Interview with Nikky Finney, July 25, 2001

Interview Summary

Finney talks about writers and the story tellers on the porches of the community of her youth, authors such as Faulkner and Steinbeck, all of which influence her work. Finney is working on short stories relating to the life of her grandmother, and a novel called "Frogmarch." She discusses her writing and revision habits. Finney would like to write her grandmother's memoir. Teaching both helps and hinders Finney's work as a writer. Finney does not choose to read the reviews of her work. She recognizes that this means that she may not hear needed critical comments. Music is important to Finney. Finney feels that her work allows the reader to feel something they did not feel before. She is trying to get her message across using "plain sweet words."

Interview Keyword

Nikky Finney Betsy Brinson Oral history Writing Beulah Lenora Butler Davenport Computers Typewriters Creativity

Interview LC Subject

Authors, American--Kentucky Intellectual life Literature Brinson, Betsy Oral history Wilkinson, Crystal Ellis, Kelly Norman, 1964- Nye, Naomi Shihab Steinbeck, John, 1902-1968 Faulkner, William, 1897-1962 Cummings, E. E. (Edward Estlin), 1894-1962 Families Walker, Frank X, 1961- Finney, Nikky, 1957-

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.