Tulsa & Oklahoma Authors
These Oklahoma authors have
written for adults and young adults.
Click here to see a
list of Oklahoma children's authors.
Our list of authors is not comprehensive. If you would like to suggest an author for the page please .
Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma!
Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma! Oklahoma marks its centennial of statehood in 2007 and you can help plan the celebration! Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma is a unique opportunity for citizens to read and discuss books that explore the Oklahoma experience. Each year, Oklahomans will select one book for a statewide reading and discussion program.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
(click on the author's name to search the library catalog)
Lynn Abbey (1948-) was born in Peekskill, NY. She and former husband Robert Asprin created a new concept of interconnection short fiction set in the imaginary town of Sanctuary. The "Thieves World" series was produced with the collaboration of about ten other fantasy authors. Lynn Abbey currently lives in Oklahoma City, OK. Visit Lynn Abbey's home page.
Carroll Arnett was born in 1927, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma of Cherokee-French ancestry.He taught literature and writing at Nasson College and was professor of English at Central Michigan University. He wrote more than three hundred poems and stories, sometimes under his Cherokee name Gogisgi, and was a Deer Clan Chief of the Overhill Band of the Cherokee Nation.
Linda Ashour is a native Oklahoman. She has written several novels, including Pulitzer-nominated Joy Baby, which is based upon the stories and legends of her great-grandfather Phillips, the founder of Phillips Petroleum. See a review of Linda's book A Comforting Lie at http://www.bookbrowser.com/Reviews/AshourLindaPhillips.html.
Rilla Askew grew up in southeastern Oklahoma, a setting she frequently uses in her writing. Askew has served as writer-in-residence at Northeastern State University and the University of Central Oklhoma, among other universities, and frequently teaches workshops at writers' conferences. Her short story collection Strange Business won the Oklahoma Book Award in 1993, and her novel The Mercy Seat received this award in 1998. She is presently at work on a novel set during the Tulsa Race Riot. See more about Rilla http://www.libarts.ucok.edu/english/creative/artist/current/.
Te Ata was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Her father was a Chickasaw council member.She appeared on stage in New York, at the White House and in Europe; and Lake Te Ata in New York is named for her. Te Ata's story Baby Rattlesnake is a well known children's tale of the difficulties of growing up and is a favorite of schools and libraries throughout the country. Her work is an example of the evocative power of the oral storytelling traditions.
Mike Austin (1953-), of Cherokee and Austrian descent, was born in Missouri and raised in Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation, Texas and Austria. He has been active in social and cultural programs in Oklahoma and throughout Europe. His articles, essays and poetry have been widely published in the U.S. and Europe. Storytellers Biography of Mike Austin
Stuart R. Ball was born in Manhattan, Kansas and currently lives in Yukon, Oklahoma. An electrical engineer, Ball has written articles for the periodicals Circuit Cellar, INK, Byte, and Modern Electronics, as well as several books in his area of expertise. Ball's book "Analog Interfacing to Embedded Systems" was published in 2001. He is currently at work on his next book, a third edition of "Embedded Microprocessor Systems, Real World Design". For more about his books visit www.bhusa.com/newnes.
Jim Barnes (1933-), of Choctaw and Welsh ancestry, grew up in Summerfield, Oklahoma. He teaches contemporary, world and Native American literature and creative writing at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. He has published over 500 poems in journals and is the founding editor of the Chariton Review Press. Storytellers Biography of Jim Barnes
Stanley W. Beesley is a native Oklahoman.He is the author of Vietnam: The Heartland Remembers, published in 1988.Beesley recently published Sweetwater, Oklahoma, a collection of connected stories about small-town Oklahoma.
William Bernhardt (1960-) made his debut as a novelist in 1992 with Primary Justice. Bernhardt is perhaps best known for the "Justice" series of courtroom novels featuring attorney Ben Kincaid (Blind Justice, Deadly Justice, Perfect Justice, Cruel Justice). Silent Justice, published February 2000, is Bill's most recent book. Visit the Web site: http://www.williambernhardt.com/.
John Berryman (1914-1972) was born in McAlester, Oklahoma. He was elected a Fellow of the Academy of American Poets in 1966 and served as a Chancellor from 1968 until his death. Visit the Academy of American Poets' Biography of John Berryman.
Tom Bess has written about collectible pottery.
Jack M. Bickham (1930-1997) was born in Columbus, OH. He began his career as a journalist, eventually teaching journalism at the University of Oklahoma and writing westerns. He also wrote suspense novels under the name Jack Miles. Read an interview with Jack Bickham. For more http://title3.sde.state.ok.us/literatureanda/jack.htm.
Sandra Bishop grew up in Vermont. She and her Air Force husband now call Oklahoma home. Her passions include the outdoors and history. Many of her romantic novels involve Native American characters and history. Read more at Sandra Bishop's web page.
Daniel J. Boorstin (1914-) was born in Atlanta, but his family relocated to Tulsa when Boorstin was two years old. Boorstin graduated first in his class from then Tulsa Central High School and went on to a lifetime of scholarship and achievement. A noted historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Boorstin also served as the Librarian of Congress from 1975 to 1987. For more information visit http://speakers.com/spkr1177.html and for an interview see http://www.booknotes.org/transcripts/10103.htm.
Phyllis Braunlich moved to Oklahoma from Indiana many years ago. A journalist and college instructor, Phyllis writes biographies and other nonfiction. Her most recent title is Stone Pillows: An American Christian Missionary in the Moslem Land of King Zog.
Robert Bryce Over the past sixteen years, Robert Bryce has written for a panoply of now-dead publications including Talk magazine and the Tulsa Tribune. He's even written for a few still publishing, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Austin Chronicle, and Texas Observer. Bryce has been writing about Enron's political activities since 1997 and covered the firm's telecommunications and e-commerce ventures throughout 2001. Despite years of muckraking, he has won no awards worth mentioning. An apiarist, he lives in Austin with his wife, three children, and a hyperactive bird dog named Biscuit.
