diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/beta.yaml b/.gitea/workflows/beta.yaml
index 46e33baa..fe452a95 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/beta.yaml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/beta.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ jobs:
   detect:
     # Gitea only; see the same guard in release.yaml.
     if: github.repository_owner == 'makiolaj'
-    runs-on: docker
+    runs-on: light
     outputs:
       is_beta: ${{ steps.v.outputs.is_beta }}
       version: ${{ steps.v.outputs.version }}
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ jobs:
   beta:
     needs: detect
     if: needs.detect.outputs.is_beta == 'true'
-    runs-on: docker
+    runs-on: gradle
     env:
       ANDROID_HOME: /opt/android-sdk
       ANDROID_SDK_ROOT: /opt/android-sdk
diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/release.yaml b/.gitea/workflows/release.yaml
index 5d2d4b24..1bdb69e8 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/release.yaml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/release.yaml
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ jobs:
     # secrets. repository_owner differs between the two forges regardless of
     # URL, proxy or instance rename, so this closes it permanently.
     if: github.repository_owner == 'makiolaj'
-    runs-on: docker
+    runs-on: light
     outputs:
       is_release: ${{ steps.v.outputs.is_release }}
       version: ${{ steps.v.outputs.version }}
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ jobs:
   release:
     needs: detect
     if: needs.detect.outputs.is_release == 'true' || github.event_name == 'workflow_dispatch'
-    runs-on: docker
+    runs-on: gradle
     env:
       ANDROID_HOME: /opt/android-sdk
       ANDROID_SDK_ROOT: /opt/android-sdk
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index a56bcfe4..f3803d8a 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ### Added
 - **Long press an event to select it.** In the day, 3-day and week views, a long press lifts the event and selects it. Keep your finger down and move to drag it straight away. A selected event has handles at its top and bottom: drag them to change when it starts or ends, in 15-minute steps and across midnight if you want. The bar at the top edits, duplicates, shares or deletes it, and tapping elsewhere or going back deselects it. Read-only events can be selected but not moved or resized ([#141]).
+- **Long press an empty slot to draft an event.** In the day, 3-day and week views, a long press on free time drops a block of your default event length there. Move it while still holding, or let go and drag it or its handles into place, then tap the tick to open a new event at that time. The ✕, a tap elsewhere or going back throws the draft away ([#153]).
 - **Scroll back to earlier days in the agenda.** Scroll up past today to see earlier days' events, loaded a month at a time. Past days follow the past-events setting: Dim fades them, and with Hide the agenda still starts at today ([#367]).
 
 ### Fixed
@@ -1859,3 +1860,4 @@ automatically, with zero telemetry and no internet permission.
 [#367]: https://codeberg.org/jlmakiola/calendula/issues/367
 [#373]: https://codeberg.org/jlmakiola/calendula/issues/373
 [#141]: https://codeberg.org/jlmakiola/calendula/issues/141
+[#153]: https://codeberg.org/jlmakiola/calendula/issues/153
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/CalendarHost.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/CalendarHost.kt
index 1a769156..704481f2 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/CalendarHost.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/CalendarHost.kt
@@ -239,12 +239,18 @@ fun CalendarHost(
     var heldCreateIso by remember { mutableStateOf<String?>(null) }
     var createStartMinutes by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf<Int?>(null) }
     var heldCreateMinutes by remember { mutableStateOf<Int?>(null) }
-    val onCreateEvent: (LocalDate, Int?) -> Unit = { date, startMinutes ->
+    // A drafted block's end (#153), in minutes from the start day's midnight.
+    var createEndMinutes by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf<Int?>(null) }
+    var heldCreateEndMinutes by remember { mutableStateOf<Int?>(null) }
+    val onCreateSpan: (LocalDate, Int?, Int?) -> Unit = { date, startMinutes, endMinutes ->
         heldCreateIso = date.toString()
         createDateIso = date.toString()
         heldCreateMinutes = startMinutes
         createStartMinutes = startMinutes
+        heldCreateEndMinutes = endMinutes
+        createEndMinutes = endMinutes
     }
+    val onCreateEvent: (LocalDate, Int?) -> Unit = { date, startMinutes -> onCreateSpan(date, startMinutes, null) }
 
