By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
John Steinbeck had already received critical acclaim for “Of Mice and Men” when, in 1938, he began to write “The Grapes of Wrath.” Not one to rest on his laurels, the author was more driven than ever to create his best work. To that end, he kept what he called “the diary of a book,” later published as “Working Days.” Full of dogged determination and inspiration, as well as stinging self-doubt and self-reproach, the diary reveals the creative process throughout the 100 days Steinbeck spent writing the novel. He constantly reminds himself to keep going, to write each day no matter what, and to accept doubt and forge onward. “I am sure of one thing — it isn’t the great book I had hoped it would be,” he wrote in the diary. “It’s just a run-of-the-mill book.” He was wrong, of course. “The Grapes of Wrath” won a Pulitzer and earned Steinbeck the Nobel Prize.

Live a Harmonious Life With These Lyrics From Tony Award-Winning Musicals

10 Moody Quotes From Film Noir

15 Quotes About the Unbreakable Bonds Among Women

13 Motivating Quotes for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

These Books by Black Authors May Just Change Your Life

16 Uplifting Quotes That Help Us When We’re Feeling Down

Read These Quotes in the Morning To Kick-Start Your Best Day Yet

15 Quotes for Every Meal of the Day

14 Hilarious Haikus

Quotes To Help You Tap Into Your Inner Strength

13 Quotes To Help You Move On From Past Loves