Bob Burke (1948-) was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. He now lives in Oklahoma City where he practices law and writes books. He was a nationally known sportscaster and served as Director of the Department of Economic & Community Affairs during the administration of Governor David L. Boren.
P.C. Cast was born in Illinois but now makes her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her daughter and cat. P.C. is the author of fantasy romances Goddess By Mistake and Goddess of the Sea. For more about P.C. http://www.pccast.net/index.html.
Patrick Chalfant was born in western Oklahoma and currently resides in Tulsa. His novel, When the Levee Breaks, tells the story of two brothers growing up in the Midwest, fighting to save the family ranch from a corrupt banker and struggling to understand their father's old-world morals and ethics. For more <http://www.patrickchalfant.com/>.
Deborah Camp (1952-) turned to writing romance fiction after a career in journalism. She currently teaches writing classes at Tulsa Community College.
Kevin Chambers (1954-) was born in Ft. Smith and grew up in Stilwell, Ok. He currently lives in Tulsa, where he is employed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. His books include A Traveler's Guide to Asian Customs and Manners and A Travelers Guide to Asian Culture.
C.J. Cherryh (1942-) writes intricately about alien cultures. Her background in the classics and anthropology have helped her create realistic alien worlds. She is extensively traveled. A long-time resident of Oklahoma, C. J. has now moved out of state. Visit her Web site: http://www.cherryh.com/www/menu.htm.
Deborah Chester (1957-) has been writing professionally since 1978. She has written a variety of romance and fantasy titles under various pen names, including a science fiction trilogy, The Alien Chronicles, which explores how the Force of Star Wars' fame was created. She lives in Norman and teaches professional writing in journalism at the University of Oklahoma.
Marian
Clark is a Tulsan who has lived on or near Route 66 all her life.
She is the author of The Route 66 Cookbook, the story of the best-loved
eateries along the famous highway. Her other books include The Main Street
of America Cookbook, and The Southwestern Heritage Cookbook. Clark also
writes a regular food column for the National Historic Route 66 Federation
Magazine.
For more about Marian's books http://route66cookbook.homestead.com/welcome.html
Robert J. Conley (1940-), United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee, was born in Cushing, Oklahoma. His poems and short stories have been published in numerous languages and international journals. A member of the Western Writers of American, he has published over 34 novels and a collection of short stories and won three Spur awards. In 1997, he was inducted in the Oklahoma Professional Writers Hall of Fame. Storytellers biography of Robert J. Conley.
Debra Cowan was born in Idabel, Oklahoma and later moved to the Tulsa area. She is an avid history buff and world traveler. Her romantic fiction reflects her wide travel interests. Visit Debra Cowan's home page.
John Coward is the author of The Newspaper Indian: Native American Identity in the Press 1820-90. Mr. Coward is an associate professor of communications and Chair of the faculty of communications at the University of Tulsa. For more about The Newspaper Indian http://www.press.uillinois.edu/f98/coward.html.
Connie Cronley was born in Oklahoma and currently lives in Tulsa.She has worked in newspaper, television, advertising, and public relations.She has written numerous articles, taught writing, and managed a ballet company. Many of the commentaries in her collection, Sometimes A Wheel Falls Off, were first heard in Cronley's segments for National Public Radio.For more about this book http://www.hawkpub.com/sometimeswheel.htm
Jay Cronley (1943-) was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. After a short career as a stockbroker, he began writing articles for a variety of publications. Several of his humorous novels have been made into films. He contributes a daily column in the Tulsa World.
Henry Custer was born in Checotah, schooled in Jenks, and lived in Tulsa until retirement. He currently lives in Florida with his wife and is an active author. Visit Henry Custer’s page for more information.
David Dary (1934-) was born in Manhattan, Kansas. His career began in radio journalism, which led to teaching. He has written several books for newswriters. He currently serves as the Director of the University of Oklahoma's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He is a member of the Western Writers of America and has won several Spur awards for his western fiction.
Angie Debo (1890-1988) was a child when her parents moved to Marshall, Oklahoma Territory in 1899, ten years after the land was opened by the "Run of 1889." She saw a rough frontier evolve into an active vigorous state and remembered well what she observed. Debo was a lady with strong beliefs who followed her convictions, which led her to write about the history of Oklahoma, of Marshall, and of American Indians and the relations between them and the federal government. Read more about the life of Angie Debo from the Special Collections and University Archives of Oklahoma State University.
Genell Dellin a native Oklahoman, lives in Claremore. Genell has published best-selling romances and, in 1993, was named Oklahoma Writer of the Year by the University of Oklahoma's School of Professional Writing. For more about Genell and a bibliography http://members.aol.com/romancegd.
Gary Weston DeWalt (1944- ) was born in Bartlesville and lived in the Tulsa area, where he attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High School until 1958. A former publisher and documentary filmmaker turned writer, he coauthored (with Anatoli Boukreev) The Climb, a nonfiction book about the Mount Everest tragedy of 1996. A New York Times bestseller, The Climb has been translated in ten languages including Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Italian. G. Weston DeWalt currently lives in Pasadena, California where he continues his career as a writer.
Ronnie Claire Edwards is an Oklahoma City native and veteran star of stage and screen. She is best known as "Corabeth Godsey" on The Waltons television program. Ronnie Claire has written The Knife Thrower's Assistant: Memoirs of a Human Target and co-authored Idols of the King, a musical retrospective about Elvis.
Ralph Ellison (1914-1994), born in Oklahoma City, achieved international fame with his first novel, Invisible Man (1952). He was influenced early by the myth of the frontier, viewing the United States as a land of "infinite possibilities." The close-knit black community in which he grew up supplied him with images of courage and endurance, as well as an interest in music. Visit Ralph Ellison's biography and links to sites about his work.