     // Edit form (v1.3) — reuses the detail screen's occurrence key; for
     // recurring events the form itself asks for the write scope at save
@@ -380,6 +386,8 @@ fun CalendarHost(
                 createDateIso = iso
                 heldCreateMinutes = null
                 createStartMinutes = null
+                heldCreateEndMinutes = null
+                createEndMinutes = null
                 onWidgetNavConsumed()
             }
             null -> {}
@@ -583,6 +591,7 @@ fun CalendarHost(
                     onOpenDay = onOpenDay,
                     onEventClick = onEventClick,
                     onCreateEvent = onCreateEvent,
+                    onCreateSpan = onCreateSpan,
                 )
                 ViewScreen.Month -> MonthScreen(
                     onOpenDay = onOpenDay,
@@ -671,6 +680,7 @@ fun CalendarHost(
                 EventEditScreen(
                     initialDateIso = iso,
                     initialStartMinutes = createStartMinutes ?: heldCreateMinutes,
+                    initialEndMinutes = createEndMinutes ?: heldCreateEndMinutes,
                     onClose = { createDateIso = null },
                     onSaved = { createDateIso = null },
                     onManageCalendars = { showCalendars = true },
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/BlockPlacement.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/BlockPlacement.kt
index 923726ad..9ec316c1 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/BlockPlacement.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/BlockPlacement.kt
@@ -278,12 +278,23 @@ data class BlockPlacement(val xFraction: Float, val widthFraction: Float, val y:
  * A pinch-zoom rewrites the hour height every pointer frame, and the gutter and
  * grid lines follow it instantly — so the tween stands down for the gesture
  * rather than leaving the blocks trailing the ruler they are measured against.
+ * A [landing] block, under a dropped copy, moves without the spring's bounce.
  */
 @OptIn(ExperimentalMaterial3ExpressiveApi::class)
 @Composable
-fun animatedBlockPlacement(xFraction: Float, widthFraction: Float, y: Dp, height: Dp): BlockPlacement {
+fun animatedBlockPlacement(
+    xFraction: Float,
+    widthFraction: Float,
+    y: Dp,
+    height: Dp,
+    landing: Boolean = false,
+): BlockPlacement {
     val still = rememberReduceMotion() || LocalTimelineZoom.current.isPinching
-    val dpSpec: FiniteAnimationSpec<Dp> = if (still) snap() else MaterialTheme.motionScheme.fastSpatialSpec()
+    val dpSpec: FiniteAnimationSpec<Dp> = when {
+        still -> snap()
+        landing -> MaterialTheme.motionScheme.fastEffectsSpec()
+        else -> MaterialTheme.motionScheme.fastSpatialSpec()
+    }
     val shareSpec: FiniteAnimationSpec<Float> = if (still) snap() else MaterialTheme.motionScheme.fastSpatialSpec()
     val animatedX by animateFloatAsState(xFraction, shareSpec, label = "block-x")
     val animatedWidth by animateFloatAsState(widthFraction, shareSpec, label = "block-width")
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/CalendarChrome.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/CalendarChrome.kt
index 508dd5f8..d252ad27 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/CalendarChrome.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/CalendarChrome.kt
@@ -69,9 +69,15 @@ class ScreenActions(
 /**
  * An event a long press left selected (#141), which the host answers with the
  * action bar in place of the FAB. [dismiss] clears it on the screen that owns it.
+ * [create] is set for a block drafted on an empty slot (#153), which has no
+ * event yet, so the bar offers to create one.
  */
 @Stable
-class EventSelection(val event: EventInstance, val dismiss: () -> Unit)
+class EventSelection(
+    val event: EventInstance,
+    val dismiss: () -> Unit,
+    val create: (() -> Unit)? = null,
+)
 
 /** The screen on show's [ScreenChrome] and [ScreenActions], for the host to draw. */
 @Stable
@@ -114,10 +120,26 @@ fun PublishChrome(chrome: ScreenChrome, actions: ScreenActions) {
 
 /** Hands the screen's selected [event] to the host, for as long as it stays selected. */
 @Composable
-fun PublishSelection(event: EventInstance?, busy: Boolean, compact: Boolean, onDismiss: () -> Unit) {
+fun PublishSelection(
+    event: EventInstance?,
+    busy: Boolean,
+    compact: Boolean,
+    onDismiss: () -> Unit,
+    onCreate: (() -> Unit)? = null,
+) {
     val slot = LocalChromeSlot.current ?: return
     val currentDismiss by rememberUpdatedState(onDismiss)
-    val selection = remember(event) { event?.let { EventSelection(it) { currentDismiss() } } }
+    val currentCreate by rememberUpdatedState(onCreate)
+    val drafted = onCreate != null
+    val selection = remember(event, drafted) {
+        event?.let {
+            EventSelection(
+                event = it,
+                dismiss = { currentDismiss() },
+                create = if (drafted) ({ currentCreate?.invoke() }) else null,
+            )
+        }
+    }
     val host = slot.host
     val current = slot.current
     DisposableEffect(host, selection, current) {
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventDrag.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventDrag.kt
index ee282d4f..c1746b40 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventDrag.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventDrag.kt
@@ -73,7 +73,8 @@ fun rememberEventDragSource(
  * The same pickup, for a surface that carries many draggable pieces rather than
  * being one itself — the month grid, whose chips are covered by a full-bleed tap
  * layer. [onPickUp] receives the press position local to this node and answers
- * whether anything is there; false abandons the gesture.
+ * whether anything is there; false abandons the gesture. [skipClaimedDown] leaves
+ * a press a descendant already consumed alone.
  */
 @Composable
 fun rememberDragSurface(
@@ -83,6 +84,8 @@ fun rememberDragSurface(
     onMove: (pointerInRoot: Offset) -> Unit,
     onDrop: () -> Unit,
     onCancel: () -> Unit,
+    onRelease: (() -> Unit)? = null,
+    skipClaimedDown: Boolean = false,
 ): Modifier = rememberPickUpSurface(
     enabled = enabled,
     key = key,
@@ -93,7 +96,8 @@ fun rememberDragSurface(
     onMove = onMove,
     onDrop = onDrop,
     onCancel = onCancel,
-    onRelease = null,
+    onRelease = onRelease,
+    skipClaimedDown = skipClaimedDown,
 )
 
 @Composable
@@ -106,6 +110,7 @@ private fun rememberPickUpSurface(
     onDrop: () -> Unit,
     onCancel: () -> Unit,
     onRelease: (() -> Unit)?,
+    skipClaimedDown: Boolean = false,
 ): Modifier {
     if (!enabled) return Modifier
     val holdMillis = LocalViewConfiguration.current.longPressTimeoutMillis
@@ -125,6 +130,8 @@ private fun rememberPickUpSurface(
             val slop = viewConfiguration.touchSlop
             awaitEachGesture {
                 val down = awaitFirstDown(requireUnconsumed = false)
+                // A child that took the press, such as a resize handle, keeps it.
+                if (skipClaimedDown && down.isConsumed) return@awaitEachGesture
                 val origin = down.position
                 val immediate = currentImmediate
                 // Null: held still. True: an immediate pickup past slop. False: abandoned.
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionBar.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionBar.kt
index f161c52c..66ae7beb 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionBar.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionBar.kt
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.height
 import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.padding
 import androidx.compose.foundation.shape.CircleShape
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.Icons
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Check
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Close
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.ContentCopy
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Delete
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Edit
@@ -52,6 +54,26 @@ fun EventSelectionBar(
     }
 }
 
