Worklife with Adam Grant ReThinking: What being a lawyer taught John Grisham about writing novels
94 snips
Oct 14, 2025 
John Grisham, the best-selling author of legal thrillers and former lawyer, shares insights on how his courtroom experiences shape his writing. He recounts his early trial nerves and the thrill of victories despite initial fears. Grisham discusses his disciplined writing routine and the balance between planning and spontaneity in storytelling. He reflects on his journey from law to writing, his evolving views on the death penalty, and his advocacy against wrongful convictions, highlighting the moral implications of state executions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rookie Trial That Shaped Him
- John Grisham recounts his first murder trial as a rookie lawyer, where he vomited backstage and nearly fled.
- He steadied himself, returned, improvised a summation, and won a not-guilty verdict for his client.
Courtroom Wins Inspired His Novels
- Grisham explains he kept practicing law for ten years because courtroom victories were deeply thrilling.
- Those wins inspired his first novel, A Time To Kill, which drew from courtroom experience.
Create A Sacred Writing Window
- Establish a strict morning routine: Grisham writes alone from 7–11 with no distractions to maximize focus.
- Recreate consistent conditions (same desk, coffee, silence) to anchor daily productivity.
