Grub Street turns out good things almost as often as Parnassus. For if a writer is hard up enough, if he's far down enough {down where I have been and am rising from, I am really saying}, he can't afford self-doubt and he can't let other people's opinions, even a father's, keep him from writing.
The quote from Wallace Stegner's "Crossing to Safety" highlights the value of determination in writing, even in difficult circumstances. The comparison of Grub Street, a metaphor for the struggles of writers, to Parnassus, which symbolizes artistic inspiration, emphasizes that good writing emerges from hardship. Stegner conveys that when writers face financial or personal challenges, they must push through self-doubt and resist external influences that could stifle their creativity.
Stegner's reflection suggests that true creativity often flourishes when individuals are at their lowest. Writers must be resilient, relying on their internal drive rather than seeking approval or dwelling on negativity. This message underscores the idea that the act of writing can be both a refuge and a necessity for those in distress, encouraging them to stay committed to their craft despite the obstacles they face.
