Picture a literary shapeshifter who can spin a tale about a farting dog or an alien stranded on Earth—meet William Kotzwinkle! Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this American author has danced across genres, from satirical adult novels to heartwarming children’s books, earning a cult following and critical acclaim. His knack for blending humor, fantasy, and sharp social commentary makes him a storyteller like no other.
The Making of William Kotzwinkle
William Kotzwinkle entered the world on November 22, 1938, in the coal-dusted city of Scranton. Raised by a printer father and a homemaker mother, he found early inspiration in the natural beauty of Lackawanna Valley, where hikes with his dad sparked a lifelong love for the outdoors. After studying journalism at Rider College and literature at Penn State, Kotzwinkle ditched college for New York City’s bohemian scene in 1957. Immersed in the Beat culture, he juggled odd jobs—short-order cook, department store Santa—while honing his craft through poetry and playwriting.
William Kotzwinkle’s Unforgettable Stories
Kotzwinkle’s bibliography is a genre-defying playground. His 1976 novel Doctor Rat, a biting satire about animal experimentation, won the World Fantasy Award, showcasing his ability to weave dark humor with ecological themes. The 1982 novelization of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, based on Melissa Mathison’s screenplay, brought him mainstream fame, capturing the alien’s tender adventure with a depth that complemented Spielberg’s blockbuster. For kids, the Walter the Farting Dog series, co-written with Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy, became a hilarious, PETA-awarded hit, selling over two million copies. Then there’s The Bear Went Over the Mountain, a 1996 romp where a bear becomes a literary sensation, skewering publishing and media with Swiftian wit.
His style? Think playful yet piercing, blending fantasy, satire, and a touch of the absurd. Kotzwinkle’s themes often pit materialism against spiritual awareness, whether through a detective chasing a magician in Fata Morgana or a bear navigating New York’s literary scene. His versatility—writing for adults, kids, and even scripting A Nightmare on Elm Street 4—keeps readers guessing.
Why William Kotzwinkle Matters
Kotzwinkle’s impact lies in his fearless genre-hopping and his ability to make us laugh while questioning society. Doctor Rat was among the first novels to critique animal testing, influencing eco-conscious literature. His E.T. novelization deepened a cultural phenomenon, while Walter the Farting Dog taught kids to embrace quirks. With over ten million books sold, his work, translated into dozens of languages, resonates globally. Critics like Kurt Vonnegut and Playboy have hailed him as a major American voice, yet his eclectic catalog deserves even wider recognition.
- Born: November 22, 1938, Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Doctor Rat, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Walter the Farting Dog, The Bear Went Over the Mountain
- Awards: World Fantasy Award (1977), National Magazine Award for Fiction (1972, 1975), PETA Award for Children’s Books
Ready for a wild literary ride? Snag The Bear Went Over the Mountain or Walter the Farting Dog and dive into Kotzwinkle’s whimsical, thought-provoking world!