Scott Ellsworth (1954-) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as a historian for the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. He is a full-time writer and human rights activist, particularly noted for the book, Death in a Promised Land: the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921.
Arthur L. Farakhan, the author ofHow to Solve the Inner-City Gang Problem, writes from his experience as a former gang member.He resides in Tulsa, where he is a troubled youth consultant and counselor.
David A. Farris was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma.He recently published Mysterious Oklahoma:EerieTrue Tales from the Sooner State, which is a collection of supernatural tales and legends all set in Oklahoma.Farris has also written Oklahoma Outlaw Tales-"real tales from the badlands of Indian Territory."
Connie Feddersen writes also as Carol Finch, Gina Robins, and Debra Falcon. She has written 50+ books--mysteries and romance--and has received awards for outstanding achievement from Romantic Times Magazine. See Connie's homepage http://www.nettrends.com/carolfinch/.
Peggy Fielding grew up in Oilton, Oklahoma.She currently lives in Tulsa, where she teaches creative writing at Tulsa Community College.Peggy writes both fiction and non-fiction and has published several contemporary and historical romance novels.Peggy is a frequent speaker at writers' conferences and seminars across the U.S.For more about Peggy, visit her website at www.peggyfielding.com.
Grant Foreman (1869-1953) was born in Pike County, Illinois. Trained as an attorney, Mr. Foreman first came to the Indian Territory to solve legal questions involving land disputes among the Indians. This legal research turned into his life's work as an historian of the Five Civilized Tribes and early Oklahoma. Long-time resident of Muskogee, Foreman was recognized as the dean of American Indian historians.
John Hope Franklin (1915-), historian and educator, was born in Rentiesville, Oklahoma. His writings reappraised the American Civil War era and importance of the black struggle in shaping modern American identity. He also helped fashion the legal brief that led to the historic Supreme Court decision outlawing public school segregation, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), and was instrumental in the development of African-American Studies programs at colleges and universities. In 1995 U.S. President Bill Clinton honored Franklin with the Presidential Medal of Freedom; two years later Clinton appointed the scholar to the seven-member Race Initiative Advisory Board.
John D. Gassett grew up during the Depression on a farm outside Webb City, Oklahoma. Gassett is a patent attorney in Tulsa. His book, Little John: The Webb City Kid, grew out of bedtime stories he told his grandchildren about growing up in Dust Bowl Oklahoma.
Eddie Faye Gates (1934-) was born in Preston, OK. As teacher, human rights activist and writer, she has received numerous awards for her civic contributions. She is actively involved in community organizations and currently serves on the Tulsa Race Riot Commission. Visit her web site: http://www.tulsa-riot.com.
Arrell Gibson (1921-) Although born in Pleasanton, Kansas, Gibson's career spanned many years at Phillips University in Enid, and at the University of Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma Press published many of his distinguished works of Oklahoma and Native American history. Dr. Gibson served as the first President of the Oklahoma Center for the Book.
Barbara Snow Gilbert (1954-) was born in Oklahoma City, where she currently works as an attorney, mediator and writer. Her first book for young adults, Stone Water, was widely praised for its sensitivity with the difficult subject of assisted suicide.
Diane Glancy (1941-) was born in Kansas City, Missouri of Cherokee and German/English parents. She is known for works in which she uses realistic language and vivid imagery to address such subjects as spirituality, family ties and her identity as a person of mixed blood. Many of her books are set in Oklahoma. She is a poet, short story writer, playwright, essayist, and educator and served as artist-in-residence for the State Arts Council of Oklahoma for many years. Visit her online biography and links page.
Danney Goble (1946-) was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma and is descended from pioneers who settled the Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory before 1900. He has written several books of Oklahoma history, as well as the recently published Tulsa! Biography of the American City. He serves on the faculty at the University of Oklahoma.
Darlene Graham resides in Norman, Oklahoma. She worked as a registered nurse before turning to writing romantic fiction. Her 1999 novel, The Pull of the Moon, concerns a firefighter's trauma after working as a rescuer at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing. Visit Darlene Graham's home page.
Gordon Grice (1965-)was born in Guymon, Oklahoma. A poet by training, Grice has worked as a teacher and newspaper reporter. He is currently the contributing editor for Oklahoma Today magazine. His 1998 book, The Red Hourglass: Lives of the Predators has garnered several awards. Read an interview with Gordon Grice.
Molly Levite Griffis, currently an author and bookstore owner, has been an English teacher, book reviewer, and storyteller.In addition to children's books, she has written a book for adults,You've Got Mail Billie Letts.
Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) was born in Okemah, Oklahoma. Although well-known as a songwriter and musician, Guthrie was also an author. Bound for Glory was both written and illustrated by him and is his memoir of growing up in Oklahoma. Visit the site for Guthrie's Foundation and Archives http://www.woodyguthrie.org/
Jean Hager (1932-), part-Cherokee, was born in Illinois and moved to Oklahoma with her family. Her mystery series featuring Mitch Bushyhead and Molly Bearpaw allow her to combine elements of Cherokee heritage with suspense, recalling the work of Tony Hillerman. An additional mystery series is set in a B & B in Southwest Missouri. Read more about Jean Hager http://title3.sde.state.ok.us/literatureanda/jean.htm.
Raven Hail (1920-), member of the Cherokee Nation, was born near Dewey, Oklahoma. Her poetry and essays on Cherokee culture have been widely published. Storytellers biography of Raven Hail.
Joe Haldeman (1943-) was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In his award-winning science fiction novel The Forever War, Joe Haldeman combines his experiences as a soldier during the Vietnam War, in which he was severely wounded, with a realistic, scientifically-accurate presentation. His formal education includes a B.S. in astronomy. Read more about Joe Haldeman.
