In the first batch of readers, back in the '60s and '70s, the criminal class was still literate, so I would get letters from people in prison; they thought that I was somebody whom they could shop-talk with, and they would tell me very funny stories. I got a lot of those. Guys who were going to wind up doing 10 to 15 for bank robbery, yes, were reading my books.
Donald E. WestlakeWhen the guy with asthma finally came in from the fire escape, Parker rabbit-punched him and took his gun away.
Donald E. WestlakeIf it weren't for received ideas, the publishing industry wouldn't have any ideas at all.
Donald E. WestlakeI don't think I ever have trouble with writer's block. It's different when you make it up as you go - that means you're going to get stuck. I wouldn't call it writer's block, I'd say, "I don't know where the hell this story is going."
Donald E. Westlake