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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sondheim admits to being lazy about writing but compulsive about it, highlighting a tension between reluctance and creative necessity.
In plain terms
A writer says he hates writing but cannot stop doing it.
What can you take from it?
Creative work often feels like an unavoidable compulsion.

Where it applies

  • starting a creative project
  • procrastinating
  • writing work

Putting it to work

  • accept mixed feelings about work
  • schedule writing time

Questions to consider

  • Why do we create things we dislike doing?
  • Is laziness compatible with discipline?

Another view

The statement may be self-deprecating humor rather than a literal description of his process.

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