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John Grisham's Writing Routine

An inside look at John Grisham's writing process

The #1 New York Times bestselling author has maintained the same writing routine for over 30 years. Here's what it looks like – plus a few tips on how you can create your own routine and start writing.

Find a Dedicated Space

John Grisham uses a refurbished cabin on his property in Virginia. Choose a quiet environment where you can come to write every day.

Eliminate Distractions

John Grisham writes in a place that is quiet and has no phones, faxes, internet, or music. Remove any access to social media, email, or any other distractions.

Pick a Consistent Time

John Grisham writes 5 days a week starting at 7am. 7am-10am is usually his most productive writing time. Find a time that works with your schedule and stick to it every day.

Start with an Outline

John Grisham outlines each chapter, writing a few sentences for each to make sure pacing and chapter length is consistent. “If you always know where you’re going, it’s hard to get lost.”

Set a Daily Goal

John Grisham writes 1,000-2,000 words a day. Set a goal that works for you. If you write 200 words a day, that’s 1,000 words a week. Do that for 2 years and you’ll have a novel.

Revise as You Go

As John Grisham starts writing, he continues to adjust the outline, adding notes as he goes. “By the time it’s finished I can’t even read the thing it’s so messy.”

Keep Your Routine Consistent

John Grisham starts writing each day at the same time, working on the same computer, and drinking the same coffee out of the same cup.

Find Your Balance

John Grisham starts writing every year on January 1 with the goal of finishing the book in six months. Find a balance that works for you to find your inspiration between writing.

More from John Grisham on his writing routine:

Books by John Grisham

The Judge's List by John Grisham

The Judge's List

John Grisham

Framed by John Grisham, Jim McCloskey

Framed

John Grisham, Jim McCloskey

A Time to Kill by John Grisham

A Time to Kill

John Grisham

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

Camino Ghosts

John Grisham

The Runaway Jury by John Grisham

The Runaway Jury

John Grisham

The Rainmaker by John Grisham

The Rainmaker

John Grisham

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