Picture a storyteller who weaves legal expertise into gripping political thrillers—meet Steven Wright! A former Department of Justice lawyer turned acclaimed author, Wright’s debut novel, The Coyotes of Carthage, exposes the gritty underbelly of American politics with razor-sharp wit. As a University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School professor and former co-director of the Wisconsin Innocence Project, he crafts narratives that blend courtroom drama with societal critique, captivating readers worldwide.
From voting rights litigation to exonerating the wrongfully convicted, Wright’s real-world experiences fuel his storytelling. His unique ability to merge legal insight with creative flair has earned praise from literary giants like John Grisham. Ready to dive into the world of a writer who’s as much a justice advocate as a novelist? Let’s explore Steven Wright’s remarkable journey.
The Making of Steven Wright
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Steven Wright’s childhood was a whirlwind of movement, thanks to his father’s career as an Army doctor. From Alaska to West Germany, his peripatetic upbringing shaped a keen observer of human behavior. Wright excelled academically, earning a B.S. and M.E.M. from Duke University, an M.A. from Johns Hopkins, and a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. His legal career kicked off with a clerkship for the Eighth Circuit’s Judge Lavenski Smith, followed by five years at the DOJ’s Voting Section, tackling race-based voting rights cases.
Yet, writing was Wright’s true calling. While working at the DOJ, he moonlighted at Johns Hopkins’ creative writing program, later joining the prestigious MFA program at UW–Madison in 2012. Mentored by luminaries like Lorrie Moore, Wright honed his craft, blending his legal expertise with a knack for storytelling. This fusion set the stage for his literary breakthrough.
Steven Wright’s Unforgettable Stories
Wright’s debut novel, The Coyotes of Carthage (2020), is a blistering political thriller that follows Dre Ross, a Black political consultant navigating a dark-money campaign in South Carolina. Drawing on Wright’s DOJ experience, the novel skewers the Citizens United ruling, exposing how money distorts democracy. Critics, including USA Today, hailed it as a “crackerjack debut,” with Grisham calling it “immensely enjoyable.” Its accolades include a nomination for the 2021 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award and second place for the Ernest J. Gaines Award.
Wright’s writing style is crisp, satirical, and steeped in nuance. He avoids stereotypes, crafting complex characters like Dre, whose moral dilemmas mirror real-world ethical gray zones. His essays on race, criminal justice, and election law for outlets like The New York Review of Books showcase his analytical prowess, while his fiction pulses with suspense and social commentary. A second thriller is in the works, promising more of his signature blend of wit and critique.
Themes of justice, race, and power permeate Wright’s work. His time with the Wisconsin Innocence Project, where he helped exonerate individuals like Daniel Scheidell and Sam Hadaway, informs his narratives. Whether in fiction or nonfiction, Wright challenges readers to confront systemic inequities, making his stories both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Steven Wright Matters
Steven Wright’s impact transcends the page. As a professor, he inspires law students to use narrative in advocacy, drawing on his MFA skills to teach persuasive writing. His Innocence Project work has freed the wrongfully convicted, amplifying voices often ignored. In literature, he’s a fresh voice in political thrillers, offering a Black perspective on America’s democratic machinery. Recognized by USA Today as one of “100 Black Novelists You Should Read,” Wright stands alongside literary giants, shaping how we understand justice and storytelling.
His ability to bridge law and literature makes him a cultural force. By exposing the machinations of power—whether in courtrooms or small-town elections—Wright invites readers to question the systems shaping their lives. His work is a call to action, blending entertainment with enlightenment.
- Born: Nashville, Tennessee
- Key Work: The Coyotes of Carthage (2020)
- Awards: Nominated for 2021 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Second Place Ernest J. Gaines Award
- Fun Fact: Wright writes to the same song on repeat, calling himself a “noisy writer.”
Snag The Coyotes of Carthage and dive into Steven Wright’s thrilling world of political intrigue and justice! His sharp prose and bold insights will keep you hooked from page one.