Since I can't write the greatest American novel, I'm going to write the longest American novel. Thomas Steinbeck americangreatlong Change image and share on social
My father valued patriotism above all other social obligations, but he had his own particular interpretation of just how true patriotism was meant to function. Thomas Steinbeck fatherfunctioninterpretation Change image and share on social
My father, John Steinbeck, was a man who held human history in great reverence, and in particular the biographies of those people who had risked their lives, their fortunes, and their worldly honor to defend the rights and prerogatives of those who were powerless to defend themselves. Thomas Steinbeck biographydefendfather share on social
My only job is to write in such a way that the reader gets a new handle on humanity. Thomas Steinbeck handlehumanityjob Change image and share on social
I was eighteen when I first read Joseph Heller's stunning work 'Catch-22,' and was at that time close to being drafted for the fruitless and unenlightened war in Viet Nam. Thomas Steinbeck catchclosedraft Change image and share on social
My father told us all the time: to become a good writer takes writing. Because the more you do it, the better you get at it. It's like bull-riding. You can't do it once, you know. You've got to practice it and practice it. Thomas Steinbeck bullfathergood share on social
For someone who loves literature, and all books on principle, being asked to name three titles over a half century of serious reading is akin to asking one to recall their three favorite sunsets. Thomas Steinbeck akinaskbook Change image and share on social
The characters in my stories, whether historical or fictional, usually prove to be a compilation of influences taken from differing sources, but never drawn from one model. Thomas Steinbeck charactercompilationdiffer Change image and share on social
I started writing serious books so late because I knew I'd be accused of riding on my father's coattails. Thomas Steinbeck accusebookcoattail Change image and share on social
When I was fifteen, my father gave me a first edition copy of Ray Bradbury's magnificent work, 'The Martian Chronicles.' I had read other science fiction by noted authors, but this book was something else altogether. Thomas Steinbeck altogetherauthorbook share on social