Neal Hallford was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and grew up in the Tulsa area. He is a writer and game designer. His work on the the game "Krondor" is the basis for the New York Times bestseller Krondor: The Betrayal, co-written with fantasy author Raymond E. Feist. Hallford collaborated with his wife Jana, also an author, in writing the how-to book, Swords & Circuitry: A Designer's Guide to Computer Role-Playing Games. Find out more at http://Neal.Hallford.com.
Carol Hamilton (1935-) was born in Enid, Oklahoma. She has contributed more than 3,000 articles, poems and stories to local and national periodicals. She states, "I never dreamed of writing poetry or children's literature, but these two fields have given me the most success and satisfaction over the years." She currently teaches in the Creative Studies Division at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Margo Hamilton is a native Tulsan and long-time schoolteacher. She has written several non-fiction works, among them Everybody's Guide to Money and Fun, Every Parent's Guide to Daycare, Selecting Your Career, and Growing and Putting Up. Her first work of fiction is Linda, which Margo categorizes as "Women's Fiction." Coming next is another fiction title, Cowgirl of the Year, a "romantic comedy." Margo currently lives in Oklahoma. Margo's website http://home.earthlink.net/~margomail.
Michael J. Hanes moved from Kentucky to Oklahoma in 1992 and currently resides in Edmond.He is a Licensed Professional Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor.He is a graduate faculty member at the University of Oklahoma and at Oklahoma State University's Oklahoma City campus.Michael has published numerous articles in art therapy journals, and he is the author of the text, Roads to the Unconscious: A Manual for Understanding Road Drawings.He is also a practicing artist, working with acrylic paint and mixed media.
Ollie Haney was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in Oklahoma. She began her writing career with poetry at the age of 9. She has published a book of poetry, but her passion is horror. She has published several horror titles.
Joy Harjo (1951-) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is an enrolled member of the Muscogee Tribe. She studied painting and theater at the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico and thereafter began writing poetry and lyrics. Her band, Joy Harjo and Poetic Justice, perform music that combines elements of tribal music, jazz and rock. Storytellers biography of Joy Harjo.
Carolyn Hart (1936-) is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City. Her mysteries have won almost every award related to mystery fiction. Her children's books have won her acclaim from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Her passion for justice fuels her writing. Visit Carolyn's homepage at www.carolynhart.com/default.htm.
Paul Harvey (1918-) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.While still in high school, Harvey began his radio career at Tulsa Station KVOO-AM.He continued working there while attending the University of Tulsa.Harvey is known throughout the world for his radio broadcasts, "News and Comment" and "The Rest of the Story."Books written and co-written by Harvey are collections of anecdotes and humor.For more about Paul Harvey http://www.abcradio.com/radio/ph/
Lance Henson (1944-) was born in Washington D.C. and raised near Calumet, Oklahoma. He is a member of the Cheyenne Dog Soldier Society, the Native American Church and the American Indian Movement (AIM). He has participated in Cheyenne Sun Dance on several occasions as both dancer and painter. Lance has published 17 books of poetry, half in the U.S. and half abroad. His poetry has been translated into 25 languages. Storytellers biography of Lance Henson.
Joyce Hifler (1925-) was born in Nowata, Oklahoma, and is descended from the Sequichie family who were marched to Oklahoma over the Trail of Tears. A nationally syndicated columnist, Joyce has written her column entitled "Think On These Things" for many years. She has published several collections of these columns, in addition to collections of essays and poetry. Her latest book, When the Night Bird Sings, is a compilation of family experiences and lessons learned from her mother and grandmother. Visit Joyce's official website at http://www.hifler.com.
Tony Hillerman (1925-) was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma. He served in the Army during World War II and was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart after being wounded in 1945. After a career in journalism, he returned to graduate school and later to teach journalism at the University of New Mexico. He and his wife raised six children. He now resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Read more about Tony Hillerman in his online biography from the University New Mexico and About.com biography, interviews with Tony Hillerman and book reviews site.
S.E. Hinton (1950-) was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She revolutionized the young adult novel by writing about realistic characters facing problems related to sibling rivalry, social class differences, poverty, substance abuse, and cruelty that teenagers inflict on each other and themselves. She worked as a consultant on the film adaptations of four of her novels. Read more about S.E. Hinton and an online essay "On writing Tex."
Linda Hogan (1947-) (Chickasaw) spent most of her childhood was spent in Oklahoma and Colorado. Hogan has played a prominent role in the development of contemporary Native American poetry. The main focus and movement of Linda's work concerns the traditional indigenous view of and relationship to the land, animals and plants. Storytellers biography of Linda Hogan.
A. B. Hollingsworth is a doctor currently working at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City.Flatbellies, a novel about a high school golf team in Oklahoma during the 1960's received rave reviews.His first published book was The Truth About Breast Cancer Risk Assessment.
Janis Reams Hudson was born in California, grew up in Colorado and Texas, and lived in central Oklahoma for most of her adult life. She wrote for television before beginning a career as a novelist. She is a member of Romance Writers of America. Visit Janis Reams Hudson's home page.
Ken Jackson is a native Oklahoman and a newspaperman since age 13!Jackson worked for the Tulsa World for many years and served there as the Book Review Editor for several of those years.Jackson has written several novels.He and his wife Angie currently write a book review column in Tulsa People.
Hannibal B. Johnson An attorney, Johnson works both as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Tulsa and as an independent consultant and conference/meeting facilitator. For more information <http://www.webtek.com/blackwallstreet/Author.htm>
Bret Jones is a Muscogee (Creek) Indian who has published several mystery novels and plays. He has also written the screenplay for two films. He currently is Assistant Professor of Communication and Director of Theatre at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. For more information, see Bret’s web site.
