Trent Durham English Lit Alumna Crafts Love of Fantasy Fiction into Career as Published Author
Amber Winter, writer of the Keepers of Magic series, shares talent and skills with writing community
Amber Winter’s keen imagination is woven through tales of powerful magic in ancient realms. Known to her readers as Marion Mavis, the English Literature graduate from Trent University Durham GTA is writing her own adventure as published author and enterprising mentor.
“I’ve always loved fantasy books,” shares Ms. Winter, author of the Keepers of Magic trilogy which features Evelyn, a witch, warrior and queen. “It’s a genre that I read growing up and I knew that magical kingdoms and mythical characters were things I wanted to create.”
Moving the writer’s story arc forward at Trent
For Ms. Winter, the English Literature program at Trent Durham provided the creative confidence to bring her stories to life. More than teaching the mechanics of writing, her studies revealed the genres that intrigued her most.
“The English Literature program is perfect because there are so many areas to choose from, such as children’s literature, poetry, Canadian classics and even Renaissance era texts,” reflects Ms. Winter. “Also, any class with Professor Joel Baetz was an absolute blast. He was always open to our interpretations of the novels and I feel like he helped me become a better writer.”
More than a career. A calling.
When speaking about her career as an author, Ms. Winter says: “It’s not just a hobby or a profession. I feel that these stories are meant to be told.”
Readers can find books under her Marion Mavis pen name in store and online. Ms. Winter is working on a duology described as twist on Greek Mythology. The first book, The Myth of a Medallion, will be ready for publication in 2021. She is also writing a re-telling of an Arthurian legend.
Paying it forward
Ms. Winter is additionally meeting the needs of aspiring writers by offering tools including novel planning workbooks and story skeleton sheets that are available online.
“I look at the writing community as a big family, where I, and many others, love to support and help each other grow. That’s why I created resources to help writers who are just starting out because I was once in their shoes!”
She is also opening a publishing house to print and publish books for herself and others.
As for becoming a published author she explains, “It really does mean the world to me. It has been a little over two years now since my debut novel released, and to this day, I always love when readers reach out to tell me how much they enjoyed my book. It will never get old!”
Learn more about English Literature program at Trent.