Don Winslow
Encyclopedia
Don Winslow is an American
author most recognized for his crime and mystery novels. Many of his books are set in California
. He has published a series of five novels that have a private investigator named Neal Carey as their main character. His most recent book, Savages has attracted critical acclaim, with the New York Times describing it as a "startling bid for attention".
night, 1953, but grew up in Perryville, a beach town near the village of Matunuck, Rhode Island
. He credits his parents for preparing him to become a writer: his mother was a librarian, and his father was a non-commissioned officer
in the United States Navy
who told stories and invited Navy friends who told more. From them, Winslow was inspired to become a storyteller himself. He majored in African History at the University of Nebraska.
In the late 1970s, Winslow moved back to New York City
, where he first worked managing a chain of movie theaters, then as a private investigator
in movie theaters and the back alleys of Times Square
. His career grew even more varied; he went back to school to earn a master's degree in Military History, and led safari
s in Kenya
and hiking trips in China's Sichuan province. His first published novel, A Cool Breeze on the Underground (1991) was written during this time. It was the first of a series of books about investigator Neil Carey, and was not very successful. Winslow's career as an investigator would repeatedly bring him to California, to look into arson
cases; his storytelling skills helped in explaining cases to juries. In the mid 1990s, he moved to California with his wife Jean and their infant son, Thomas, and kept writing when he could. His thriller The Death and Life of Bobby Z (1997), was a success, and allowed him to become a full-time writer. They live in Julian, California
.
The time it takes him to write a book varies. The Death and Life of Bobby Z was written on the train between Dana Point, California
and Los Angeles
, one chapter per trip. The Power of the Dog
took six years to research and write, including traveling to Mexico
to interview people with similar experiences as its characters.
Winslow's novel Savages is set to be adapted into a film of the same name
. Oliver Stone
is directing.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
author most recognized for his crime and mystery novels. Many of his books are set in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. He has published a series of five novels that have a private investigator named Neal Carey as their main character. His most recent book, Savages has attracted critical acclaim, with the New York Times describing it as a "startling bid for attention".
Personal life
Winslow was born in New York, on HalloweenHalloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
night, 1953, but grew up in Perryville, a beach town near the village of Matunuck, Rhode Island
Matunuck, Rhode Island
Matunuck is a village in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States near Charlestown, Rhode Island. The village is located on a point along the southern Atlantic coast of Rhode Island off of U.S. Route 1...
. He credits his parents for preparing him to become a writer: his mother was a librarian, and his father was a non-commissioned officer
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
who told stories and invited Navy friends who told more. From them, Winslow was inspired to become a storyteller himself. He majored in African History at the University of Nebraska.
In the late 1970s, Winslow moved back to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, where he first worked managing a chain of movie theaters, then as a private investigator
Private investigator
A private investigator , private detective or inquiry agent, is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Private detectives/investigators often work for attorneys in civil cases. Many work for insurance companies to investigate suspicious claims...
in movie theaters and the back alleys of Times Square
Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial intersection in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets...
. His career grew even more varied; he went back to school to earn a master's degree in Military History, and led safari
Safari
A safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists to Africa. Traditionally, the term is used for a big-game hunt, but today the term often refers to a trip taken not for the purposes of hunting, but to observe and photograph animals and other wildlife.-Etymology:Entering the English...
s in Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
and hiking trips in China's Sichuan province. His first published novel, A Cool Breeze on the Underground (1991) was written during this time. It was the first of a series of books about investigator Neil Carey, and was not very successful. Winslow's career as an investigator would repeatedly bring him to California, to look into arson
Arson
Arson is the crime of intentionally or maliciously setting fire to structures or wildland areas. It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires...
cases; his storytelling skills helped in explaining cases to juries. In the mid 1990s, he moved to California with his wife Jean and their infant son, Thomas, and kept writing when he could. His thriller The Death and Life of Bobby Z (1997), was a success, and allowed him to become a full-time writer. They live in Julian, California
Julian, California
Julian is a census-designated place in San Diego County, California, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,502, down from 1,621 at the 2000 census.Julian is an official California Historical Landmark No. 412...
.
Writing
Winslow says that he writes every day from 5:30 to 10:00 in the morning and then hikes six or seven miles before returning to work. He generally works on two books at a time, moving to the other when work on the first stalls. He says the longest he has gone without writing after a book is completed is five days; he calls it an addiction.The time it takes him to write a book varies. The Death and Life of Bobby Z was written on the train between Dana Point, California
Dana Point, California
-Climate:Dana Point enjoys a mild climate where temperatures tend to average around the 60's. The warmest month of the year is August with an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with an average minimum temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit.-2010:The 2010...
and Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, one chapter per trip. The Power of the Dog
The Power of the Dog
The Power of the Dog is a 2005 crime/thriller novel by Don Winslow, based on the DEA's involvement with the War on Drugs. The book was published after six years of writing and research by the author....
took six years to research and write, including traveling to Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
to interview people with similar experiences as its characters.
Winslow's novel Savages is set to be adapted into a film of the same name
Savages (2012 film)
Savages is an upcoming crime-drama film directed by Oliver Stone. It is based on the novel of the same name by Don Winslow, who co-wrote the script with Shane Salerno...
. Oliver Stone
Oliver Stone
William Oliver Stone is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. Stone became well known in the late 1980s and the early 1990s for directing a series of films about the Vietnam War, for which he had previously participated as an infantry soldier. His work frequently focuses on...
is directing.
Fiction
- 1991: A Cool Breeze on the Underground (Neal Carey Mysteries)
- 1992: The Trail to Buddha's Mirror (Neal Carey Mysteries)
- 1993: Way Down on the High Lonely (Neal Carey Mysteries)
- 1994: A Long Walk Up the Water Slide (Neal Carey Mysteries)
- 1996: While Drowning in the Desert (Neal Carey Mysteries)
- 1996: Isle of Joy
- 1997: Death and Life of Bobby Z
- 1999: California Fire and Life
- 2005: The Power of the DogThe Power of the DogThe Power of the Dog is a 2005 crime/thriller novel by Don Winslow, based on the DEA's involvement with the War on Drugs. The book was published after six years of writing and research by the author....
- 2006: The Winter of Frankie MachineThe Winter of Frankie Machine-Plot summary:Frank Machianno, a retired San Diego mafia hitman, cut his ties with the mafia many years ago. However, one day, his past catches up with him as the boss of Los Angeles family calls in for a past favor. Frank must oversee a meeting between the Detroit Combination and the Los Angeles...
- 2008: The Dawn Patrol
- 2009: The Gentlemen's Hour
- 2010: Savages
- 2011: About Tommy Flynn
- 2011: Satori
Scripts and Screen Plays
- Alexander Hamilton: In Worlds Unknown — (script and film; New York Historical Society)
- The Full Ride
External links
- Don Winslow's Website
- The Death And Life Of Bobby Z on amazon.com
- A Cool Breeze on the Underground (movie, in production) overview on imdb.com
- "When New-Wave Drug Dealers Run Afoul of an Old-Wave Cartel", Janet MaslinJanet MaslinJanet Maslin is an American journalist, best known as a film and literary critic for The New York Times. She served as the Times film critic from 1977–1999.- Biography :...
, The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
, 7 July 2010 - Don Winslow in Barcelona, speech and interview in Canal-L, channel of books and literature