John-steinbeck Quote by John Steinbeck from the Fall 1975 issue of The Paris Review
““Abandon the idea that you are ever going to finish. Lose track of the 400 pages and write just one page for each day, it helps. Then when it gets finished you are always surprised." - John Steinbeck from the Fall 1975 issue of The Paris Review””
About This Quote
Accept unfinished work; write daily; surprise comes from progress.
In simple terms: Write a little each day.
Key Takeaway
Write daily, embrace imperfection.
Themes
writing
creativity
process
Mood
inspirational
practical
Type
John-steinbeck:1
Steinbeck:1
Tips-on-writing:1
Writer:1
John Steinbeck:1
Lose Track:0
Going Finish:0
400 Pages:0
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- blogging
- journaling
- academic research
Key Concepts
habit formation
progress mindset
surprise element
Questions to Reflect On
- How do daily habits affect long‑term projects?
- What keeps you motivated when progress feels slow?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can hinder creativity.
![“John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' also speaks urgently to today's concerns: the cratered trail of dreams for Mexican immigrants seeking a promised land in the Western [United States]; the perfidy of banks in foreclosing on poor people's homes; and the insurgent urge of the book's protagonist…” quote by Richard Corliss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/673/richard-corliss-4476_book_john-steinbeck-s-the-grapes-of-wrath-als_249829.jpg)
