Two Books, One Journey: How I Brought the Wynter Blood Series to Life
It still feels surreal to say this out loud: I am now the author of two completed books in the Wynter Blood series.
The Spark That Lit the Flame...
Back in 2022, when I released The Eos Key : Wynter Blood Book 1, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see this day. That debut took nearly five years to write, edit, and publish. I was working full-time, raising a family, and constantly second-guessing myself. Writing a whole novel seemed like a far-off dream.
But I had a story that wouldn’t let go, plus a friend who told me, “This is a great story. Why don’t you try publishing it?” That challenge pushed me to self-publish through Ash City Press, my own independent publishing company.
The long road of The Eos Key...
Writing The Eos Key was exhilarating and exhausting. I spent years drafting, tearing it apart, and piecing it back together. For me, Wynter Blood was always more than a fantasy—it was a way to explore identity, belonging, and survival.
When I finally hit “publish,” I'm not going to lie, I cried. Holding that finished novel in my hands was proof that all the late nights and rewrites mattered. The messages from readers who connected with the story made every struggle worth it. The support of my family and friends is what helped get me through to the finish line.
Version 1 Cover of The Eos Key
The Sequel: The Eos Rising
Fast-forward to 2025, and The Eos Rising: Wynter Blood Book 2 is out in the world. This one took three years from start to finish. In some ways, it was easier. I knew the world and the rules, but sequels come with higher expectations. I wanted the romance deeper, the world bigger, and the secrets sharper.
There were still setbacks and drafts that didn’t make the cut. But I kept going. Now I can finally see both books side by side, marking the beginning of what I hope will be a four-book saga.
What's Next from D.M. Lewry?
The next project is a prequel, focusing on Lucien & Grace. It tells the story of Alia's parents—their love, their pain, and how she came into the world. It’s darker, more intimate, and essential to understanding the legacy that shapes the Wynter Blood universe.
At the same time, I’m working on something completely different: a K-pop inspired romance called Starlight. It follows Niki, a young woman from Toronto, and Joon, a Korean idol navigating fame and forbidden love. It’s a story born from my love of K-pop, K-dramas, and all the joy those worlds bring me.
Why I Write
I didn’t start writing with publishing in mind. I started because I wanted to leave something behind. Books last longer than we do. Even after I’m gone, I want people to know: I was here. I created something worth remembering (other than my son of course).
That’s why holding two published books feels so powerful. It’s not just about word counts or sales. It’s about building a legacy.
Building Ash City Press
Self-publishing gave me the freedom to tell my stories my way. Through Ash City Press, I’ve had control over editing, design, and launch strategies. But my dream goes beyond my own work. I want Ash City Press to uplift other voices—especially BIPOC authors in fantasy and science fiction. These genres thrive on diversity and imagination, and I want to help more of us get our stories into the world.
Black & Bookish: Celebrating Representation
It's a passion for representation that led me to create a line of Black & Bookish merch. When I looked online for bookish merchandise, I realised there wasn’t much that celebrated Black readers. So I thought, why not? Black people love reading too, so why not represent?
Now in my store you’ll find Read Black Fantasy and Black & Bookish designs, and more. It’s more than merch—it’s a celebration of who we are as readers and creators.
The Pride of Completion
Two books down. Two more to go.
It may not be a full series yet, but I’m taking this moment to celebrate. I’ve faced self-doubt, creative blocks, and endless late-night edits. But I didn’t give up.
There’s still more to tell: more battles, more heartbreaks, more love, more revelations. The Wynter Blood series is just beginning.
For now, I’m proud to say:
I am the author of not just one, but two books.
And that’s only the beginning.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re a writer who feels stuck or overwhelmed, know this: persistence matters more than perfection.
Five years for Book 1. Three years for Book 2. Countless rewrites. And yet here I am, celebrating the fruits of that labour.
Keep going. Tell your story. Write the words only you can write.
Somewhere out there, a reader is waiting for your book—and they’ll never find it unless you create it and put it (and yourself) out there.
And when you do, the feeling of completion is worth every struggle.
