They creep up on you, these holidays with no official recognition. I’ve been so busy that it didn’t even occur to me that today was Beltane—May Day—until my wife mentioned it to me before I headed up to bed last night. Why is that important? It’s not a day off work, so why bother? Well, for one thing it’s the fuel behind my book published in the summer of last year. Or, according to the Celtic calendar, the fall (just before Lughnasadh). In other words, this is the first May Day for The Wicker Man. I should’ve been trying to drum up a little interest, but things have been busy. Besides, my profile hasn’t grown since its publication. Nobody even cites it on the Wikipedia page for the movie, although it takes a distinct angle. So I’ve been busy with other things.
I’ve been trying to find a publisher for my next book. A couple friends know what it’s about but mostly nobody else because it’s time-sensitive. Agents haven’t nibbled. Well, one did. He had me rewrite the book and then decided he couldn’t sell it after all. Back to square one. Even presses that publish mostly non-PhDs weren’t even interested enough to respond to queries. Nothing like writing a book to make you realize how insignificant you are. Like Sgt. Howie, I’m caught on Summerisle. Ironically, I didn’t even think of writing a post for my book today when I was jogging yesterday and a haze over the moon (I know the movie ends with the sun—I’ve seen it a time or two) made me think, “That sky looks like the ending of The Wicker Man.” Well, when I get back from my jog I have to start right in to work. And Beltane’s not a holiday in these parts.
May Day used to be celebrated, even in the United States. Now it’s just disappeared into the haze of work days. And we don’t have time even to watch movies on work days. That’s a weekend activity. Of course, my weekends are full of trying to find publishers. Two are currently considering my unagented book. Four have already rejected it. I’m thinking that I could use a trip to the Green Man with Howie. At least on Summerisle they know how to celebrate May Day. Of course, it’s the ending that makes it horror. And Beltane snuck up on me this year. Without it, The Wicker Man wouldn’t even exist.
