Skip to content

Awful Quote by Julie Burchill

“Writing is more than anything a compulsion, like some people wash their hands thirty times a day for fear of awful consequences if they do not. It pays a whole lot better than this type of compulsion, but it is no more heroic.” quote by Julie Burchill
Download Open image
“Writing is more than anything a compulsion, like some people wash their hands thirty times a day for fear of awful consequences if they do not. It pays a whole lot better than this type of compulsion, but it is no more heroic.”

Julie Burchill

About This Quote

Source Essay: Writing Compulsion, 1995

She compares writing compulsion to obsessive hand‑washing, noting it’s less heroic but still a strong drive.

In simple terms: Writing is a compulsive habit, not heroic.

Key Takeaway

Recognize writing as a habit.

Themes

writing compulsion habit creativity psychology

Mood

introspective critical

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • authoring
  • therapy
  • daily journaling
  • creative work

Key Concepts

behavioral patterns addiction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your writing habit affect life?
  • Can you channel it healthily?
A Different Perspective

Compulsion may hinder balance.

2.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Julie Burchill

Explore all 130 Julie Burchill quotes

More Awful quotes

Browse all 1,826 Awful quotes