Literary Birthday – 15 February – Gregory McDonald

Gregory McDonald was born 15 February 1937, and died 7 September 2008.

Gregory McDonald Quotes

1. I want the reader to hear with his eyes.(Gregory McDonald Website)
2. The magic I attempt is to point the finger, as concisely as possible set the scene, then pull back my hand, disappear as the author, leave the reader alone with the characters. Of course the result of this is, not typical of authors, that tens of millions more people know the names of my characters than know my name, which I don’t mind a bit. (Gregory McDonald Website)
3. Writing mysteries lets me get away with murder. I think ‘the mystery’ may be the greatest form for social criticism, simply because it is pedestrian.(Gregory McDonald Website)
4. I have enjoyed thoroughly my writing mysteries; especially do I love their having attracted worldwide appreciation. (Gregory McDonald Website)
5. If I do win the Edgar I am afraid I will be known mainly as a mystery writer. My other works may be overshadowed, forever seen in that light. (Gregory McDonald Website)
6. Ultimately, I pray people see all my work, and my life, as one consistent, unified whole. I am most fortunate to be able to say this: Even without the mysteries I believe I have had a marvelously fulfilled, possibly useful writing life. (Gregory McDonald Website)

Gregory McDonald was an American novelist. He was well known for his mystery adventures featuring investigative reporter Irwin Maurice ‘Fletch’ Fletcher -an iconic literary anti-hero. The nine Fletch novels, originally published between 1974 and 1986, have been one of the most successful mystery series of all time, selling 100 million copies worldwide. He won the Edgar Allan Poe award twice and was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America. Mcdonald published 26 books (15 of which are mysteries) including the Fletch, Flynn, Son of Fletch, and Skylar series. Four feature films were made from his works.

Source for image: Author’s website

by Amanda Patterson

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