The Dragon’s Fly follows a reclusive woman battling social anxiety who finds out her estranged daughter is murdered while on a camping trip in what can only be described as a nightmare by the sole survivor. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration for my story came from a desire to translate my vision of how a nightmare might look into words. As a devoted fan of horror, I knew this novel would firmly belong to that genre. I began by imagining some of the worst possible scenarios that a human could endure and began organizing these ideas. This process led me to dig into some of my own personal fears and phobias – the fact that I struggle with social anxiety, am deeply claustrophobic, terrified of the dark, and have a paralyzing fear of heights. From there, a tale began to take shape.

I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?

The world I created in this book is a comparison of two distinct realms designed to both parallel and contrast one another. The setting was inspired by my desire to observe the grey areas in the story where the boundaries between human and monster nature would blur. What sets humans apart from the Sihashee? Where do we overlap in the eternal struggle between good and evil? How could I address the answers to these questions and, most importantly, describe this? I concluded that these questions were essential to shaping the setting and attempted to show duality through Vicky’s jaded view of the human world and Colby’s treacherous journey within the Sihashee’s society. I also wanted to emphasize the “all too familiar” dynamics of hierarchy and privilege rooted in wealth and power, as well as the clash of cruelty and kindness governing both worlds. Despite their monstrous nature, the Sihashee demonstrate tenderness and care towards those they value, much like humans. Unlike humans, their world is a deep, dark subterranean civilization hidden from the pristine presence of sunlight and fresh air. The setting is a stark contrast between Vicky’s quiet, isolated existence and the chaotic, noisy world droning along dozens of miles beneath her feet. The environment gradually evolves to accommodate the dichotomy and gently carry readers between both worlds. I found myself having to resist the temptation of delving too deeply into the complexities of the Sihashee’s realm, realizing that I could save those details for a future novel.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Some key themes I explored in this novel are overcoming fear, power and corruption, and love and loss. Perhaps Vicky’s greatest struggle is overcoming fear. I highlight her vulnerabilities by walking readers through her daily experiences to show her struggle with anxiety, depression, and guilt. These internal conflicts get in the way of her longing to connect with her estranged daughter and an admirer’s romantic pursuit.

The theme of power and corruption is more apparent within the Sihashee society where monstrous beings dominate through ruthless control over one another and their human captives. Through Colby’s eyes, readers navigate an underground empire ripe with resentment, brutality, and an air of mysticism.

Meanwhile, love and loss acts as the catalyst dictating Vicky’s fragile reality. From her failed relationship with her ex-fiancé, Roe, to the estrangement from her daughter, and the awkward tension she feels towards her family, these themes interweave to create a story that examines hopelessness, the nuances of relationships, and the cost of navigating a society defined by both humanity and monstrosity.

Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?

Yes, I am currently working on the framework for the sequel. Without revealing too much, the next story may possibly follow the adventure of another character from The Dragon’s Fly more closely. I’d like to give readers the opportunity to experience this world through a different lens and navigate new dimensions of the narrative.

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