How to Finish Your Draft Without Fear: Expert Writing Tips from Joel Brigham

Episode Summary

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa are joined by developmental editor and writing coach Joel Brigham. He delivers a pep talk packed with craft tips, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom to help writers push through the mess of a first draft.

Guest Bio

Joel Brigham is a seasoned English teacher, author, and developmental editor at Brigham Editorial. He’s also a mentor with RevPit, a nonprofit community offering free developmental edits to emerging authors. Joel has guided multiple writers to agent representation and traditional publishing deals, and he specializes in manuscript critiques and query coaching.

Key Discussion Points

• The Real Purpose of a First Draft
  Joel insists that the only goal of a first draft is to get “words on the page.” Don’t worry about structure, perfection, or grammar—just finish it.

• Why Momentum Matters
  Brigham draws from psychology to explain how the Zeigarnik effect, goal gradient effect, and the commitment-consistency principle all help writers stay engaged if they keep going, even when the writing feels rough.

• Top Mistakes to Avoid in Early Drafts
  Common pitfalls include starting with clichés (waking up scenes, weather descriptions, info dumps), perfectionism that kills momentum, flat characters, and lack of early conflict. Joel's advice: start “in media res” and avoid backstory in the opening chapters.

• Plotters vs. Discovery Writers
  Joel encourages writers to embrace their process but recommends that discovery writers “check the map” every 15–20K words. This strategy helps steer the story without losing the joy of discovery—and saves a ton of time in revisions.

• Know Your Main Character Early
  Identify their goal, fear, flaw, and emotional wound. A character who wants something and faces obstacles gives your story momentum and structure.

• RevPit and Community Support
  Joel explains how RevPit connects writers with editors through an annual spring contest and mini-events like "10 Queries" throughout the year. It’s a resourceful community that fosters improvement, not just access to agents. 

Conclusion & Takeaways

Joel Brigham’s approach blends craft, motivation, and psychology—making this episode feel like equal parts masterclass and therapy session. Whether you’re a plotter, a discovery writer, or somewhere in between, his advice is a powerful reminder that getting to “The End” isn’t about genius—it's about grit, grace, and growth.

📝 Visit writerswithwrinkles.net for more on Joel Brigham, including links and resources mentioned in the show.