+/** A drafted block's bar (#153): create the event, or let the draft go. */
+@Composable
+fun DraftSelectionBar(onCreate: () -> Unit, onDiscard: () -> Unit, modifier: Modifier = Modifier) {
+    Surface(
+        shape = CircleShape,
+        color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.primaryContainer,
+        contentColor = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onPrimaryContainer,
+        shadowElevation = 6.dp,
+        modifier = modifier.height(FabSize),
+    ) {
+        Row(
+            verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
+            modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 4.dp),
+        ) {
+            BarAction(Icons.Default.Close, R.string.event_draft_discard, onDiscard)
+            BarAction(Icons.Default.Check, R.string.event_draft_create, onCreate)
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 @Composable
 private fun BarAction(icon: ImageVector, label: Int, onClick: () -> Unit) {
     IconButton(onClick = onClick) {
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionHost.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionHost.kt
index 34f4603c..c26c48d6 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionHost.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/EventSelectionHost.kt
@@ -47,6 +47,23 @@ fun rememberFabSelection(
     val currentWrite by rememberUpdatedState(requireWrite)
 
     val selection = host.selection ?: return null
+    selection.create?.let { create ->
+        return remember(selection, expanded, chipShown) {
+            FabSelection(
+                expanded = expanded,
+                onToggle = {
+                    if (chipShown) currentDismissChip()
+                    chosen = !expanded
+                },
+                bar = {
+                    DraftSelectionBar(
+                        onCreate = { currentWrite { create() } },
+                        onDiscard = selection.dismiss,
+                    )
+                },
+            )
+        }
+    }
     val event = selection.event
     val calendar = calendars[event.calendarId]
     val canEdit = calendar?.canModifyContents == true
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/OutOfViewEdges.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/OutOfViewEdges.kt
index 7954e3c4..67cd7227 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/OutOfViewEdges.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/OutOfViewEdges.kt
@@ -195,15 +195,20 @@ class OutOfViewEdges internal constructor(
         }
     }
 
+    /** Whether a press at [y] (content px) lands on an edge bar (#153). */
+    fun covers(y: Float): Boolean = edgeAt(y) != null
+
+    private fun edgeAt(y: Float) = tappedEdge(
+        events = events,
+        y = y,
+        viewportTop = scrollState.value.toFloat(),
+        viewportPx = scrollState.viewportSize,
+        reachPx = reachPx,
+    )
+
     /** Reveals the hidden event if a tap at [y] (content px) lands on a bar. */
     fun tap(y: Float): Boolean {
-        val edge = tappedEdge(
-            events = events,
-            y = y,
-            viewportTop = scrollState.value.toFloat(),
-            viewportPx = scrollState.viewportSize,
-            reachPx = reachPx,
-        ) ?: return false
+        val edge = edgeAt(y) ?: return false
         reveal(edge)
         return true
     }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/SelectionTopBar.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/SelectionTopBar.kt
index 7e460912..37ef7592 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/SelectionTopBar.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/SelectionTopBar.kt
@@ -40,7 +40,9 @@ fun SelectionTopBar(selection: EventSelection) {
             IconButton(onClick = selection.dismiss) {
                 Icon(
                     imageVector = Icons.Default.Close,
-                    contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.event_selection_close),
+                    contentDescription = stringResource(
+                        if (selection.create != null) R.string.event_draft_discard else R.string.event_selection_close,
+                    ),
                 )
             }
         },
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/TimelineDrag.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/TimelineDrag.kt
index b93f87ef..5bd3aaa6 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/TimelineDrag.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/TimelineDrag.kt
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ import androidx.compose.ui.unit.IntOffset
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.IntSize
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.R
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.data.prefs.SettingsPrefs
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.domain.EventInstance
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.week.MINUTES_PER_DAY
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.week.TimedBlock
@@ -61,6 +62,7 @@ import kotlinx.datetime.TimeZone
 import kotlinx.datetime.toInstant
 import kotlinx.datetime.toLocalDateTime
 import kotlin.math.roundToInt
+import kotlin.time.Duration.Companion.minutes
 import kotlin.time.Instant
 
 /** Start granularity a dragged block snaps to, matching the big calendar apps. */
@@ -269,6 +271,41 @@ data class TimelineDrop(
     val clipOffsetMin: Int = 0,
 )
 
+/** The id a drafted block's stand-in event carries, which no provider row has (#153). */
+private const val DRAFT_ID = Long.MIN_VALUE
+
+/** Whether this is the stand-in for a block drafted on an empty slot, not a real event. */
+val EventInstance.isDraft: Boolean get() = instanceId == DRAFT_ID
+
+/** A drafted block's stand-in event, [minutes] long from [start]. */
+fun draftEvent(title: String, color: Int, start: Instant, minutes: Int): EventInstance = EventInstance(
+    instanceId = DRAFT_ID,
+    eventId = DRAFT_ID,
+    calendarId = DRAFT_ID,
+    title = title,
+    start = start,
+    end = start + minutes.minutes,
+    isAllDay = false,
+    color = color,
+    location = null,
+)
+
+/** Where a long press [minutes] down the column starts its draft, snapped down to the slot. */
+internal fun draftStartMin(minutes: Float): Int =
+    (minutes / DRAG_SNAP_MINUTES).toInt().times(DRAG_SNAP_MINUTES)
+        .coerceIn(0, MINUTES_PER_DAY - DRAG_SNAP_MINUTES)
+
+/** The part of [draft] on [date] as a full-width block, or null if none of it falls there. */
+internal fun draftBlock(draft: EventInstance, date: LocalDate, zone: TimeZone): TimedBlock? {
+    val start = draft.start.toLocalDateTime(zone)
+    val end = draft.end.toLocalDateTime(zone)
+    // The end is exclusive, so a draft ending at midnight belongs to the day before.
+    if (start.date > date || end.date < date || (end.date == date && end.time == LocalTime(0, 0))) return null
+    val startMin = if (start.date < date) 0 else start.time.toSecondOfDay() / 60
+    val endMin = if (end.date > date) MINUTES_PER_DAY else end.time.toSecondOfDay() / 60
+    return TimedBlock(draft, startMin, endMin, lane = 0, laneCount = 1)
+}
+
 /** Which end of an event a resize handle moves (#141). */
 enum class ResizeEdge { Top, Bottom }
 
