I'd definately seperate handwriting from writing. We use Handwriting Without Tears for handwriting because is a short lesson that they focus on. A short lesson with full effort is much more productive that a drawn out one.
My DD types or dictates all composition. The thing I like about IEW is that the key word outline is done one day and then they orally explain the paragraph to you, the rough draft is done the next day, then the final edit and hand in the next. It's short and sweet and my DD loves that it is factual based to start. You could certainly do something similar with whatever topic you want.
