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Christian Fantasy Author
Allison D. Reid
Author Newsletter

Writer, Dreamer, Woman of Faith


Mystery, Magic, and Faith

In Journey to Aviad, Elowyn carries a little satchel with her initial on it that Morganne had made for her—it’s full of herbs meant to ward off evil. This was a common thing to do in the Middle Ages, as certain plants were thought to fend off everything from demons and witches, to just plain bad luck. Medieval people lived in a world full of danger and mystery, which was very often explained with superstitions.

The pervasive thought was that there were two kinds of magic. Black magic was demonic, and therefore harmful. Magic of this sort was feared and avoided, and was used to explain accidents, unknown illnesses, and other tragedies. White magic was supposedly based on the power of nature (God’s Creation). Using charms, talismans, and spells, performing sunrise rituals while sowing crops, or reciting incantations while weaving fabric, are just a few examples of white magic. The study of astrology and alchemy fell into this category as well.

The Church disapproved of them all, but pre-Christian paganism was still very much embedded in Medieval culture and had intertwined itself with Christianity. Folk-beliefs, like the belief in fairies for example, was everyday common sense in places like the British Isles—and had been for hundreds of years. Local priests could not convince people otherwise and eventually gave up trying, despite sharp pressure from the Catholic Church.

It’s easy to see how the medieval period lends itself so well to fantasy literature, which often relies on various forms of magic to add intrigue and to move the story. I have included some of these elements in my series for the sake of flavor and authenticity, like Elowyn’s little bag of herbs and the superstitions held by the people of Minhaven. But since I am writing Christian fiction, I have been very careful about the way I handle magic so that there is a true distinction between what is demonic, what is divine, and what is merely misguided belief. Hopefully my readers noticed that when Elowyn gave away her little bag of herbs, she did not seek to replace it with another. It was a small milestone on her journey to spiritual maturity, as she replaced her belief in the empty “magic” it contained, with a much stronger faith in Aviad and His ability to protect her.

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Elowyn was convinced that by removing the coin so soon after the man’s brutal death, she had somehow interfered with his ascension into the afterlife, causing his spirit to appear before her in the night. How else could she explain it? He had sought her out from beyond the dead, and pointed directly at the pouch that held the coin. It was quite obviously an object not meant for her to keep, and it had to be returned at the proper time of day. 

Elowyn knew very little about the workings of magic, but it was common knowledge that the rites of good magic were most effective at sunrise. That was usually when cures were tried, when newly planted crops were blessed, and when pilgrims to the shrines petitioned their most desperate prayers. Nearly any ritual of importance, even the harvesting of garden herbs, was best performed at sunrise. If she did not make it before then, she would have to wait another day, and perhaps risk another terrifying vision in the night. 

~ from Chapter 2, Journey to Aviad

What's New?

In this section I'll let you know what's going on in my world, whether it's writing related or personal. Here is where I'll start giving progress updates on my next book now that 2020 is underway.

I need help!

The hardest thing about being an indie author is that I have to take care of publishing, editing, marketing, (and more) all by myself. It's more than a full time job!

So I've enlisted some extra help.

I'd like to introduce Katie Jenkins, my new Personal Assistant. We've worked together in various capacities for many years now, and she has also designed a lot of my marketing graphics and book covers. Katie is a natural with social media--an area I often struggle with.

You might notice Katie posting on Facebook and Twitter on my behalf. I really appreciate her help in spreading the word about my books. It means I have more time for writing--and hopefully that's something we can all appreciate!

Heya everyone!

My name is Katie Jenkins, but I write under the pen name K.M. Jenkins. I am a Speculative Fiction and Fantasy author. My Tales of Ferrês series will take you on a spectacular journey with a group of heroes that find themselves in the mysterious Forest of Ferrês. Each story is considered a standalone and can be read in any order. These stories are also in different time periods throughout the world of Tarzinëa. Keep your eyes peeled for more stories and adventures by me.

Check out my series: https://books2read.com/rl/legendaryheroessaga

You can find more information on my website, or sign up for my author newsletter.

Fun Fact

When I was first conceptualizing the character Einar, he was going to be a villain—hard-hearted, untrustworthy, and only out for himself. A real renegade who was just as bad as the person he was running from. But that changed as I actually began to write. Einar had different ideas and wasn’t shy about letting me know who he really was! I’m so glad I listened, as Einar has become one of my favorites.

Media Menagerie

This section includes links to news items, articles, blog posts, newsletter swaps, social media events, or anything else I think is interesting or time sensitive.

