Quotes by Donald E. Westlake

About Donald E. Westlake:

Donald Edwin Westlake was an American writer, with over a hundred novels and non-fiction books to his credit. He specialized in crime fiction, especially comic capers, with an occasional foray into science fiction or other genres. He was a three-time Edgar Award winner, one of only three writers (the others are Joe Gores and William L. DeAndrea) to win Edgars in three different categories (1968, Best Novel, God Save the Mark; 1990, Best Short Story, "Too Many Crooks"; 1991, Best Motion Picture Screenplay, The Grifters). In 1993, the Mystery Writers of America named Westlake a Grand Master, the highest honor bestowed by the society.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I also wanted Parker to operate in the Internet age without losing being Parker. He's always operated in the world without really being with the world, and cyberspace means that the rest of us are more and more living the same way.

Donald E. Westlake

I start with the story, almost in the old campfire sense, and the story leads to both the characters, which actors should best be cast in this story, and the language. The choice of words, more than anything else, creates the feeling that the story g...

Donald E. Westlake

I make a note, set it aside, and hope it makes sense when the time comes to look at it again.

Donald E. Westlake

Nothing about it interested me. Or about anything else, except making up stories. If literacy weren't so nearly universal, God knows what I'd be. A drain on the State, I shouldn't wonder.

Donald E. Westlake

Everybody in New York is looking for something. Once in a while, somebody finds it.

Donald E. Westlake

A friend of mine, now retired, was then a major exec at a major bank, and one of her jobs, the last four years, was the farewell interview.

Donald E. Westlake

All of the changes in publishing since 1960 are significant. There are far fewer publishers.

Donald E. Westlake

If it weren't for received ideas, the publishing industry wouldn't have any ideas at all.

Donald E. Westlake

Once he became a series character, I made the conscious choice that he would never act like a series character, never wink at the reader, never pull his punches. Better for him, better for me.

Donald E. Westlake

Seem to be telling this, but really telling that. Three-dimensional writing, like three-dimensional chess. Nabokov was the other master of that. You could learn something from Nabokov on every page he ever wrote.

Donald E. Westlake

Sorry; I have no space left for advice. Just do it.

Donald E. Westlake

The many magazines, ranging from pulp to slick, that used to serve as both farm teams for writers and lures to readers, with hundreds of short stories every month, don't exist. Most of the doors for new people have been sealed.

Donald E. Westlake

When Stark isn't off sulking somewhere, or whatever he's doing when he won't return my calls, I alternate between the two. That usually works well, though occasionally an idea for the wrong guy drifts through my mind.

Donald E. Westlake

My mother believed in all superstitions, plus she made some up.

Donald E. Westlake

If you think of movie studio executives, say, as society, then I root for the independent producers.

Donald E. Westlake

I loved it, but social reality impeded. Now I wander in here at 9 in the morning or so, and come back for a while in the afternoon. I am a very lenient boss.

Donald E. Westlake

Who's a boy gonna talk to if not his mother?

Donald E. Westlake

My work schedule has changed over the years. The one constant is, when at work on a novel, I try to work seven days a week, so as not to lose touch with that world. Within that, I'm flexible on hours and output.

Donald E. Westlake

Author Bio

  • NameDonald E. Westlake
  • DescriptionAmerican novelist
  • BornJuly 12, 1933
  • DiedDecember 31, 2008
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionWriter; Screenwriter; Novelist
  • WorksThe Hunter; The Grifters
  • AwardsEdgar Award