Jenkin Lloyd Jones (1911-) was born in Madison, Wisconsin. His family moved to Tulsa in 1919 and bought the Tulsa Daily Democrat, Tulsa's evening newspaper, and changed its name to The Tulsa Tribune. Jones' entire career was spent at the Tribune, where he became Editor at the age of 27. He continued until the paper ceased publication in 1992. Jones wrote several books about his travels as a journalist and newspaperman.
Louise Tucker Jones grew up on a farm outside Henryetta, Oklahoma, and now resides in Edmond.She is the author of the inspirational contemporary novel, Dance from the Heart; and, with Cheri Fuller, she co-authored Extraordinary Kids, which received the Gold Medallion Book Award.Jones also writes for numerous Christian magazines, including Guideposts and Special Education Today.She is also a poet, journalist, speaker, and often leads workshops on writing personal experience articles.
Martin Keating was born and raised in Oklahoma with unique access to information about clandestine governmental operations. His brother Frank Keating, currently Governor of Oklahoma, is a former FBI agent and assistant Secretary of the Treasury. His uncle, a career intelligence officer, headed the Navy's worldwide intelligence operations. Visit Martin Keating's home page.
Harold Keith was born in Lambert, Oklahoma Territory. From 1922-1923, he taught school in the Amorita Consolidated School System. Keith served as the University of Oklahoma Sports Publicity Director from 1930-1969. He used Oklahoma as the setting for his numerous books, some written for adults, some for young adults, and many for children.
Amanda Kramer (Jackie Kramer) (1945-) moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of four, but considers herself a "native" Oklahoman. Her first book, BABY BONUS, a Silhouette Desire, is set in Tulsa, and made the USA Today Bestseller list in its first week of release. Ms. Kramer's second book, BROKEN PLEDGE under the name of Jackie Kramer, is an Hard Shell Word Factory eBook now available in Rocket Edition on the Internet. BROKEN PLEDGE is a finalist in the 1999 Booksellers' Best Award. Visit Jackie's website at: http://westwood.fortunecity.com/ghost/644.
Mercedes Lackey (1950-) was born in Chicago and moved to Tulsa to work for American Airlines in 1982. Most of her books focus on the genre of fantasy fiction, and she is best-known for her attention to realistic details in creating the fantasy world of Valdemar. She corroborates frequently with other science fiction writers, including her husband, Larry Dixon. Read more about Mercedes Lackey and see a list of her titles in series order.
R.A. Lafferty (1914-) was born in Iowa and moved to Perry, OK as a child, and later, Tulsa, OK. After a stint in the army, he had a career as an electrical engineer. He began writing and publishing stories in his late fifties. Lafferty is credited with enormous influence among science fiction writers and much has been written about the "Cranky Old Man from Tulsa," including this tribute by Brad Sinor. Read a biography of R.A. Lafferty.
Louis L'Amour (1908-1988) was born in North Dakota but lived in Oklahoma City during the 1930's, where he wrote more than 200 book reviews for the Sunday Oklahoman. By the time L'Amour died, he had written more than and surpassed Zane Grey as America's most popular writer of Western fiction and was recognized worldwide as the "laureate of the lariat."
Jodie Larsen is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she resides with her husband and children. In her spare time Jodie enjoys encouraging both children and adults to explore their writing talents by working with schools and libraries. She is an avid runner and a mother of two active teens. Visit Jodie’s official Website.
Mary Leader (1948-) was born in Pawnee and now makes her home in Norman, Oklahoma. She is currently the Creative Writing Fellow for Poetry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she also lectures in law. Leader practiced law for many years and served Oklahoma as Assistant State Attorney General, and later as referee for the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. Red Signature is her first book of poetry.
Victoria Lee, though officially born in Texas, grew up in Oklahoma and lives in Tulsa. Victoria states that she writes “a little bit of everything.” Titles by Victoria located at Tulsa City-County Library are Unforgettable Grady about basketball coach Grady Skillern; Movers and Shakers; and Distinguished Oklahomans. For more about Victoria, see the website for her publishing company, www.atouchofheartpublishing.com.
Billie Letts (1938-) was born in Tulsa, OK. She began writing stories as a child. After a career teaching creative writing at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, during which she wrote stories and screenplays, she published her first novel, Where the Heart Is. The novel's selection for Oprah Winfrey's book club in December gave it instant success. She has retired to write full-time. Her husband, also a retired professor, began a second career as an actor in movies and television shows like "Walker, Texas Ranger". They have two grown sons: Shawn, a musician, and Tracy, a playwright.
Savoie Lottinville (1906-1997) is known for building the University of Oklahoma Press into one of the country's finest scholarly publishers.Time magazine stated that Lottinville "built the Press into the nation's standout example of a successful regional publisher."Lottinville directed the OU Press from 1938 until 1967.
B.P.(Bill) Loughridge was born on a farm outside Ardmore, Oklahoma.After graduating from the University of Oklahoma Medical School, Loughridge and his family settled in Tulsa in the 1970s.His book, The Cardiac Surgeon's Diet and Health Design, contains his strategies for wellness through nutrition and exercise, which developed throughout his practice as a cardiac surgeon.Loughridge is currently at work on a second book about cleaning up indoor air.For more, see Dr. Loughridge's interactive website at http://www.dietandhealthdesign.com/.
Merline Lovelace (1946-) was born in Northampton, MA to a military family. After a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, she embarked on a second career as a novelist. Currently president of the Oklahoma Chapter of Romance Novelists of America, her novels fall into the romance and thriller categories.
Norma Jean Lutz began her writing career in 1977. Her stories and articles have been widely published in secular and Christian magazines. She has also authored over thirty books. Visit Norma's home page.
Wilma Mankiller (1945-) was born on a farm in rural Oklahoma. After two seasons of drought, her family relocated to California with the assistance from the government. Her experiences with poverty and racism as a child led her to become active in the Native American rights movement in the 1960s. She returned to Oklahoma in 1975 and began working for the Cherokee Nation. Her writings reflect her interests in preserving and promoting her heritage. A biography of Wilma Mankiller.
