Nine is the number of completion. So, to align with the energy of today, the magical 9-9-09, here are nine tips for completing a creative project, composed with the aid of the magical Beth Lapides.

You can work on finishing any project with both of us in our The Comedian's Way workshop (upcoming classes Sept. 13, 20, 27 in Hollywood). A lot of very concrete work has come out of the workshop, including books, scripts, one-person shows.

If you aren't in LA, or want to work privately over phone and e-mail, talk to me about my consulting services. I have helped people finish articles, scripts, pitches, essays, books and book proposals.

1. Pick the right project - If the project isn't the right one for you right now, you're never going to get there. You may feel like you've already put so much energy into it that you may as well keep going, but if you're heart isn't in it (anymore), or it isn't the right project for you, the world and the marketplace right now...

2. Ask for help - Almost no one really does anything alone anymore. Run ideas by friends - if they get your work and truly want to help you succeed. Not all your closest friends or family make the best sounding boards. Maybe you can use a creative buddy system. Not a writing partner, but a fellow traveler. Or ask a professional.

3. Deadlines = Lifelines - And when we say 'deadlines', we don't mean, "I really want to have a draft this month". As I've said before, a real meaningful deadline comes with rewards and/or consequences. A class gives you a real deadline. Even if you only do the work an hour before, you still did it. A date with a creative buddy is a kind of deadline because it gives you someone that you're answerable to.

4. Work out loud - This is a specific method for dealing with #2 and #3. In the middle (or end) of a project you naturally lose perspective. When in doubt, phone a friend and talk it out.

5. Work harder - Not just on the project, but on creating the life that makes the project possible. Magic, exercise, creative environment. But also work harder on the work. Seriously, get to work right now!

6. Stay focused - Especially towards the end of a project we start to get distracted. And it's good to start a second project as you're finishing the first because that lets you let go. But limit yourself to only two front burner projects, and make sure you don't go more than one day without moving your main project forward.

7. Bite sized chunks - It's easy to get overwhelmed. Just take things one step/paragraph/scene/chapter at a time and you will get there.

8. Edit - When a deadline is looming it's time to make some hard choices. Like cutting something that just isn't working yet. It's just possible that it might not belong in this project at all. If it isn't absolutely essential to the story, throw it in the outs file (aka recycling bin) and consider it a leg up for another project.

9. Admit it - There is no such thing as completion and it's all process anyway. It's probably going to get rewritten as soon as an agent/producer/trusted advisor looks at it. Now it's time to let go.

Read more about completion and finishing. Write on!