It's very bad to write a novel by act of will. I can do a book of nonfiction work that way - just sign the contract and do the book because, provided the topic has some meaning for me, I know I can do it. But a novel is different. A novel is more like falling in love. You don't say, 'I'm going to fall in love next Tuesday, I'm going to begin my novel. ' The novel has to come to you. It has to feel just like love.
As we age, the bright light of youth either burns out or burns stronger - it's our choice.