Daniel Marder (1923- )Although born in Chicago, Marder is a long-time resident of Tulsa.He was a professor of English at several universities, most recently at the University of Tulsa, where he also served as Chairman of the English Department.Marder is active in Tulsa's literary community.
John Joseph Matthews (1894-1979) was an Oxford-educated Osage and a highly regarded writer who produced five significant books, two of which are important scholarly studies of his own Osage tribe. In addition, he was a widely respected leader of his tribe, serving on the Osage Tribal Council for eight years. His final and perhaps his most impressive work, The Osages: Children of the Middle Waters (1961), is a massive history of the Osage Indian Tribe, amounting to over 800 pages. Basing this piece upon exhaustive archival research, Mathews made judicious use of oral interviews of old persons within the tribe that were gathered over many years. The result was a nearly definitive history of the Osages.
Lewis Meyer (1913-1995) was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. For sixty years, Meyer was a Tulsa institution as an author, bookstore owner, and book reviewer. His television program, Lewis Meyer's Bookshelf, ran on KOTV for 42 years. Meyer wrote several books, the most well-known being Preposterous Papa about his father in Sapulpa's early days.
Robin Meyers was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Meyers has been Senior Minister of Mayflower Congregational Church of Oklahoma City since 1985.He has also served as Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Oklahoma City University since 1991.Dr. Meyers is the author of two books, Preaching as Self-Persuasion, a textbook for preachers, and Morning Sun On A White Piano: Simple Pleasures and the Sacramental Life.Dr. Meyers is a frequent preacher and speaker at church conferences and communication workshops around the country.
George Milburn (1906-1966) was born in Coweta in Indian Territory. Milburn reported that his college career at Stillwater was "interrupted when a quart of blood that I sold to get a news feature weakened me to such an extent that I spent the spring in the hospital." Milburn published many short stories and several collections about life in small-town Oklahoma.
Teresa Miller (1952-) was born in Tahlequah, OK. The word "indefatigable" aptly describes Teresa, who writes, teaches, moderates and produces a television program, and serves as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers, headquartered at OSU-Tulsa. For more information about Teresa,see http://www.ecok.edu/dept/english/octe/tmiller.html. For an interview with Teresa and information about her first novel, Remnants of Glory, see http://www.hawkpub.com/remnants.htm.
Robert H. Mitchell (1921-) is an Oklahoma City attorney.He has served as Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor of Oklahoma and as chairman of the state's pardon and parole board. Ride the Lightning, his first novel, was inspired by the 1973 riot at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester-one of the most destructive prison riots in U.S. history.
N. Scott Momaday (1934-) was born in Lawton, Oklahoma in a Kiowa hospital. As a child, his family moved to the Pueblo village of Jemez (New Mexico). Upon discovering his family's Kiowa history, this only child created a world of ancestors within his imagination. His creativity led him through college to a career in writing and teaching. His first novel, House Made of Dawn, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1969, the first major literary prize awarded to an American Indian author. Subsequent novels, poetry, plays, artwork and short stories attracted a devoted audience, both Indian and non-Indian, as well as international acclaim. He recently founded The Buffalo Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Native communities preserve their cultural heritage and teach it to their children. Visit an online biography and links to other Momaday sites.
Anna Myers, a former English teacher, is a two-time winner of the Oklahoma Book Award for young adult fiction.Anna has also written children's books, several of which are on the "children's choice list" for other states.
Mel Odom (1957-) He is the author of numerous science fiction and fantasy books.
Darcy O'Brien (1939-1998) was born in Los Angeles. The son of actors George O'Brien and Marguerite Churchill, he grew up in Hollywood's golden age. O'Brien worked as a graduate professor of English at the University of Tulsa from 1978-1996, during which time he published many books, several of which deal with famous true crime stories. His last book, which was published shortly before his death, is a biographical work about the Pope.
Sara Orwig is a best-selling romance author.She writes both historical and contemporary romance.Her books have won numerous awards, includingthe Oklahoma Writers Federation Award for Best Oklahoma Novel.Sara teaches at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
Cary Osborne is a resident of Norman, Oklahoma, and the author of 5 science fiction novels, Iroshi, The Glaive, Persea, Death Weave, and Darkloom.Winter Queen, a fantasy, was written under the pseudonym Devin Cary. For more about Cary's books http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Falls/8643/osborne.html
Marilyn Pappano The author of numerous romance titles, Marilyn currently lives in Sapulpa. One of her novels was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. For a list of titles by Marilyn visit http://www.romantictimes.com/data/authors/341.html.
Georgene Pearson is a retired teacher and lives in Oologah, OK. She is the author of A Light in the Window, a work of historical fiction, and has written over one hundred poems. Georgene also maintains a busy speaking schedule.
Robert W. Phillips (1944-) was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but has lived in Broken Arrow since 1993.He has collected and researched memorabilia connected with the American cowboy heroes of film, radio, television and rodeo for over forty years and is a recognized authority on Roy rogers and bob Wills. In addition to writing numerous magazine articles, Phillips is the author of a book about Roy Rogers and Singing Cowboy Stars.Phillips has also conducted pioneering research in his study of cowboy comic books of the 1930-60s.
Marcia (M.K.) Preston grew up on a wheat farm in Oklahoma, near a town similar to the setting of her first mystery novel-Perhaps She'll Die. She has taught in public high schools and has worked as the PR Director for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.Marcia now edits and publishes ByLine, a small-press trade magazine for writers www.bylinemag.com.Marcia currently lives in central Oklahoma, where she gardens and dodges tornadoes.She is available for book talks, signings, and writing workshops.
Alice Lindsay Price (1927-) was born in Augusta, Georgia. She is a published poet and member of several waterfowl protection organizations, including Swan Lake Waterfowl Society in Tulsa, Oklahoma, her current residence. Price served as editor of One Hundred Historic Tulsa Homes by John Brooks Walton. She is the author of Swans of the World and is hard at work on a book about cranes.
