Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Crickenberger, Sara Margaret
Author's Email Address	smcrick@vt.edu
URN	etd-04152008-094259
Title	The Center of the Known World
Degree	Master of Fine Arts
Department	English
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title D'Aguiar, Frederick M. Committee Chair Mann, Jeff A. Committee Member Roy, Lucinda Committee Member
Keywords	short story Appalachia Creative Writing fiction
Date of Defense	2008-04-14
Availability	restricted
Abstract All of the stories in The Center of the Known World are subtly linked by their connection to the Appalachian Mountains – more specifically the Allegheny Mountains – although not all of the stories take place physically in the mountains. They also are linked in that they explore the small changes and shifts that take place in the emotional landscape as we live our daily lives. There are no life or death situations that change characters’ lives in the beat of a heart or the shot of a gun. Rather, these are people who deal with gradual shifts in power and understanding. They are people in search of connection and community. Some of them come to seemingly small realizations that change everything. Others battle flaws or demons that keep them from having the things they want most. The first five stories are free-standing pieces. The next two stories – Grand Opening Special at the West End U-Store and A Fine Addiction – are connected by location and characters. I hope eventually there will be other stories in that series. The final part of my thesis – Skin Writing – is the first section of a novel in progress.
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