Joy Podcast Episode Summary: Lawrence Block on Retirement, Reflections, and the Craft of Writing

Hosted by Craig Ferguson | Released August 5, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Joy, late-night talk host Craig Ferguson engages in a heartfelt conversation with the legendary American writer Lawrence Block. The discussion delves deep into Block's illustrious 65-year writing career, his recent retirement, and the personal reflections that accompany stepping away from a life dedicated to storytelling.

Lawrence Block's Retirement from Writing

The conversation begins with Craig addressing a poignant moment when Lawrence Block revealed his retirement.

• Craig Ferguson [04:07]: "You said you are retired, you're not gonna write anymore. Is that right?"

• Lawrence Block [04:18]: "That's true. I haven't written in... it's just about three years now."

Block explains that his decision to retire is deliberate and differs from previous contemplations about ending his writing career. Despite authoring over 210 titles, including the famed Bernie Geisler and Matt Scudder series, Block feels a sense of completeness that retirement brings.

Latest Works and Project Highlights

Block shares insights into his recent literary endeavors, highlighting his final contributions to his beloved series.

• Lawrence Block [04:50]: "It's a fitting volume, I think, to conclude the series on the Bernie series."

He discusses "The Autobiography of Matthew Scudder," a unique project where his iconic detective narrates his own life story, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

• Lawrence Block [05:52]: "Matthew Scudder telling his own memories... it's a very meta experience."

Reflections on a Prolific Writing Career

Block offers a candid reflection on his extensive body of work and the motivations behind his writing.

• Lawrence Block [10:04]: "There are people who like them, and that's fine with me."

He touches upon his early years when he wrote erotic paperbacks under pen names to support his family, revealing the sheer volume and diversity of his literary output.

Personal Experiences Influencing Writing

A significant portion of the discussion centers around how real-life events, such as the 9/11 attacks, influenced Block's storytelling.

• Lawrence Block [23:30]: "I kinda was [heartbroken]. That was a time that imprinted itself rather deeply on one's consciousness."

Block recounts how witnessing 9/11 firsthand in New York led him to reshape his ongoing projects to reflect the changed world, emphasizing the profound impact such events can have on an artist's work.

Noetic Science Trip to Africa and "Random Walk"

Block narrates a transformative experience during a trip organized by the Institute for the Advancement of Noetic Sciences, which inspired his novel "Random Walk."

• Lawrence Block [31:54]: "I wrote 20 pages of a novel every day for the next 23 days. That'll do it."

This immersive experience not only fueled his creativity but also provided a fresh perspective that he seldom encountered in his long career.

Thoughts on Success and Financials

Craig and Lawrence delve into the nuances of success beyond financial gains. Block reflects on his modest financial achievements despite his prolific writing.

• Lawrence Block [49:31]: "There never were any big dramatic financial successes, really."

He muses that avoiding early monumental success allowed him to sustain a long and fulfilling career, suggesting that his happiness isn't tethered to financial accolades.

Life After Writing: Hobbies and Wellbeing

Transitioning from his literary life, Block shares how he embraces retirement with vigor.

• Lawrence Block [52:40]: "I think I'm having a better time these days than I can recall and I'm enjoying the life I'm leading in retirement."

He highlights his newfound passion for fitness, frequenting the gym, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, Block enjoys traveling, albeit with less frequency than in his writing days, preferring cruises and short trips over long-haul flights.

Final Thoughts and Farewell

As the episode draws to a close, Block reflects on the joys of retirement, the importance of gratitude, and maintaining personal equilibrium.

• Lawrence Block [50:49]: "I'm happy with the way things turned out. I think I reached just about the level of success that was best for me."

Craig echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the balance between personal satisfaction and external measures of success.

Conclusion

This episode of Joy offers a profound glimpse into the life of Lawrence Block, celebrating his contributions to literature while honoring his personal journey towards fulfillment beyond the written word. Listeners are left with a sense of admiration for Block's dedication, resilience, and the serene happiness he now enjoys in retirement.

Notable Quotes

• Lawrence Block [05:52]: "Matthew Scudder telling his own memories... it's a very meta experience."

• Lawrence Block [23:30]: "That was a time that imprinted itself rather deeply on one's consciousness."

• Lawrence Block [31:54]: "I wrote 20 pages of a novel every day for the next 23 days. That'll do it."

• Lawrence Block [49:31]: "There never were any big dramatic financial successes, really."

• Lawrence Block [52:40]: "I think I'm having a better time these days than I can recall and I'm enjoying the life I'm leading in retirement."

For those who haven't listened yet, this episode is a must for anyone interested in the intersection of personal growth, creative fulfillment, and the enduring quest for joy in life.