The mid-life journey of a product leader turned mythological fantasy and children's book author. D.M. De Alwis is a Canadian-born Sri Lankan author living north of Toronto. She has over a decade of experience as a product leader working with startups and has authored children's books and fantasy fiction.
Author Blog
Let's talk about the original covers for A Lion's Head and A Lion's Pride which make up the Pawn of Samsara duology and unpack why I didn't immediately hire an illustrator for my work. I'll also deep dive into how I find and work with my illustrators but more importantly—the why.
Behind-the-Scenes
Choosing what you will succeed and what you will fail at is a form of boundary setting that limits overwhelm, sets priorities, and puts me in the driver seat of my destiny. Trust in the universe to set to rights all that is outside your control.
Author Blog
With Autumn on the horizon, I need to set some serious intentions around finishing the next great novel. Here's to three weeks vacation, watching the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with my kids, and the surprising misfortune that brought me back to myself.
Author Blog
Before the humans came, the immortal realm was populated by a civilization of Asura demi-gods. These beings were highly disciplined, technologically advanced, and considered half-divine, half-sage by Indian scholars.
Author Blog
A few things are happening this month, including the voting for the Aurora Prix award for YA Fantasy, my latest release in collaboration with illustrator Chris Ho, and upcoming events.
Author Blog
How does the craft happen? Where do stories come from?
Author Blog
Cover reveal and background story behind the upcoming children's KidLit novella, The Eyes of Ess-Vaha (The Pink Eye Yaksha), in collaboration with illustrator Chris Ho.
Author Blog
Do we have free will when we're all pawns in a game of kings? How is the "sacred geometry of chance" built on past lives, current societal events, and what we care most about?
Author Blog
A good habit I adopted from years in the tech industry was carrying out a retrospective after something has been finished. Not only should this be done in real time (on a weekly basis) but also over long term milestone completion.
Author Blog
Behind-the-scenes look at the life of an author—author goals including getting my books into bookstores, year-to-date book sales, awards, retrospective on A Lion's Pride and the Pawn of Samsara Duology.
News
It's enough to be considered. This year, A Lion's Head was entered for the UK-based Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2025. While I didn't win, I appreciated the feedback received from readers and the award committee.
Author Blog
Why do characters appear in Ireland-Ériu in the short story A Water Horse, while The Pawn of Samsara novels are set in ancient India-Jambudiva? Rebirth doesn't care about borders. If you have unfinished business, Samsara might drag you to the coast of Ériu to settle the score.