MFA students were encouraged and inspired after Nikky Finney’s recent visit. An award-winning poet and accomplished teacher, Finney is also a beacon of positivity and a reminder to all to find and follow a passion.
At both her public reading and Q&A, Finney engaged her audience with personal stories and passionate beliefs. Finney explained why she chose poetry as her mode of communicating her ideas with the world. “Poetry can open my eyes in a different way,” she said. “It’s a way of being present in the world.” Poetry is also how she finds a connection with others. “When I’m writing, I’m looking for the people who will walk with me.”
She discussed her writing process firmly stating, “You must take yourself seriously.” A regular writing practice is most important. “If you write once a month, you are not a writer,” she said. She encouraged writers to find the thing they fascinated about, the thing they would save. She insisted writers must also be readers.
In addition to writing advice, Finney also discussed the importance of all art in our world. “Art makes you empathetic. Art is powerful.” She encouraged all people to find their passion, make a plan, and work. She challenged her audience to search themselves for their true purpose. “Something beautiful is trying to happen,” she said. “Find it, hold onto it, and want it in a way no one can take from you.”
Don’t miss the next author in the Visiting Writing Series, Joyce Carol Oates on September 28th at 7:30pm in Clowes Memorial Hall.