Pulitzer Prize Winner Seeks Electronic Refuge

The following message, on 1992 Pulitzer Prize-winner Jane Smiley’s answering machine at Iowa State University in Ames, illustrates one writer’s attempts to deal with the fallout that can accompany the prize.

Hi. This is Jane Smiley. I’m on leave this semester, so I’m not coming into the office, so please do not leave a message on this machine because I probably won’t get it.

If you want to write to me, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your letter. Otherwise, I won’t be able to reply. If you listen to the rest of this announcement, though, your questions may be answered.

1. I can’t sign books because I’m not coming into the office and it’s too onerous a task for the secretaries to have to carry them around.

2. I’m not taking any more speaking engagements in the foreseeable future.

3. I don’t have time to send biographical information or interpretive words about my novels to book clubs or individuals.

4. I don’t have time to read manuscripts.

5. I’m not taking any more journalistic assignments for the rest of 1993.

I do read my mail, but since I don’t get here very often and because I have a new baby and two big projects I’m working on, I don’t answer it very quickly.

If you still have something you want to write me about, please feel free to do so in care of the English Department here, and don’t forget your stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Otherwise, thank you for calling, and I appreciate your interest, and, um, ‘bye.