For the Pencil Tool, is there a way to turn *off * auto closing line end paths?

 I need to be able to draw a *line* (open-ended path), however when using the Pencil Tool, the endpoints almost always automatically join—especially at smaller sizes. For example, I can't draw a 'c' because it auto closes into an 'o.'

I can't find a work-around, and without one I can't use the app in my workflow! Help?! Thank you!