
William Routhier
Writer of fiction, poetry and essays
Brand New Fiction!
Meet the Orpheists!
Joshua, a seventeen year old music prodigy, kind of a geek but with good hair; Madeline, a beautiful red-haired guitarist/cello player, with a sharp tongue, but perfect in Joshua's eyes; Kai,
a tall, chill, gender fluid Jamaican born jazz saxophonist who loves be-bop; and Juli, their rambunctious, malaprop-spouting awesome drummer. The band, put together by Joshua, has been enlisted by The Orpheus Guild, a secret society going back to Greek mythological times, to play in a battle of the bands,
one that will have a profound impact on the future of the world, and well, everything.
The Orpheists are part of The Orpheus Guild, a secret society going back to Greek mythological times, brought together to play in a secret, interdimensional battle of the bands, one that will have a profound impact on the balance and harmony
of the world, and well… everything.
A novel with themes of light versus darkness, technology against nature, the dynamics of a musical band and its
changing relationships, with an ongoing "on again-off again" romance, Meet the Orpheists is an upbeat, probing, highly visual, totally musical, very cinematic novel. It’s an adventurous romp full of witty banter and exciting musical scenarios, exploring
the idea of music as one of the most powerful, inspiring forces
in the universe. As well as here on earth.
A wondrous time is guaranteed for all!
Bio

I've been writing since the age of ten, when a poem of mine was singled out in a classroom and I walked in light. I've written fiction, poetry, essays, songs. I've published short stories in small press and online literary magazines. I have a Substack site, mostly about music, called Muddy Water. I live in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and work sometimes at the front desk of a charming old inn.
Reviews
Praise for Meet the Orpheists
"Perfect for both adults and teens, Meet the Orpheists promises an
adventure that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the power
of music in their lives. With a blend of fantasy, humor, and relatable
characters, this novel guarantees a wondrous time for all who join the journey!"
Beth Castrodale, editor of Small Press Picks and author of
The Inhabitants
News & Events
My Crow Poe, memoir piece in New Hampshire Magazine, July 2022
I'm thrilled to announce that BlazeVox Journal has published my long form prose poem,
"merrilly merrily merrily," in its Spring 2026 Issue!
BlazeVOX26 Spring 2026 — BlazeVOX [books]
Listed under Poetry Extra


