In a recent blog post, author Charles J. Shields explained how he landed the enviable job of writing a biography for Kurt Vonnegut. It took two tries.
The first time, Shields wrote a flattering, compliment-filled letter. Vonnegut sent a drawing of himself smoking a cigarette along with a polite rejection. The second time, Shields followed the wisdom of Truman Capote who said, “If you want someone to open up to you, you must share who you are first.”
Shields wrote a detailed letter which explained his connection to Vonnegut: “I have important affinities with you: the Midwestern link, my experiences as the son of a World War II vet who wrote short stories while working for a big corporation; my values as a humanist; my admiration for your work.”
This time, Vonnegut sent a postcard with the same self-portrait and a one-word blessing: “OK.”
Full Disclosure: This GalleyCat contributor has interned at Macmillan in the past.