John Grisham brings a money-hungry lawyer to center stage in 'The Widow'
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, author John Grisham shares insights into his writing process, which involves working in a room without internet access and maintaining a daily goal of 1,000 words. He describes how he balances focused writing time with necessary research and business tasks, offering a window into the structured routine that supports his work.
The discussion also explores Grisham's latest novel, "The Widow," and his perspective on the legal profession. Drawing from his background as a former lawyer, Grisham explains how his new book tells the story of a small-town lawyer whose greed leads to serious consequences. He notes that while his fiction often features corrupt lawyers for dramatic purposes, most real-world legal professionals are honest and contribute positively to society.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Nov 13, 2025 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
Grisham's Writing Process and Routine
John Grisham reveals his disciplined approach to writing, which centers around intentional isolation and strategic use of technology. During his writing sessions, Grisham works in a room without internet access to maintain focus and eliminate distractions. He takes periodic breaks to research questions that arise during his writing, maintaining a careful balance between focused writing and necessary research.
Grisham's daily goal is to write 1,000 words, which typically takes him four to five hours. After completing his writing for the day, usually around noon, he transitions to business matters at his downtown Charlottesville office, where he handles administrative tasks and communicates with his editor and publishing contacts in New York.
Grisham's Perspective on the Legal Profession
Drawing from his experience as a former lawyer, Grisham offers a nuanced view of the legal profession. While acknowledging that fiction often gravitates toward stories of corrupt lawyers for dramatic effect, he emphasizes that most lawyers are honest and hardworking professionals who make vital contributions to society, particularly through their work with nonprofits and various social causes.
Plot and Themes of Grisham's Novel "The Widow"
In "The Widow," Grisham tells the story of a small-town lawyer whose greed leads him down a dark path when he encounters a wealthy client without heirs. The lawyer's unethical choices eventually result in a murder charge, creating the novel's central tension. In discussing the book with Sasha Pfeiffer, Grisham acknowledges that the novel's portrayal of lawyers as manipulative and predatory plays into public fascination with corrupt legal professionals, while also serving to create compelling dramatic arcs that keep readers engaged.
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Counterarguments
- While Grisham's disciplined approach to writing without internet access is commendable, it might not be the most effective method for every writer; some may find that controlled use of the internet can aid in quick fact-checking or provide inspiration.
- Setting a daily word count goal like Grisham's 1,000 words can be motivating, but for some writers, this might lead to a focus on quantity over quality, or it could be an unrealistic target for those who write part-time or have other day-to-day obligations.
- Grisham's portrayal of lawyers in "The Widow" as manipulative and predatory, while engaging for storytelling purposes, could perpetuate negative stereotypes about the legal profession and might not contribute to a balanced understanding of lawyers' roles in society.
- The routine of writing in the morning and handling business in the afternoon works for Grisham, but it may not be the best structure for all writers, who might have different peak creative times or other life responsibilities that require a more flexible schedule.
- Grisham's perspective on the legal profession, while based on his experiences, is still subjective and may not reflect the experiences of all individuals within the legal field, where perspectives can vary widely based on personal experiences and areas of practice.
Actionables
- You can enhance your focus by creating a distraction-free workspace, such as using a physical timer to designate writing or work periods where you disconnect from the internet. For example, work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, known as the Pomodoro Technique, to maintain a balance between focus and rest.
- Set a realistic daily goal for a task you're working on, like writing or learning a new skill, and track your progress in a journal or app to stay motivated. If your goal is to write, start with a modest target like 300 words per day and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with the routine.
- Volunteer with a local nonprofit organization to gain a deeper understanding of the positive impact professionals can have on society, which can change your perspective on certain professions and inspire you to contribute to your community. This hands-on experience can provide a more nuanced view of various careers and their societal contributions.
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Grisham's Writing Process and Routine
John Grisham, acclaimed author, adheres to a disciplined writing process that significantly enhances his productivity. Sacha Pfeiffer unveils the nuances of his daily routine that aids him in his creative endeavors.
