When I first read the classic fantasy novel, The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, I was enchanted with the story’s setting in Glastonbury, England, the ancient Isle of Avalon. After reading the novel, I visited Glastonbury several times. I eventually moved there for 13 months in order to immerse myself in the energy and do research, as all of my novels take place in Glastonbury. As a lovely surprise and side bonus, I actually met and married my husband there! And of all the wonderful people I encountered, one incredible woman has remained a dear friend, across the sea, up to this day.
While living in Glastonbury, I would make daily excursions to the Chalice Well, one of Glastonbury’s more powerful sacred sites. Spending time in the Chalice Well Gardens quenched a deep longing within me as only the fulfillment of a spiritual quest can do. During my daily visits, I would experience spontaneous waking visions that stirred my soul. I began to study the local folklore and legend. Glastonbury taught me to explore the realms of mystery and magic, and helped me to discover worlds seen and unseen. The worlds that lay parallel to our everyday existence. These are the worlds that visionary fiction is created from.
I tapped into these realms of legend and archetype, especially Celtic lore, to weave the edgy magical fantasy aspect throughout my novels. Tapping into all of my experiences, I began to write my Goddess of the Stars and the Sea series about priestesses who had lived in Glastonbury throughout the ages up through today.
Lion’s Head Fountain, Chalice Well Gardens |
Glastonbury remains one of my favorite spots. The Chalice Well Gardens, the beacon-like hill called the Tor – all the sacred sites I was introduced to through reading The Mists of Avalon – touched the core of my being, and continue to inspire the content of my visionary fiction, magical fantasy stories.
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~Jodine Turner is the best-selling, award winning author of the visionary fiction, fantasy Goddess of the Stars and the Sea series about young priestess who have lived in Avalon down through the ages to today. www.jodineturner.com