rewrite-branch-merge

When to use

• A change is risky (canon/timeline/payoff) and might break the mainline.
• Author wants to explore multiple routes in parallel.

Branching rules (simple, strict)

• Branch if:
  • canon changes would require editing many existing chapters
  • timeline constraints are violated and fix is non-local
  • payoff plan changes the story’s core promise

Comparison checklist

• Narrative Tests: pass/fail delta
• Setup/Payoff ledger: debt ratio, broken setups
• Reader personas: confusion / payoff strength delta
• Author intent: does this branch align better with the deviation intent?

Merge strategies

• Pick winner: choose one branch entirely (fast)
• Selective merge: pick best chapters/sections (requires strong diff discipline)
• Dual timeline: keep both as alternate route (rare; only if author wants)

Output

• branch_compare.md (diff summary + test/persona/ledger comparison)
• merge_plan.md (chosen strategy + concrete steps)