Carter Revard (1952-), Osage, grew up in Buck Valley Creek, Oklahoma. His distinguished academic career includes a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale University and teaching positions at Amherst College, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Tulsa and the University of Oklahoma. He has published scholarly works on medieval English literature, linguistics and Native American literature, as well as stories and poetry. Storytellers biography of Carter Revard.
DeAnn Rhea lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she is at work on her 11th book. She recently published The Ladies Macgreggor, her first inspirational romance novel. DeAnn works hard to keep humor and believability in her novels. For more see www.1stbooks.com
Lynn Riggs (1899-1954) was born on a farm near Claremore, OK. He worked as a reporter for the Oil and Gas Journal and the Los Angeles Times, as a janitor on Wall Street, on a chicken ranch, in a glass factory--always hoping to "crash Broadway." This he did with the play The Domino Parlor, the first of many other plays. The most famous of his plays, of course, is Green Grow the Lilacs, written in 1931 and produced as the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! More information about Lynn Riggs and about the Lynn Riggs Memorial.
Francine Leffler Ringold-Johnson (also known as Fran Ringold) is a Tulsa poet, writer and teacher.For over 30 years, she has edited the international literary journal, Nimrod.She is the author of books of poetry, creative writing and biography.
Oral Roberts (1918-) was born in rural Pontotoc County, Oklahoma to an independent Pentecostal preacher and his wife. He experienced healing by prayer at a revival meeting led by Reverend George Moncey after a bout with tuberculosis, and thereafter followed his father into the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He began incorporating healing services into his weekly schedule, which were followed by tent revival services and highly successful appearances on television. His controversial claims and crusades have not diminished the popularity of the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association, founded in 1947, or the success of Oral Roberts University, opened in 1967. Read more about the life and ministry of Oral Roberts.
Will Rogers (1879-1935) Oklahoma's favorite son, cowboy philosopher and comedian, was born at Oolagah, OK. The author of several books, he was best known for his daily newspaper column. He coined so many quips, jokes and bon mots, that anthologies of his quotations are still being published. See the site: http://www.willrogers.org/.
Gayle Ross (Cherokee) is a direct descendent of John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation during the Trail of Tears. Ross has been a professional storyteller for 19 years and has published several books.Her storytelling performance highlights include the Discovery Channel, the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian.For more about Ross http://www.classactsarts.org/artists/gaylepg.html.
Renee Roszel lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.She has published 30-plus novels. Renee says she enjoys writing contemporary romances and keeping the stories humorous and light.Renee's books have sold over eight and one-half million copies worldwide.For more about Renee http://www.reneeroszel.com/
William Sanders lives in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His mystery novels and science fiction stories have been nominated for numerous awards. His published works include the Taggart Roper mystery series. Smoke is his seventeenth published book. Visit his website http://www.sff.net/people/sanders/index.htp.
Eve Sandstrom of Lawton is a fifth generation Oklahoman.She worked for many years as a reporter for the Lawton Constitution.Well-known for her series of Sam and Nicky Titus mysteries set in Oklahoma (Down Home Heifer Heist and others), Eve has also written 3 romantic mysteries featuring reporter Nell Matthews.
Mark Shepherd--a Tulsan--has collaborated with Mercedes Lackey on several fantasy novels, but has published novels of his own, the first being Elvendude.
Glenn Shirley (1916-) born in Stillwater, OK. Shirley remembers riding in a covered wagon to school. The author of a prodigious number of books, Shirley still makes his home in Stillwater. He is widely considered an expert on the subjects of law enforcement in the Old West and frontier justice. For a fascinating bio of Shirley see http://www.oklahombres.org/glenn.htm.
Gloria Shirley (1952-) was born in Tennessee but has lived in Oklahoma for 15 years and calls Sapulpa home.She has published dozens of short stories and a novel entitled Colony, both in print and ebook forms.She writes under the name Gloria Teague.For more by and about Gloriahttp://www.angelfire.com/ok/dreamwvr/
Bradley H. Sinor (1952-) was born in Elk City, OK. He has published 28 short stories and over 250 articles of and about science fiction, fantasy and horror. Read Brad's tribute to R.A. Lafferty. See Brad's homepage: http://www.geocities.com/konstiantin/osfw/authors/BS.html.
Rennard Strickland (1940-) (Osage/Cherokee) was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He is an authority on Native American law and legal history, is widely published and active in many professional organizations. He currently serves as the dean of the Law School at University of Oregon. His most popular book is Tonto's Revenge: Reflections on American Indian Culture and Policy.
Dwight V. Swain (1915-1992) was born in Rochester, Michigan. He taught part-time for many years, which afforded him the ways and means to pursue far-flung writing and travel interests. His writing credits include film scripts, novels and articles.
Stephanie Lavenia Swinnea was born at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to an officer of the U.S. Army. After graduating from Texas Woman's University, she settled in Texas and began to explore her Irish family's history. Her first novel is a fictional account of the life of St. Patrick.
Jim Stovall is the Co-Founder and President of the Narrative Television Network, which makes movies and television accessible for blind and visually impaired people.Stovall has published two motivational books.For more about Jim and the NTN http://www.jimstovall.com/.
George Miksch Sutton (1898-1982) was a zoologist, ornithologist, naturalist, explorer, educator, researcher, illustrator, editor, and author. Before becoming the curator of birds at Cornell University in 1931, Sutton served as state ornithologist for the State of Pennsylvania in the 1920's. He retired as research professor emeritus of zoology and curator emeritus of birds at University of Oklahoma. Also a noted painter of birds, he illustrated his own and other books on birds. Visit the G.M. Sutton Avian Research Center for more information about Sutton and information about conservation solutions for birds.