Grisham's Disciplined Writing Boosts Productivity
Grisham’s regimen revolves around structured isolation and strategic use of technology.
Grisham Writes Daily In Seclusion Without Internet to Minimize Distractions and Focus
Grisham has an established routine of writing in complete seclusion. He explains, "When I'm actually writing, I'm in a room, an office, with no internet and no contact, because that's for concentration, that's for no interruptions, that's to get the words written."
Grisham Researches Online to Answer Questions While Writing
In contrast to his offline focus blocks, Grisham incorporates online research within his writing workflow. "But every, probably every hour, I take a break and I return to the house and I get a cup of coffee, and I write down two or three questions that I've come across. I'll run to the internet and do a quick search. So I'm constantly searching the internet for information."
Grisham's Routine: 1,000 Words Daily
The author's daily goal is both clear and quantifiable.
Grisham's Offline Writing Boosts Efficiency
By intentionally disconnecting from the internet during his core writing periods, Grisham ensures his efficiency remains unhampered.
Grisham Balances Creativity and Practicality By Dividing Time B ...
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Grisham's Writing Process and Routine
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Counterarguments
- While Grisham's disciplined approach is beneficial for his productivity, it may not be suitable for all writers; some may find inspiration in less structured environments or may require more flexibility in their routine.
- The practice of writing without internet access to minimize distractions might not be feasible for authors who rely heavily on online resources for their writing process.
- Grisham's method of taking breaks to conduct online research could disrupt the flow of writing for some authors, who might prefer to complete research in dedicated sessions outside of their writing time.
- Aiming for a specific word count, such as 1,000 words daily, can be an effective goal, but it might also lead to a focus on quantity over quality for some writers.
- The efficiency gained from offline writing periods could come at the cost of missing out on real-time information or collaboration opportunities that require internet access.
- Dividing the day between ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your daily routine by designating a "distraction-free" zone in your home where you only engage in creative work. To do this, choose a space that's away from high-traffic areas and inform your household that this area is for focused activities only. For example, convert a small closet into a mini-office where you leave your phone outside and only bring materials essential for your task.
- Create a personal quota system to set and track your daily goals, similar to a word count for writers. Decide on a manageable task you can complete each day, like sketching a design or writing a report, and use a simple tally system on a whiteboard to mark your progress. This visual cue will keep you motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment as you see your daily targets being met.
- Schedule a "business hour" into your da ...
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Grisham's Perspective on the Legal Profession
John Grisham, a former lawyer and bestselling author, shares his insights on the legal profession, underlining both the crucial contributions of lawyers to society and the fictional allure of unethical legal practitioners.
Grisham: Legal Profession Does More Good Than Harm, Despite Unethical Lawyers in Fiction
Grisham speaks to the dichotomy between the altruistic majority of lawyers and the dramatized minority in literature, and emphasizes the overall positive impact lawyers have in the world.
Grisham: Most Lawyers Honest & Hardworking Despite Negative Portrayals
Grisham explains that while most lawyers are honest and hardworking, fiction tends to spotlight the unethical few because stories of corruption create more compelling narratives. He asserts that "nobody wants to read about the law-abiding, diligent lawyers."
Grisham: Lawyers Are Vital to Societal Causes and Nonprofits
Grisham champions the essential role lawyers play in advancing societal causes and supporting nonprofits. He lauds the myriad of good deeds lawyers perform, saying, "There's thousands and thousands of great nonprofits in this country doing all manner of great work. And all of them have lawyers."
Grisham, Ex-lawyer, Views the Legal Profession With Nuance
Drawing upon his experience as a small-town attorney and acknowledging the complexities within his former field, Grisham conveys a nuanced view of the legal profession.
Grisham Grasps Small-Town Solo Practitioners' Challenges and ...
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Grisham's Perspective on the Legal Profession
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Counterarguments
- While Grisham highlights the positive impact of lawyers, it's also true that the legal profession can be inaccessible to many due to high costs, which can lead to unequal access to justice.
