It’s time to kick-off another week of fabulous story-telling in voice, brought to Second Life and Kitely by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library.
As always, all times SLT / PDT, and unless otherwise stated, events will be held on the Seanchai Library’s home on Imagination Island, or at their Kitely Homeworld.
Monday January 5th, 19:00 Jack of Shadows
Gyro Muggins opens the pages pages of Roger Zelazny’s 1971 novel which mixes science-fiction and fantasy, the title of which is an homage to Jack Vance.
The story takes place on a tidally locked planet – that is, one whose rotation about its axis precisely matches its orbit around its parent body, thus the same face is always presented to the the parent body (just like our own Moon always presents the same face towards Earth). Given that that parent object in this case is the planet’s Sun, it means that one side of the planet exists in perpetual daylight – and is the seat of science; while the other lingers in perpetual night – and has become the seat of magic.
It is from the latter that the protagonist of the story – Shadowjack – comes. Even among his own kind, he is unusual, for the manner in which he draws upon his power; something which can, in the right circumstances make him exceptionally potent. However, when placed in either complete light or complete darkness, he is almost powerless. Jack’s only friend, Morningstar is doomed to what is effectively eternal punishment unless Jack can cross between the two realms of light and dark, combining his abilities with the power of science. Thus Jack must risk being lost in total light or total darkness in order to to rescue Morningstar. And if he fails, who might rescue him?
Tuesday January 6th,19:00: Beggars Day Book Two: The Caged King
Caledonia Skytower embarks on a reading of MJ McGalliard’s second novel, and the sequel to Beggar’s Day Book One: The Beggar Prince.
The Kingdom of Galaway has a law that every ruler must work a year and a day as a commoner; thus were readers introduced, through the first volume, to the kingdom and some of its notable inhabitants, including King Willy, Prince Larry, the scheming Percy, desperate to see himself on the throne, and the chicken-stealing crone Cruith.
Now, in the second volume, Vikings, hidden illnesses, ancient family squabbles and unplanned pregnancy are but a few of the changes in Galaway. Cruith is part of a conspiracy, Willy invents a new wagon, apples seem to be in the mix, while everything seems to revolve around a baby horse. And I haven’t even mentioned King Monaghan.
Intrigued? Then why not hop over to Seanchai library to hear this entertaining tale which, incidentally, is illustrated by one Judith Cullen – aka Caledonia Skytower!
Wednesday January 7th
Please check the Seanchai blog for details.
Thursday January 8th
19:00 Mad as a Hatter
Shandon Loring delves into Catherine Stovall’s collection of short stories on the subject of madness. Not unkindly referred to as “commuter stories”, these short pieces are artfully crafted and presented – yet of sufficient length to engage and entertain the reader for the length of a typical commuter journey.
The stories presented within the book cover a broad canvas of topics, and present you with rich and diverse characters. Thus you might find yourself in the company of Lady Death as she walks among the gently falling snow searching out for the next soul to collect. Or perhaps you might find yourself sitting in Room Number Four, while your over-ripe imagination rides wild with an edge of the paranormal to it. Or might it be you’ll witness the Forever Kiss, as a wife finds herself widowed and bereft, torn between the loneliness of life, and the possible loneliness of death. And there’s more …
So why not settle down with Shandon, and see where the stories take you.
21:00 Seanchai Late Night
Please check the Seanchai blog for details.
Stories at Seanchai Kitely
Friday January 9th, 18:00: Christmas Ghosts
A Collection of Spooky Tales for a Winter’s Eve with Shandon Loring
Saturday January 10th, 09:00: The Fairy Reel
Tales from the twilight realm, with Shandon Loring.
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Please check with the Seanchai Library SL’s blog for updates and for additions or changes to the week’s schedule. The featured charity for January / February is Project Children, teaching and building peace in Northern Ireland, one child at a time.
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 
Love Roger Zelazny and I highly recommend anything the Senchai people present. Thanks for giving them the bandwidth!
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