@@ -391,6 +428,9 @@ class TimelineDragController {
      */
     private var settledOrigin: Pair<Long, Instant>? by mutableStateOf(null)
 
+    /** How long a block drafted on an empty slot starts out, in minutes (#153). */
+    var draftMinutes: Int = SettingsPrefs.DEFAULT_EVENT_DURATION
+
     /** The selected event, if any — see [TimelineSelection]. */
     var selection: TimelineSelection? by mutableStateOf(null)
         private set
@@ -401,6 +441,7 @@ class TimelineDragController {
     }
 
     fun deselect() {
+        if (selection?.event?.isDraft == true && settling?.event?.isDraft == true) release()
         selection = null
         selectionCovered = false
     }
@@ -560,6 +601,16 @@ class TimelineDragController {
         originSlot = drag?.slot
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Draft a block on an empty slot and lift it at once (#153). It is selected
+     * from the start, so it keeps its handles and bar once the finger lets go.
+     */
+    fun beginDraft(block: TimedBlock, pointerInRoot: Offset, blockInRoot: Offset) {
+        deselect()
+        select(block.event)
+        begin(block, clipOffsetMin = 0, titleLines = 1, pointerInRoot = pointerInRoot, blockInRoot = blockInRoot)
+    }
+
     fun move(pointerInRoot: Offset) {
         pointer = pointerInRoot
         if (!pointerMoved && (pointerInRoot - pickupPointer).getDistance() > slopPx) pointerMoved = true
@@ -640,6 +691,8 @@ class TimelineDragController {
         val clipOffset = clipOffsetMin
         cancel()
         if (landed == null || landed.slot == origin) return null
+        // A draft dropped on a day off screen would vanish, so it stays where it was (#153).
+        if (landed.edgeOnly && landed.event.isDraft) return null
         settlingSelected = selection?.event?.instanceId == landed.event.instanceId
         // An edge piece is a hint for the finger, not a preview of the landing
         // slot: the event belongs to a day this timeline has no column for, so
@@ -663,18 +716,12 @@ class TimelineDragController {
         titleLines: Int,
         pointerInRoot: Offset,
     ) {
-        val start = block.event.start.toLocalDateTime(zone)
-        val end = block.event.end.toLocalDateTime(zone)
+        val span = wallClockSpan(block.event, zone)
         source = block
         resizeEdge = edge
-        resizeDay = start.date
-        resizeStartMin = start.time.toSecondOfDay() / 60
-        // Wall clock at both ends, as the drop resolves them (DST-safe).
-        resizeEndMin = maxOf(
-            resizeStartMin,
-            (end.date.toEpochDays() - start.date.toEpochDays()).toInt() * MINUTES_PER_DAY +
-                end.time.toSecondOfDay() / 60,
-        )
+        resizeDay = span.day
+        resizeStartMin = span.startMin
+        resizeEndMin = span.endMin
         clipOffsetMin = 0
         this.titleLines = titleLines
         settling = null
@@ -684,7 +731,7 @@ class TimelineDragController {
         pointer = pointerInRoot
         // Measured from the edge's own column: the handle overhangs into the next.
         val edgeDay = if (edge == ResizeEdge.Top) 0 else (resizeEndMin - 1).floorDiv(MINUTES_PER_DAY).coerceAtLeast(0)
-        val edgeIndex = geometry.days.indexOf(start.date.plus(edgeDay, DateTimeUnit.DAY))
+        val edgeIndex = geometry.days.indexOf(span.day.plus(edgeDay, DateTimeUnit.DAY))
         resizeColumn = edgeIndex.takeIf { it >= 0 }
             ?.let { if (geometry.isRtl) geometry.days.lastIndex - it else it }
         resizeGrabMin = (pointerResizeMinutes() ?: 0f) -
@@ -703,16 +750,16 @@ class TimelineDragController {
         val origin = originSlot
         cancel()
         if (landed == null || landed.slot == origin) return null
-        settlingSelected = selection?.event?.instanceId == landed.event.instanceId
-        settling = if (landed.edgeOnly) landed.copy(pieces = emptyList()) else landed
-        liftedInstanceId = landed.event.instanceId
-        settledOrigin = landed.event.eventId to landed.event.start
-        settledAbandonedMark = abandonedTicks?.value ?: 0
         val drop = TimelineResizeDrop(
             event = landed.event,
             start = wallClockInstant(landed.date, landed.eventStartMin, zone),
             end = wallClockInstant(landed.date, landed.eventStartMin + landed.eventSpanMin, zone),
         )
+        settlingSelected = selection?.event?.instanceId == landed.event.instanceId
+        settling = if (landed.edgeOnly) landed.copy(pieces = emptyList()) else landed
+        liftedInstanceId = landed.event.instanceId
+        settledOrigin = landed.event.eventId to landed.event.start
+        settledAbandonedMark = abandonedTicks?.value ?: 0
         settledEnd = drop.end
         return drop
     }
@@ -957,10 +1004,27 @@ fun TimelineDrop.startInstant(zone: TimeZone): Instant =
     wallClockInstant(date, startMin - clipOffsetMin, zone)
 
