Economic hardship significantly impacted the writer John Steinbeck's creative process. During the Great Depression, he witnessed the struggles of people facing poverty and displacement, which profoundly influenced his works, including "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men." Steinbeck's empathy for the working class and ability to depict the harsh realities of their lives helped shed light on social issues, paving the way for a deeper understanding of human resilience amidst the challenges of economic adversity.