Ending a novel is about as difficult for a writer as running a 25 km marathon is for an ant. No, forget ant–make that a microbe.

The initial spurt of excitement at a brand new story idea quickly fades away and we’re left with nothing but sheer will. But in my experience, it’s the sheer will that is the hero, not the creative “juices”.

Just like passion, creative juices are subject to emotions, time of day, time of month, the previous night’s sleep, number of coffees consumed, number of kittens cuddled, and amount of idiots encountered.

Sheer Will, on the other hand (and I capitalize it for a reason), basically takes orders from nobody. Have a headache? Sheer Will don’t care. Need to clean the litterbox? Sheer Will don’t care. Feel like drowning in popcorn and Robert Downey Jr. movies? Sheer Will says, “Okay, but only one–and it can’t be The Pick-Up Artist.”

As a writer, my Will has been the only constant companion. It’s the only way I could have ever finished three novels. They may not be publish-able, but they are finished, done, ended, goodnight and good luck. And that, for me, is a huge accomplishment. Without my Will, that horrible itch in the back of my brain that tells me to stop making excuses and get to work, I wouldn’t have made it.

The way you make your stories end is by listening to and revering your Sheer Will. It’s amazing what sitting your butt down at a desk and just writing will do to your writing career. Being a writer isn’t about “feeling inspiration” or venturing into Southern France to “find yourself”.

It’s about typing that word. And then another word. And then a word after that. And typing as many words as you need to type in order to complete that book.

Will is your best friend. Don’t toss it aside or attempt to transcend it (transcend the Ego, not the Will–two different things). Make yourself an altar to your Will. Name your Will. Talk to your Will. Give it as much energy and power as you can, because it only wants you to succeed. Trust me.

Now, GET TO WORK!

-Mar’s Will