Clifton Taulbert was born in Glen Allan, Mississippi. Although his first four books were for adults, his most recent is a children's story. He currently lives in Tulsa, where he has worked as a banker and health care administrator. He now heads a marketing company, in addition to writing, serving on several civic boards and maintaining a busy lecture schedule. For more about Taulbert, visit http://www.cliftontaulbert.com.
Tim Tharp was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma. After two years of college, he explored the U. "by thumb and pick-up truck." Tharp now teaches at Oklahoma State University and lives in Okmulgee. His recent debut novel, Falling Dark, set in rural and small-town Oklahoma, won the Milkweed National Fiction Prize.
Joyce Carol Thomas (1938-) was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma. She currently resides in California, but frequently returns to Oklahoma for the setting of many of her novels. Visit Joyce Carol Thomas' home page.
Ross Thomas (1926-1995) was born in Oklahoma City. His writing career began when Thomas was 17 and he worked as a sportswriter and reporter for the Daily Oklahoman. Thomas became known for his excellent crime and Cold War suspense novels, two of which were awarded the coveted Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Thomas wrote 25 novels and several screenplays. See also Thomas' pen name, Oliver Bleeck.
Will Thomas (1958-) works in an Oklahoma public library and has done extensive research on the Victorian novel. His writing has appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and in publications of various Sherlock Holmes societies. He lives with his family in Oklahoma.
Jim Thompson (1906-1977) was born in Anadarko. Described as "one of the finest pulp novelists of the Cold War era," Jim is best known for novels set in a gritty underworld of street crime, circumstances and uncontrollable urges. Several of his novels, including The Getaway and The Grifters, were made into successful films. An online biography of Jim Thompson.
Mildred Ladner Thompson was for many years the Book Editor for the Tulsa World. She is the author of several biographies and history books, including Tulsa City-County Library, 1912-1991-a history of this library system.
Marylove Thralls grew up on Long Island in New York, but has lived in Oklahoma since 1975. Oklahoma is the setting for her second novel, Grace Notes, which is a coming of old-age story about three generations of women. Thralls' first novel is entitled Kiss the Sun. Thralls has a background in marketing and public relations.
B.J. Thrower was born in Tulsa and still makes her home here. Active in the science fiction community, she has published stories in science fiction magazines and is currently working on a novel. For more about B.J. and to read her story, "Noodle You, Noodle Me" <http://www.sfwa.org/members/Thrower/BJT_Bio.html>
Melvin Tolson (1898-1966) lived in Guthrie, Oklahoma and served as mayor of nearby Langston from 1952-1958. He was a professor of creative literature and published poet. He was honored at the Library of Congress, the White House and the Tuskegee Institute. His weekly columns for the Washington Tribune were compiled and published as Caviar and Cabbage.
Kerry Vincent is the author of the recently published book Romantic Wedding Cakes, of equal appeal to professionals and beginners, and containing over 450 photos on how to bake, design, prepare and display her romantic wedding cake collection.Australian born Kerry attended the Cordon Bleu School in London and, while living in Holland, took classes with Wouter Udo, Executive Chef to Queen Juliana.Kerry's work has inspired complimentary mail from such notables as Parisian fashion designer Christian Lacroix and Lady-in-Waiting Phillippa de Pass on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.Kerry is also an active fundraiser for charitable causes.
Sarah Vowell was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, but moved out of the state during high school.Vowell is a frequent contributor to public radio's This American Life and a columnist for Salon.com. Vowell's most recent book is Take the Cannoli: Stories from the New World. Learn more about her at www.barclayagency.com/vowell.html
Mary Waidner (1936-) was born in Tulsa, OK. She received her BA, MA, and Ph.D in English Literature from the University of Tulsa; MLIS from the University of Oklahoma. She is active in literary and classical music circles in the Tulsa community. She wrote Earth Child with her daughter, Kathryn Sheehan, who lives in Portland, Maine.
Judith Henry Wall lives in Norman.She has written several novels, which are available for check-out.
Michael Wallis (1945-) was born just off Route 66 in St. Louis. After graduate school, he worked a variety of jobs while beginning a career in writing. He served with the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He worked for several news agencies in New Mexico, Texas and Florida and began contributing feature stories. He and his wife have lived in Tulsa since 1982. Visit Michael Wallis' home page.
K.D. Wentworth lives in Tulsa, where she teaches fourth grade by day and writes at night. She has published short stories in well-known science fiction magazines and four novels. For more information http://ionet.net/~richard-11/biograph.html.
Jean Westcott (1947-) grew up in Arkansas and moved to Tulsa after her marriage. She raised three children before she fulfilled her dream of writing for young people. Her first novel, Rad Sergeant: The Ghost and the Rodeo is the first of her proposed series of western novels for young people.
Sammy L. Weygand (1943 - ) born in Vian, Oklahoma, currently lives in Verdigris, Oklahoma.He is the author of a work of fiction entitled Color Blind.
Karen Toller Whittenburg has published 25 novels.She lives in Tulsa, where she is active in local writing groups.
Darcel Williams was born in Houston, Texas, but has lived in Tulsa since 1990. Her book is entitled Soaring On Clipped Wings and features an African-American hero and heroine. www.darcelwilliams.com
William Paul Winchester (1957-).After earning his degree in botany from the University of Tulsa, Winchester decided to find out if he could "live off the land."He bought a "very small farm" near Collinsville, Oklahoma, and tells of his daily life on the farm in his book A Very Small Farm.For a review of the bookhttp://egj.lib.uidaho.edu/egj06/weintrau.html
John Wooley is a Tulsan and the entertainment reporter for The Tulsa World. Before The Tulsa Tribune ceased publication, Wooley teamed with its entertainment writer, Ron Wolfe, to write several novels.In addition to newspaper columns and books, Wooley has written comic books, documentaries and screenplays.
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