The Twenty featured in pluck! Issue 7

The Twenty class of 2011 is showcased in pluck! The Affrilachian Journal of Arts and Culture Issue 7. Featuring essays by Nikky Finney, Chaney Williams, and poems by, Greg Smith, Stephen Rodriguez, Deri Pryor, Sosha Pinson, Chungyen Chang, Holly Mitchell, and a photo essay by Hendrick Floyd!

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EXCERPT from the essay "Being One With These Hills" by Chaney Williams

There is a line in James Still’s poem “Heritage” that says, “Being one with these hills I cannot go away,” and after attending The Twenty: Young Writer’s Advance at the Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, KY, I can say that “I will not leave these hills.” The Hindman has permeated my skin and soul. The solitude of the mountains have left their coal tattoo. It has soothed the longing I had for the stillness that comes when you are sitting on a back porch, journal and pen in hand watching the sun disappear behind the mountains to meet the twilight sky. Hindman was the perfect place to cultivate my once thirsty soul for creative writing that had been battered by my first two years of academic essays and research papers.

I was able to find foot once again in these hills surrounded by a nurturing staff of teachers whose own passion for the spoken and written and word can be seen in every breath of their being. All of the staff humbly answered our relentless questions and set the tone of the advance with an atmosphere that was welcoming. They pushed us young writers to soak up the solitude of Hindman and encouraged us to dedicate time pursuing our craft. Every one of our teachers from Crystal Wilkinson to Jan Isenhour, with their down-to-earth personalities and their awe inspiring work made the advance that much more unique. I was introduced to topics that hadn’t been covered in previous writing programs from independent publishing to the technical and grammatical side of writing. Nikky Finney mothered us with fierce encouragement and comforting words telling us that whether we wanted writing to be our career or not that we all had a unique voice that Kentucky needs to hear. These words alone are ones I clutch to in a day and age where the arts are not valued. These are words that I have consoled me when I am surrounded by textbooks and flashcards telling me that I should find time for my craft because I want my voice to be shared. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity especially in a world where there are few retreats or conferences for young writers particularly of this awkward college age.

Before this program in Kentucky it seems that once you have graduated high school there is a lack of resources of growth experiences for young writers and The Twenty filled this gap beautifully. My time here I lapped up whether I was roaming the tranquil grounds with the sun beaming down on my face or enjoying the comforting caress of a rocking chair while sitting on the front porch of the Maystone Building writing and talking with my fellow Twenty-ers.