H. S. Winter
~ Revealing realities you didn't know existed ~
The Storyteller
I'm H. S. Winter, a Finnish author fascinated by the mysteries of existence, the natural world, and the stories that connect us to both.My writing is born from curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong desire to explore what lies beyond the familiar. I believe reality is far more extraordinary than we imagine.
The Stories
I write about hidden worlds, extraordinary encounters, and the mysteries of existence. From ancient folklore to imagined futures, my stories explore what it means to be human, to belong, and to discover realities beyond the familiar.
Author Newsletter
Every story begins with curiosity. Join me as I explore the worlds I'm creating, the wonders of nature, and the ideas and discoveries that inspire my writing.
About the Author
I live in the Finnish countryside, where life is mostly uneventful. Perhaps that's why I can't help wondering what lies beneath the ordinary—and what extraordinary realities might be waiting to reveal themselves.I have a master's degree in Animal Ecology, and my former career involved navigating the delicate balance between exploiting natural resources for economic gain or recreation and protecting the natural world from the consequences. It has given me plenty of reasons to question humanity's priorities—and what a better future might look like.My stories are inspired by questions about the meaning of life, the possibilities of an enhanced future for humanity, and the longing to find the one.Loneliness may be one of the greatest challenges of our time. Even surrounded by other people, we can lack the profound connection between two souls that makes us feel truly understood. Looking at the characters emerging in my stories, I realise that many are outsiders, drifting through lives where they don't quite belong. Yet despite heartbreak, uncertainty, and seemingly impossible challenges, they keep searching for meaning, connection, and something greater than themselves.And then there's love. Not simply romance, but the longing to find that one person who truly sees you, understands you, and whose loyalty goes beyond the mundane. My heroines may be fiercely independent, but that doesn't make their longing any less powerful. Perhaps quite the opposite.The resilient women in my stories also have a tendency to end up trying to save the world, whether they intended to or not. Yet a question that frequently crosses my mind is whether the world is already perfect—and everything that happens is supposed to happen—or whether it truly needs saving.Despite being a true introvert who genuinely enjoys solitude, I feel the need to reach beyond my little world and connect with others. Through my stories, I want to explore what a better world for all might look like. Not merely dwell on what's wrong, but imagine what could be.Perhaps that's what storytelling is about: daring to question reality, imagining something different, and discovering that the impossible might not be quite so impossible after all.
Books and short stories
Winter Heart
What if grief and loneliness led you to search for the spirit of your deceased dog, but you found a stranger instead?A mysterious being who shouldn't exist. Someone who shouldn't even enter your little forest, let alone show any interest in you.Would you dare take another step in the darkness?Sini certainly does. She wants answers, even when every secret she uncovers brings her closer to a future she never signed up for. Will she resist, run away, or or risk everything for love?In Winter Heart, Sini has retreated to a little house in the middle of nowhere, hoping to find peace after a painful loss. But an encounter with a little owl sets something extraordinary in motion, drawing her toward a hidden legacy and a reality she never imagined existed.Follow Sini into the unknown in the first book of the Winter Heart series.Winter Heart is an adult fantasy novel inspired by Finnish mythology, folklore, and shamanic traditions, weaving spirit animals, hidden realms, and an extraordinary love story into the forests of Finland.
| Little forests | Secret realms |
| Spirit animals | Dark winter nights |
| Love across worlds | Ancient obligations |
| Finnish mythology | Finnish folklore |
Newsletter
Writing is often a solitary pursuit, but the thoughts and stories we create are meant to be shared.Through Winter Letters, I invite you to get to know me beyond the pages of my books. I'll share glimpses of my writing life, the stories taking shape on my desk, my encounters with nature, and the thoughts and questions that occupy my mind.I'll also take you behind the scenes of my research, exploring the mythology, folklore, animals, and other fascinating subjects that inspire my stories and bring their worlds to life.Most of all, I hope these letters will bring me closer to readers and kindred spirits who enjoy contemplating life, sharing ideas, and seeing the world from different perspectives.I'd love to have you along for the journey.Delivered once or twice a month from the Nordic Realm, straight to your inbox.