January YA Newsletter Swap

This promotion ends Jan 12th. (While it runs, Into the Shadow Wood is only 99 cents.)

Were your ancestors vikings?

If your surname is on this list, you’re probably a descendant of Vikings

Unashamed of Jesus

An insightful look at the biblical account of Jesus' first miracle.

Top 10 Medieval News Stories of 2019

From the burning of Notre Dame to the unearthing of viking ships. (From Medievalists.net)

Happy New Year! 

It's 2020, and I thought this would be a good time to freshen up my newsletter. I was using one of Mailerlite's old templates, which looked fine, but was missing all of the brand new features they implemented in 2019. So I re-built it with a brand new look and layout. I'll now be able to do lots of fun things I couldn't do before--like embed surveys. (No more need for separate Google Forms!) Try it out and let me know what you think. Do you like the new look and new features I've added?

Also, every new year I like to check in with my subscribers to see how I've been doing. What kinds of features would you like to see more (or less) of in the coming year? If you don't tell me, I won't know, so don't be shy!

For those who love to read! In this section, you will find free and discounted book promotions, permanent book repositories, and all the books in the Wind Rider Chronicles.
Reader's Corner
Free and Discounted Books
Fantasy

When Rouke, a young member of the fierce Black Knights of Arynhaar, is spotted by the Queen of Ravenshear, she pleads for him to rescue her kidnapped fiancé.

Crossing into enemy territory he finds more than he bargained for as the abductor is no mere kidnapper. Able to channel, Rouke finds himself locked in a battle with a magic wielder to save the young prince.

And then things get really complicated.

FREE
Romantic Comedy

Ellie and June have been neighbors and best friends forever. Together, they’ve weathered it all—marriages, babies, strange wardrobe choices, terrible haircuts, small-town gossip—only to have their friendship come out stronger on the other side. But now, they’re up against a hurdle unlike any they’ve faced so far.

Unmarried grandchildren.

But these Grannies aren’t worried. They have an ace up their sleeve.

The Granny Pact.

$0.99 (Free on KU)
Act fast! The Bursting Bookshelf Newsletter Swap ends Jan 12th!
Enjoy all the magic and wonder of a new book without having to worry about adult content.

Some of them are free, but others are not. Please support these writers of clean fiction with downloads, sales, and positive reviews!

Authors, submit your books

Readers, submit your favorites

With over 27 genres to choose from, you’re bound to find something you like.

Who knows, you might just find your new favourite author. And while you’re here, why not try a new genre? As the books are free, it’s a great way to find out if a different genre appeals to you.

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Select a book below and click the share link.
Journey to Aviad

Series Book 1

Elowyn lifts a strange silvery object from a woodland stream. Is it a medallion? A coin? She also finds a helm, a bow, broken arrows…and blood drenched soil. Her world—the whole world—is about to change forever…

FREE
Ancient Voices

Series Book 2

Has Braeden’s cruel reach followed Elowyn and Morganne into Minhaven’s remote wilderness? If so, there is no place left to run, and the Kinship is facing an enemy more sinister and powerful than they can possibly imagine.

$2.99
Into the Shadow Wood

Companion Book 1

Plunge with Einar into the depths of the dark and twisted Shadow Wood, which will test the limist of his strengths, beliefs, and sanity. Will he manage to survive, or will he end up sharing Nevon's fate?

1.99
Visions of Light and Shadow

Series Book 3

Morganne and Elowyn’s future in Minhaven has never looked so bleak, but Morganne isn’t ready to abandon the life she knows. Can Elowyn convince her that Aviad has been calling them to follow the road beyond Minhaven, or will she be forced to go on alone?

$2.99
Shards of Faith


Companion Book 2

Before Morganne and Elowyn were born, Broguean took on the greatest quest of his life. Follow him in this intriguing adventure story as he discovers whether he's really just a drunken bard or if there's more to him than meets the eye. 

$1.99
A Collection of Short Stories

Enjoy this unpublished collection of short stories related to the Wind Rider Chronicles.

Included: "The Hounds of Alazoth", "A Bard's Tale", "Birth of the Necromancer", "Delevan's Quest", "Letters for the Circle", "The Festival of the Wisps", "The Hound of Minhaven", "Warriors in the Mist", and "Treasury of the Prophets"

$0.99
Print Copies are also available through my author store

Give 25% off...Get 25%off. When you refer a friend who buys one of my ebooks, you get a discount too. Just click the "Refer a Friend" link at the top of each book sales page.

You can also sign up to become an Affiliate and get a percentage back every time you help sell one of my ebooks.

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Thanks for reading!
Have a blessed week.
info@allisondreid.com
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