Walter Mosley
Full Name and Common Aliases
Walter Ellis Mosley, commonly known simply as Walter Mosley, is a celebrated American novelist and writer. His name is synonymous with gripping crime fiction and insightful explorations of African American life.
Birth and Death Dates
Walter Mosley was born on January 12, 1952. As of the latest information available, he is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Walter Mosley is an American author, best known for his work in the genres of crime fiction, mystery, and speculative fiction. He is also a screenwriter and has dabbled in non-fiction, showcasing his versatility across different forms of writing.
Early Life and Background
Walter Mosley was born in Los Angeles, California, to a Jewish mother, Ella Slatkin, and an African American father, Leroy Mosley. His upbringing in a culturally diverse household provided a rich tapestry of experiences that would later inform his writing. Mosley's father was a custodian at a public school, and his mother was a personnel clerk. This blend of cultural backgrounds and working-class roots deeply influenced Mosley's perspective and narrative voice.
Mosley attended local schools in Los Angeles before moving to Vermont, where he attended Goddard College. He later pursued a degree in political science at Johnson State College. His early career was varied, including work as a computer programmer, which he eventually left to pursue writing full-time. This decision marked the beginning of a prolific literary career.
Major Accomplishments
Walter Mosley's major accomplishments are numerous and span several decades. He is perhaps best known for his creation of the character Easy Rawlins, a black private investigator navigating the complexities of post-World War II Los Angeles. The debut novel in this series, "Devil in a Blue Dress", published in 1990, was a critical and commercial success, establishing Mosley as a formidable voice in crime fiction.
Mosley's work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, the O. Henry Award, and the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award. His ability to weave intricate plots with profound social commentary has garnered him a dedicated readership and critical acclaim.
Notable Works or Actions
Walter Mosley's bibliography is extensive, with over 50 books to his name. The Easy Rawlins series remains his most famous work, with titles such as "White Butterfly", "Black Betty", and "Little Green" continuing the saga of the beloved detective. Beyond Easy Rawlins, Mosley has created other memorable series, including the Fearless Jones and Leonid McGill series.
In addition to his fiction, Mosley has written non-fiction works that explore race, politics, and the craft of writing. His book "This Year You Write Your Novel" is a guide for aspiring writers, reflecting his commitment to nurturing new literary talent.
Impact and Legacy
Walter Mosley's impact on literature, particularly in the realm of crime fiction, is profound. He broke new ground by centering African American characters in a genre traditionally dominated by white protagonists. His stories offer a nuanced portrayal of black life in America, addressing themes of race, identity, and social justice.
Mosley's legacy is not only in his storytelling but also in his advocacy for diversity in publishing. He has been a vocal proponent of increasing representation for writers of color, both in terms of authorship and the stories being told.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Walter Mosley is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive commentary on race and society, both within his fiction and in public discourse. His ability to articulate complex social issues through compelling narratives has made his work resonate with a broad audience. Quotes from Mosley's novels often capture the essence of his characters' struggles and triumphs, offering insights into the human condition.
His influence extends beyond literature, as he continues to engage in conversations about race, equality, and the power of storytelling. Walter Mosley's enduring relevance is a testament to his skill as a writer and his commitment to exploring the intricacies of American life through the lens of fiction.
Quotes by Walter Mosley
Walter Mosley's insights on:
I've always loved science fiction. I think the smartest writers are science fiction writers dealing with major things.
HBO and I have a deal to at least try to make a television series from the Leonid McGill stories. We're going to start with the first novel, 'The Long Fall.'
It’s hard for a man to understand a woman because a man just desires her; but women, most of them anyway, desire desire.
People are so afraid of dying that they don’t even live the little bit of life they have.
The law is a flexible thing – on both sides of the line – influenced by circumstance, character, and, of course, wealth or lack of same.
I’m writing, I’m using language, I’m using that language to tell stories and even more so to get ideas across. And I just love that, and I’ve always loved that.
It’s a disheartening feeling when you can’t stand the touch of someone but neither can you push them away.
Freedom for us has always been dangerous. Freedom for us has been a crime as far back as our oldest memories. And so whenever we’re feeling liberation we know that there’s somebody nearby with a rope and a collar, a shotgun and a curse.
I thought I recognized him but most cops blended into one brutal fist for me after a while.
If everybody in the world despises you and hates you, sees your features as ugly and simian, makes jokes about your ways of talking, calls you stupid and beneath contempt; if you have no history, no heroes, and no future where a hero might lead, then you might begin to hate yourself... And then one hot summer’s night you just erupt and go burning and shooting and nobody seems to know why.