Solitude

Never is writing more solitary than at the end, at the moment when the creator realizes the work is done. This is true for me, and I suspect it's true for not only other writers but for artists, composers, anyone whose work itself is solitary (as opposed to performing and other collaborative artists). Because at this moment of realization, the creator wants to celebrate -- and there's nobody to celebrate with. Even a bit later, when one might celebrate with a spouse or friend, the energy is less than at that exact moment of satisfaction, of release -- it is done. There's nothing more to do, it is what it is, for better or for worse. And there you are, alone.