- The assertion that most lawyers are honest and hardworking does not negate the fact that the legal profession, like any other, has systemic issues that can enable unethical behavior, which should be addressed.
- The focus on the role of lawyers in nonprofits and societal causes might overlook the fact that some lawyers also represent powerful interests that may work against societal causes or contribute to maintaining the status quo.
- Grisham's understanding of the challenges faced by small-town solo practitioners may not fully represent the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by lawyers in different geographic locations and practice areas.
- The claim that Americans are ready to defend their rights and inherently involve legal counsel might not consider the experiences of marginalized groups who have historically faced barriers in ac ...
Actionables
- You can volunteer at a local nonprofit to witness firsthand the positive impact lawyers have on these organizations. By engaging with a nonprofit, you'll see how legal professionals contribute to various causes, which can change your perception of lawyers from what you've seen in fiction to a more balanced, real-world view.
- Start a reading group focused on novels and stories that portray lawyers in a positive light, to balance the narrative and gain a more nuanced understanding of the legal profession. This can help shift the focus from the sensationalized portrayal of lawyers in popular media to the more common reality of their dedication and hard work.
- Encourage open conversations with friends or fam ...
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Plot and Themes of Grisham's Novel "The Widow"
John Grisham's "The Widow" offers readers a thrilling ride into legal ethics and the consequences of greed.
Widow: Lawyer Entangled With Wealthy Client
The novel centers around a small-town lawyer whose seemingly routine task of drafting a will for a wealthy client takes a dark twist. Recognizing the client’s substantial wealth and lack of heirs, the lawyer's greed takes over. He begins to scheme, looking for ways to ingratiate himself and secure larger fees, ultimately leading him down a path of unethical decisions.
Greedy, Unethical Lawyer Faces Murder Charge
As the story unfolds, these unethical choices spiral into serious legal trouble for the lawyer. His manipulative actions land him in the heart of a murder charge. The implications of his choices provide the novel with its critical tension and drama.
The Widow Depicts Lawyers As Scheming and Predatory
"The Widow" paints an unsavory portrait of the legal profession, where lawyers are depicted as opportunistic and devious. In her discussion with Grisham, Sasha Pfeiffer addresses this harsh depiction, pointing out that the novel doesn't shy away from portraying lawyers as manipulative and avaricious individuals who prey on their clients for personal gain.
Novel Explores Public's Distrust and Fascination With Lawyers
John Grisham concedes that part of the book's allure comes from the public's complex relationship with lawyers. He acknowledges that people derive a certain pleasure from seeing a lawyer entangled in problems, playing into a broader fascination with the downfall of those perceived as corrupt within the legal system.
Accor ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Plot and Themes of Grisham's Novel "The Widow"
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Counterarguments
- The portrayal of lawyers in "The Widow" as predominantly greedy and unethical may be an exaggerated fiction that does not accurately represent the majority of legal professionals who adhere to strict ethical standards.
- Suggesting that the public enjoys seeing lawyers in trouble could be a narrow view of societal attitudes, as many people also respect and value the important role that lawyers play in upholding justice and the rule of law.
- The use of sly behaviors and excuses by lawyers in the novel might be seen as a humorous plot device, but it risks perpetuating negative stereotypes that do not reflect the professional conduct of most lawyers.
- While flawed characters can indeed create dramatic story arcs, it's also true that positive depictions of lawyers who act ethically and altruisticall ...
Actionables
- Reflect on your own ethical boundaries by journaling scenarios where you might face moral dilemmas, similar to the lawyer in the novel. Write down potential situations in your personal or professional life where you could be tempted to act unethically, and detail how you would ideally respond to maintain your integrity. This exercise can help you establish clear ethical guidelines for yourself.
- Create a "trust checklist" for evaluating professionals you engage with, such as lawyers, doctors, or accountants. Include criteria like transparency, communication, and references. Before hiring a professional, use this checklist to assess their trustworthiness, which can help you avoid those who might prioritize their gain over your best interests.
- Develop a game night activity with fri ...
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