QuoteProject
I have written a great many stories and I still don't know how to go about it except to write it and take my chances.
John Steinbeck
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of taking risks in the creative process.

John Steinbeck reflects on the uncertainty that comes with writing and creativity. He acknowledges that, despite his experience and numerous stories, he doesn't have a definitive method for storytelling; rather, he believes in the importance of simply writing and embracing the unpredictability of the creative journey.

Themes

WritingCreativityRiskStoriesArt

In practice

Example use cases

A motivational speech for aspiring writers at a workshop.

More from John Steinbeck

Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
At one point, as Samuel urges Adam to raise his boys well regardless of the blood that might be in them, Adam tells him, "You can't make a race horse of a pig." Samuel replies, "No, but you can make a very fast pig.
John SteinbeckRead
And when that crop grew, and was harvested, no man had crumbled a hot clod in his fingers and let the earth sift past his fingertips. No man had touched the seed, or lusted for the growth. Men ate what they had not raised, had no connection with the bread. The land bore under iron, and under iron gradually died; for it was not loved or hated, it had no prayers or curses.
John SteinbeckRead
The comfortable people in tight houses felt pity at first, and then distaste, and finally hatred for the migrant people.
John SteinbeckRead
People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
John SteinbeckRead
It is one of the triumphs of the human that he can know a thing and still not believe it.
John SteinbeckRead

Similar quotes

Each character I play has different dimensions. I'm not interested in words that pull them together.
Alan RickmanRead
Giving a camera to Diane Arbus is like putting a live grenade in the hands of a child.
Norman MailerRead
Opera singing is in every way of inestimable value; a real heritage for all mankind that has been reached over centuries of studies, attempts, flights of the spirit.
Andrea BocelliRead
One should not become an artist because he can, but because he must. It is only for those who would be miserable without it.
Irving StoneRead
Nothing is art if it does not come from nature.
Antoni GaudiRead
Hip-hop is a perfect mix between poetry and boxing.
Jay-ZRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by John Steinbeck | QuoteProject