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.
Quotes About Why Foolishness Can Be a Virtue
Our Top 23 Quotes of 2023
15 Quotes for Every Meal of the Day
13 Motivating Quotes for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
10 Moody Quotes From Film Noir
13 Quotes About the Magic of Winter
Start Anew With These 15 Encouraging Quotes
13 Quotes To Help You Move On From Past Loves
12 Funny Quotes From the Women of ‘SNL’
13 Reminders To Have Faith in Yourself
20 of the Most Popular Quotes of All Time