Final answer:
After brainstorming, the next step in the writing process is drafting, where the focus is on translating ideas into written form. Editing, proofreading, and publishing follow in later stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The next step in the writing process after brainstorming is drafting. This stage involves moving ideas from the brainstorming phase onto paper without concern for perfect wording or sentence structure. The focus is on getting words down to flesh out the structure of the paper, with the understanding that the process is recursive and can loop back as needed for further idea development or reorganization. After drafting, revision often includes peer review, which can highlight areas that need clarification or improvement before moving on to editing and proofreading.
Drafting should not be confused with editing and proofreading, which are more about refining the draft for language use, grammar, and accuracy and typically come later in the writing process. Nor should it be mixed up with publishing, the final step where the finished product is shared with a wider audience.