Ways to develop "creative automaticity" for writing in a foreign language are examined. The paper focuses on transactional writing (i.e., writing with the purpose of transferring precise information by such means as telex messages, business letters, memoranda, and short reports), and its main features of clarity and conventionality. It is noted that language fluency requires an ability to select appropriate utterances and then to master automatic utterance production. Once these skills are achieved, the foreign language student can apply mental creativity to other areas of the communicative process. An approach is described that creates a classroom audience for writing. Several skill building exercises are outlined, including the following: displaying text on a screen as a point of departure in a writing session; reading aloud; copying a well-written sample; identifying key elements of the sample; substitution exercises; student repetition of selected expressions in different contexts; parallel writing; and rewriting. Suggestions for text editing practice are also offered. Additional recommendations are given for text editing, dictation, using word processing, and correcting grammar. Contains 4 references. (LB)