Origins of Lanternfly
Lanternfly was originally penned as a book called Aura between autumn 2004 and summer of 2005 as the start of the Hellion series. Being that it was my first completed novel, it was deemed "beyond help" and eventually scrapped. However, many of the themes--including balance, in some form--and virtually all the characters are present in the current version.

In 2009, Lanternfly was the chosen focus of my independent study with Erik Esckilsen.

Windroads
Although set in an alternate history, a fair portion of the series takes place in a place called Windroads--a "realm" of more post-modern fantasy inspiration.

Other books
At the moment, there is no set number of books in mind for the Hellion series. Rough estimates range between 3 (a trilogy) and 5.


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LANTERNFLY



A character study in which Danielle encounters a world populated by fireflies early in the novel.

Danielle Bruegger is a reclusive girl with a curious habit: since before she can remember, she’s captured the images and memories of the world inside of marbles. Her seclusion ends when a visit from her estranged grandmother draws her to a familiar place, and reunites her with a childhood friend. There’s only one problem—Danielle doesn’t remember any of it.

Soon, her world is shaken to its foundations when she is introduced to a group of orphans with impossible, yet fascinating gifts—the ability to make real anything they imagine. Moving things with their heartbeat. The ability to see the dreams and thoughts of those who have died. Before Danielle knows it, her reality is torn wide. Her dreams and past materialize in the pages of an orphan’s sketchbook. A vengeance-bent boy without a beating heart seeks to destroy her mentor as otherworldly creatures wander the woods. Lives hang in the balance, and their fate is in Danielle’s hands.

Armed only with Hearthtail, a lanternfly from her dreams that knows as much as she does, and the help of her spastic and arthritic friend, Kit, Danielle must discover the secrets of her shattered family—and herself—to save her friends. Yet, with those with that knowledge being manipulated against her, there is no one she can trust.

This novel is still in draft form. For updates on its progress, please see my blog.