Chapters Quote by Sophy Burnham
“Writing is so hard… The first draft writing is so hard that sometimes in the beginning, before the work itself takes over, carrying you on its flood, you must give yourself rewards. "When I write this chapter, I can call my boyfriend." "When I finish one page more, I can get an ice cream cone." "If I write this section, I'll find a check in the mail."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Process, Sophy Burnham, 2020
The passage highlights using self‑rewards to motivate the difficult early stages of writing, turning work into a series of small, achievable incentives.
In simple terms: Reward yourself to keep writing when it feels hard.
Key Takeaway
Use tiny incentives to push through early writing blocks.
Themes
motivation
self‑discipline
writing
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- drafting a novel
- daily journaling
- academic paper
- creative projects
Key Concepts
behavioral psychology
goal setting
Questions to Reflect On
- Which small reward truly fuels your writing?
- How can you balance external incentives with internal drive?
A Different Perspective
Rewards can become distractions if overused, reducing intrinsic motivation.
