William Ritter is an American author of young adult fiction. He is best known for his Jackaby series, which follows the adventures of a supernatural detective in 19th century New England. Ritter has also written the Monster Hunter Memoirs series, which follows the adventures of a monster hunter in the modern day. Ritter was born in Oregon and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He attended the University of Oregon, where he studied English and Creative Writing. After graduating, he worked as a teacher and a librarian before becoming a full-time author. Ritter's writing style is often described as whimsical and humorous, with a strong focus on the supernatural. His books often feature strong female protagonists and explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Oregon Book Award for Young Adult Literature. Ritter is an active member of the writing community, often attending conventions and giving talks about his work. He is also a passionate advocate for literacy and education, and has been involved in numerous literacy initiatives. He currently lives in Oregon with his wife and two children.