Drafting as a writing process

At some point, writers actually write down a rough draft of what will evolve into the finished piece of writing. Drafting processes vary widely from one writer to the next. Some writers prefer to reread their collecting and shaping notes, find a starting point, and launch themselves — figuring out what they want to say as they write it. Other writers start with a plan — a mental strategy, a short list, or an outline — of how they wish to proceed.

Whatever approach you use in your draft, write down as much as possible, so you can see whether the information is clear, whether your overall shape expresses and clarifies your purpose, and whether the content and organization meet the needs and expectations of the audience.