Donald E. Westlake

Date of Birth: July 12, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 31, 2008

Biography

Donald E. Westlake was an acclaimed American writer renowned for his prolific career in crime fiction. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he carved out a niche in the literary world with his unique blend of humor and suspense. Over his five-decade career, Westlake authored over 100 novels and numerous short stories, often under various pseudonyms such as Richard Stark, Tucker Coe, Samuel Holt, and others. His most famous creation is the character Parker, a professional thief with a cold demeanor, featured in a series of novels written under the name Richard Stark. Westlake’s versatility extended beyond crime fiction; he also penned science fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays. His screenplay for “The Grifters” (1990) earned him an Academy Award nomination. Westlake’s work was widely recognized, earning him three Edgar Awards and the title of Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1993.

5 Interesting Facts about Donald E. Westlake

1. Donald E. Westlake wrote under more than ten pseudonyms throughout his career.

2. His novel “The Hunter” was adapted into multiple films, including “Point Blank” (1967) and “Payback” (1999).

3. Westlake was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “The Grifters.”

4. He was awarded the Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America in 1993.

5. Westlake’s Parker series continues to be highly influential in the crime fiction genre.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Donald E. Westlake

1. “If you’re a writer, reading is part of your job description.”

2. “Nothing is worse than the secret humiliation of being insulted by proxy.”

3. “One of the things I like about writing is that it’s a way of thinking things through, and I think the things I like to think through are more connected to the world than to myself.”

4. “I know that the hard work has been done by the time I sit down. If I had to invent the people and the events, I’d be overwhelmed.”

5. “I want to write a book that nobody wants to put down until they finish it.”