Immersive Storytelling: Scaling the Interface of Art and Technology

I'm immersed in a fantastic course at IADT (Institute of Art, Design and Technology) in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Learning about VR, AR, motion-capture (MoCap) and all sorts of futuristic amazing things. Despite the fact I'm a VRgin when it comes to creative tech, I'm eager to engage and ready to play. 

 

Indiahhhhhh!

Not long back from a glorious month in India. First three weeks in Tamil Nadu, south India. Began in Pondicherry, formerly a French possession, famous for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram (also beginning scenes in Life of Pi). Took a day visit to the temple town of Tiruvannamalai where I got monsooned on after morning pooja with over 10,000 worshippers; myself and my pal the only Westerners in sight. After this we walked barefoot 2 k up the sacred mountain of Arunachala, the manifestation of Lord Shiva himself. 

 

AUTHOR VISIT AT CROSS LAKE, PIMICIKAMAK CREE FIRST NATION

Had a great school visit last month with several classes at D.R. Hamilton School, Cross Lake, Manitoba. I was telling the students that Canadian publishers are crying out for indigenous writers and suggested they write journals of their daily lives, hopes and dreams, collect stories from their parents and Elders, and create their own worlds and tales from their imaginations. As with all my school visits, I also told them a bit about myself, my Irish and Canadian identities, and my life and work as a writer. We had questions and answers, chats and laughter. I really appreciated the warm welcome I received from both staff and students. Ninâskomtin! In fact, I spent a week at Cross Lake and it was truly the highlight of my 6-week tour of Canada.  Website: www.crosslakeband.ca. Note: Go raibh maith agat to to Culture Ireland/Cultúr Éireann for partial funding of my trip. [Photos are of school gym and Cross Lake administration office.]

Nahanni River, Northwest Territories, Canada, August 2022

                                        

Well, that was one stunning experience, have to say. As you can see, I was pretty excited about it.   (Photo credit: Jeremy Flamand)

The Fairy Faith at Theosophical Society, Vancouver

Giving a talk on fairies this Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Blavatsky Lodge of the Canadian Theosophical Society, 365 Gilmore, south of Canada Way starting 10:00 a.m. and running till 2:00 p.m. Open to the public. See you there!

Old Songline - HMCS YORK

Returned after decades to my naval reserve unit - "stone frigate" - on the shore of Lake Ontario. Wonderful welcome from the new Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Smith. The stories he has to tell! Encouraging him to write a book, his autobiography for starters. L to R the Coxswain, Chief Petty Officer Kim Sanderson, O.R. Melling (moi), Commanding Officer Commander Paul Smith. (Masking protocol as per DND)

Book Club Interview

My second day in Canada, utterly jet-lagged but full of excitement, I was interviewed by my first & former Penguin Canada editor, Cynthia Good (who went on to be President & Publisher) for Good Books, Holy Blossom Temple Synagogue. Went over an hour, lots of chat & laughter.