I’m Erynn lehtonen
One day, my army of fluffy minions will take over the world. But, well, I haven’t had any luck animating stuffed animals yet! Ever since graduating with my degree in creative writing from the University of British Columbia, you can usually find me typing away at my next fantasy novel like my life depends on it (it does). Other times, I’m locked inside a book, be that reading about dragons, mythology, folklore, or daydreaming in another fantasy world. I also entertain a “mild” tea obsession and guard my hoard like any bookdragon would.
It’s my goal to introduce readers to the complexities of mental illness through the perspectives of lifelike characters in fantasy worlds.
Background
Writing began as a hobby of mine when I was a child. I found the fantasy genre infinitely fascinating: dragons, magic and fantastical worlds always stole my attention. Eventually, I created my own worlds, characters, and magic systems that took shape over hundreds of thousands of words in handwritten journals, and eventually, shared on the Internet.
But I realized something was missing from the fantasy works that I read and wrote: diverse representations of mental illness. Growing up surrounded by examples of mental illness and fighting my own battles, I realized that it was vital for me to represent these perspectives, starting with my own.
I also have a fascination for Japanese culture, history, mythology, and folklore. For my first two years in university, I studied the Japanese language, and to this day, I am always learning more. One day, I hope to become fluent and visit Japan myself!
My first series, Yokai Calling, explores the intertwined effects of magic and trauma on mental health in a world inspired by Japanese culture and mythology. Spirit of the Dragon is available for free via my Newsletter page, or you can learn more about the books on the series page.
My upcoming series, Wyvern Wars, continues with many of the same characters from Yokai Calling, but continuing the story five years after the conclusion of Blood of Dragons.
I’m also a member of EPIC INDIE, a group featuring indie fantasy and sci-fi authors, books, games, and more!
Check out EPIC INDIE here!
Appearances
Although my attempts at ruling the world with stuffy minions is finnicky at best, the walls of my Internet kingdom are starting to rise. Below you’ll find a list of all my guest appearances on other blogs and websites.
About the Yokai Calling Series – With Kriti Khare at Armedwithabook on Oct 30th, 2019
Author Interview with Erynn – With Kriti Khare at Armedwithabook on Oct 30th, 2019
Erynn’s Books of 2019 – With Kriti Khare at Armedwithabook on Dec 19th, 2019
On Ghostwriting – With Kriti Khare at Armedwithabook on Feb 26th, 2020
Worldbuilding – A WriteHive Panel on building fantasy worlds on April 19th, 2020
Author Interview – With Katie Zaber at Zaber Books on May 27th, 2021
Contact me today!
Got a question? I'd love to hear from you!
Contact me today!
Got a question? I'd love to hear from you!