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Donald E. Westlake Quotes

Powerful Donald E. Westlake for Daily Growth

About Donald E. Westlake

Donald E. Westlake (1933-2008), an American novelist and short story writer, was renowned for his prolific and versatile work spanning genres such as crime fiction, science fiction, satire, and comedic mystery novels. Born on July 8, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Westlake's early life was marked by a love for comic books, which significantly influenced his later writing style. Westlake attended Columbia University and subsequently served in the U.S Army before settling into a career as a writer. His first novel, "The Mercenaries," published under the pseudonym Richard Stark, introduced Parker, Westlake's iconic anti-hero, and marked the beginning of the acclaimed Parker series. Throughout his career, Westlake penned over 100 novels under various pen names, including Richard Stark, Tucker Coe, and Samuel Holt. His works encompassed a wide range of themes, from intricate heist stories to humorous capers, often blurring the lines between genres. Notable works include "The Hot Rock" (1970), a witty crime comedy starring Westlake's recurring character John Dortmunder; "Bank Shot" (1972), another Dortmunder adventure; and "Point Blank" (1962), the first Parker novel. Westlake's writing was marked by its clever plotting, witty dialogue, and memorable characters, making him a significant figure in American crime fiction. Westlake received numerous accolades for his work, including two Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America and a Grand Master Award from the same organization. His impact on the genre continues to be felt today, with many of his works being adapted into films and television shows. Donald E. Westlake passed away on December 31, 2008, leaving behind a rich and varied literary legacy that continues to entertain and inspire readers worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Crime is a great leveler. It can make anyone feel important."

This quote by Donald E. Westlake suggests that crime, regardless of who commits it, can provide a sense of importance or power to the individual involved. In society, perpetrators often occupy positions that grant them control over others, whether through fear, manipulation, or deceit. However, it's important to remember that this perceived importance is illusory and based on criminal activities, which are harmful to both victims and the fabric of a community.

"The nice thing about being a thief is that you can get all the things you want without having to pay for them."

This quote by Donald E. Westlake highlights the perceived freedom and convenience of theft as an action, where one can acquire desired items without the burden of payment or financial obligations. However, it's important to note that this perspective overlooks the moral and legal consequences associated with such actions, which can lead to significant personal, social, and economic repercussions in the long run.

"Luck is when opportunity meets preparation."

The quote implies that success or good fortune (luck) occurs when one is prepared for an opportunity that presents itself. In essence, it suggests that being well-prepared increases the chances of seizing opportunities when they arise, leading to a more fortunate outcome. Preparation, in this context, involves knowledge, skills, and readiness, which can set individuals apart and make them ready to capitalize on opportunities when they come their way.

"There's nothing more dangerous than a paranoid crook who thinks he's being framed."

This quote by Donald E. Westlake highlights the potential dangers posed by individuals who are both criminal and paranoid, as they may resort to extreme measures in defense of their perceived innocence or to cover up their own wrongdoings. Their skewed perspective, fueled by paranoia, can lead them to misinterpret situations, acting impulsively, aggressively, or even violently when they believe they are being framed or set up. This can result in further complications and potential harm to others in the process.

"The best way to rob a bank is to own one."

The quote implies that having control or ownership over something, in this case, a bank, provides an advantage that traditional methods of theft or robbery cannot match. It suggests that the most effective way to gain wealth from a financial institution is not through illegal means like burglary, but rather by legally owning and managing it, thus having access to its resources. This quote can be seen as a metaphor for power and control in various contexts, where having ownership or influence over something grants greater benefits than trying to take it by force.

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

Like, Punches, Became, Wink

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

Last, Jobs, Mine, Interview

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

Boss, Here, Very, Wander

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

About, Nearly, Anything Else, Making Up

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

Internet Age, Operated, Parker

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

New People, Used, Been, Pulp

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

Over, Hours, Constant, Flexible

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

- Donald E. Westlake

Sorry, Advice, Left, Just Do It

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

Doing, Through, Works, Occasionally

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

- Donald E. Westlake

Think, Studio, Executives, Producers

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

- Donald E. Westlake

Changes, Far, Fewer, Publishing

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

- Donald E. Westlake

Ideas, Were, Received, Publishing

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 gives off.

- Donald E. Westlake

Best, Language, Almost, Gives

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

Chess, Other, Telling, Master

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

- Donald E. Westlake

New, Everybody, Finds, York

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

- Donald E. Westlake

Mother, Mother's Day, His, Talk

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

- Donald E. Westlake

Again, Note, Set, Aside

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