The crocuses, tulips, and daffodils are out, and that means Bealtaine is around the corner. In my upcoming book, Forest Magic, several Pagan characters in Rock Bay are organizing a Magical May Festival to celebrate their Pagan community. As I wrote book three in the series, I drew from various festivals I’ve attended and helped to organize. The anticipation, joy, whimsy, and, yes, drama, all inspired me. While it’s not the main focus in the story, the Magical May Festival is certainly a driving force as Lacey’s life changes and her grove confronts an old foe.
A few days ago, I learned that our local Pagan Pride Day is cancelled for the year. Given the ongoing pandemic and the difficulties of planning a large festival, I think this was a smart idea. Still, I miss these gatherings. I miss coming together with Pagans on different paths to swap knowledge, song, and dance. I look forward to enjoying more Pagan festivals in the future, both in real life and my fiction writing!
If you’ve been reading The Rituals of Rock Bay series so far, I hope you’ll come with me to the Rock Bay Magical May Fest! If you haven’t started, there’s still time. Get to know Lacey and Cian in River Magic then Hearth Magic. Book three, Forest Magic, comes out May 1st this year!
You can pre-order an e-book of Forest Magic and also find brand new merch, including t-shirts and mugs featuring the above design! Just head over to Shadow Spark Publishing.
Author M. A. Phillips 
Best of luck with this book. It sounds magical. The Pagan gatherings we’ve attended for years were cancelled last year, and it looks like they will be cancelled again this year, even with vaccinations becoming more widespread. It’s sad, I look forward to reading your book as we look to connect with community any way possible in these trying times.
Stay safe and healthy.
Janina