Michael Lockett, Author of "In The Cut," on the Sunbury Press Books Show

"Life in Appalachia is like a kid standing in the center of a seesaw. It’s a fragile balance, somewhere between the old world and the new, flat-broke or getting by, rooted in place or getting out. Sometimes, folks here lose footing, lean too far one way or another. If one end of the seesaw comes down hard, it knocks them right off. "

This is a description of "In The Cut," Michael Lockett's new collection of tales released on Catamount Press. Stories of hardscrabble, everyday Appalachians are brought to life, as they struggle with rural life, its constrictions by place, religion, and a changing world. In this discussion with Lawrence Knorr, Lockett tells of the origins of these characters, sheds light on his Central Pennsylvania roots, and secures his spot as a storyteller from a unique section of the country.

Michael Lockett graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Clarion University and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Carlow University. His stories have been published in the "Northern Appalachian Review," "Twisted Vine," "Matthew's Place" and "Quarter Press." He is also a 2022 nominee for the James Baldwin Literary Award. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Find out more about Michael at michaellockett-author.com