Jane Smiley

Date of Birth: September 26, 1949

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Jane Smiley is an acclaimed American novelist, born on September 26, 1949, in Los Angeles, California. She is best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “A Thousand Acres,” a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “King Lear” set on a farm in Iowa. Smiley grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Vassar College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned an M.F.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. Smiley’s literary career began with her first novel, “Barn Blind,” published in 1980. Over the years, she has written a diverse array of works, including novels, short stories, nonfiction, and young adult books. Her ability to explore complex emotional landscapes and varied settings has made her a versatile and respected voice in contemporary literature. In addition to her writing, Smiley has taught creative writing at Iowa State University and has been involved in various literary and cultural projects. Her contributions to literature have earned her numerous awards and honors, including the PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Jane Smiley

1. Jane Smiley won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1992 for her novel “A Thousand Acres.”

2. She has written over twenty books, including novels, short stories, and nonfiction.

3. Smiley is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

4. She has a deep interest in horses and horse racing, which is evident in her novel “Horse Heaven.”

5. Smiley received the PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature in 2006.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jane Smiley

1. “I like to think the most important thing that I do is write books.”

2. “There is something about the Midwest that speaks to me, and I’m not sure what it is.”

3. “The complexity of things – the things within things – just seems to be endless. I mean nothing is easy, nothing is simple.”

4. “A novel is a journey into the unknown.”

5. “Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends, and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking.”