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An anonymous bidder has paid over $1,000 to see his or her name appear at least once in the next published work of fiction by author Lorrie Moore '78.

The e-Bay auction, in which 14 authors are participating, benefits the First Amendment Project (FAP), a nonprofit organization "dedicated to protecting and promoting freedom of information, expression, and petition. FAP provides advice, educational materials and legal representation to its core constituency of activists, journalists and artists in service of these fundamental liberties." The winning bid in the auction, which ended September 24, 2006, was $1,136.01; it bought, according to Moore, "Your name will appear at least once in my next work of published fiction."

Moore opened the 2005-2006 Writers Series at St. Lawrence, which celebrated the University's Sesquicentennial. In 2005, Moore was selected to receive the 18th annual PEN/Malamud Award, given annually since 1988 in honor of the late Bernard Malamud to recognize a body of work which demonstrates excellence in the art of short fiction. Moore, who received an honorary degree from St. Lawrence and spoke at Commencement in 2004, has written fiction, reviews and essays a number of prominent publications. She is the author of two novels and three collections of stories, the most recent of which, Birds of America, was a National Book Critics' Circle Award Finalist and the winner of the Irish Times International Prize for Literature. She has also edited several anthologies and written two children's books. In 2004 she was awarded the Rea Award for achievement in the short story. Moore teaches at the University of Wisconsin.

More information: The First Amendment Project Web site

Posted: September 28, 2006