O.R. Melling's Blog

 After my year-long immersion in XR/immersive tech, I've returned to the book I put aside to play with AI, VR, AR, and film/audio/video game technology. (There'll be a screenplay using that experience which you'll hear about in time.) To get myself back into traditional writing mode and mood, I went off to a longstanding favourite place, a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Centre in County Cavan: www.jampaling.org. I couldn't access my WIFI there so it's no surprise I got the first thirty (30!!!) chapters of the last draft done. Working away now at home, I'll be finished THE DEEP ROAD TO SANTIAGO by the end of June. More about the book anon. #writing #pilgrimage #haibun

Turas Filíochta, A Poetic Journey (MH Press, 2024) Beautifully illustrated bilingual volumecelebrating Northern Irish poet PádraicFiacc. 36 poems with Irish translations by 17 prominent Gaeilgachpoets cover themes from landscape to birds, ancient tales to local histories(urban & rural) and, of course, the Troubles. "A voice for those muted bytrauma and fear," writes artist Michael McKernon in the Preface. For Fiacc'sgenius weaves darkness into gold. "I am the blackbird of the ruined nest whorings." His translators include filmmakers, musicians, teachers, museumkeepers and broadcasters from across Ireland. Reading the poems aloud in bothlanguages helped me savour the beauty of word and the power of message. Someare as gentle as a lullaby. "Silvering/Our interrupted sleep." "Agairgeadú/Suan atá suaite." Others are cold and cutting. "Weall/Go down the road now sharp and small/As razor blades …" "Sinneuilig/Ag dul aníos an bhóthar anois, géar agus beag/Mar lain rásúir … [parenthesesby the poet]. The notes at the end are a wonderful addition.  #poetry #Ireland #Irishpoets

Continuing my love for all things Japanese, I attended a workshop on Saturday facilitated by Azumi Uchitani - www.azumiuchitani.com - where we learned to write/draw/brush stroke the kanji NAGARE meaning "flow". (It is also the kanji for RYU meaning "prosperous", "dragon", "noble" when used as a name.) She led us through a group meditation and then the making of each stroke, first in the air by hand, then on plain paper and thin rice paper, and finally on cotton stationery. The gold kanji is the sensei's work. #Japan #JapaninIreland

 

I have been meaning to delete my TwitterX'd account for some time now and finally got my act together to do it! Despite many happy years and friendships forged - before Elon Musk - I can no longer continue to support its toxic presence in the social media world. Out with the old and in with the new, this is my account on Buesky: @ormelling.bsky.social. If you're on there, let me know and I will follow you back. ##Bluesky #X #Twitter  (Photo: Warner Bros)

Received my complimentary copies of this fabulous journal about fantasy and fantasy authors. I was interviewed by one of their writers in Tokyo, during my speaking tour of Japan in May of this year. That "O.R. etc" on the lefthand side is me. I cannot read the article yet as I've only begun to study kana or Japanese script including hiragana, katakana (for foreign words and names) and kanji. But I can tell you that it includes first-time translation into Japanese of the early chapters of my most recent book PEOPLE OF THE GREAT JOURNEY, a work of magic realism for adult readers (offered free in PDF on my website). Yes there are fairies in the book but also a lot of intense and painful subject matter not appropriate for younger readers. 

I was interviewed recently for a promo video about the Certificate in Immersive Storytelling course at Ireland's national college of technology and design IADT (Institute of Art, Design and Technology). A micro credit course that introduced me to the wonderful world of XRimmersive and AI tech. A new way to tell stories! Ideal for my cosmic sci fi tale dealing with our planetary climate crisis. Short version posted on LinkedIn and TwitterX. Longer version on CFA course page. #XR #Immersive #creativetechnology 

 My accommodation in Tokyo was the glorious International House of Japan in Roppongi which provided a spacious room with large desk, shelves, Wifi. and Japanese screens opening to a balcony. Perfect for working. Breakfast was enjoyed overlooking a Zen Garden in which I could walk day or night. And the tea lounge and lobby were used to hold meetings and interviews. It was also within minutes of a walk to a Metro subway, Shinto shrine, vast bookstore, cafes, shopping plaza, Asahi TV ... #Japan #writingcommunity #speakingtour 

Whether it's the landscape or the people, Japan is truly magical. Met a Faerie king at one of my readings - Itabashi Library in Tokyo.Tadgh (stage name @bardoffairyhill on TwitterX) is a Celtic storyteller, speaks Irish, plays the lyre and has visited Ireland several times. As for Fujisan (the sacred mountain of Fuji) it is a dream to see, an aisling vision. #Ireland #Japan #IrelandinJapan #writingcommunity

Hit the ground running in Japan. Left Ireland May 1st in the morning and arrived in Tokyo May 2nd in the evening. Shinjuku-Goen National Gardens, Meiji Shrine and Omoide Yokocho ("Piss Alley") with pals first met in Outer Mongolia, taste of Shibuya with Irish poet, professor & haikuist Andrew FitzSimons, thrilling 4-hour deep dive into Kabuki and 2-hour spiritual experience with Noh, train to Yamanashi Prefectural Library in Kofu to see exhibition of Nishina Sachiko, one of my readers who grew up to be an artist. The library featured both our books. Lunch and visit to Yumeya "Dream Bookstore". #Japan #writingcommunity

 We're drawing near to my speaking and research tour of Japan. Getting very excited. This is the latest flyer promoting my talk (front and back). Waseda is the university from which Haruki Murakami - one of my favourite authors  - graduated, and many of his characters also. #Japan #writingcommunity #cultureireann #cultureireland