Lalana Dararutana, 49, died May 18, 2026. She had cervical cancer.

Dararutana was born September 15, 1976 in Syracuse NY. In her childhood she was a caregiver to her younger sister and brother. She began publishing books in her thirties after attending a writing conference in 2009. As an author, Dararutana went by Piper J. Drake and PJ Schnyder and published many works of fantasy, paranormal, and SF romance. She wrote two books in the Mythwoven series: Wings Once Cursed & Bound (2023) and Fangs So Bright & Deadly (2024). She wrote SF romance series The Triton Experiment, including Hunting Kat, Tracking Kat, and Fighting Kat, all in 2022. She wrote An Idol with Luv (2024); steampunk romances Keeping Cadence (2019) and Evie’s Gift (2019); and paranormal mystery The Ink that Bleeds (2023). She also wrote an urban fantasy short story, Siren’s Calling (2018).

Dararutana has a third forthcoming novel in the Mythwoven series, Hearts Still Bound & Broken, currently scheduled for 2027, as well as a short story in another project currently forthcoming in 2027 or 2028. She is survived by her husband Matthew Beckerleg, siblings, parents, and found family members.

The post Lalana Dararutana AKA Piper J. Drake (1976-2026) appeared first on Locus.