It's often hard to start a first draft. A blank computer screen can seem imposing, especially when you've been tasked with filling it up with words. And not just any words--they must be just the right ones, perfectly chosen to persuade. It can seem nearly impossible.
Even if you don't know how to begin, however, it's likely that there is some discreet part of your writing assignment that you think will be easier to write than others. That's where you should start. If you're working from an outline--even just a few words jotted on a piece of paper--it's easy to begin your draft smack in the middle if you want. You can return to the earlier sections later, once the words begin to flow. No one will ever know the difference.
For more tips on writing first drafts, see my article "First Drafts Made Easy," Illinois Bar Journal, June, 2003.
"discrete" :)
It makes so much sense, discretion --> discrete - but it's discreet.
And !abstract --> concrete, !continuous --> discrete.
Wrong homonym aside, it's good advice.
Posted by: Eh Nonymous | November 07, 2005 at 08:33 AM