDS: ~{est_words}
+        BEATS (must all be covered): {json.dumps(chap.get('beats', []))}
+
+        POLISH_CHECKLIST:
+        1. FILTER_REMOVAL: Remove all filter words [{fw_list}] — rewrite each to show the sensation directly.
+        2. DEEP_POV: Ensure the reader is inside the POV character's experience at all times — no external narration.
+        3. ACTIVE_VOICE: Replace all 'was/were + -ing' constructions with active alternatives.
+        4. SENTENCE_VARIETY: No two consecutive sentences starting with the same word. Vary length for rhythm.
+        5. STRONG_VERBS: Delete adverbs; replace with precise verbs.
+        6. NO_AI_ISMS: Remove: 'testament to', 'tapestry', 'palpable tension', 'azure', 'cerulean', 'bustling', 'a sense of'.
+        7. CHAPTER_HOOK: Ensure the final paragraph ends on unresolved tension, a question, or a threat.
+        8. PRESERVE: Keep all narrative beats, approximate word count (±15%), and chapter header.
+
+        ROUGH_DRAFT:
+        {current_text}
+
+        OUTPUT: Complete polished chapter in Markdown.
+        """
+        try:
+            resp_polish = ai_models.model_logic.generate_content(polish_prompt)
+            utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_logic.name, resp_polish.usage_metadata)
+            polished = resp_polish.text
+            if polished:
+                polished_words = len(polished.split())
+                utils.log("WRITER", f"  -> Polished: {polished_words:,} words.")
+                current_text = polished
+        except Exception as e:
+            utils.log("WRITER", f"  -> Polish pass failed: {e}. Proceeding with raw draft.")
+
+    # Reduced from 3 → 2 attempts since polish pass already refines prose before evaluation
+    max_attempts = 2
     SCORE_AUTO_ACCEPT = 8
     # Adaptive passing threshold: lenient for early setup chapters, strict for climax/resolution.
     # chapter_position=0.0 → setup (SCORE_PASSING=6.5), chapter_position=1.0 → climax (7.5)