 /** [minutes] past [date]'s midnight, either way past it, as wall clock in [zone] (DST-safe). */
-fun wallClockInstant(date: LocalDate, minutes: Int, zone: TimeZone): Instant {
+fun wallClockInstant(date: LocalDate, minutes: Int, zone: TimeZone): Instant =
+    wallClockTime(date, minutes).toInstant(zone)
+
+/** The wall-clock time [minutes] past [date]'s midnight, on a later day past 1440. */
+fun wallClockTime(date: LocalDate, minutes: Int): LocalDateTime {
     val day = date.plus(minutes.floorDiv(MINUTES_PER_DAY), DateTimeUnit.DAY)
     val minute = minutes.mod(MINUTES_PER_DAY)
-    return LocalDateTime(day, LocalTime(minute / 60, minute % 60)).toInstant(zone)
+    return LocalDateTime(day, LocalTime(minute / 60, minute % 60))
+}
+
+/** An event's span as wall-clock minutes from its start day's midnight. */
+data class WallClockSpan(val day: LocalDate, val startMin: Int, val endMin: Int)
+
+/** [event]'s [WallClockSpan], its end past 1440 when it ends on a later day (DST-safe). */
+fun wallClockSpan(event: EventInstance, zone: TimeZone): WallClockSpan {
+    val start = event.start.toLocalDateTime(zone)
+    val end = event.end.toLocalDateTime(zone)
+    val startMin = start.time.toSecondOfDay() / 60
+    val endMin = (end.date.toEpochDays() - start.date.toEpochDays()).toInt() * MINUTES_PER_DAY +
+        end.time.toSecondOfDay() / 60
+    return WallClockSpan(start.date, startMin, maxOf(startMin, endMin))
 }
 
 /**
@@ -1212,7 +1276,7 @@ private fun DragCopy(
                 Text(
                     text = label,
                     // As the block it lifted off sets its own time (#219).
-                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelSmall.asEventTime(),
+                    style = rememberPackedLines(MaterialTheme.typography.labelSmall.asEventTime()),
                     maxLines = timeMaxLines,
                     overflow = overflow.overflow,
                     softWrap = overflow.softWrap,
@@ -1233,7 +1297,8 @@ fun selectionLift(selected: Boolean, snap: Boolean = false): Float {
         val target = if (selected) 1f else 0f
         if (reduceMotion || (selected && snap)) raise.snapTo(target) else raise.animateTo(target, spec)
     }
-    return raise.value
+    // The effect runs a frame late, and that frame would show the block unlifted.
+    return if (selected && snap) 1f else raise.value
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditScreen.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditScreen.kt
index 90dff7a1..2fde7aa3 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditScreen.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditScreen.kt
@@ -201,6 +201,7 @@ fun EventEditScreen(
     onSaved: () -> Unit,
     editKey: LongArray? = null,
     initialStartMinutes: Int? = null,
+    initialEndMinutes: Int? = null,
     initialForm: EventForm? = null,
     initialFormSource: ImportSource = ImportSource.File,
     onManageCalendars: (() -> Unit)? = null,
@@ -220,7 +221,7 @@ fun EventEditScreen(
             else -> {
                 val date = initialDateIso?.let { runCatching { LocalDate.parse(it) }.getOrNull() }
                     ?: Clock.System.now().toLocalDateTime(TimeZone.currentSystemDefault()).date
-                viewModel.openNew(date, initialStartMinutes)
+                viewModel.openNew(date, initialStartMinutes, initialEndMinutes)
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditViewModel.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditViewModel.kt
index 99894e80..d758baf0 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditViewModel.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/edit/EventEditViewModel.kt
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.domain.populatedFields
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.domain.problems
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.domain.toEditSnapshot
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.detail.EventDetailViewModel.Companion.NO_OCCURRENCE_TIME
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.wallClockTime
 import kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineDispatcher
 import kotlinx.coroutines.ExperimentalCoroutinesApi
 import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.Flow
@@ -324,10 +325,12 @@ class EventEditViewModel @Inject constructor(
      * in the day/week grid; without it the default is the next full hour (today)
      * or 09:00 (any other day). The event opens an hour long and is stretched to
      * the configured default by [applyDefaultDuration], like the reminders.
+     * A block drafted on the timeline (#153) passes [endMinutes] instead,
+     * counted from [date]'s midnight and past 1440 for a later day.
      * No-op when a form is already open, so user input survives configuration
      * changes; [reset] clears it when the screen closes.
      */
-    fun openNew(date: LocalDate, startMinutes: Int? = null) {
+    fun openNew(date: LocalDate, startMinutes: Int? = null, endMinutes: Int? = null) {
         if (_form.value != null) return
         val zone = TimeZone.currentSystemDefault()
         val now = Clock.System.now()
@@ -342,9 +345,12 @@ class EventEditViewModel @Inject constructor(
             }
             else -> LocalDateTime(date, LocalTime(9, 0))
         }
-        val end = (start.toInstant(zone) + SettingsPrefs.DEFAULT_EVENT_DURATION.minutes)
+        val chosenEnd = endMinutes?.takeIf { startMinutes != null && it > startMinutes }
+            ?.let { wallClockTime(date, it) }
+        val end = chosenEnd ?: (start.toInstant(zone) + SettingsPrefs.DEFAULT_EVENT_DURATION.minutes)
             .toLocalDateTime(zone)
         _form.value = EventForm(calendarId = null, start = start, end = end)
+        if (chosenEnd != null) _durationTouched.value = true
         applyDefaultReminder()
         applyDefaultDuration()
     }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekScreen.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekScreen.kt
index 55fc236b..acd9d4d7 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekScreen.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekScreen.kt
@@ -64,6 +64,16 @@ import androidx.compose.ui.hapticfeedback.HapticFeedbackType
 import androidx.compose.ui.platform.LocalHapticFeedback
 import androidx.compose.ui.zIndex
 import androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset
+import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.toArgb
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.draftBlock
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.draftEvent
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.draftStartMin
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.isDraft
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.rememberDragSurface
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.rememberWriteGate
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.OutOfViewEdges
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.wallClockInstant
+import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.wallClockSpan
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.PickUp
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.SelectionBarClearance
 import de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common.ResizeEdge
@@ -239,6 +249,7 @@ fun TimelineScreen(
     onOpenDay: (LocalDate) -> Unit,
     onEventClick: (EventInstance) -> Unit,
     onCreateEvent: (LocalDate, Int?) -> Unit,
+    onCreateSpan: (LocalDate, Int, Int?) -> Unit,
     modifier: Modifier = Modifier,
     weekViewModel: WeekViewModel = hiltViewModel(),
     multiDayViewModel: MultiDayViewModel = hiltViewModel(),
@@ -253,6 +264,7 @@ fun TimelineScreen(
         onOpenDay = onOpenDay,
         onEventClick = onEventClick,
         onCreateEvent = onCreateEvent,
+        onCreateSpan = onCreateSpan,
         modifier = modifier,
     )
 }
@@ -310,6 +322,7 @@ private fun PagedTimelineScreen(
     onOpenDay: (LocalDate) -> Unit,
     onEventClick: (EventInstance) -> Unit,
     onCreateEvent: (LocalDate, Int?) -> Unit,
+    onCreateSpan: (LocalDate, Int, Int?) -> Unit,
     modifier: Modifier,
 ) {
     // The view on screen, which trails [view] while the columns resize into it.
@@ -342,6 +355,7 @@ private fun PagedTimelineScreen(
     val grid = position.grid
     val anchorPage = position.page
     val dimCompleted by key(viewModel) { viewModel.dimCompletedEvents.collectAsStateWithLifecycle() }
+    val draftMinutes by key(viewModel) { viewModel.defaultEventDuration.collectAsStateWithLifecycle() }
     // The instant before which an event counts as completed, or null when dimming
     // is off. derivedStateOf keeps the per-minute "now" from recomposing the
     // screen while the setting is off (it stays null regardless of the tick).
@@ -490,6 +504,8 @@ private fun PagedTimelineScreen(
                 onEventClick = onEventClick,
                 onOpenDay = onOpenDay,
                 onCreateAt = { d, minutes -> onCreateEvent(d, minutes) },
+                onCreateSpan = onCreateSpan,
+                draftMinutes = draftMinutes,
                 modifier = Modifier
                     .padding(innerPadding)
                     .fillMaxSize(),
@@ -512,6 +528,8 @@ private fun WeekContent(
     onEventClick: (EventInstance) -> Unit,
     onOpenDay: (LocalDate) -> Unit,
     onCreateAt: (LocalDate, Int) -> Unit,
+    onCreateSpan: (LocalDate, Int, Int?) -> Unit,
+    draftMinutes: Int,
     modifier: Modifier = Modifier,
 ) {
     val fadeSpec = rememberCalendarFadeSpec()
@@ -526,33 +544,39 @@ private fun WeekContent(
     // Above the pager: a page change mid-drag would strand the floating block
     // inside the outgoing page.
     val dragController = rememberTimelineDragController()
+    SideEffect { dragController.draftMinutes = draftMinutes }
     val move = LocalEventMove.current
     val zone = remember { TimeZone.currentSystemDefault() }
-    val onDrop: (TimelineDrop) -> Unit = { drop ->
+    val onDrop: (TimelineDrop) -> Unit = drop@{ drop ->
+        val start = drop.startInstant(zone)
+        val moved = drop.event.copy(start = start, end = start + (drop.event.end - drop.event.start))
+        // A draft has nothing to write, so it stays selected where it landed (#153).
+        if (drop.event.isDraft) {
+            dragController.select(moved)
+            return@drop
+        }
         // A selected event stays selected where it landed (#141).
         if (dragController.selection?.event?.instanceId == drop.event.instanceId) {
-            val start = drop.startInstant(zone)
-            dragController.select(
-                drop.event.copy(start = start, end = start + (drop.event.end - drop.event.start)),
-                moved = true,
-            )
+            dragController.select(moved, moved = true)
         }
         move?.move(
             MoveRequest(
                 eventId = drop.event.eventId,
                 beginMillis = drop.event.start.toEpochMilliseconds(),
                 endMillis = drop.event.end.toEpochMilliseconds(),
-                target = MoveTarget.Start(drop.startInstant(zone)),
+                target = MoveTarget.Start(start),
             ),
         )
     }
 
