journalism. After working as a bellhop, shoe salesman, and record-store clerk, Michael landed a job writing music reviews for a daily newspaper. In 1997, he wrote a book about the rock band Hootie and the Blowfish. In 2007, he was named a S.C. Fiction Project winner for his story “The Lamp,” which is included in “Lonesome Pines,” his first collection of short stories. We recently talked to Michael about his stories.

We know Lonesome Pines doesn’t exist, but if you had to put it on the map, where would it be?
"Oh, I don’t know. Somewhere north of Calabash and south of Wilmington. Just across the Intracoastal Waterway from Holden Beach or Ocean Isle. Between Lumberton and Shallotte. Near the Interstate. Anywhere, really."

There are some colorful characters in Lonesome Pines. Are they based on real people?
"Not really, but there are people in my past who may have provided a basis for certain characters. Most stories start as a sliver of memory and grow from there. But believe me, Junior Jackson, Dottie Duke, Bobby Lee and Ricky, Big Sugar, they’re all their own person."

Who’s your favorite?
"I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, but I do have a soft spot for Ricky Switzer. I’ve known so many fellows like him, misplaced souls who are smart and talented but always in some kind of trouble. Not your typical Southern good old boy, but most certainly a Southern enigma."

There is a sort of melancholy in your stories, which often typifies Southern fiction.
"Well, folks down South are sentimental people, and Southerners are the best storytellers in the world, period. There are plenty more stories to be told about the folks in Lonesome Pines, too."

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