I highly recommend writing the pitch email for an essay first, before diving into writing the draft itself. (Without the sender added, of course, to avoid costly errors!) It's such an easy way to get to the thrust of your argument ASAP, instead of fumbling through a draft to figure out the point you want to make.
Suffice it to say, this essay is coming together pretty well, I think. Still more to do today, but the "bones" feel good so far! 🤞
@MLClark Congrats on your progress. I too write the pitch email first! Glad to learn I'm not the only one.