characterize

When I write I try to us my imagination as much as possible. I want to try and make sense out of whatever I am going to write, because if I don't understand it then I probably can't write it to where other people could.
Before I start writing I get together all of the tools I am going to need to write. I might need some reference books, or notes that I have writtin. I like to make an outline about what I am going to write. It helps me to stay on track if I have some guidelines to follow. Also an outline helps me to remember all of the main points, so I don't forget any information that I may want the reader to know.
Usually when I write I start off fairly good. I usually know what I am trying to say. Most of the time I lose my train of thought before I can finish everything. My mind sort of takes off in its own direction, so I take a break, and try to come up with something fresh to write.