Finding Your Process: The Preliminaries
It's what your English teacher probably called "Pre-Writing." You may have been presented with a single "right" way to do it.
We at Write and Polish say, "Fiddle dee dee" to that!
Outlining helps some people, scribbling on note cards others, freewriting or throwing key points randomly at the page still more.
You may find that combinations of approaches feels comfortable. What works for you is what's "right."
In addition, as a practical matter, try to anticipate some of the central pieces of information or data you may need, and have them available. This keeps you from having to stop and go on a hunt when you do find yourself on a roll.
We at Write and Polish say, "Fiddle dee dee" to that!
Outlining helps some people, scribbling on note cards others, freewriting or throwing key points randomly at the page still more.
You may find that combinations of approaches feels comfortable. What works for you is what's "right."
In addition, as a practical matter, try to anticipate some of the central pieces of information or data you may need, and have them available. This keeps you from having to stop and go on a hunt when you do find yourself on a roll.