Ed Raarup is originally from Ashland, Wisconsin. He has a bachelor's degree in vocal music and theater from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and studied acting and musical theater in the graduate program at the University of California, Irvine. He moved to New York City in 1985 and began a television career in soap operas. He also performed in regional theaters and cabaret clubs. Fireflies and Shooting Stars is his debut work as author and composer. Lindsay Nery received her formal art education at the Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York, receiving an associate's degree in illustration. She also attended the Career and Technical Education Center of Goshen, New York, for advertising design with a concentration in illustration. The scenic surroundings of the area in which she lives provided much inspiration for the illustrations in Fireflies and Shooting Stars.