     // A resize keeps its event selected, at its new length (#141).
-    val onResize: (TimelineResizeDrop) -> Unit = { drop ->
-        dragController.select(
-            drop.event.copy(start = drop.start, end = drop.end),
-            moved = true,
-        )
+    val onResize: (TimelineResizeDrop) -> Unit = resize@{ drop ->
+        val resized = drop.event.copy(start = drop.start, end = drop.end)
+        if (drop.event.isDraft) {
+            dragController.select(resized)
+            return@resize
+        }
+        dragController.select(resized, moved = true)
         move?.move(
             MoveRequest(
                 eventId = drop.event.eventId,
@@ -563,6 +587,13 @@ private fun WeekContent(
         )
     }
 
+    // A drafted block (#153) opens the new-event form at the span it shows.
+    val createDraft: (EventInstance) -> Unit = { draft ->
+        dragController.deselect()
+        val span = wallClockSpan(draft, zone)
+        onCreateSpan(span.day, span.startMin, span.endMin)
+    }
+
     // Selection (#141) ends on back, a page or view change, or any tap.
     val selection = dragController.selection
     PublishSelection(
@@ -570,10 +601,15 @@ private fun WeekContent(
         busy = dragController.isDragging,
         compact = dragController.selectionCovered,
         onDismiss = dragController::deselect,
+        onCreate = selection?.event?.takeIf { it.isDraft }?.let { draft -> { createDraft(draft) } },
     )
     BackHandler(enabled = selection != null) { dragController.deselect() }
     LaunchedEffect(pagerState, dragController) {
-        snapshotFlow { pagerState.currentPage }.drop(1).collect { dragController.deselect() }
+        snapshotFlow { pagerState.currentPage }.drop(1).collect {
+            // Deselecting would delete a draft mid-drag, so it stays until it lands.
+            val draftInFlight = dragController.isDragging && dragController.selection?.event?.isDraft == true
+            if (!draftInFlight) dragController.deselect()
+        }
     }
     LaunchedEffect(morph != null) { if (morph != null) dragController.deselect() }
     LaunchedEffect(selection, dragController.settling, dragController.isDragging, dragController.selectedCandidates.size) {
@@ -587,9 +623,14 @@ private fun WeekContent(
         delay(SELECTION_ORPHAN_GRACE_MILLIS)
         dragController.deselect()
     }
+    val requireWrite = rememberWriteGate()
     val openEvent: (EventInstance) -> Unit = { event ->
-        dragController.deselect()
-        onEventClick(event)
+        if (event.isDraft) {
+            requireWrite { createDraft(event) }
+        } else {
+            dragController.deselect()
+            onEventClick(event)
+        }
     }
 
