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...

(with special guest contributions from Merrill Markoe, Cindy Chupack, Rob Ramsey, Beth Lapides)

The old axiom is: "Writing is Re-Writing". Which, of course, is true to an extent. I've never read a first draft that doesn't need some work. But when does re-writing become counter-productive?

Are you making progress or just chasing your tail in a circle? How do you know if you're about to strike gold or just digging yourself into a deeper hole?

I've personally walked away from scripts after four or five drafts and I actually broke up with my writing partner over a screenplay after nine drafts. He insisted we keep going and even tried a few subsequent drafts on his own but the script was never 'finished'.