Jacksonville, AL – The English Department’s Write, Southerners Reading & Lecture Series is excited to host the book launch for Atty in Love, written by local author and English instructor Tim Lockette. The event will take place on October 8, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in the Merrill Hall Auditorium. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Lockette, engage in discussions, and ask questions about his latest work.
Atty in Love is a sequel to Lockette’s first book, Atty at Law, and continues the story of a teenage activist named Atty. In this new book, Atty navigates adolescence, love, and activism, making difficult personal decisions while trying to free an elephant being used for entertainment. Though the book is primarily a teen romance, Lockette notes that readers of all ages will find appeal in its exploration of small-town culture, Alabama politics, and activism. The novel is filled with political and historical humor that may resonate particularly with older readers.
Lockette’s own inspirations come from local authors, including Dr. Robert Felgar and Kathryn Tucker Windham, both of whom played key roles in encouraging him to pursue writing. He hopes to pass along this inspiration to his students and others who may be interested in writing, emphasizing that meeting authors can make the path to becoming a writer feel achievable.
Lockette also shared his hope to inspire students to not be afraid of writing themselves. “I would really like to be that encouragement for others, just as meeting writers was for me,” he said, referencing how impactful it was to meet published authors personally.
Atty in Love is available for purchase on Amazon, Penguin Random House, Seven Stories Press, and other major booksellers. Copies are expected to be available at the Jacksonville State University bookstore as well.
The October 8 event will include a reading from the book, followed by a Q&A session. The reading will feature a section that highlights the political aspects of the story, providing both entertainment and depth for attendees. This event is open to the public, with students encouraged to attend.
