Writing

A.P. DeVaney

Writer, composer, and photographer creating atmospheric fantasy, dark academia stories, and immersive visual worlds.

A.P. DeVaney is a writer, composer, and photographer whose creative pursuits span multiple disciplines. He is currently pursuing his Creative Writing Degree at SNHU, where he recently completed the Graphic Storytelling Challenge, and is Associate Editor of the student-led publication Granite & Ink. His YA Magical Realism novel, Penny Morrow and the Bound Forest, was requested by a literary agent; his poetry and music were featured in SNHU’s CWC journal Scribe. His compositions and stories are known for their dark atmospheric and immersive style. DeVaney crafts vivid, otherworldly landscapes that captivate and linger in the imagination.

Penny Morrow Willowbrooke The Sleepless City

75,000 Word Young Adult Magical Realism Novel with Dark Academia Elements

Penny Morrow and the Bound Forest

After their mother's tragic disappearance forces them to move, Penny and her brother must navigate a new school alone. Until a chance encounter and a cryptic invitation lead them on a journey into the mysterious realm of the library in the woods, and its reclusive guardian.

There they find themselves in a power struggle against the Diadochi, a group of dark mages determined to eradicate forbidden magic. When their mentor is taken, Penny and her allies must choose to rescue her, or defend the library and its secrets — before it is lost forever.

A magical coming-of-age novel exploring starting over, societal struggles, self-discovery, and LGBTQ themes.

Manga-Inspired Western Comic

Willowbrooke

Willowbrooke - Changing of the Guard was conceived as part of the SNHU Graphic Storytelling Challenge, where the team collaborated to plan and create a comic over the course of eight weeks.

Written by: Sierra Nottke & A.P. DeVaney
Art by: Sarah Hummel & Mary Hale

Within the liminal space outside of time exists Willowbrooke, an ancient magical library that’s been long sought after by a dark and secret society known as the Diadochi. Paige Turner is drawn to Willowbrooke by her family heirloom, only to find it thrown into chaos: its dying Librarian must convince her to become the next successor or Willowbrooke—and time itself—will fall into the power-hungry hands of the Diadochi.

Dark academia Gothic fantasy Sigil magic Comic / animatic

Willowbrooke comic page 1 — Willowbrooke page 1

Willowbrooke comic page 2 — Willowbrooke page 2

Willowbrooke comic page 3 — Willowbrooke page 3

Willowbrooke comic page 4 — Willowbrooke page 4

Willowbrooke comic page 5 — Willowbrooke page 5

Short Horror Story

The Sleepless City

Troubled by phantoms and the death of Collin’s girlfriend, a newcomer is drawn into the darkness of the city that fears to sleep. As his nightmares grow more violent, he begins to uncover a curse tied to the tracks and the souls they refuse to release. To save Collin from the same fate, he must confront demons both real and imagined before the city claims another life.