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Winning Nobel a Disaster: Lessing

Literature award has left British author with no peace and quiet—or time to write

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted May 12, 2008 9:24 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Author Doris Lessing says winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2007 was a "bloody disaster" for her and her work. The 88-year-old author of The Good Terrorist and The Golden Notebook told the BBC she is in constant demand and has written little since winning. "All I do is give interviews and spend time being photographed," she complained.

Of her writing, she said: "It has stopped, I don't have any energy any more. This is why I keep telling anyone younger than me, don't imagine you'll have it forever. Use it while you've got it because it'll go. It's sliding away like water down a plughole."

British writer Doris Lessing outside her home in north London. She says she's exhausted by the demands made on her since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature.
British writer Doris Lessing outside her home in north London. She says she's exhausted by the demands made on her since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
Nobel literature laureate, Doris Lessing, says winning the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature was a disaster for her and her work.
Nobel literature laureate, Doris Lessing, says winning the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature was a disaster for her and her work.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Nobel literature laureate, Doris Lessing holds up the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature medal. She now says the award was a disaster for her and her work.
Nobel literature laureate, Doris Lessing holds up the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature medal. She now says the award was a disaster for her and her work.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Nobel Prize a disaster: Lessing tells how winning stopped her writing
The Independent Weekly (Durham)

A family at war
Guardian (UK)

 
Doris Lessing • Nobel Prize for Literature • Alfred and Emily • The Golden Notebook • The Good Terrorist • Staffan Carlsson • The Grass is Singing

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