Interview with Martha Bennett Stiles, February 27, 1993

Interview Summary

To begin the interview, the family history of Stiles is discussed, as well as her childhood experiences, educational background, her novel: "Kate of Stillwaters," and attending the College of William and Mary and the University of Michigan. The nature of creativity is contemplated. Experiences of living in Kentucky, literary prizes Stiles has won, researching and publishing historical novels and Joyce Carol Oates are detailed. Moral concerns are then established as Stiles' dominant theme. The novel "Cold Mountain," Stiles' writing style and writing habits, and horse-breeding are also mentioned. Additionally, the interviewee's current work and future projects, as well as other Kentucky writers Stiles admires are highlighted. Sense of place in Stiles' writing is then articulated.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky Virginia Family

Interview LC Subject

Authors, American--Kentucky Intellectual life Literature Children's authors Education

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.