Storytellers On Tour: River Magic By M. A. Phillips - Encore

Storytellers On Tour is a Blog/Instagram Tour organising service. It was born out of Justine’s (Whispers & Wonder) and my love and dedication toward SFF indie books and authors. Our goal is to give as much exposure to our clients as we can, while we also build a community among our Roadies. Find out more about us on www.storytellersontour.online!

This past week we gave the spotlight to River Magic, the debut Magical Realism novel by M. A. Phillips in celebration of its release! Our Roadies brought a wide selection of content to this show with reviews, interviews and other posts. Now it’s time to bring the show to an end and it’s my pleasure to present you with the encore, including some extra content. Come and learn a bit more about the world of River Magic through M. A.’s playlist and our Q&A!

Shall we?

M. A. Phillips lives in Northern NY with her husband, daughter, and three cats. She is a writer, English teacher, and practicing Druid. Some of her short stories have been published in Stone, Root, and Bone magazine. Her debut, River Magic, is an adult magical realism novel featuring a friends-to-lovers romance, contemporary Pagans, and a vengeful mermaid.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her in the garden, sewing, or enjoying a book with a side of tea. You can read more about her spiritual and creative journey on her blog ditzydruid.com, or on Twitter & Instagram @ditzydruid

Budding clairvoyant Lacey Moran seeks to understand her dreams and find her life’s purpose along the St. Lawrence River. If only her visions of silver arms and Cian O’Connor’s blue eyes were easier to understand! The pieces begin coming together when she encounters a mermaid in the river, joins a group of Druids, and opens herself to romance with an old friend.

Can Lacey overcome her doubts, or is she in over her head?

Click on the blog name to read their full review or other content!

River Magic by M. A. Phillips tour banner

“River Magic is a very character-driven story above anything else, and Phillips did an excellent job of creating a fascinating cast of unique voices that each brought something different to the story, even those who were in the background stood out as individuals.”

Woven From Words – review

“In conclusion, River Magic is a warm debut story about magic and discovering one’s true power. I recommend this book to those seeking books honoring earth magic and an open minded support system!”

NOVEMBER 25TH

Earth Spirals – interview

booksnbites – review

“I went into reading this really eager for a fun, whimsical, magic story full of Irish Folklore and boy did River Magic deliver!”

NOVEMBER 26TH

Druid Life – review

“This is a beautiful book, and I loved it and look forward to the rest of the series. It’s very human, and warm and grounded, while also being magical and soulful.”

@the.b00kreader – IG spotlight

“River Magic is a book of fantasy, of trust and of belief. It is a book that will have readers biting their nails in anticipation.”

NOVEMBER 27TH

Jorie Loves A Story – guest post

We’re Going to be Friends by The White Stripes

In Chapter one, there’s a flashback to when Lacey first meets Cian. They’re both awkward kids who find they have a similar disposition. They each enjoy the other’s company, and it’s clear they’re going to be friends. I love the innocence of the song, and it takes me back to feelings of first love.

The Pixie Can’t Sleep by S. J. Tucker

A River Magic playlist wouldn’t be complete without a song from a modern American Pagan! This one really captures Lacey’s restlessness with life after college and her uncertainties about love and her dreams.

The River by Fahrenhaidt and Alice Merton

I came across this song during some heavy editing and instantly fell in love. It captures the beauty, majesty, and mystery of rivers. When I think of the mermaid’s song, I now think of the haunting vocalization in this piece.

Trampoline by SHAED

Another song that crossed my radar during my editing phase, I quickly embraced it as an unofficial River Magic anthem. The imagery surrounding the singer’s dreams reminded me of some of Lacey’s experiences such as wanting to fall into a stream or a body turned to ice. Whenever it comes on the radio, I imagine a music video featuring my characters!

My Best Friend by Weezer

It was difficult to choose one last song, but I’m going with this uplifting track since River Magic includes a friends-to-lovers romance. Maybe it’s a little cheesy, but Cian teases Lacey for that very thing, and really, this is exactly how they feel about each other!

Welcome to the Asylum, M. A.! Take a seat by the fire, have a glass of beverage of your choice and tell me something about yourself!

Thank you for having me! I’ll have some tea, please. In addition to writing, I also enjoy gardening and sewing. Several years ago, I actually made and sold one-of-a-kind fabric art dolls. Whether with fabric or words, I love telling stories.

What inspires your writing? Do you listen to music, stare into the fire, listen to the whispering of the wind, make deals with the Devil?

I often stare into fire and listen to the wind. Much of my writing is inspired by time in nature as well as mythology and folklore.

Describe an asylum set in the world of your book, River Magic!

Actually, my novel is set in our world! It’s a magical realism story, so it’s realistic fiction with elements of whimsy (like clairvoyance and mermaids). To my knowledge, there’s nothing like an asylum in the Thousand Islands region of Upstate NY. However, I grew up near the Utica Psychiatric Center. It’s now closed, but many believe it to be haunted. As a child, I was fascinated by its massive, Greek revival structures, but also saddened by stories of mistreated patients. Though it’s never showed up in any of my stories, I enjoy collecting bits of local lore to inform my writing.

Your MC is locked in an asylum. What did he/she do to end up there?

Her worst fears came true: people misunderstand her dreams and intuition and think she’s crazy.

Which fictional character (it can be one of yours) and/or author would you like to live with in an asylum and why?

From River Magic, I wouldn’t mind spending time with Lacey or Fiona. They’re both Druids like me, so we’d have a lot to talk about. We’d comfort each other. From another fictional universe, I’d like to be locked up with Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones. I think she’d help me escape and keep me safe! Or maybe Claire Fraser from Outlander. She’s smart and resourceful. You wouldn’t keep us for long!

While you are locked in here for eternity, we will allow you one book – what would you choose?

Wait, I’m locked in here now?! And that’s such a hard question! At the moment, I’m going to say Outlander. I really enjoyed that book, and it’s long enough to tide me over until I get out of here. There’s also an awesome prison break, so maybe it will inspire me!

Well then, we hope you’ll enjoy your stay in the Asylum! Any last words? locks door

I need more tea. And how about a notebook? May as well get some writing in until I figure out how to escape.