Introducing Nikki Grimes

 

By Lana Koehler

I first started following Nikki Grimes from an author post that led me to her Facebook page. Her observations of nature and humanity frequently leave me awestruck.

 One thing that I admire is how she is able to weave words into a tapestry of rhythms and sounds to create her masterpieces. Her poetry is sublime.

 Nikki has graciously agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions that I always wanted to ask her.  

When did you first start writing and why?

I began writing when I was six years old. Initially, I wrote from a need for mental and emotional release.  As I got older, it became more than that.

  How has publishing changed since you first started writing?

I've been in this business, professionally, for more than 45 years.  In that time, publishing has changed in every way.  In the children's book sector, instead of being driven and shaped by English lit grads, it is driven by MBAs; instead of being predominantly backlist, it is more front list with less dependence on school and library marketing.  Finally, the market is marginally more diverse, but still has a very, very long way to go, on that score.

 Who is your target audience? Has that changed over the years?

I don't have a single target audience.  My catalog is quite broad, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, and adult.  It hasn't so much changed as grown, over the years. The particular story I'm writing determines the age-appropriate audience.

Who are your favorite authors? 

My list of favorite authors is too long, too broad, too deep to mention.  That said, I will name three who have influenced me most deeply: James Baldwin, Virginia Hamilton, and Katherine Paterson.

 What is the book you’re most proud to have written?

I am most proud of Ordinary Hazards, my memoir.  I worked on it, off and on, for 39 years, and it was easily the most challenging work I have ever attempted.

  Do you ever collaborate when you write? Who might you like to collaborate with? 

I've collaborated once, with Stacy Wells, on Stronger Than, a book with Heartdrum slated for 2025.  I look forward to doing so, again.  I have a couple of other possible collaborators in mind, but I won't name them.  Let it be a wonderful surprise!

  Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written or read? 

Two recent favorite reads: Why Fathers Cry At Night, by Kwame Alexander, and Kin, by Carole Boston Weatherford—both are memoirs, my favorite genre to read.

  Anything else you’d like to say?

If you care about democracy, if you care about our future, if you care about our children, join the fight for children's right to read diversely.  

 

 Quickie Favorites:

Color: Cobalt blue

Flower: Rose

Food: Gelato

Time of year: In general, Spring.  For travel, Fall.

Saying or quote: Something my grandmother used to say: Use your head for something other than a hat-rack.

 

 

Keep in touch with Nikki:

Facebook: Nikki Grimes

Instagram: @poetrynikki

X: @nikkigrimes9

NikkiGrimes.com