William Cole Semo

About William

William Cole Semo is an award-winning author whose narratives are intricately woven with the mystique and majesty of the Laurel Highlands. His prose, celebrated for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance, has earned him recognition among contemporary American literary voices. Through his works, he captures the timeless spirit of Pennsylvania's most enchanting region, creating stories that echo in the hearts of readers worldwide.

The son of a Merchant Marine with a love for the sea, William Semo, born in Somerset Pennsylvania in 1978 in the Laurel Highlands, grew up in the towns of Ligonier and Youngstown Pennsylvania surrounded by lush forests with the vast changing New England seasons. A land surrounded with a rich history of the French/Indian War as well as the Revolutionary War, he drew inspiration from growing up around these lands and people from the highest mountains to the sandiest shores, the scholar to the plowman.

A Tennessee Squire. A 2002 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Psychology. He worked on the Capstone Project and is a founding member of the Wolfpack Conservation Society as well as other projects for veterans, and has a strong love for nature and environmental issues that are close to his heart. He has appeared in many publications through the years beginning in 1997 up until the present

Literary Works

Laurel Highlands Poet

A masterfully crafted poetry that interweaves three generations of stories against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains, exploring themes of heritage, belonging, and the indelible bonds of family.

Son Of A Sailor

A second book of poetry by acclaimed Laurel Highlands writer/poet William C Semo. This one, like the last, dealing with the personal journey of his life. Son Of A Sailor, as his father was a Merchant Marine in WW2, an account of his love for the sea and his journey in it best described in his forward:

The Last Mountain: Tales Of The Ridge Runner

A fourth book of poetry by Laurel Highlands Poet William C Semo. The red book.

Valerie

Valerie, a third book of poetry by Laurel Highlands Author and Poet William C Semo. When you ask what inspires poetry, it is the friendships of one's life. In this book a dedication of poetry to an old friend who recently passed, one who stood by him and believed in him through his many life struggles. Their friendship, unconditional, always pure and spiritual with a sweet "I love you." in parting with one another.

A Loyalhanna Song

A masterfully crafted saga that interweaves three generations of stories against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains, exploring themes of heritage, belonging, and the indelible bonds of family.

Your Alpha Wolf

A Sixth book of poetry by Laurel Highlands Author William C Semo. A book of the poems of the Alpha Wolf, his poems and his parables.

Echoes Of Yesterday

Sixteen-year-old Paisley D Aberdeen has it all - fame, fortune, and legions of adoring fans, an on again off again boyfriend that inspires her to write. Her life is all about the music, and every poster that she's on, she's a rising star. She moves effortlessly between two different bands, backed up by a loyal group of friends, and is about to land her dream gig in Las Vegas. But beneath the glitz and glamor of her life as a rising pop star, she's hiding a secret.

Upcoming Appearances

Literary Evening & Book Signing

An intimate evening of reading and conversation at Barnes & Noble, featuring selections from William's latest work.

June 15, 2014 | 7:00 PM EST

Reserve Your Seat