Step 4 — Drafting (Beginner-Friendly)

What “drafting” means in simple words

Drafting is the stage where you write the whole content from start to end without trying to make every line perfect. You follow your outline, you keep your promise in view, and you write in plain language so a new reader will not feel lost. You add placeholders for visuals and links. You write examples right under each section so the teaching is clear.

How Step 4 links to Steps 1–3

Drafting roadmap (small flow)

You can often complete a first draft in one to three short sessions if your outline is ready.

Step 4A — Prepare a calm writing setup

Before typing, set up a quiet space on your computer so that drafting feels smooth. Close extra tabs. Keep your outline on the left and your draft on the right or stacked. Set a simple timer so you write in short bursts and take small breaks. The goal is to reduce friction.

Step 4B — Turn outline bullets into simple sentences

Start where your outline starts. For each bullet in your outline, write two or three full sentences that say the same thing in everyday words. Do not worry about perfect wording. Get the idea onto the page. Then place a small example right under the sentences.

Step 4C — Write a short hook and quick start

Your hook reminds the reader of the promise and shows how the content will help right away. Keep it to three or four sentences. Then add a quick start that takes two minutes. This gives the reader a small win.

Step 4D — Write each section in the same calm rhythm

Follow a simple rhythm for every section: say what the reader will do, explain why it helps, show how to do it in one or two steps, and give an example right under the instructions. This rhythm keeps the draft predictable and friendly.

Step 4E — Keep language simple and kind

Write as if you are explaining the topic to a friend who has never done this before. Avoid big terms. Use short, complete sentences. Use “you” to speak to the reader. If a word is not common, explain it in one short sentence the first time you use it.

Step 4F — Format as you go (light structure only)

You do not need final design while drafting, but light structure helps readability. Use headings for each section, short paragraphs, simple lists for steps, and small tables where needed. Add a placeholder line for visuals so you remember to create them later.

## Step 2 — Pick topics with a 3‑box list
- Draw three boxes: Must teach, Nice to teach, Later
- Put only 3 items total in “Must teach”
- Keep the week light so you can finish

[visual: small table with the 3 boxes]

Step 4G — Insert examples immediately under the point

Do not collect all examples at the end. Place a short example under the point where it helps. Label it clearly so the reader knows it is an example and not a new rule.

Step 4H — Add links and sources in a simple way

If you mention a fact, a helpful reference, or a tool, add a simple link in brackets so you can clean it later during editing. Use descriptive link text so that screen readers can identify it. If you are not sure about a fact, mark it as a question for Step 5.

Use short steps to reduce overwhelm [source link].
[check] Confirm the date and source during editing.

Step 4I — Keep accessibility in mind while writing

Use clear link names (“Download the weekly checklist”) instead of “click here.” Add short alt text notes where visuals will go. Keep sentences short and avoid long blocks of text. These small habits help more people enjoy your content.

Step 4J — Place the action near the top and again near the end

Your action should match the goal from Step 1 and be the same words in both places. Explain what the reader gets in one short helper line. Keep it visible and kind.

Repeat the same action near the end of the draft as well.

Step 4K — Write with a timer (gentle pace)

Use small writing bursts to keep energy. A common method is to write for 25 minutes, then rest for 5. During each 25‑minute block, finish one section or one sub‑section. Do not edit while the timer runs. Mark problems with [notes] and keep moving.

Step 4L — Track your draft with tiny visuals

As you finish parts of your draft, fill small squares in a waffle grid. This simple visual gives you a feeling of progress and helps you see what remains.

Step 4M — Paragraph patterns that keep writing easy

Use these small patterns to write faster. Each pattern guides your sentences so you do not get stuck. Replace the example words with your own topic.

Step 4N — Keep your voice steady (tone guide)

Choose a tone that matches your reader. For beginners, a warm and simple tone works best. Use “you,” avoid commands that feel hard, and offer small choices instead of strict rules.

Step 4O — Add placeholders for visuals and files

When you plan to show a table, a checklist, or a screenshot, add a simple placeholder line so you will not forget. Write a note for alt text and where the file will live.

[visual: 7‑day table — alt: “Example 7‑day plan with one task per day” — file: /assets/plan-table-v1.png]
[download: weekly‑planning‑checklist.pdf — alt: “Printable one‑page checklist”]

Step 4P — Draft the FAQ answers now

Do not wait until the end of the project to write your FAQ. Short answers remove doubt and help the reader act. Keep each answer to three or four sentences and use plain words.

Step 4Q — Common drafting problems and easy fixes

Step 4R — Practice lab: draft from an outline (walk‑through)

Below is a short walk‑through that takes the outline from Step 3 and turns it into a few paragraphs. Use it as a model for your own topics.

## Hook
In ten minutes you will copy a 7‑day plan and download a one‑page checklist.
Take a small sheet of paper and write your one goal for this week in one line.

## Step 1 — Set one small weekly goal
Set one goal that you can finish this week without stress. A small goal helps you finish.
**Example:** Goal: publish one helpful guide and share it once.

## Step 2 — Pick topics with a 3‑box list
Draw three boxes named must teach, nice to teach, and later. Put only three items total in must teach.
**Example:** must teach: weekly plan basics; nice: shortcuts; later: calendar ideas.

## Step 3 — Place topics on the 7‑day plan
Place one short task on each day so the week stays light.
**Example:** Mon: outline; Tue: example; Wed: draft; Thu: edit; Fri: visuals; Sat: polish; Sun: rest.

## Checklist
[download: weekly‑planning‑checklist.pdf]

## FAQ
Q: What if I skip a day? A: Move the task to the next day and write a short note about why.

## Action
[button] Download the weekly planning checklist — “It prints on one page and takes 10 minutes.”

Step 4S — Light self‑check before you stop writing

Before you finish the drafting session, scan your document once. You are not editing for perfect style yet. You are checking that the path is complete and the action appears in the right places.

Step 4T — Save and hand off to Step 5 (Editing & Fact Check)

Save your file with today’s date and a clear name. Put your sources log, any downloads, and your visuals folder in the same place. Share the draft with the editor or, if you are working alone, take a short break and then start Step 5. Your future self will thank you for an organized hand‑off.

Everything in one view (short summary table)

Your next step

You now have a complete first draft in clear language with examples placed where they help most. In Step 5 you will edit for correctness, clarity, and consistency, check facts and links, and prepare a clean version for design and publishing. Because you drafted with a calm rhythm and used simple placeholders, Step 5 will be faster and easier.