AUSTIN — Austin author Amanda Hocking’s popular “Trylle Trilogy” book series could be turned into a movie by the end of the year.

Terri Tatchell, screenwriter for the movie “District 9,” told British Columbia-based newspaper The Province Friday that production on the first of the “Trylle Trilogy” movies could start as soon as this fall. Tatchell bought the screen rights to the series in 2012.

When reached on Monday afternoon, Hocking said she didn’t know much about the project but was excited at the thought of seeing her work on the big screen.

“I’ve always fantasized about that happening when I was growing up, so I’ve had ideas about that,” she said.

Hocking said she would know more Tuesday afternoon. According to The Province, Tatchell and officials from the U.S. studio Media Rights Capital are searching for a director for the movie, which could have a $35-$40 million budget.