     Box(modifier = modifier) {
@@ -1370,9 +1411,15 @@ private fun DayColumnCard(
     val morphing = LocalViewMorph.current != null
     val showHourGrid = LocalShowHourGrid.current
     val zone = remember { TimeZone.currentSystemDefault() }
+    // A block drafted on an empty slot (#153), drawn over the part of it on this day.
+    val draft by remember(dragController) {
+        derivedStateOf { dragController.selection?.event?.takeIf { it.isDraft } }
+    }
+    val draftPiece = remember(draft, date, zone) { draft?.let { draftBlock(it, date, zone) } }
+    val shown = remember(blocks, draftPiece) { if (draftPiece == null) blocks else blocks + draftPiece }
     // Tells a settled drop when this column has caught up with it.
-    LaunchedEffect(blocks, dragController.settling) {
-        dragController.noteGrid(date, blocks)
+    LaunchedEffect(shown, dragController.settling) {
+        dragController.noteGrid(date, shown)
     }
     // The tap detector outlives the composition that installed it — a pinch or a
     // Settings change moves the hour height without restarting it — so it reads
@@ -1382,6 +1429,7 @@ private fun DayColumnCard(
     val currentOnCreateAt = rememberUpdatedState(onCreateAt)
     val edges = rememberOutOfViewEdges(blocks, scrollState, hourPx)
     val currentEdges = rememberUpdatedState(edges)
+    val draftSurface = rememberDraftSurface(date, edges, hourPx, dragController, onDrop)
     Card(
         // Plain rectangular columns — the soft corners come from the outer
         // rounded scroll viewport, so inner rounding would look odd at the edges.
@@ -1420,14 +1468,17 @@ private fun DayColumnCard(
                             tappedMinuteOfDay(offset.y, currentHourPx.value),
                         )
                     }
-                },
+                }
+                // Inside the tap detector, which consumes every down, so only a
+                // block or handle on top can claim the press first.
+                .then(draftSurface),
         ) {
             val minEventHeight = hourHeight * MIN_EVENT_FRACTION
             // Keyed by event, so a block that changes time or lane is the *same*
             // composable afterwards and tweens there. The ordinal disambiguates
             // a column holding two occurrences of one series.
             val ordinals = mutableMapOf<Long, Int>()
-            blocks.forEach { block ->
+            shown.forEach { block ->
                 val ordinal = ordinals.merge(block.event.eventId, 1, Int::plus)!! - 1
                 key(block.event.eventId, ordinal) {
                     val top = hourHeight * (block.startMin / 60f)
@@ -1438,6 +1489,7 @@ private fun DayColumnCard(
                         widthFraction = 1f / block.laneCount,
                         y = top,
                         height = height,
+                        landing = dragController.ghosts(block),
                     )
                     // Where this block is cut at midnight, which decides both
                     // its shape and the half-gap it gives up to the hour cells.
@@ -1572,7 +1624,8 @@ private fun EventBlock(
     val dimmed = dimCutoff != null && block.event.isPastOn(date, dimCutoff)
     val zone = remember { TimeZone.currentSystemDefault() }
     val moveAction = eventMoveAction(block.event)
-    val draggable = eventDragAllowed(block.event)
+    val draft = block.event.isDraft
+    val draggable = draft || eventDragAllowed(block.event)
     val selectable = eventSelectAllowed()
     val selected = dragController.isSelected(block)
     val haptics = LocalHapticFeedback.current
@@ -1614,7 +1667,12 @@ private fun EventBlock(
     // Released in place, the block takes over the copy's lift without a dip.
     val takesOverLift = selected && dragController.selection?.fromLift == true
     val ghostFade = ghostAlpha(lifted)
-    val ghost = if (takesOverLift && !lifted) 1f else ghostFade
+    val ghost = when {
+        takesOverLift && !lifted -> 1f
+        // A draft leaves no ghost behind, and the copy it lands under is identical.
+        draft -> if (lifted) 0f else 1f
+        else -> ghostFade
+    }
     val raise = selectionLift(selected, snap = takesOverLift)
     // Tells the action bar to fold when it would cover the bottom handle.
     val revealExtraPx = with(density) { (ResizeHandleTarget / 2).toPx() }
@@ -1689,9 +1747,10 @@ private fun EventBlock(
                 }
             }
             val end = { dragController.finishResize(zone)?.let(onResize) }
+            // No bounce: an overshoot reads as the block's ends jumping.
             val handleIn by animateFloatAsState(
                 targetValue = if (handlesShown) 1f else 0f,
-                animationSpec = MaterialTheme.motionScheme.fastSpatialSpec(),
+                animationSpec = MaterialTheme.motionScheme.fastEffectsSpec(),
                 label = "handles",
             )
             val handleAlpha = Modifier.graphicsLayer {
@@ -1731,6 +1790,62 @@ private fun EventBlock(
     }
 }
 
