S J Marshall

Donald Edwin Westlake (1933–2008) was an American writer recognized for his extensive body of work, primarily in crime fiction, though he also explored science fiction and other genres. He is particularly celebrated for creating two enduring criminal characters: the tough, hardboiled Parker, written under the pseudonym Richard Stark, and the more comically inclined John Dortmunder. Westlake's writing was characterized by clever plotting and inventive scenarios, often set in New York City. His career spanned over four decades, during which he published more than a hundred books under his own name and numerous pseudonyms.

Westlake's contributions to crime fiction earned him significant accolades, including three Edgar Awards and the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master honor. His use of pseudonyms was a notable aspect of his career, with Richard Stark becoming particularly well-known for a distinct, starker writing style that contrasted with Westlake's own more elaborate prose. Other pseudonyms allowed him to explore different genres and styles, including soft-core erotica and collaborative works. His versatility and prolific output solidified his reputation as a master of genre fiction.

Donald Westlake was renowned for the exceptional cleverness of his narratives and the bold originality of his concepts. His most recognized fictional creations are the formidable criminal Parker, whose stories were published under the name Richard Stark, and John Dortmunder, who served as a humorous counterpoint to Parker. Westlake noted that a novel intended to feature Parker, which became 'The Hot Rock,' evolved into a Dortmunder story because it "kept turning funny." The majority of Westlake's novels are situated in New York City, frequently delving into specific city neighborhoods within the Dortmunder series. He also authored two non-fiction books: one concerning the 1967 Anguillan "revolution" titled 'Under an English Heaven,' and a biography of Elizabeth Taylor.

Beyond his own name, Westlake utilized a variety of pseudonyms, with Richard Stark being the most prominent. The Stark persona was employed for a substantial body of work, distinguished by a colder, more direct, and less sentimental writing style compared to Westlake's typical voice. Westlake chose the name 'Richard Stark' inspired by actor Richard Widmark, aiming for a crisp, lean prose style. He described Stark's writing as stripped down to essential information, contrasting it with his own 'allusive, indirect, referential, a bit rococo' style. Stark's Parker novels, beginning in 1962, depicted a relentless thief and his associates. After a hiatus, Westlake revived the Stark name for new Parker novels starting in 1997. Other pseudonyms, like Alan Marshall, were used for a significant number of paperback erotica titles, often co-authored and published under shared names.

Westlake's significant contributions to the crime and mystery genres were widely recognized throughout his career. He received the prestigious Edgar Award three times, notably winning in three distinct categories: Best Novel for 'God Save the Mark' (1968), Best Short Story for "Too Many Crooks" (1990), and Best Motion Picture Screenplay for 'The Grifters' (1991). In 1993, the Mystery Writers of America bestowed upon him their highest honor, the Grand Master award, acknowledging his profound impact and sustained excellence in the field. His prolific output and mastery of diverse narrative voices, both under his own name and through his many pseudonyms, cemented his status as a foundational figure in modern crime fiction.

“It kept turning funny”

“Stark and Westlake use language very differently. To some extent they're mirror images. Westlake is allusive, indirect, referential, a bit rococo. Stark strips his sentences down to the necessary information.”

“I got out of that one by explaining Richard Stark wasn't a member of the Writer's Guild. I don't think he's a joiner, actually.”