Local Authors

Welcome to the Otto Bookstore's Local Authors Page!

Discover the rich literary talent right here in our own community. This page showcases the diverse voices and captivating stories of writers who call Williamsport and the surrounding areas home. From bestselling novelists to emerging poets, these authors enrich our lives with their creativity and passion for storytelling.

Join us in celebrating the talent and creativity of our local authors. Whether you're a fan of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or memoirs, you're sure to find something to inspire and delight you.

Explore the profiles of our talented local authors below.

 

Author of When Evil Wears a Badge

Angela Laskodi

Angela Laskodi

Beth Fantaskey is the author of several young adult and middle grade novels, including Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, Jessica Rules the Dark Side and Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter. As Bethany Blake, she writes the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mysteries.

Beth Fantaskey

Beth Fantaskey

Chantal Gadoury is a best-selling fairytale retelling and romance author, living in the beautiful countryside of Muncy, Pennsylvania with her mom and family yorkie, Taran.

Chantal Gadoury

Chris is an award-winning science fiction writing and professor of physics at Lycoming College. He writes dystopian fiction and space opera. In addition to fiction, Chris has authored nearly 30 scientific papers and two textbooks.

Chris Kulp

Chris Kulp

Dystopian Fiction, Space Opera

Dr.

Dr. Oscar Knade

Dr. Oscar Knade

E.P. Klopp is the author behind the “Hope and Heartland” and the upcoming "Ruby Red Paw” series (Ringtale Publishing). Her work is heavily influenced by her Pennsylvania roots and her love for adventure.

E.P. Klopp

The author has worked in broadcasting, retail management, law enforcement, and as a short order cook.  Currently, the author is working in the social service field and sees what children and families are struggling with on a daily basis.  

J.R. James

J.R. James

Janeen Ippolito writes marvelous misfits and heroic tricksters. She’s the bestselling, award-winning author of over 20 books, including urban fantasy, steampunk fantasy, fairy tales, and superheroes.

Janeen Ippolito

Judi is a retired Certified Licensed Occupational Therapist. She enjoys running, hiking, biking and traveling. Judi is married with two grown children who were the inspiration for this book.

Judi Jessick

Kaitlyn Michael Berkheimer had always wanted to write since she was a young girl. She hoped that one day one of her books will be published and read by many people. During COVID, she began to write stories to cope with the stress of the pandemic and her father battling cancer.

Katelyn Michael-Berkheimer

Katelyn Michael-Berkheimer

Kevin Coolidge is currently the author of fifteen children's books and the creator of the Totally Ninja Raccoons. He's available for school presentations from kindergarten to 5th grade.

Kevin Coolidge

Kevin Coolidge

Lee Y. Miao grew up in a small Pennsylvania town with a fabulous library and studied international relations in college. After working for Time Magazine in New York City and going on to graduate school, she moved to California for a career in international banking.

Lee Miao

Recently retired Commonwealth University English Professor, Marjorie Maddox has published 16 collections of poetry—including How Can I Look It Up When I Don’t Know How It’s Spelled?

Marjorie Maddox

Marjorie Maddox

Nigel Fulmore-Smith is from Florence, SC, but now lives in Central Pennsylvania. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Coker University and has recently obtained his Master of Divinity from the Mcafee School of Theology at Mercer University.

Nigel Fulmore-Smith

Sabrina Beackley, a native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is a multifaceted individual with a passion for exploring the mysterious realms of the paranormal. She brings a refreshing perspective to her writing and speaking engagements.

S.A. Beackley

Steven Kurutz is the acclaimed author of American Flannel.  Kurutz, a seasoned features reporter for The New York Times, boasts a rich background in covering style and culture.  Kurutz brings a unique perspective to his storytelling, as seen in his acclaimed works such as Like a

Steven Kurutz

Steven Kurutz

Susan Hubbard is an elementary teacher, author and animal lover, especially dogs. She lives with her husband and 3 dogs in northcentral Pennsylvania. She enjoys travel, downhill skiing, boating and bike rides.

Susan Hubbard

TF Burke currently works with New York Times bestseller David Farland’s Apex-Writers as an admin and marketing specialist, where she schedules industry leaders for weekly multi-Zoom calls, hosts several writer-focused Zoom calls, and provides content for social posts.

T.F. Burke

Tim Palmer is the award-winning author of 31 books on rivers, conservation, and the environment. He is also an accomplished photographer with one of the most complete collections of photos of rivers in the United States.

Tim Palmer

Tim Palmer

Born and raised in central Pennsylvania. Travis spent thirteen years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with a tour in Afghanistan in 2008. After being medically retired from the military in 2018, he decided to begin his professional writing career.

Travis Harman

Attention Local Authors:

We would love to feature YOU on this page and help you promote your work!

We would love to share your info with our customers!

Click the image to complete the application to have you Author Profile featured on this page.

We would love to work with you to host an event celebrating your work.

Click the image to complete the application to be considered for an event at the Otto Bookstore.