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The writer has to force himself to work. He has to make his own hours and if he doesn't go to his desk at all there is nobody to scold him.
Roald Dahl
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Writing requires self-discipline and commitment, as there are no external pressures to enforce a routine.

This quote by Roald Dahl emphasizes the necessity for writers to cultivate self-discipline in their work. Unlike typical jobs with supervisors, writers operate independently, which means they must take the initiative to set their schedules and priorities. This lack of oversight can lead to procrastination, making it essential for writers to actively motivate themselves to consistently produce their best work.

Themes

WritingSelf-DisciplineMotivationCommitmentCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

A writing workshop where participants are encouraged to share how they motivate themselves to write regularly.

More from Roald Dahl

The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives.
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I asked my mum, who's a very clever psychotherapist, and she says that kids love stories about death; they need it, they need to have stories that deal with death and explain it, as a place to put their fears.
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By the time I am nearing the end of a story, the first part will have been reread and altered and corrected at least one hundred and fifty times. I am suspicious of both facility and speed. Good writing is essentially rewriting. I am positive of this.
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You seemed so far away," Miss Honey whispered, awestruck. "Oh, I was. I was flying past the stars on silver wings," Matilda said. "It was wonderful.
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If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.
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