EXERCISE 10: Write a First Draft
You’re now ready to write a first draft. In Chapter Two, you created an
outline or a Hub & Spokes model for a reference letter for a colleague.
Review your outline or model to remind yourself of the points you want
to make. What is your most compelling benefit? Where do you want to
start? What’s your objective?
While there are countless ways to write a letter of reference, effective
ones share some qualities: a sincere tone, relevant information, and an
offer to follow up.
Get your thoughts in order, answer the questions below, and get ready
to write! Don’t worry if you go blank. Simply draw a circle around the
word or phrase you’re struggling with (or on a computer, type xx). In the
revision process we’ll come back and figure out what to do with your circles
(and we’ll search for your xx’s).
Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or sentence length—that is, don’t
worry about the details. Focus on your subject matter, and then write.