<p>I have my topic, and a bunch of brainstorming, but how do i start? Is there some sort of outline i can use, or just some advice at what message i want to get across? Some goals for my essay?</p>
<p>I would just write. No one is going to see it. Just get a draft done. If you’re an outline person, then take five minutes and note your key points - use that as a guideline for your paragraphs. The first draft is the hardest. Just write. Stream of consciousness. Don’t worry about word choice. Just get the thoughts down. Then you can take time with drafts to re-organize, cut/edit, wordsmith, get feedback. </p>
<p>The more you put off the first draft, the harder it will be. Just do it.</p>
<p>(Sorry to be so direct, but I went through this with my DD and now doing it with my DS. The hardest part is starting. Seriously.)</p>
<p>If you are having trouble about what topic to decide, write about something you care about or really passionate about. Nothing beats writing from the heart.</p>