Finish Your First Draft: A Weekly Group Coaching Experience

“One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now." —Annie Dillard

So you want to write a book. Maybe you've even started one. You've got the outline, the beginnings of a first draft. And now... what? Now, the real work begins.

Unfortunately, so do the excuses:

  • "I don’t know what to write..."
  • "I don't have a good idea..."
  • "I don’t have the time..."
  • "I don’t know where to start..."
  • "I'm scared..."

Maybe you've tried and failed. Maybe you're tired, confused, and stuck. Maybe the key to your success isn't what you think.

Great Books Start with Great Communities

A recent study showed that nearly nine out of ten people plan to write a book at some point in their lives. Sadly, less than five percent end up doing so.

We get it. Writing a book is hard. But anything worthwhile, anything that's going to make an impact on the world, shouldn't be easy.

Or should it?

Finish Your First Draft

Writing a book only has to be hard if you do it alone.

Finish Your First Draft is a six-month learning experience that immerses you in a supportive community of peers, experts, and coaches who will help plan, write, and refine your book so that you can get your message out into the world. It's time to stop writing alone so that you can start finishing.

Click here to apply!

Meet Your Expert Coaches

Jeff Goins and Ariel Curry

Jeff Goins has written more than a dozen books including the national bestsellers Real Artists Don’t Starve and The Art of Work. He is the founder of Fresh Complaint, a boutique book production agency that works with thought leaders all over the world.

Ariel Curry is a book coach, editor, and ghostwriter with over a decade of experience in publishing. She spent seven of those years as an acquisitions editor and now works with publishers, agencies, and authors to help writers refine their ideas and finish their books.

An Uncommonly Awesome Writing Group

Finish Your First Draft is a writing experience unlike any you've ever had before. Over the course of half a year, we will work weekly with you to help you:

  • Build your confidence and competence as a writer so that you can finish your first draft, knowing the value of your work.
  • Identify your distinct voice and audience, helping you find your ideal readership to help your message spread far and wide.
  • Map out a clear plan and direction for your book so that you never get stuck.
  • Receive regular feedback from peers and professionals who will help you make your argument stronger and writing clearer.
  • Stay out of the doldrums by celebrating regular wins and overcoming resistance.

The goal of the program is for you to finish with a completed manuscript, ready for publication or submission to a publisher. We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, connecting you to relevant resources as needed, and won't leave you hanging.

Finish Your First Draft

What You Get in the Group

Enough of the fluffy stuff, though. What do you actually get?

  • Weekly live Zoom meetings to share successes, solve problems, and set goals, always guided by a professional coach and writing guide.
  • Online lessons available at any time—in case you miss a meeting or want to revisit a previous lesson.
  • 24/7 access to a dedicated Slack channel for sharing work and connecting with other members and coaches.
  • Feedback from our teaching partners and guest coaches on your writing, book content, and plan to publish.
  • Individual book plan review sessions with one of our coaches.
  • Three additional one-hour, one-on-one coaching calls throughout the program.
  • Weekly office hours for drop-in support and help with getting unstuck.
  • And, because we love you, a whole lot more!
Finish Your First Draft

Got Questions?

You've got questions; we've got answers! (Corny, we know, but still true.)

When does it start?

The Spring 2023 cohort will begin January 18, 2023, and will be meeting Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. ET on Zoom through June 14.

Who is it for?

This program is for anyone with a passion to inspire, inform, and instruct! Specifically, it's ideally suited for nonfiction authors of self-help, business, and personal development books; but writers of memoir and fiction would also get a lot out of it. We will not be spending significant time working on story structure.

What does it cost?

A non-refundable $500 deposit is due upon acceptance of your application. Program fees are then $10,000 if paid in full upfront or $2,000/month for six months if choosing a monthly payment plan.

What People Are Saying

“I love the mini lessons and the pacing of the sessions. Ariel, you are a dynamic, caring, and thoughtful coach and facilitator. I am thankful to learn more about the artistry and craft of writing and to have the benefit of your expertise. Thank you.”—Timothy Cusack

“You’ve created a really wonderful experience in this cohort and I’m so glad that I’ve had this opportunity. Keep up the great work!” —Shari Kaplan

“Thank you so much, Ariel. I have been completely impressed by all you have brought to the table every time we have met.” —Lori Melton

“Absolutely love the teachings from you!” —Lindsey Ambrose

Ready to Get Started?

We'd love for you to join us. To see if you're a good fit and ready for the program, fill out the application today!

Once we review your application, here's what happens next:

  1. Interview: If you're a good fit for the program, we will follow up with a one-on-on call to share more about the program and answer any questions you have. We will also further assess your fit.
  2. Decision: After the call, our coaches will review your information and decide on whether or not now is the right time for you to join the program.
  3. Invitation: If you are accepted into the program, we will send you an invitation via email to invite you join the program. You will have 24 hours to respond via paying your deposit of $500. Otherwise, your spot will be offered to someone else.

Note: We will only be accepting 15 students to this cohort, and we will be making offers on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that if you are a good fit, it's better to apply sooner than later, as we will give priority to those who apply first (just to be fair).

If you have questions, contact ariel@freshcomplaint.com.