+/**
+ * A long press on an empty stretch of [date]'s column (#153): drafts a block of
+ * the default length from the slot under the finger and lifts it, as a long
+ * press on an event does. Presses on a block or handle are left to them.
+ */
+@Composable
+private fun rememberDraftSurface(
+    date: LocalDate,
+    edges: OutOfViewEdges,
+    hourPx: Float,
+    dragController: TimelineDragController,
+    onDrop: (TimelineDrop) -> Unit,
+): Modifier {
+    val currentDrop by rememberUpdatedState(onDrop)
+    val title = stringResource(R.string.event_edit_new_title)
+    val color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.primary.toArgb()
+    val zone = remember { TimeZone.currentSystemDefault() }
+    val currentEdges by rememberUpdatedState(edges)
+    // The draft this gesture lifted, selected again on release after the cancel.
+    val lifted = remember { arrayOfNulls<EventInstance>(1) }
+    val currentHourPx by rememberUpdatedState(hourPx)
+    return rememberDragSurface(
+        enabled = eventSelectAllowed(),
+        key = date,
+        skipClaimedDown = true,
+        // A press on a block or handle was consumed by it and never gets here.
+        onPickUp = { local, pointer, node, _ ->
+            val hour = currentHourPx
+            if (hour <= 0f || currentEdges.covers(local.y)) return@rememberDragSurface false
+            val startMin = draftStartMin(local.y / hour * 60f)
+            val event = draftEvent(
+                title = title,
+                color = color,
+                start = wallClockInstant(date, startMin, zone),
+                minutes = dragController.draftMinutes,
+            )
+            val block = draftBlock(event, date, zone) ?: return@rememberDragSurface false
+            lifted[0] = event
+            dragController.beginDraft(
+                block = block,
+                pointerInRoot = pointer,
+                blockInRoot = node + Offset(0f, startMin / 60f * hour),
+            )
+            true
+        },
+        onMove = dragController::move,
+        onDrop = { dragController.finish()?.let(currentDrop) },
+        // An abandoned pickup leaves no draft behind; a release selects it again below.
+        onCancel = {
+            dragController.cancel()
+            if (dragController.selection?.event?.isDraft == true) dragController.deselect()
+        },
+        onRelease = { lifted[0]?.let { dragController.select(it, fromLift = true) } },
+    )
+}
+
 private const val SELECTION_ORPHAN_GRACE_MILLIS = 500L
 
 /** How far in from the block's side a resize handle's centre sits. */
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekViewModel.kt b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekViewModel.kt
index 5561e973..643216fa 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekViewModel.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/week/WeekViewModel.kt
@@ -91,6 +91,14 @@ abstract class PagedTimelineViewModel(
             initialValue = false,
         )
 
+    /** How long a block drafted on an empty slot starts out (#153). */
+    val defaultEventDuration: StateFlow<Int> = settingsPrefs.defaultEventDurationMinutes
+        .stateIn(
+            scope = viewModelScope,
+            started = SharingStarted.WhileSubscribed(5_000L),
+            initialValue = SettingsPrefs.DEFAULT_EVENT_DURATION,
+        )
+
     private val todayDate: LocalDate
         get() = currentDate()
 
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
index dfe552fc..259e1e14 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
@@ -102,6 +102,8 @@
     <string name="event_selection_actions">Event actions</string>
     <string name="event_selection_hide">Hide event actions</string>
     <string name="event_selection_close">Deselect event</string>
+    <string name="event_draft_create">Create event</string>
+    <string name="event_draft_discard">Discard new event</string>
     <string name="event_action_load_failed">Couldn\'t open the event</string>
     <string name="event_move_undo">Undo</string>
     <string name="event_move_undone">Move undone</string>
diff --git a/app/src/test/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/DraftBlockTest.kt b/app/src/test/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/DraftBlockTest.kt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f238ee2d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/test/java/de/jeanlucmakiola/calendula/ui/common/DraftBlockTest.kt
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+package de.jeanlucmakiola.calendula.ui.common
+
+import com.google.common.truth.Truth.assertThat
+import kotlinx.datetime.LocalDate
+import kotlinx.datetime.TimeZone
+import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test
+
+/** A block drafted on an empty timeline slot (#153). */
+class DraftBlockTest {
+
+    private val zone = TimeZone.UTC
+    private val day = LocalDate(2026, 10, 9)
+
+    private fun draft(startMin: Int, minutes: Int) =
+        draftEvent("New event", 0, wallClockInstant(day, startMin, zone), minutes)
+
+    @Test
+    fun `a press snaps down to the slot it is in`() {
+        assertThat(draftStartMin(9 * 60 + 14f)).isEqualTo(9 * 60)
+        assertThat(draftStartMin(9 * 60 + 15f)).isEqualTo(9 * 60 + 15)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    fun `a press at the very bottom still leaves a slot before midnight`() {
+        assertThat(draftStartMin(24 * 60f)).isEqualTo(24 * 60 - DRAG_SNAP_MINUTES)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    fun `the draft is told apart from real events`() {
+        assertThat(draft(9 * 60, 60).isDraft).isTrue()
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    fun `a draft within its day is one block the column wide`() {
+        val block = draftBlock(draft(9 * 60, 60), day, zone)!!
+        assertThat(block.startMin).isEqualTo(9 * 60)
+        assertThat(block.endMin).isEqualTo(10 * 60)
+        assertThat(block.lane to block.laneCount).isEqualTo(0 to 1)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    fun `a draft past midnight is cut there and carries on the next day`() {
+        val event = draft(23 * 60, 120)
+        val first = draftBlock(event, day, zone)!!
+        val second = draftBlock(event, day.plusDays(1), zone)!!
+        assertThat(first.startMin to first.endMin).isEqualTo(23 * 60 to 24 * 60)
+        assertThat(second.startMin to second.endMin).isEqualTo(0 to 60)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    fun `a draft ending at midnight leaves the next day alone`() {
+        assertThat(draftBlock(draft(23 * 60, 60), day.plusDays(1), zone)).isNull()
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    fun `a draft misses the day before it`() {
+        assertThat(draftBlock(draft(9 * 60, 60), day.plusDays(-1), zone)).isNull()
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    fun `a draft past midnight opens the form with its end on the next day`() {
+        val span = wallClockSpan(draft(23 * 60, 120), zone)
+        assertThat(span).isEqualTo(WallClockSpan(day, 23 * 60, 25 * 60))
+        assertThat(wallClockTime(span.day, span.endMin)).isEqualTo(wallClockTime(day.plusDays(1), 60))
+    }
+
+    private fun LocalDate.plusDays(days: Int): LocalDate = LocalDate.fromEpochDays(toEpochDays() + days)
+}