Donald E. Westlake Biography

Fast Facts

• Was nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium for "The Grifters" in 1991
• Was named Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1993
• Won two Edgar Allan Poe Awards, one for Best Motion Picture for "The Grifters" in 1991 and one for Best Television Feature or Miniseries for "A Slight Case of Murder" in 2000
• Attended Harpur College but didn't graduate, although he was later contacted by the school, now known as SUNY Binghamton, to receive an honorary doctorate in 1996
• His first novel, "The Mercenaries," was published in 1960 by Random House
• Quote: "If I write a novel, I'm a god․ If I write a screenplay, I'm a minor deity․"
• Best known as an author who wrote the Parker series of novels, including "The Hunter" and "The Outfit․"
• Has used a number of pseudonyms throughout his career, including Richard Stark, Alan Marshall, and Samuel Holt
• In addition to his numerous screenplays, more than 15 of his books were made into films
• Insisted on typing his manuscripts on manual typewriters instead of electric ones because he "[didn't] want to sit there while I am thinking and have something hum at me․"