Once you have completed the planning processes, you are ready to put together a rough draft. Depending on your invention process, this may be primarily a process of cutting and pasting. However, another equally effective method may be to simply sit and write (type), holding the planning stages in the back of your mind but not consciously limiting yourself to these early decisions.

One of the ways you will improve your writing process is to discover what is best for you, and for the particular communication task you face. This is one general strategy which you may adapt to your needs:

1. Start anywhere. (Dumaine)

2. Construct paragraphs beneath the headings you generated in the planning process.

3. Employ transition words to signal the relationships between paragraghs and sections. Don't be afraid to repeat key terms--this will help to establish the flow of your ideas for the reader.

4. If you get stuck, there are several strategies you can try:

Dictation--writing is only one process of verbalization. Try talking into a tape recorder--just be sure you carefully select from and edit your dictations.

Distance--put the work away for awhile, work on some other aspect of the projecct, or sleep on it. When you come back, you may find a new perspective that will lead you forward.

Conversation--talking to a friend or colleague will allow to verbalize the issues and also to anticipate some of the audience questions or reactions to your message. This is an invaluable step at any stage of the process.

Writing Center--You do not need to have a complete draft to consult the Writing Center; we are available at any stage of your process.