Peek into a genius's mind as he creates a masterpiece. John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Working Days reveal the stark contrast between a polished classic and the daily struggles that birthed it.

Level up your writing, marketing, and habits in the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee. If you were forwarded this email — join 3k prolific writers here.

What else is going on in Prolific Community this week?

• 🎧 Podcast: Danai Gurira | Black Panther & The Walking Dead

• 📺 YouTube: Avoid Filmmaking Cliches | A Quiet Place - Day One

• ⭕ Circle: The FULL Writer’s Bundle — Now FREE!

Story

John Steinbeck’s Working Days Collection

The Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck published in 1939, set during the Great Depression. It follows the Joad family, Oklahoma farmers forced to leave their home due to economic hardship and drought, as they journey to California in search of a better life. 

The book, a Pulitzer Prize winner, powerfully depicts the struggles of migrant workers and critiques the capitalist system, becoming a classic of American literature. But, during the writing process, the author had his doubts about the project, the same way we all do about our writing. 

We know this, because Steinbeck wrote two books that year. In addition to The Grapes of Wrath, he also kept a journal, now known as Working Days, where he discussed his process and the little ins and outs of his days. 

While some of this is left to speculation in terms of what he wrote and when, but here’s how it might have played out:

The Grapes of Wrath: To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth. The plows crossed and recrossed the rivulet marks. The last rains lifted the corn quickly and scattered weed colonies and grass along the sides of the roads so that the gray country and the dark red country began to disappear under a green cover. 

Working Days: To work at 10:30. Minimum of two pages. Duke [a friend from college], expected today. Making it not so good. Today’s project — Joad’s walk down the road and meeting with the minister.  

The Grapes of Wrath: Joad took a quick drink from the flask. He dragged the last smoke from his raveling cigarette and then, with callused thumb and forefinger, crushed out the glowing end. He rubbed the butt to a pulp and put it out the window, letting the breeze suck it from his fingers.

Working Days: Day is over. Finished my two pages. I think pretty well. Casey the preacher must be strongly developed as a thoughtful, well-rounded character. Must show quickly the developing of a questing mind and a developing leadership. Duke not here yet.

The Grapes of Wrath: “I was a preacher,” said the man seriously. “Reverend Jim Casy—was a Burning Busher. Used to howl out the name of Jesus to glory. And used to get an irrigation ditch so squirmin’ full of repented sinners half of ’em like to drownded. But not no more,” he sighed. “Just Jim Casy now. Ain’t got the call no more. Got a lot of sinful idears—but they seem kinda sensible.”d forefinger, crushed out the glowing end. He rubbed the butt to a pulp and put it out the window, letting the breeze suck it from his fingers.

Working Days: Today the argument against sin and the means of losing it — the quest for the true spirit [middle section of Chapter 4]. This should be a good sharp section. Duke did not arrive. Probably today. Weather is superb — hot but not too hot. One hundred days of writing will finish the book, I think. That is four months. Means I should get first draft done in October and that is allowing lots of lee way for last. 

Key takeaway: Even the best writers face self-doubt, daily distractions, worries, blocks, and everything else in between.

Marketing + Habits

Dual Narrative: From Doubts to Masterpiece

The juxtaposition of Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and his journal Working Days offers valuable insights into the writing process and the contrast between the finished work and the author's experience creating it.

Here are some key lessons we can learn:

1. The gap between vision and doubt: While The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful, confident narrative, Working Days reveals Steinbeck's uncertainties and daily struggles. This reminds us that even great writers face self-doubt and challenges.

2. The importance of routine and discipline: Steinbeck set daily writing goals ("Minimum of two pages") and stuck to them. This disciplined approach contributed to the completion of his masterpiece.

3. The evolution of characters and themes: The journal entries show how Steinbeck developed characters like Jim Casy, demonstrating that great literature often emerges from careful planning and character development.

4. The impact of external factors: Steinbeck's mentions of weather, expected visitors, and time constraints highlight how a writer's environment and personal life influence their work.

5. The value of self-reflection: By keeping a journal, Steinbeck was able to track his progress, set goals, and reflect on his writing. This practice can be beneficial for any writer.

6. The contrast between polished prose and raw thoughts: The eloquent, descriptive language in The Grapes of Wrath contrasts sharply with the straightforward, sometimes terse entries in Working Days, showing the transformation that occurs between initial ideas and final product.

7. The long-term vision: Steinbeck's journal reveals his overall plan for the book, including time estimates. This demonstrates the importance of having a broader perspective while working on daily tasks.

This juxtaposition reminds us that great literature is often the result of consistent effort, careful planning, and perseverance through periods of uncertainty, rather than just bursts of inspiration.

Reply “yes” if you’ve ever kept a journal similar to Working Days or hope to in the near future.

New to this Newsletter? Start Here 👇

If you’re ready to hit the ground running, get the Writer’s Bundle for FREE:

• The Prolific Writing Challenge - 30-Day Challenge to improve your habits as a writer, based on the book Ink by the Barrel - $27

• The UpWork Unfair Advantage - this video course will teach you how to find clients, create a magnetic profile, and get paid to write - $97

• Write a Non-Fiction Book in 12 Weeks - follow along with other students in this 15-part book writing and marketing course - $97

Get the FULL writer’s bundle when you join the FREE Prolific community.

👇👇👇👇