**A Voice for the Commonwealth**
The Oldham County native is a well-known poet, essayist, and educator who has written six collections of poetry, including “Goat-Footed Gods,” “Blue Etiquette: Poems,” “Next Door to the Dead” and “Seed Across Snow.” She is set to become the state’s next poet laureate, a position that is chosen through a public nomination process coordinated by the Kentucky Arts Council.
Dreams of Compassion and Connection
Driskell’s writing is deeply rooted in her Kentucky upbringing, and she believes that it has the power to bring people together and deepen our capacity for compassion. “When we activate our imaginations, we are activating our capacity to love ourselves and to love one another,” she said. “We create a world that demonstrates our shared humanity is strengthened through paradoxically writing about the differences among us.”
Driskell has spoken about how her writing has given her a life she could never have imagined, and she cherishes the opportunity to pay that forward to future generations. “Language and creativity at the end are largely qualities that make us human,” she said.
The Importance of Writing
Driskell believes that all genres of art are important, but there’s something particularly humane about the work writers bring us. “All genres of art are important, but there’s something particularly humane about the work writers bring us,” she said. During her career, Driskell has won several awards, including the Appalachian Review’s Denny C. Plattner Award in Creative Nonfiction and grants from the Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Foundation for Women.
A Commitment to Kentucky’s Literary Tradition
Driskell is committed to continuing the legacy of Kentucky’s literary tradition, which has produced writers such as Silas House and Maria Faisal. She believes that the state’s writers are thriving, and she hopes to continue the work of her predecessor, Silas House, who was the first openly gay Kentucky Poet Laureate.
House’s Legacy
Silas House, who became the first openly gay Kentucky Poet Laureate in 2023, has made a significant impact during his term. He has spearheaded programs such as a freely accessible creative writing curriculum, a podcast on the craft of writing, and literary workshops held at state parks across Kentucky. During the press conference, House reflected on his term as poet laureate and highlighted the importance of making writing instruction more accessible. “This work has made my love for the state only deepen,” he said.
A New Chapter for Driskell
Driskell will be officially inducted as poet laureate on April 24 as a part of the state’s celebration of Kentucky Writers Day at the Capitol. The ceremony will feature readings from Driskell, outgoing Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House and 2024 Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Maria Faisal.
A New Era for Kentucky’s Literary Scene
Driskell’s appointment is seen as a positive development for Kentucky’s literary scene, which has been thriving in recent years. With Driskell at the helm, the state’s writers are expected to continue to flourish, and the literary tradition will be continued through her commitment to helping the state’s writers better their craft and connect them with valuable resources.
| Programs and Initiatives | Description |
|---|---|
| Freely Accessible Creative Writing Curriculum | A program that provides access to creative writing instruction for all citizens of Kentucky. |
| Podcast on the Craft of Writing | A podcast that explores the art and craft of writing, hosted by Silas House. |
| Literary Workshops | Workshops held at state parks across Kentucky, led by Silas House and other prominent writers. |
Driskell’s Words of Wisdom
Driskell hopes to continue House’s commitment to making writing instruction more accessible and to bringing the state’s writers together. “I might say I’ve been lucky, but for the realization that every good thing that has happened to me has happened through a connection with another writer willing to share what they knew,” she said. She believes that writing has the power to bring people together and deepen our capacity for compassion.
A Life of Writing
Driskell has spoken about how her writing has given her a life she could never have imagined, and she cherishes the opportunity to pay that forward to future generations. Driskell will be officially inducted as poet laureate on April 24 as a part of the state’s celebration of Kentucky Writers Day at the Capitol.
Highlights of Her Career
- Appalachian Review’s Denny C. Plattner Award in Creative Nonfiction
- Grants from the Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Foundation for Women
- Publication of six collections of poetry
A Message from the Kentucky Arts Council
The Kentucky Arts Council is proud to have selected Driskell as the state’s next poet laureate. “We are thrilled to have Driskell on board, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will have on the state’s literary scene,” said a spokesperson for the organization.
Driskell’s Poems
*“Goat-Footed Gods”
*“Blue Etiquette: Poems”
*“Next Door to the Dead”
*“Seed Across Snow”
The Future of Kentucky’s Literary Scene
With Driskell at the helm, Kentucky’s literary scene is expected to continue to flourish. The state’s writers are expected to benefit from her commitment to helping the state’s writers better their craft and connect them with valuable resources.
A Bright Future Ahead
Driskell’s appointment is seen as a positive development for Kentucky’s literary scene, and her words of wisdom offer a glimpse into the future of the state’s literary tradition. As she begins her new role as poet laureate, Driskell is set to inspire and uplift the state’s writers, and her legacy will be one of compassion, connection, and creativity.
